Arrive at Cairo International Airport and take a private transfer to your hotel in Zamalek or near Tahrir Square to drop off luggage and freshen up. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe such as Sequoia (Zamalek) to stretch your legs and get your first views of the Nile while planning the day ahead.
Begin gentle exploration with a stroll through the Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square to glimpse Tutankhamun’s treasures and learn key highlights that will enrich your coming days; opt for a short guided tour to make the most of limited time. If you prefer open air, wander the tree-lined Corniche on the Nile or visit the nearby historic Khan el-Khalili market for a taste of local life — sip mint tea, browse handicrafts, and pick up a small keepsake.
Return to the hotel to rest and freshen up, then treat yourselves to a romantic Nile dinner cruise or a riverside restaurant such as Cairo Kitchen or Left Bank for contemporary Egyptian dishes with skyline views. After dinner, enjoy a relaxed walk along the Nile promenade or a rooftop drink at your hotel to toast the start of your trip and get an early night before tomorrow’s full day at Giza and the Egyptian Museum.
Wake early for a private transfer to Giza so you can arrive before the biggest crowds and soft sunlight — walk around the Plateau to admire the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and the smaller Menkaure pyramid, and pose for iconic photos with the Sphinx. Consider a short camel or horse ride along the perimeter for a romantic, memorable view; your guide can explain the architecture and point out lesser-known details while you soak in the scale and history.
Return to central Cairo for a relaxed lunch at a Nile-side restaurant such as Sequoia or Left Bank, then head to the Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square for a focused 1.5-2 hour guided tour to see Tutankhamun’s mask, royal coffins and key New Kingdom artifacts. If you prefer modern presentation, swap the main museum for the nearby Grand Egyptian Museum (if open and accessible) to experience newly curated exhibits and clearer context for what you saw at Giza.
Freshen up at your hotel and enjoy a romantic dinner — choose a rooftop spot like The Nile Ritz-Carlton’s terrace or a cozy local restaurant in Zamalek to sample koshari, kushari, or mezze while reminiscing about the day’s wonders. Finish with a gentle stroll along the Corniche or a rooftop drink overlooking the illuminated city skyline, preparing for tomorrow’s transfer to Luxor.
Catch an early domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor (0h:50m) and have a private transfer from Luxor Airport to your hotel to drop bags and freshen up; if you booked the morning train instead, expect a scenic Nile-side arrival and a short transfer to East Bank accommodations. Fuel up with a hearty Egyptian breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe such as Sofra Restaurant & Café before heading straight to Karnak to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Spend the afternoon exploring the vast Karnak Temple complex with a knowledgeable guide, wandering the Hypostyle Hall, the Avenue of Sphinxes, and the Precinct of Amun-Re while learning about the pharaohs who expanded the site; allow time to climb the sacred lake quay for photos and quiet moments among ancient columns. After your visit, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a Nile-view restaurant like 1886 at Winter Palace or by the waterfront in Luxor before returning to your hotel to rest.
As dusk falls, return to Karnak for the optional Sound and Light show or take a romantic felucca ride on the Nile to watch the sunset and glimpse Luxor's riverbank life; both options offer atmospheric ways to reflect on the day's history. Finish with a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a nearby bistro—try local specialties such as molokhia or slow-cooked kofta—and an early night to prepare for tomorrow’s West Bank adventures at the Valley of the Kings.
Start early with a private transfer across the Nile to the West Bank to arrive at the Valley of the Kings before the crowds and heat; explore several tombs (including Tutankhamun’s burial chamber if open) with a licensed guide who will explain the vivid wall paintings, burial rituals and the significance of the tomb inscriptions. After the valley, stop at the nearby Tomb of Seti I or the less-visited tombs for quieter moments and photography, then pause for a short coffee or tea at a small roadside cafe near Deir el-Medina.
After lunch at a charming West Bank eatery or back on the East Bank at the Winter Palace, head to the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari to admire its terraced façade and learn about Egypt’s powerful female pharaoh. Continue to the Colossi of Memnon for classic photo opportunities, and if time allows visit the nearby artisans’ village of Deir el-Medina to see modern craftsmen recreating ancient techniques and to pick up a thoughtful souvenir.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before a relaxed dinner—consider the Old Winter Palace or one of Luxor’s Nile-view restaurants—for traditional dishes like feseekh or grilled fish while recounting the day’s discoveries. For a romantic finish, take a short felucca ride at sunset or stroll the illuminated Corniche to enjoy the peaceful river ambience and prepare for tomorrow’s transfer to Sharm el Sheikh.
After breakfast at your Luxor hotel, take your private transfer to Luxor Airport for the short flight to Sharm el Sheikh (or board the pre-arranged road transfer and ferry if you opted for overland travel); arriving mid-morning, settle into your Red Sea hotel in Naama Bay or Ras Umm Sid and drop off luggage. Ease into the day with a relaxing swim or dip in the hotel pool and a light brunch at a beachfront cafe such as Farsha Cafe or the Soho Square waterfront to recharge after travel.
Head to a nearby beach or house reef for gentle snorkeling — popular spots include Ras Mohammed National Park (about a 30-45 minute drive) or the sheltered reefs at Ras Nasrani — where colourful corals and shoals of tropical fish make for an unforgettable first glimpse of the Red Sea; many dive centres in Naama Bay offer a guided introductory snorkel if you prefer. Alternatively, choose a couples’ pampering session with a seaside spa massage at your hotel to unwind and enjoy the warm seaside ambience before sunset.
As dusk falls, stroll Naama Bay’s lively promenade and pick a romantic dinner spot like Fares Seafood or Camel Bar & Roof for fresh grilled fish and mezze with sea views; for a quieter vibe, book a table at a hotel terrace overlooking the bay. Finish the night with a moonlit walk along the shore or a rooftop cocktail at your hotel, soaking in the calm Red Sea atmosphere and looking forward to a full day of snorkeling or diving tomorrow.
Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Naama Bay or at the cliff-side Farsha Cafe, letting the sound of the sea set a relaxed pace after your Luxor-to-Sharm transfer. When you’re ready, meet your dive centre (many hotels work with PADI centres in Naama Bay or Ras Nasrani) for a pair-friendly guided snorkel to the nearby house reefs—an easy introduction to the Red Sea’s colourful corals and schools of butterflyfish and parrotfish.
After a light seaside lunch—try fresh grilled seafood at Fares or a mezze platter at the Camel Bar & Roof—choose a couples’ activity that suits your energy: a guided two-tank dive from Naama Bay for certified divers, or a glass-bottom-boat trip and beach time at Ras Mohammed National Park for snorkelers who prefer gentler exploration. Spend late afternoon relaxing by your hotel pool or booking a couple’s spa treatment to soothe muscles and warm off the sun before the evening’s festivities.
Ring in New Year’s Eve with a romantic dinner at a waterfront restaurant or a hotel gala—many venues in Naama Bay and Soho Square offer live music, seafood feasts and special set menus—followed by a stroll along the lit promenade to enjoy the festive atmosphere. If you prefer low-key, choose a rooftop cocktail spot to watch fireworks over the bay or a private terrace dinner to celebrate quietly together and rest up for the journey onward to Aqaba tomorrow.
After breakfast, complete check-out and take the scheduled border transfer (via Taba/sea route or private shuttle) from Sharm el Sheikh to Aqaba; expect passport formalities at the Taba crossing and a short onward drive to your Aqaba hotel in the South Beach or Tala Bay area. Once checked in and refreshed, enjoy a light stroll along the Aqaba Corniche to stretch your legs and take in the Red Sea panorama, perhaps stopping for a coffee at Al Shami Cafe or a quick swim at your hotel’s private beach.
Spend the afternoon discovering Aqaba’s underwater life with a guided snorkel or introductory dive from a reputable centre such as Aqaba Dive Centre, exploring coral gardens close to the shore for an easy, romantic first glimpse of Jordanian waters. If you prefer a cultural pace, visit the Ayla Oasis waterfront area and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum to learn about the city’s long trading history, followed by a relaxed lunch of fresh mezze and grilled seabass at Fish Market Restaurant or Ali Baba.
As the sun sets, wander the lively Corniche toward the Mamluk-era Aqaba Fortress for panoramic views and a short historical stop, then choose a romantic seaside dinner at The Marina or Rakwet Kanaan for Jordanian specialties with sea views. Finish the night with a leisurely walk along the lit promenade or a rooftop cocktail at your hotel to toast the next day’s desert adventure in Wadi Rum.
After breakfast and check-out in Aqaba, take the short scenic drive (approx. 1 hour) to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre and meet your Bedouin guide for a private 4x4 jeep transfer into the protected desert. Start with a gentle loop that includes Lawrence’s Spring and the dramatic rock bridges at Burdah and Um Ishrin, where your guide will share Bedouin stories and point out ancient petroglyphs—perfect for intimate photos and to feel the scale of the desert.
Continue deeper into the lunar landscape on a longer jeep safari that visits the Khazali and Jabal Umm Adaami canyons; stop for a picnic lunch in a sheltered wadi or enjoy a simple Bedouin-style meal at a desert camp while sipping sweet tea. If you’d like, add a short hike up a sandstone ridge for panoramic views toward the Red Sea and Aqaba, or arrange a camel ride for a slower, romantic way to take in the red sands and towering cliffs.
Time your return to a desert camp such as Sun City Camp or a private luxury camp to watch the famous Wadi Rum sunset paint the rocks deep orange and purple, then relax with a sunset tea followed by a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars—think mansaf or slow-cooked lamb around the communal fire. Finish the night with stargazing from the camp terrace or a cozy tent; if you prefer a touch of romance, request a private dining setup or a rooftop sleeping arrangement to fall asleep to the quiet of the desert.
Set out early from your Wadi Rum camp or Aqaba-area hotel and arrive at the Petra Visitor Centre to begin the iconic walk through the Siq — let the narrowing gorge build anticipation until the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) dramatically appears. Spend time admiring the Treasury’s carved façade and then follow the main path upward toward the Street of Facades and the Royal Tombs, pausing to listen to your guide’s stories about Nabataean life and the site’s archaeology.
After a leisurely lunch at the Basin Restaurant or a picnic near the Roman-style theatre, continue to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) — either by the 800-step climb for rewarding panoramic views or via a mule if you prefer — and explore the less-crowded high places like the High Place of Sacrifice for sweeping valley vistas. Allow time to visit the Byzantine Church mosaics and smaller tombs, and browse stalls near the exit for handcrafted souvenirs and local sweets before leaving the archaeological park.
Return to your hotel in Wadi Musa to freshen up, then enjoy a relaxed dinner at a rooftop restaurant such as The Cave Bar or Al-Wadi Restaurant where you can sample mansaf or mezze while watching Petra’s lit ridgelines at dusk. If energy remains, consider booking Petra by Night (if available that evening) for a candlelit stroll to the Treasury, or simply enjoy a quiet terrace drink and reflect on a full day immersed in ancient history.
After a relaxed breakfast at your Wadi Musa hotel, complete check-out and take the pre-arranged transfer to Queen Alia International Airport (or the Amman bus/coach if you’re heading to the city); allow extra time for border/road travel if you started in Aqaba or Wadi Rum. If your flight is later in the day, stop in Amman for a short detour to the Citadel for a quick panoramic photo stop and a final taste of Jordanian coffee at a nearby café before heading to the airport.
If your schedule permits a mid-afternoon departure, enjoy a last leisurely meal in Amman—try Hashem or Sufra for authentic mezze and a comforting mansaf—then return to your hotel or directly to the airport for final check-in and duty-free browsing. For later flights, use the downtime at Queen Alia’s lounges to relax, exchange any leftover currency, and pack souvenirs safely for the flight home.
Board your flight home with time to reflect on the trip’s highlights—from the pyramids and Karnak’s columns to Red Sea reefs and Petra’s carved facades—and share a quiet toast on the plane to a memorable honeymoon-adjacent journey. If you have an overnight layover or an evening arrival home, plan a restful transfer and a simple late dinner at your arrival city to ease back into local time.