Journey Through Ancient Egypt

Rise to a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a captivating journey guided by an impassioned Egyptologist. Your day commences with a visit to the Sakkara Necropolis, home to the innovative Step Pyramid of King Djoser—a marvel recognized as the world’s first monumental stone structure. Afterward, immerse yourself in an authentic Egyptian countryside experience at a local restaurant, where you will savor a delectable lunch.

The highlight of the day awaits as you uncover the secrets of the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. These ancient wonders provide the backdrop for unrivaled photography at their finest angles. As the day concludes, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

In the Evening: Engage in an immersive cultural experience as you embark on a walking tour through the oldest Islamic quarter in Egypt, offering insight into Cairo’s vibrant nightlife. Savor the flavors of “Shawerma,” a Middle Eastern delicacy, at a popular Egyptian café and restaurant for supper.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

On your third day in Cairo, your destination is the Grand Egyptian Museum, the first institution to showcase the astounding complete tomb collection of King Tutankhamun, featuring approximately 5000 artifacts. For lunch, indulge in the classic Egyptian comfort food, “Kushary,” a culinary gem with origins dating back to the mid-19th century, fusing Italian, Indian, and Middle Eastern influences.

Following this, your dedicated tour guide will lead you on a journey through the historic streets of Old Cairo, visiting prominent Coptic and Jewish archaeological sites, including the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Abu Serga Church. Subsequently, you will be transferred to your hotel.

In the Evening: Partake in an extraordinary home-hosted dinner with a welcoming Egyptian family. This intimate evening offers profound insights into the genuine lives and experiences of Egyptians, fostering heartfelt conversations.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to Cairo. You will proceed to Luxor by private air-conditioned van, and upon arrival, embark on an authentic cultural tour exploring Luxor’s East Bank. Your itinerary includes visits to the Temple of Luxor and the Karnak Temples, where your Egyptologist will guide you through the annals of ancient history. The Karnak Temples, in particular, stand as the second most visited site in Egypt and are deemed the world’s largest religious worship complex.

Continuing to Luxor Temple, once connected to the Karnak Temples via Luxor Dromos—an avenue flanked by human-headed sphinxes—you will discover a site dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Thereafter, you will check in at your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Following a delightful breakfast at the hotel and a seamless check-out process, you will embark on an exploration of Luxor’s West Bank. This day’s adventure takes you to the renowned Valley of the Kings, where you can access the tomb of King Tutankhamun—a true wonder of the ancient world.

Next, you will visit the Queen Hatshepsut Temple, nestled beneath the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, with its eastern façade facing the Theban Mountain. Your journey continues to the colossal Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues representing King Amenophis III seated on cube-shaped thrones. These statues have withstood earthquakes and floods, testifying to their ancient grandeur.

Your private air-conditioned van will then transfer you to Esna, where you will embark on a “Dahabeya” for a memorable sail along the Nile. This voyage promises a journey into the past, enriched by an authentic cultural experience facilitated by a welcoming crew. As you leisurely sail, sans engine, relish a delectable lunch on board. After approximately five hours, you will arrive at El-Hegaz Island, where a delightful walking tour through the Egyptian countryside awaits. You will reach a local house, where a hospitable family welcomes you, sharing stories and life experiences in a truly cultural exchange. As the day winds down, enjoy dinner on board while the Dahabeya continues its tranquil journey.

Your Dahabeya journey resumes with a visit to El-Kab, historically known as “Nekheb” in Egyptian Coptic, honoring the goddess “Nekhbet.” A donkey ride transports you to prehistoric and early Eighteenth Dynasty rock-cut tombs, offering insights into the ancient settlements. El-Kab, described as a bay between sandstone cliffs, provides an engaging archaeological exploration.

Continuing your voyage, you will arrive at the temple of Horus in Edfu, another remarkable archaeological site. For the evening, an Egyptian Barbecue dinner awaits at Fawaza Island, where the Dahabeya moors for a picturesque overnight stay.

Your journey unfolds with a visit to “Bisaw Island and village,” a hidden gem that offers an off-the-beaten-path local experience with Egyptian fishermen. Participate in helping the fishermen catch fish in the Nile, engage with locals, and enjoy heartfelt conversations to gain insight into life in this remote Egyptian village.

The next Dahabeya stop is “Gebel El-Silsila,” an archaeological site where the stones for Egypt’s temples were quarried. This gorge marks the transition from limestone to sandstone bedrock. You will then participate in a hands-on cooking experience with a professional chef onboard, learning the art of preparing authentic Egyptian and Nubian dishes. Continuing your sail along the Nile, your next destination is Kom Ombo.

Commence the day with a special visit to the double sanctuary temple of Kom Ombo, nestled on the riverbank with picturesque surroundings. Your Egyptologist will narrate the intriguing tale of this temple, dedicated to two deities: the crocodile-representing God Sobek and the falcon-representing God Haroeris.

En route to Aswan, you will have a captivating experience in Daraw town, renowned for its traditional Camel Market. This village becomes a hub as approximately 2000 camels embark on a 40-day journey from Sudan through the Sahara Desert to Daraw, making it a significant trading center. Partake in a local walking tour through the village, explore authentic marketplaces, and encounter genuine artifacts. Afterward, return to the Dahabeya to continue your voyage toward Aswan.

Awake to a delightful breakfast onboard as you embark on a motorboat journey to Philae Temple, located on an island in the River Nile. Regarded by many as the most beautiful temple in Egypt, Philae Temple stands as a testament to ancient architectural splendor. Enjoy a memorable overnight onboard the Dahabeya.

After breakfast onboard, you will disembark and be transferred to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. There, you will check in at a thoughtfully selected hotel conveniently located near Cairo International Airport to facilitate your final departure.

Your journey concludes with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Following this, your private air-conditioned vehicle will transfer you to Cairo International Airport for your final departure. Depart Egypt enriched by an authentic cultural experience, meticulously planned and executed with passion and professionalism.

This comprehensive itinerary promises an immersive exploration of Egypt’s rich history and cultural heritage, coupled with a serene voyage along the Nile, offering a remarkable travel experience.