Pyramids, The Nile & Sharm El Sheikh: 12-Day Egypt Tour

Your twelve-day Egyptian adventure begins upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, where you will be welcomed by a local representative who will assist with your arrival arrangements.

Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel, enjoying your first impressions of Egypt's vibrant capital along the way. Cairo is a city full of contrasts, where busy modern avenues, traditional neighbourhoods, and historic landmarks exist side by side.

Once you reach your hotel, complete the check-in process and settle into your accommodation. You will receive information about the upcoming itinerary, including your sightseeing programme, domestic flights, and Nile cruise arrangements.

The remainder of the day is free, allowing you to rest after your journey or enjoy the atmosphere of Cairo at your own pace.

For an additional experience, you may choose an optional evening visit to the Sound and Light Show at the Giza Pyramids, where illuminated monuments provide a dramatic setting for stories about ancient Egypt.

Spend your first night in Cairo.

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and begin an exciting day exploring some of Egypt's most extraordinary archaeological landmarks.

Your first destination is the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Walk through the archaeological area and admire these monumental structures, which have stood for approximately 4,500 years.

Discover the fascinating history of the pyramids, their role as royal tombs, and the remarkable achievements of the ancient builders.

Continue to the Great Sphinx, the famous limestone monument combining a human head with the body of a lion. Nearby, visit the Valley Temple, an important part of the funerary complex associated with Pharaoh Khafre.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, travel south to Saqqara, one of Egypt's most important ancient burial grounds.

Here, visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, designed by the architect Imhotep during the Third Dynasty. Its distinctive stepped design marked an important development in ancient Egyptian architecture and influenced later pyramid construction.

After exploring Saqqara, return to your hotel in Cairo for the evening.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out for a full day dedicated to the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of Egypt's most impressive cultural attractions.

Located near the Giza Pyramids, the museum houses extraordinary archaeological collections that bring together thousands of years of Egyptian history.

As you enter the museum, admire its impressive modern architecture and monumental display spaces. Explore galleries filled with statues, royal objects, jewellery, ceremonial artefacts, and remarkable examples of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.

One of the highlights is the collection associated with Tutankhamun, the young pharaoh whose tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. Discover how objects from the royal burial provide fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs about kingship, everyday life, and the afterlife.

Throughout your visit, learn about the different periods of ancient Egyptian civilisation and the artistic traditions that developed over thousands of years.

After exploring the museum, enjoy lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant.

Return to your hotel in Cairo with a deeper appreciation of the country's extraordinary cultural heritage.

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor, a city celebrated for its remarkable archaeological monuments.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your Nile cruise ship, where your four-night river journey begins.

Your first sightseeing experience takes you to Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious complexes constructed in ancient Egypt. Walk through its monumental gateways, admire towering obelisks, and explore the Great Hypostyle Hall, famous for its impressive forest of enormous columns.

Continue to Luxor Temple, which stands in the heart of modern Luxor. The temple was developed by several ancient Egyptian rulers and played an important role in religious festivals, particularly ceremonies associated with the god Amun.

As you explore its courtyards and decorated walls, discover the stories of the pharaohs who contributed to this magnificent complex.

After your sightseeing, return to your Nile cruise ship and enjoy time to relax.

Spend your first evening aboard, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the Nile.

Wake up aboard your Nile cruise and enjoy breakfast before crossing to Luxor's West Bank, an area filled with ancient royal tombs and monumental temples.

Begin with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues that once guarded the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Built against dramatic limestone cliffs, this extraordinary monument is known for its elegant terraces and colonnades.

Discover the story of Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt's most influential female rulers, and admire the carved scenes depicting important events from her reign, including an expedition to the land of Punt.

Next, explore the Valley of the Kings, where generations of New Kingdom pharaohs were buried in elaborately decorated tombs.

Step inside selected royal tombs and admire colourful hieroglyphs and religious scenes representing the ancient Egyptian journey into the afterlife. The standard programme provides entry to three tombs, with the selection determined by site arrangements.

After completing your sightseeing, return to the Nile cruise for lunch.

Later, enjoy the scenery as your ship sails toward Edfu via Esna, passing traditional villages, cultivated fields, and picturesque riverbanks.

Note: Entry to the tombs of Tutankhamun, Ramesses VI, and Seti I requires separate tickets.

Today, continue your journey through Upper Egypt with visits to two magnificent temples that reveal the religious traditions of the ancient Egyptians.

After breakfast aboard your cruise, explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples.

Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, the complex is famous for its towering entrance, impressive courtyards, and beautifully decorated walls. As you walk through the temple, discover stories of the ancient gods and the important ceremonies once performed here.

Continue cruising along the Nile toward Kom Ombo, where an unusual double temple stands close to the riverbank.

This remarkable sanctuary was dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Its symmetrical design reflects this double dedication, making it different from many other temples in Egypt.

Admire the detailed reliefs, including fascinating depictions associated with ancient medical knowledge.

Between excursions, return to your cruise ship and enjoy the changing landscapes of the Nile Valley.

Relax onboard as the vessel continues toward Aswan, where you will spend the night.

Enjoy breakfast aboard your Nile cruise before beginning your exploration of Aswan, a beautiful city known for its islands, Nubian heritage, and peaceful river landscapes.

Your first visit takes you to the Unfinished Obelisk, located in the ancient granite quarries. This enormous monument was abandoned after a crack appeared during its construction, leaving behind valuable evidence of the stoneworking techniques used by ancient Egyptian craftsmen.

Continue to Philae Temple, one of Egypt's most atmospheric archaeological sites.

Reach the temple by boat, crossing the Nile toward Agilkia Island, where the ancient complex was relocated during an international effort to protect it from rising waters.

Dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis, Philae Temple is famous for its monumental gateways, elegant colonnades, and beautifully decorated reliefs.

As you explore the site, discover its fascinating history and the important role it played in ancient Egyptian religious traditions.

After your sightseeing, return to the Nile cruise for lunch.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, admiring the beautiful Aswan scenery before spending your final evening aboard the ship.

Enjoy your final breakfast aboard the Nile cruise, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Aswan.

After disembarking, transfer to Aswan International Airport for your domestic flight to Sharm El Sheikh, the next destination on your Egyptian adventure. The flight arrangements may involve a connection depending on the airline schedule.

Upon arrival in Sharm El Sheikh, transfer to your hotel, where a completely different side of Egypt awaits.

Situated on the southern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh is known for its turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and relaxed holiday atmosphere.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace. Relax by the pool, take a walk along the beach, or simply admire the beautiful Red Sea scenery.

After several days exploring Egypt's archaeological treasures, this is the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy a more leisurely part of your holiday.

Spend the night in Sharm El Sheikh.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full day at leisure in Sharm El Sheikh.

This beautiful Red Sea destination is famous for its clear waters, colourful marine life, and opportunities for unforgettable coastal experiences.

You may choose to relax on the beach, enjoy your hotel's facilities, or explore the resort's welcoming atmosphere.

For travellers interested in marine adventures, an optional excursion to Ras Mohammed National Park is an excellent choice.

Located near the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed is celebrated for its coral reefs and diverse underwater ecosystems. Depending on the selected excursion, visitors may have opportunities to enjoy snorkelling or diving in designated areas.

Alternatively, simply spend the day enjoying the sunshine and beautiful coastal scenery.

Whether you prefer an active adventure or a peaceful day beside the sea, Sharm El Sheikh offers plenty of ways to make the most of your holiday.

Return to your hotel for the evening.

Optional excursions and water activities are not included in the standard sightseeing programme.

Wake up to another relaxing morning in Sharm El Sheikh and enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

Today is yours to spend as you wish, with time to experience more of the Red Sea coastline or discover the remarkable landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula.

If you enjoy cultural and historical experiences, consider an optional excursion to St. Catherine's Monastery, located near the foot of Mount Sinai.

This historic monastery is one of the world's oldest continuously functioning Christian monastic communities and is famous for its religious heritage, ancient manuscripts, and beautiful mountain setting.

Visitors can admire its distinctive architecture and learn about the traditions associated with this extraordinary site, subject to visiting arrangements.

Another option is to spend the day enjoying Sharm El Sheikh itself. Relax beside the Red Sea, explore local shopping areas, or enjoy the atmosphere of the resort.

After a day of relaxation or discovery, return to your hotel for your final night in Sharm El Sheikh.

The St. Catherine's Monastery excursion is optional and subject to availability and visiting conditions.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh before preparing for your journey back to Cairo.

After check-out, transfer to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport for your domestic flight to the Egyptian capital.

Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for the final night of your holiday.

The remainder of the day is free, giving you an opportunity to relax after your journey or enjoy your final hours in Egypt.

You may wish to spend the evening reflecting on your experiences, from exploring the Pyramids of Giza and discovering the temples of Upper Egypt to sailing along the Nile and relaxing beside the Red Sea.

Your journey has introduced you to several different sides of Egypt, combining ancient history, fascinating culture, beautiful landscapes, and coastal relaxation.

Spend the night in Cairo.

Enjoy your final breakfast at your hotel as your twelve-day Egyptian adventure comes to an end.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to relax before your transfer to Cairo International Airport.

Your representative will assist with your departure arrangements as you prepare to continue your journey home.

Over the past twelve days, you have discovered the extraordinary monuments of Cairo, sailed through the ancient landscapes of the Nile Valley, explored magnificent temples, and enjoyed the beautiful shores of Sharm El Sheikh.

From the Great Pyramids to the colourful waters of the Red Sea, this holiday has offered a memorable combination of history, discovery, and relaxation.

Leave Egypt with wonderful memories and stories to share from your journey.