Egypt In Depth -Cairo, Nile Cruise, Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh and Mount Sinai

Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, our English-speaking representative will be there to greet you and provide assistance with all necessary formalities. You will enjoy a private transfer in an air-conditioned van from the airport to your hotel in Cairo. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can check in, unwind, and freshen up. Your overnight stay will be in Cairo.

After breakfast, it's time to commence your tour to the Pyramids and Sphinx. Your first stop of the day will be the Pyramids of Giza, renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. These architectural marvels were constructed by the pharaohs during the period spanning from 2590 BC to 2480 BC. You'll have the unique opportunity to explore the magnificence of the Great Pyramids of Giza, including the chance to enter the queen's Pyramid. Take in the breathtaking panorama of these iconic structures before proceeding to the Sphinx, an awe-inspiring monolithic statue that stands as a testament to human history.
Following this, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, you'll journey to the Egyptian Museum, one of Egypt's most significant museums, housing a remarkable collection of Pharaonic monuments, including those of the renowned King Tutankhamen.
Finally, you will head to visit the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar to enjoy the atmosphere of a local market in the old city. Stroll along this historic souk (market) and witness the variety of antiques, jewelry and souvenirs for sale, all made in the region. Stay overnight at Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by another full-day tour to some of the most iconic treasures in Egypt. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and drive you to Sakkara (or Saqqara), a necropolis from the Old Kingdom that is home to Egypt's oldest pyramids, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Explore the oldest stone funerary complex in Egypt and wander through its corridors, where you'll discover incredible details on the painted walls of ancient Egyptian tombs, providing insights into their daily lives.
From there, continue to Memphis, Egypt's oldest capital, established in 3150 BC. Explore its wonders, which include the colossal statue of Ramses II, the alabaster Sphinx, and the statue of Ptah, the patron god of Memphis.
Finally, your journey will take you to Dahshur to visit the Bent and Red Pyramids of the 4th dynasty. You'll even have the opportunity to step inside one of these awe-inspiring pyramids.
Return to Cairo for overnight.

After enjoying breakfast at your Cairo hotel, you will check out and proceed to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, your guide will meet you and escort you to a luxury cruise ship, where you will spend the next four nights.
In the afternoon, you will explore the East Bank of Luxor, which includes the Karnak Temple and the Temple of Luxor. The Karnak Temple stands as the second largest temple complex globally, with Angkor Wat in Cambodia being the largest. During your visit, you'll stroll along an avenue lined with ram-headed sphinxes, enter the awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall, view the obelisks of Tuthmosis I and Hatshepsut, and admire the beautiful reliefs on the pylons.
Luxor Temple, a smaller counterpart to Karnak Temple, is unique as it is not dedicated to a specific god or pharaoh but may have been the site of many ancient Egyptian coronations.
Your adventure continues with a relaxing cruise on the Nile.

Following breakfast on the cruise, your day's excursion will commence with a visit to the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor. This renowned necropolis is the resting place of the kings of ancient Egypt.
Afterwards, you will proceed to explore the remarkable Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari. This temple stands as one of the most splendid examples of ancient Egyptian architecture, as it was entirely carved into the mountainside.
Concluding the tour, you will visit the Colossi of Memnon, associated with King Amenhotep III. Following this, you will return to your cruise ship for lunch. The afternoon is free for leisure, allowing you to relax and enjoy the amenities of the cruise. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided on the cruise.

After breakfast on the cruise, you will embark on a guided tour to visit one of Egypt's most magnificent temples, the Temple of Horus in Edfu. This temple is renowned for its exceptional preservation, making it one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Following your visit to the Temple of Horus, you will return to your ship for lunch, which will be served on board while sailing to the city of Kom Ombo.
In the afternoon, your journey continues as you explore the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique sanctuary where the gods Sobek and Haroeris were once worshipped. You can also take in the breathtaking views of the majestic Nile River from the sun deck. Along its banks, the ancient Egyptian civilization thrived and left a lasting legacy.
Enjoy the evening cruising down the Nile to Aswan.

After breakfast on board, you will be accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to explore the great city of Aswan, which includes the High Dam, constructed by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1960 AD to protect Egypt from Nile floods. Following this, you'll enjoy a motorboat ride on the Nile River to reach Agilika Island, where you'll visit the Temple of Philae. This temple dates back to the Greco-Roman period and is dedicated to the goddess Isis, the mother of the god Horus. To cap off your day, you'll be escorted to one of Aswan's marvelous attractions, the Unfinished Obelisk, carved from red granite and dedicated to the god Amun Ra. After completing your day tour, you will return to your ship. Lunch will be served on board, followed by afternoon tea. In the evening, you'll have free time to relax and enjoy leisure activities.

After receiving your breakfast box from your Nile cruise and checking out, you will be transferred by a private air-conditioned van to Abu Simbel (or you can upgrade by air). The original site, known as Meha in ancient times, was first documented during the 18th Dynasty when Ay and Horemheb commissioned the hewing of rock-cut chapels in the southern hills. Upon arrival, visit the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples ( twin temples of Abu Simbel), both built by King Ramses II. The first and largest temple is dedicated to the renowned god Rahorakhty, while the second, smaller temple is devoted to the king himself and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. After the visiting, return back to Aswan and fly back to Cairo.
Upon your arrival at Cairo airport, our Cairo Representative will be met and transferred you to your Cairo hotel.

Leave Cairo behind and drive to Rosetta, which takes around three hours. This port city is famous for being the location where the 'Rosetta Stone' (inscribed in three languages, Ancient Egyptian, Demotic, and ancient Greek) was discovered. The original stone is on display at the British Museum, but you can still see the replica on the ground floor during your visit to the Rashid Museum.
Walk along the narrow streets of Rosetta to see well-preserved houses replete with Islamic architecture. The House of Amasyali, with beautiful lantern lights on the façade and vast expanses of windows with lattices, is considered one of the most impressive examples. Nearby is the House of Abu Shaheen, with its reconstructed mill on the ground floor, featuring enormous wooden beams and planks. Visit the local Hanging Mosque before heading to your hotel in Alexandria.

Begin your tour in Alexandria at the expansive El Montazah Gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Within the gardens, you can admire Montazah Palace, a fusion of Ottoman and Florentine styles (not open to the public). Continue to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, featuring statues and objects that blend Roman, Greek, and Egyptian styles. Your itinerary also includes a visit to the legendary Library of Alexandria.
Late afternoon drive back to Cairo for the night. The road journey takes approximately three hours.

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your flight to Sharm El Sheikh. Upon arrival, take a private transfer to your hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

Enjoy a free day in Sharm El Sheikh or opt to join the optional Ras Mohamed Park tour (additional fee applies). Ras Mohamed Park is home to some of the world's finest snorkeling and diving spots, boasting an unmatched array of marine life. Explore various distinct locations within the park, indulge in snorkeling, swimming, and leisurely moments aboard the boat. An open buffet lunch will be provided on board. Spend the night in Sharm El Sheikh.

You have the morning to enjoy the beaches of Sharm El Sheikh. Later, drive for about three hours to a hotel near Mount Sinai for some rest. Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Horeb, according to the Bible, is the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Your hike up the mountain will begin between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm from St. Catherine's Monastery.

Secure a prime spot at the summit while it is still pitch dark and await a breathtaking sunrise. Afterward, descend to visit Saint Catherine's Monastery. This sixth-century monastery, according to the Bible, is the site of the 'burning bush.' Following this excursion, return to Sharm El Sheikh for the night.

Please note that St. Catherine's Monastery is closed on Fridays and Sundays, as well as during the significant feast days of the Greek Orthodox Church. On all other days, it remains open from 9:00 am to 11:30 am.

Enjoy some free time before until heading to the airport for a short flight back to Cairo. From here you can connect with your homebound flight conveniently.