13-Day Egypt Adventure: Pyramids, Nile River & Western Desert

Touch down in the vibrant capital where ancient history meets modern life. Our friendly team will welcome you at Cairo International Airport and provide seamless assistance through arrival procedures. You’ll be transported in comfort to your hotel via private air-conditioned vehicle. During check-in, we’ll review your exciting adventure ahead and confirm all tour arrangements for the days to come.

Welcome drink included.

Meals: None
Overnight: Cairo

Following a hearty breakfast, your expert guide will escort you to the legendary Giza Plateau. Marvel at the Great Pyramid, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and encounter the enigmatic Sphinx and its adjacent Valley Temple.

After lunch at a traditional Egyptian restaurant, explore the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum, situated just 2 km (1.2 miles) from the pyramid complex. This world-class facility houses incredible archaeological treasures that bring ancient Egypt to life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Cairo

At 7:00 am (07:00), begin your desert adventure with a scenic 4-hour drive to Bahariya Oasis, located 360 km (224 miles) east of Cairo.

The journey offers stunning views as the urban landscape transforms into desert beauty. Upon arrival, savor lunch in this tranquil oasis setting. Discover the remarkable Golden Mummy Hall and explore two fascinating noble tombs from the 26th dynasty. Visit the well-preserved Tomb of Bannantiu with its exquisite artwork, then climb to the English House for breathtaking panoramic views across the oasis.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Bahariya Oasis

After breakfast, venture into the dramatic Black Desert with its striking volcanic landscape. Continue to El Haize (St. George Oasis) to experience the rejuvenating natural hot springs. Marvel at the glittering formations of Crystal Mountain, where natural quartz crystals create a dazzling display. Explore the Valley of Agabat, famous for its incredible wind-carved rock formations. Conclude your day in the spectacular White Desert National Park, home to surreal mushroom-shaped limestone sculptures and otherworldly formations found nowhere else on Earth.

The formations are truly otherworldly.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: White Desert camping or Farafra hotel

Begin with a visit to Farafra Oasis and the unique mud brick museum created by local artist Badr, showcasing fascinating regional artwork.

Journey 3 hours to Dakhla Oasis, where ancient history comes alive. Explore the serene Roman Temple of Deir El Hagar set against stunning desert backdrops. Discover the Roman burial site of Mezzawaqqa with its remarkably preserved tombs. End your day in the historic Islamic Village of Al Qasr, 35 km (22 miles) from Mut, where ancient Ayubid mosque ruins reveal the area’s rich Islamic heritage.

The village showcases centuries of Islamic architecture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Dakhla Oasis

Travel to Kharga Oasis for a day of historical exploration. View the impressive Roman Temple of Hibis and Temple of Nadura from the exterior, appreciating their architectural grandeur.

Visit the remarkable Bagawat Cemetery, an early Christian burial ground featuring chapels adorned with beautiful ancient murals that provide fascinating insights into early Christian art. Complete your cultural journey at the National Museum of the New Valley, where exhibits showcase the region’s diverse history and cultural evolution.

The cemetery features unique early Christian art.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kharga Oasis

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic 7-hour drive through Egypt’s stunning landscape to reach Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum. Upon arrival in this treasure-filled city, check into your accommodation and enjoy free time to relax and prepare for the incredible archaeological wonders that await you in the coming days.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Luxor

Board your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise vessel and enjoy a welcome lunch as you begin your river journey.

This afternoon, explore the magnificent Karnak Temples complex, one of Egypt’s most impressive religious sites spanning centuries of construction. Continue to the spectacular Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated as evening approaches. Return to your cruise for dinner as you settle into the peaceful rhythm of Nile life.

The temples are magnificent in the evening light.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile Cruise

Discover the legendary Valley of the Kings, the royal necropolis containing 62 pharaonic tombs including those of Tutankhamun and various Ramses rulers.

Visit Queen Hatshepsut’s magnificent mortuary temple, an architectural masterpiece from the 15th century BC.

Stand before the imposing Colossi of Memnon, twin statues that have guarded the Theban necropolis for millennia. After lunch aboard your cruise, sail towards Edfu while enjoying the ever-changing Nile scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile Cruise

Visit the exceptionally well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple of Horus at Edfu, dedicated to the falcon-headed deity and considered one of Egypt’s most complete ancient temples.

Continue sailing to Kom Ombo to explore the unique double temple dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus. This fascinating structure represents one of Egypt’s most unusual religious sites. Enjoy lunch onboard as you sail towards Aswan, taking in the beautiful landscapes along this historic waterway.

The double temple design is unique in Egypt.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile Cruise

Spend a full day discovering Aswan’s remarkable attractions. Begin at the impressive High Dam, an engineering marvel that controls the Nile’s flow and created the vast Lake Nasser. Explore the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk located in Egypt’s historic stone quarries.

Conclude with a visit to the enchanting Temple of Philae, dedicated to goddesses Isis and Hathor. This beautiful island temple represents one of ancient Egypt’s most romantic and well-preserved monuments.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile Cruise

After breakfast, disembark your cruise and transfer to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel where you can reflect on your incredible journey through Egypt’s ancient and natural wonders.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Cairo

Following breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your homeward flight, carrying unforgettable memories of Egypt’s pyramids, temples, oases, and the legendary Nile River.

Note: Weather conditions, impassable routes, vehicle maintenance, or other unforeseen circumstances may require itinerary adjustments for safety reasons. Our experienced guides reserve the right to modify the route when necessary while ensuring all program highlights are included.

Meals: Breakfast