Begin your Egyptian adventure with a smooth arrival at Cairo International Airport, where you will be met and escorted to your hotel by a private representative. After checking in, take a moment to unwind and enjoy your first views of the iconic Nile River from your accommodation as you settle into the vibrant energy of the city.
Spend your first afternoon wandering through the vibrant stalls of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, searching for unique handicrafts and aromatic spices in the heart of Islamic Cairo. Afterward, enjoy the panoramic views of the city's countless minarets from the lush terraces of Al-Azhar Park as the golden hour begins to descend over the capital.
As night falls, board an elegant Nile River Dinner Cruise ship to witness the city's skyline illuminate the horizon from the water. Settle in for a gourmet dinner paired with a captivating Tanoura folk show and live music, providing the perfect cultural introduction to your week-long discovery.
Start the morning by venturing to the legendary Giza Plateau, where you will stand in awe before the majestic Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. After exploring the towering structures of the pharaohs, continue to the paws of the enigmatic Great Sphinx to uncover the secrets of this colossal guardian carved from a single piece of limestone.
Travel south to the vast Sakkara Necropolis to witness the evolution of royal architecture at the Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest monumental stone structure. Explore the surrounding Step Pyramid Complex and venture inside the Pyramid of Teti to marvel at the ancient Pyramid Texts before admiring the remarkably preserved reliefs within the Tomb of Kagemni.
Complete your immersive day by attending the mesmerizing Sound and Light Show, an audio-visual journey that narrates the secrets of the pharaohs against the backdrop of the illuminated desert monuments. Afterward, enjoy a sophisticated dinner at the 139 Restaurant within the Marriott Mena House, offering unparalleled views of the horizon as you reflect on the day's archaeological discoveries.
Start your morning at the state-of-the-art Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where you will marvel at the complete treasure collection of Tutankhamun displayed in its entirety for the first time. Follow the soaring Grand Staircase to gaze upon monumental statues of various pharaohs while enjoying a panoramic view of the Giza pyramids through the museum's massive glass facade.
Transition to the historic heart of the city to explore Coptic Cairo, where you can admire the unique architecture of the Hanging Church and descend into the crypt of the Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus. Conclude your afternoon atop the Saladin Citadel to marvel at the alabaster walls of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali while taking in a panoramic sunset view of the capital's sprawling skyline.
Savor an authentic Egyptian dinner at the renowned Abou El Sid restaurant in the upscale Zamalek district, celebrated for its vintage atmosphere and traditional culinary specialties. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll across the historic Kasr al-Nil Bridge, where you can take in the refreshing river breeze and the shimmering reflection of city lights on the Nile River.
After a short domestic flight from Cairo, arrive in the ancient capital of Thebes, where you will be greeted by the warm sun and lush landscapes of Luxor. Your professional guide will escort you to your accommodations at the historic Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor or your luxury river cruise ship, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing hibiscus tea while overlooking the tranquil Nile River.
Spend your afternoon exploring the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, home to the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall where you can wander through a forest of 134 massive stone columns. Marvel at the towering Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut and the serene Sacred Lake before taking a short drive to visit the beautifully preserved Luxor Temple located at the heart of the modern city.
As evening descends, wander through the bustling alleys of the Luxor Market (Souq) to experience the local lifestyle and pick up unique alabaster carvings or handcrafted jewelry. Cap off the night with a scenic dinner at the Al-Sahaby Lane Rooftop, offering a perfect vantage point to admire the glowing pillars of the neighboring monuments as they sparkle against the desert sky.
Begin your morning by crossing to the West Bank to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, where you will descend into the elaborately decorated tombs of ancient pharaohs like Tutankhamun or Ramesses VI. Afterward, proceed to the stunning Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a massive rock-cut monument set against the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Along the way, pause to admire the towering Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that have guarded the Theban Necropolis for millennia.
Continue the afternoon's exploration at the Valley of the Queens, where the exceptionally vivid wall paintings within the Tomb of Queen Nefertari offer a breathtaking look at ancient artistry and mythology. Afterward, visit the sprawling complex of Medinet Habu to admire its massive pylons and well-preserved carvings, before observing the daily lives of ancient craftsmen at the archaeological site of Deir el-Medina.
After a day of ancient exploration, unwind with a tranquil Felucca ride on the Nile River to watch the sunset cast a golden glow over the West Bank monuments. Conclude your evening with a sophisticated dinner at the legendary 1886 Restaurant, located within the gardens of the historic Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, for an atmosphere of timeless colonial elegance.
Begin your morning with a charming horse-drawn carriage ride to the Temple of Horus, widely considered the most perfectly preserved cult temple in all of Egypt. You will explore the massive sandstone pylons and the Sanctuary of Horus to see the sacred barque, while your guide deciphers the ancient inscriptions detailing the divine triumph of the falcon-headed god.
As your ship sets sail southward, relax on the sundeck and enjoy the shifting pastoral scenes of the Nile Valley before arriving at the unique riverside Temple of Kom Ombo. Explore this rare double temple dedicated to both Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the falcon-headed god, marveling at the symmetry of its twin entrances and ancient medical reliefs. Conclude your afternoon visit at the adjacent Crocodile Museum, which houses an impressive collection of mummified reptiles discovered in the surrounding area.
Spend your evening on board the cruise ship celebrating with a festive Galabeya Party, where you can don traditional Egyptian attire and enjoy an evening of oriental music and folk dancing. As the vessel glides silently toward Aswan, find a quiet spot on the Sundeck to witness the moonlit reflection dance upon the eternal waters of the Nile River.
Begin your final morning in Aswan by visiting the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that offers sweeping views of the massive Lake Nasser. Next, explore the ancient granite quarries to stand beside the Unfinished Obelisk, providing a fascinating glimpse into the colossal stone-carving techniques of the New Kingdom pharaohs.
Take a scenic motorboat ride to Agilkia Island to discover the majestic Philae Temple, widely considered the 'Pearl of Egypt' for its stunning island setting and intricate reliefs dedicated to the goddess Isis. Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of a traditional Nubian Village on Elephantine Island, where you can admire the brightly painted homes and enjoy a warm welcome from the local community.
For your final night in Egypt, indulge in a celebratory farewell dinner at The Terrace of the historic Old Cataract Hotel, where you can admire the illuminated river and the distant silhouette of the Mausoleum of Aga Khan. Afterward, enjoy a final sensory adventure through the vibrant Aswan Souq to collect premium Egyptian spices and hand-woven tapestries as timeless souvenirs of your journey.