13-Day Egypt and Saudi Arabia Itinerary
With our epic 13-day-long Egypt and Saudi Arabia Itinerary, you can immerse yourself in a world of antiquity, mixed cultures, and absolutely fascinating history. Begin your incredible Journey in Cairo, then transfer to Luxor for a magical Nile River cruise before moving on to Saudi Arabia to explore the best of Riyadh and Al-Ula.
With world class accommodation, a five-star Nile River cruise, and expertly guided sightseeing tours throughout your stay, your 13-day journey through Egypt and Saudi Arabia is going to be an experience never to be forgotten.
13-Day Egypt and Saudi Arabia Itinerary
DAY 1 – Welcome to Egypt, the Land of the Pharaohs
When you arrive at Cairo International Airport for your cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary, your tour manager will be standing by to meet and greet you. Once you have completed immigration procedures you will then be driven to your hotel in one of our deluxe air condition vehicles. Your tour manager will see to it that you enjoy a smooth and hassle-free check in and then they will go over your itinerary with you and confirm pick up times for your upcoming tours. After this, you will be left on your own to enjoy the rest of your first day in Egypt as you wish.
DAY 2 – Giza Pyramids and the New Grand Egyptian Museum
Enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel and then at the time which will have been confirmed with you, your guide and driver will fetch you from your hotel, and then you will make your way to the legendary Giza Pyramids. While at the site you will also visit the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple.
Visitors can actually enter the pyramids but a separate ticket must to be purchased for each of the pyramids you wish to enter. You will also have the opportunity to go for a short camel ride but this is not included in the price of our cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary.
Following your visit to the pyramids you will then be taken to a good quality authentic Egyptian restaurant for some lunch.
Afterward, make your way to the New Grand Egyptian Museum, also known as the Giza Museum, an extraordinary archaeological site located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Giza Pyramids. The GEM Complex currently offers limited access as it readies for its grand opening, allowing visitors to experience the Main Galleries, Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, commercial spaces, and beautiful exterior gardens.
Conclude your day with a return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 3 – Flight to Luxor and Nile Cruise Embarkation
The next phase of a cultural Egypt in Saudi Arabia itinerary begins today. Shortly after breakfast your tour manager will meet you at your hotel and then you will check out. Once you have checked out from your hotel, you will then be driven to the airport where you will board a short domestic flight to Luxor.
When you land at the airport in Luxor you will be met by one of our tour managers and you’ll be transferred to the area where you will be boarding your luxurious five star Nile river cruise. Shortly after boarding, it will be time for you to enjoy your first delicious lunch on the river.
Once you have finished eating you will join a small group of our other clients and you will be taken to see two of the most famous ancient attractions on the east bank of the Nile.
Your first stop will be at the sprawling Karnak temple complex. The Karnak Temple complex was built over a period of more than 2,000 years. It is the largest place of worship ever built by mankind. Today it is the second-most visited ancient site in Egypt. After spending some time at Karnak, you will then visit the breathtaking Luxor Temple where you will once again enjoy a guided tour before heading back to your Nile cruise ship.
Once you are back on board the ship you will have some free time for yourself and then it will be time for you to enjoy an excellent dinner. This night of your cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary will be spent on the water in Luxor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 4 – West Bank Tour and Cruise to Edfu
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast on the cruise ship and then your guide will escort you and the other members in your group to see another three ancient monuments, all of which are located on the west bank of the Nile. During this excursion you will first visit Valley of the Kings which is an ancient royal necropolis where more than 60 tombs have been discovered, including the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
Next, you will visit the magnificent mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut which is considered to be one of the “incomparable monuments” of ancient Egypt. Once you are finished at the temple, you will then visit two gigantic ancient statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. This will only be a short visit, after which you will return to your Nile cruise ship.
At the designated time, the cruise ship will depart from Luxor and it will begin sailing to Edfu, with a delicious lunch being served along the way. After you have enjoyed your lunch, you will then be free to enjoy the remainder of the day as you wish. This night of your cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary will be spent on the quiet waters of the Nile at Edfu.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5 – Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Overnight in Aswan
Begin your day with a good breakfast and then your guide will accompany you and the other members in your group to Edfu Temple. Also known as the Temple of Horus, this is the most well-preserved ancient temple ever discovered in Egypt. To make your visit to the temple even more memorable than ever, you will get to the site and back to your cruise ship by way of a horse drawn carriage ride through the town of Edfu. This provides an ideal opportunity for you to witness what rural life is like along the banks of the Nile River.
Following your visit to this magnificent ancient temple, you will then return to your Nile cruise ship and it will set sail to Kom Ombo. On arrival at Kom Ombo, your guide will accompany you on another excursion, this time to visit Kom Ombo Temple which is one of the most unique ancient temples ever discovered in Egypt.
Kom Ombo Temple is essentially a twin temple complex consisting of two identical halves. One half was dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, while the other half was dedicated to Horus the falcon-headed god. To reach the site you will take a leisurely stroll through this charming small town, allowing you to see the locals going about their daily lives.
After visiting the temple you will then take a leisurely stroll back to your Nile cruise ship which will soon set sail for Aswan. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the river while you’re sailing and then you will have the rest of the day free to enjoy as you wish. A scrumptious dinner will be served at the usual time, and you’ll be spending this night of your cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary on board your cruise ship just a short distance from Aswan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 6 – Aswan Sightseeing and Leisure Time
Enjoy another gourmet breakfast while you are sailing into Aswan. On arrival, your guide will accompany you and the other members in your group on yet another sightseeing excursion. Your first stop today will be at the ancient stone quarries to see the great Unfinished Obelisk. Had this giant obelisk being completed, it would have been the biggest obelisk ever made. However the sudden appearance of a crack resulted in the project being abandoned.
Your second and final stop for the day will be at the breathtaking ancient Temple of Philae. This was one of the last true Egyptian temples to be constructed. What makes this ancient temple even more fascinating is the fact that it was moved to its current location in its entirety. If it had not been moved it would have been lost forever to the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the High Dam was being built.
After your visit to the temple you will then make your way back to your cruise ship in time for you to enjoy another excellent lunch. There are no other excursions scheduled for this day so once you have finished enjoying your meal you will have the rest of the day to enjoy as you wish.
Enjoy another scrumptious dinner in the evening, and spend this night of your cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary on the quiet waters of the Nile at Aswan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 7 – Return to Cairo and Optional Abu Simbel Tour
Enjoy one last breakfast on your luxurious Nile cruise ship and then it will be time for you to check out and disembark. Once you have disembarked, you will then be transferred to Aswan Airport where you were board a short domestic flight to Cairo. On arrival in Cairo, you will be met by your tour manager who will then escort you to the hotel where you will be spending your last night in Egypt.
Today you will also have the option of joining an optional group tour by coach to Abu Simbel to see the magnificent rock-cut temples of pharaoh Ramses II. As of the time of writing, this Abu Simbel tour cost an extra US$89.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 8 – Fly From Cairo to Riyadh
The next phase Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary begins today. Enjoy an excellent breakfast at your hotel, and then at the appropriate time you will need to check out so that we can transfer you to Cairo International Airport in time for you to board your flight to Riyadh.
When you land at the airport in Riyadh, one of our tour representatives will be standing by to meet and greet you, and then you will be transferred to the hotel where you’ll be spending the next two nights of your vacation. Once you have checked in you will then have the remainder of the day to enjoy as you wish.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 9 – Riyadh Sightseeing Day Tour
Enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel and then at the time which will have been confirmed with you, your English speaking guide will meet you and then your day tour in Riyadh will begin. Your first stop for the day will be at Diriyyah, a historic world heritage listed site on the outskirts of Riyadh. Of the first things which you are likely to notice when you reach the site are its red mud brick walls.
These impressive mud brick walls once fortified the city which at the time was a real powerhouse of commerce and culture. Diriyyah is believed to be the birthplace of the first Saudi Arabian state, and in 1745 it was declared the capital of the Saudi Kingdom. Today, it is also the official home of the Saudi royal family.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through the old town to admire its many ancient ruins, including a marketplace, several houses, and a once very splendid palace. Next, you will visit Masmak Fort which was built during the reign of Abdullah bin Rashid in 1895 A.D. When you are finished at the fort, you will then make your way to Dirah Souq which is well known for its colorful high quality textiles, including silk and luxurious pashminas.
After spending some time exploring the market you will then be taken to a good quality authentic Saudi Arabian restaurant for some lunch. Once you have finished eating you will then visit the National Museum which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The museum has eight galleries that tell the complete story of Saudi Arabia’s history, starting at the creation of the universe, and continuing all the way through to the modern era.
Next, you will visit Murabba Palace which was built in 1937 by King Abdul Aziz. The palace was built to serve as a family dwelling and was made entirely from local materials. The site is also home to a number of smaller palaces, service buildings and the Royal Diwan.
After your visit to the palace, you will then be transferred back to your hotel where you will be spending this night of your cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 10 – Fly from Riyadh to AlUla and Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel, and then at the time which will have been confirmed with you, one of our tour representatives will arrive and assist you with check out, and then transfer you to the airport where you will board a short flight Al-Ula. When you arrive at your destination you will again be met by one of our English speaking guides and then your sightseeing tour will begin.
Your first stop of the day will be at Madain Saleh, a UNESCO world heritage listed site. This was once the southernmost settlement of the Nabatean kingdom. Al Hegra which covers an area of roughly 2,000 square meters was, in ancient times, an important stopover on a very prosperous trade route. Today it is best known for its many ancient relics and rock cut tombs.
While at the site, you’ll be visiting some of the area’s most famous relics, including the Nabatean Well, Qasr Al Bint, Diwan Tomb, and Al Farid. You will also visit a very well preserved railway station before being taken to a good quality authentic Saudi Arabian restaurant for some lunch.
After lunch you will head to Harrat Uairedh for some more sightseeing, and then if there is still enough time you will head to the town’s highest point to enjoy absolutely spectacular views while also having the opportunity to enjoy some Arabic tea or coffee and delicious dates while admiring a truly magnificent sunset.
Finally after a full day of sightseeing you will be driven to the hotel where you’ll be spending this night of your cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 11 – Guided AlUla Sightseeing Tour
Shortly after you have enjoyed your breakfast you will again be picked up from your hotel and then you will head to Dadan which was the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms. This world heritage listed site is best known for its fascinating history and its many tombs that were carved out of nearby red rock cliffs. The most famous of these tombs are the “Lion Tombs” which feature seated lion scuptures that mark the burial areas of people who were once elite members of society.
Next, you will visit the Old Town to get a better appreciation of the history of Al-Ula. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the oasis; have some tea with a local family, and then you will visit the iconic “Elephant Rock” before being transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 12 – Return to Riyadh by Air from AlUla
Enjoy another good hotel breakfast and then at the time which will have been confirmed with you, you will be picked up from your hotel and you will be transferred to the airport to board a short domestic flight back to Riyadh. When you land at the airport in Riyadh you will again be met by one of our tour representatives and you will be transferred to the hotel where you will be spending the last night of your 13 day cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary.
Meals Include: Breakfast
DAY 13 – Cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary Ends and Final Departure
Enjoy one last hotel breakfast in Saudi Arabia and then at the appropriate time one of our tour representatives will meet you and assist you with check out, and then transfer you to the airport in time for you to board your flight back home.
Your spectacular cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary has come to an end, but you will be boarding your flight with lifelong memories guaranteed!
Meals Include: Breakfast
Inclusions – What is included in our cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary :
- Meet and greet service by our representatives at airports
- Assistance with guest relations throughout your stay
- All transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
- Domestic flight tickets from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo
- Accommodation for 3 nights in Cairo, including daily breakfast
- Accommodation for 4 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise ship with full board
- Accommodation in Riyadh for 3 nights, including breakfast and all taxes
- Accommodation in AlUla for 2 nights, including breakfast and dinner
- Domestic flights for Riyadh /AlUlA/Riyadh on economy class
- All tours as described in the cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary
- Private sightseeing tours in Cairo
- Sightseeing tours on the cruise (group tours)
- Local English speaking tour guide in Cairo
- Local- English speaking guide in Riyadh
- Spot English-speaking guide in Al-Aula at Hegra, Dadan and EkmahMountain
- English-speaking driving during the rest of the tours in Saudi
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned on the itinerary
- All meals mentioned on the itinerary
- Bottled water during outings outside of hotel or cruise ship
- Portage as needed
- All service charges and taxes
Exclusions – What is not included in our cultural Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary:
- International Airfare
- Egypt and Saudi Arabia entry visas
- Any optional tours
- Personal spendings on things like drinks during meals, laundry, phone calls…etc
- Gratuities for the guides and drivers or any other kind of tips
- Camera ticket at sights where required
Accommodation (Gold)
- Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel
- MS Salacia Cruise (Suite)
- Riyadh Joudyan Hotel Or Holiday
- Sahary AlUla Resort
Price per 1 person | May to September | October to April |
---|---|---|
Double (min. 2 pax) | $3765 | $5195 |
Solo (1 pax only) | $4145 | $5565 |
Accommodation (Diamond)
- Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino
- MS Salacia Cruise (Upper Suite)
- Narcissus Hotel Riyadh or Hyatt Regency Riyadh
- Shaden AlUla Resort or Habitas Carvans
Price per 1 person | May to September | October to April |
---|---|---|
Double (min. 2 pax) | $5535 | $7895 |
Solo (1 pax only) | $5825 | $8295 |
Prices for our Egypt and Saudi Arabia itinerary are quoted per person in US$ and are valid until the 30th of September 2025, except during the Christmas, New Year, Easter holidays, and certain other major events.
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Last Updated on November 8, 2024