Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
Day 1
Arrival Cairo - Transfer to Giza
You will be met in the Arrivals Hall at Cairo Intl Airport by our local representative and assisted through the airport to your waiting private car . Your driver will then transfer you to your hotel in Giza. You will have the rest of the day to relax and refresh.
Overnight in Giza
Overnight in Giza hotel
Day 2
Saqqara Pyramids & Camel Ride
Start your day with breakfast before meeting your guide at 7:30am Together, you'll head to Saqqara, a vast ancient cemetery where pharaohs and nobles were buried. See the Step Pyramid, the world's oldest monumental stone structure, and visit the nearby Titi Pyramid and Nobles' tombs. Next, travel onward to Dahshur to view the Bent Pyramid, a unique architectural experiment, and the Red Pyramid, named for its reddish limestone exterior. Enjoy a delicious Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant in Saqqara, sampling traditional dishes like mixed grill and kofta. In the afternoon, head to Giza, home to the iconic Great Pyramid. Stand in awe before this ancient wonder and explore the nearby Sphinx, Khara Pyramid, and Menkawra Pyramid. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a camel ride across the Giza plateau, offering stunning views of the pyramids. Conclude your day with a relaxing stay at your Giza hotel.
Overnight in Giza
Overnight in Giza hotel.
Day 3
Luxor: Valley of the Kings
The day begins with an early morning transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. After a short one-hour flight, you'll be met at Luxor Airport and begin your tour of this ancient city. Visit the Valley of the Kings, a vast burial ground where many pharaohs and nobles were laid to rest. See the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Amenhotep III, and explore the impressive Hatshepsut Temple. This tour will last approximately 5-6 hours. After lunch and checking into your hotel, you'll continue your tour with a visit to the Habu Temple, a well-preserved New Kingdom temple complex. For a unique experience, join a local farmer family in Luxor for dinner in their home, offering a glimpse into everyday life in this ancient land. This evening tour will take 3-4 hours. Enjoy a relaxing night's stay in Luxor, filled with the wonders of ancient Egypt.
Overnight in Luxor
Overnight in Luxor hotel
Day 4
Karnak & Luxor to Esna
Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel at 8:00 am for a morning tour of Karnak and Luxor temples. After exploring these ancient wonders, you will continue your journey to Esna, where you will board your Dahabiya (traditional 2 masted sailing boat, with modern luxuries. Enjoy lunch on the boat, followed by a tour of Esna to see the Temple of Esna, the market and the restored caravanserai, a roadside inn that was historically used to provide shelter and other services for caravans of travelers, merchants, and pilgrims. It was a common feature along trade routes in the Middle East and Asia, particularly the Silk Road. Once back aboard the boat, we will sail to El Hegz, a special village that offers a glimpse into traditional Egyptian life. It's known for its authentic Nubian culture, which is distinct from other regions of Egypt. Some of the special features of El Hegz include traditional Nubian architecture, local crafts, cultural experiences, and a peaceful atmosphere. Visiting El Hegz provides a chance to experience a truly authentic and unforgettable aspect of Egyptian culture. Dinner will be served on board the Dahabiya.
Dahabiya Cruise on the River Nile
Dahabiya Sailing Boat Cruise on the River Nile
Day 5
Cruise to El Kab & Edfu
Breakfast on board as you enjoy the serene Nile River views while the Dahabiya cruises along the water. We'll then continue our journey to El Kab, a charming village with a rich history. Upon arrival, you will visit Nekheb, an ancient town renowned for its massive walls. Then explore the New Kingdom tombs that dot the area, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the pharaohs and their people. The journey continues to Edfu, a picturesque town home to the magnificent Temple of Horus. This well-preserved temple is dedicated to the sky god Horus and is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Egyptian architecture. As the sun begins to set, we'll cruise along the Nile, enjoying dinner on board the Dahabiya.
Dahabiya Cruise on the River Nile
Overnight on the River Nile
Day 6
Bisaw Island - Silsila - Evening Entertainment
This morning, you sail to Bisaw Island and village. This charming island offers a glimpse into traditional Egyptian life. Join the local men in their boats to share the unique experience of Nile fishing, a time-honored tradition in Egypt. As you navigate the calm waters, you'll have the chance to learn about different fishing techniques and perhaps even catch a few fish yourself. After your fishing adventure, walk through the lush farms of Bisaw Island, where you'll meet the friendly villagers and learn about their daily lives. Discover how they cultivate crops, tend to their livestock, and maintain the island's natural beauty. Continue your journey to El Silsila, an ancient sandstone quarry and shrine complex, where the cliffs on both sides of the Nile narrow.. Explore the impressive quarries where the pharaohs' monuments were once carved with intricate hieroglyphics adorning the shrines. In the evening, your Dahabiya will moor up onto an island for a special Egyptian barbeque dinner by moonlight. Enjoy a delicious feast of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and traditional Egyptian dishes while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Nile. As the night falls, there is entertainment by local musicians and dancers who showcase the culture of Egypt.
Overnight on Dahabiya Cruise
Overnight on Dahabiya Cruise
Day 7
Kom Ombo and Aswan
After breakfast, the boat will stop at Kom Ombo. First to visit the Temple, a remarkable structure dedicated to both Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god. The temple walls feature intricate carvings and hieroglyphs, depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology. Next to the Crocodile Museum to see a collection of mummified crocodiles, once revered as sacred animals in ancient Egypt. In the nearby town of Daraw, you can experience the local way of life at the market, where you can barter for handicrafts, spices, and other traditional goods. Then visit a local barn to see camels being prepared for the renowned camel market. You can eet these gentle creatures and gain insights into the importance of the camel trade in the region's economy. Following this, the tour heads on to see the indigenous people in a Nubian town, where you can learn about their unique culture, traditions, and customs. As you approach Aswan, enjoy a refreshing swim or kayak in the Nile River. The Dahabiya will moor in a sandy bay, offering the perfect opportunity to soak up the sun and experience the tranquility of the water. After your break, it’s time to move on to the final destination of your cruise Aswan, the southernmost city in Egypt. In the evening, there is a sound and light show at the Philae temple sound and light. This spectacular performance brings the temple's history to life through a combination of lights, music, and narration. After the show, there will be a farewell dinner on board the Dahabiya, celebrating your unforgettable journey along the Nile River.
Last night of Dahabiya Cruise on River Nile
Last night of Dahabiya Cruise on River Nile
Day 8
Aswan to Cairo
This will be the last breakfast on board the Dahabiya, before heading back to land. In Aswan you will have a tour of the town before catching the onward flight to Cairo. The tour visits the Unfinished Obelisk, then on to the Elephantine archeological site and the walking tour continues in the Nubian village including Animalia house museum with lunch in a Nubian House. After lunch, there is private transfer to the local airport for the flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is yours at leisure to enjoy the hotels facilities or get out and about to explore the city.
Overnight in Cairo
Overnight in Cairo hotel
Day 9
Cairo Tour
This morning your guide will show you the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, followed by lunch at Abo Tarek, famous for Koshri, the most common fast food in Egypt, a mix of rice, pasta, lentils , chickpeas, fried onion, and tomato sauce. After eating the walking tour goes to downtown Cairo. The most famous spot in the area is Tahrir square, the birthplace of Egypt's great revolution and visit the places where important events happened during the Egyptian revolution. You will visit the citadel, which includes the Alabaster mosque of Mohamed Ali. Heading into medieval Cairo, El Moez St, is a well preserved area, with medieval Islamic architecture such as mosques, houses, markets, and other ancient architecture. It’s a perfect place to experience the local culture of Egypt today. You will have time to explore the Khan El Khalili market before going back to your hotel.
Overnight in Cairo
Overnight in Cairo hotel
Departure Day
Your guide will advise you of the meeting time at your hotel for your private transfer to Cairo airport for your flight home. Please let us know if you would like to add extra days to this tour. Happy Travels!