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Honeymoon Celebration: EWR → Paris → Cairo → El Gouna → Luxor→Aswan (Oct 2–18, 2026)

Route: EWR nonstop to CDG → CDG nonstop to CAI → CAI transfer to Giza Palace → Giza to El Gouna (drive) → El Gouna to Luxor (transfer/overnight or early transfer) → Embark Luxor→Aswan Nile cruise → Disembark/transfer to Cairo → EWR return. Step-by-step: flights then Cairo events, beach recovery, Nile cruise, return.

Itinerary

Oct 2 — Travel: Newark (EWR) → Paris (CDG)

Departs: Evening (overnight long-haul)

Overnight nonstop flight EWR→CDG in business or premium economy for comfort (approx 7–8 hrs). Arrive CDG morning Oct 3. Relax onboard, sleep during flight. Cost estimate: $900–2,500 per person depending on class. Time spent: ~8 hrs flight + airport time.

Oct 3 — Paris: Check-in & Sightseeing Day 1

9:00AM: Check in — citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon (Marriott points option)

Settle at citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon (boutique, centrally located near Gare de Lyon). Use Marriott points (target <183k total). Cost: ~0–€150/night with points or paid rates if needed. Time: 1–2 hrs to check in and refresh.

11:00AM: Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame area

Walk to Île de la Cité and outside Notre-Dame, visit Sainte-Chapelle nearby (entrance €12, 1.5–2 hrs). Historic heart of Paris and scenic river views. Cost: €12 pp; Time: 1.5–2 hrs.

2:00PM: Latin Quarter & Luxembourg Gardens

Stroll the Latin Quarter, lunch at a café, relax in Luxembourg Gardens (free). Charming streets, bookshops, classic Parisian atmosphere. Cost: €20–€50 pp for lunch; Time: 2–3 hrs.

6:00PM: Seine River Evening Walk

Evening stroll along the Seine, watch sunset over the river and bridges. Optional casual dinner near Saint-Michel. Cost: €30–€70 pp; Time: 2–3 hrs.

Oct 4 — Paris: Sightseeing Day 2

9:00AM: Musée d'Orsay

Start at Musée d'Orsay (Impressionist masterpieces; entrance €16, 2–3 hrs). Direct metro access from Gare de Lyon area. Cost: €16 pp; Time: 2–3 hrs.

12:30PM: Lunch and Palais Garnier (Opéra)

Lunch near Opéra Garnier, visit the opera house interior (tour ~€14, 1–1.5 hrs). Elegant 19th-century architecture and nearby shopping. Cost: €14–€40 pp; Time: 2 hrs.

3:30PM: Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Walk Champs-Élysées to Arc de Triomphe; rooftop views (€13, 1–1.5 hrs). Iconic Paris avenue and grand perspective toward La Défense. Cost: €13 pp; Time: 1–1.5 hrs.

7:00PM: Eiffel Tower at Dusk

Sunset visit to Eiffel Tower (tickets €20–€30 to summit, 1.5–2 hrs). Romantic evening and skyline views—reserve ahead. Cost: €20–€30 pp; Time: 1.5–2 hrs.

Oct 5 — Paris: Sightseeing Day 3

9:00AM: Le Marais & Place des Vosges

Explore Le Marais neighborhood, boutiques, galleries, and Place des Vosges (free wandering, 2–3 hrs). Classic cobbled streets and trendy cafes. Cost: €15–€40 pp for shopping/snacks; Time: 2–3 hrs.

1:00PM: Louvre Museum

Afternoon at the Louvre (tickets ~€17, 2–3 hrs recommended). Must-see collections including Mona Lisa and Egyptian antiquities. Cost: €17 pp; Time: 2–3 hrs.

6:00PM: Romantic Dinner in Saint-Germain

Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés—classic bistro or modern dining (€60–€150 pp depending on restaurant). Celebrate honeymoon with a special meal. Time: 2–3 hrs.

Oct 6 — Fly: Paris (CDG) → Cairo (CAI)

Morning check-out & mid/late-morning flight

Transfer to CDG for nonstop flight CDG→CAI (approx 4.5–5 hrs). Arrive CAI afternoon/evening local time. Cost: $250–$600 pp economy; higher for premium. Time: ~5 hrs flight + transfers.

Oct 6 — Cairo: Arrival & Giza Palace Check-in

4:00PM: Check in — Giza Palace Hotel

Check into Giza Palace near the Pyramids for easy access. Relax and short local orientation. Cost: $80–$200/night (luxury but affordable). Time: 1–2 hrs.

6:00PM: Site Seeing Day 1 — Giza Plateau viewpoints

Sunset viewpoint of the Pyramids and Sphinx from hotel area; short guided introduction to the plateau (transport provided). Cost: $40–$100 for half-day private guide; Time: 2–3 hrs.

Oct 7 — Cairo: Site Seeing Day 2 & Family / Nile Welcome Cruise

9:00AM: Egyptian Museum & Tahrir Square

Private guided tour of the Egyptian Museum (entrance ~$12–$20 pp, 2–3 hrs). See Tutankhamun treasures and key antiquities. Cost: $20–$60 pp with guide; Time: 2–3 hrs.

2:00PM: Visit Christina’s family

Afternoon family time—meet Christina’s relatives in Cairo (timing flexible). Cultural connection and local hospitality. Cost: minimal; Time: 2–3 hrs.

6:00PM: Jyasmin & Mahmoud’s Welcome Dinner Cruise — Shemu Nile Yacht

Sunset Nile cruise boarding at 6:00PM; cocktail attire; adults-only; transportation provided from Giza Palace. Private event, scenic river dinner at sunset. Cost: included invitation; Time: ~3 hrs (6:00–9:00PM).

Oct 8 — Cairo: Site Seeing Day 3 & Wedding at Giza Pyramids

9:00AM: Saqqara & Step Pyramid or Memphis

Morning private tour to Saqqara (Step Pyramid) or Memphis (ancient capital) — guided archaeology highlights (entrance ~$10–$20, 3–4 hrs). Cost: $60–$150 with private guide; Time: 3–4 hrs.

3:00PM: Return & Rest at Hotel

Afternoon rest and prepare for evening events—hair/makeup/dress time. Time: 2–3 hrs.

6:00PM: Wedding Ceremony — Pyramids of Giza (9 Pyramids Lounge)

Wedding ceremony at the Pyramids starting 6:00PM; black tie; reception to follow at 9 Pyramids Lounge in Giza. Transport typically provided. Cost: invitation event; Time: ceremony + reception ~4–5 hrs.

Oct 9 — Cairo: Brunch & Site Seeing Day 4

11:00AM: Brunch with Jyasmin & Mahmoud’s group

Post-wedding celebratory brunch with wedding party—local cuisine and family time (venue TBC). Cost: covered by hosts; Time: 1.5–2 hrs.

2:30PM: Khan el-Khalili Bazaar & Islamic Cairo

Afternoon exploring Khan el-Khalili market and nearby mosques (free to wander; shopping budget), visit Al-Azhar and surrounding streets. Cost: $20–$100 depending on shopping; Time: 3–4 hrs.

Oct 10 — Transfer to El Gouna (Red Sea)

6:00AM: Depart Giza Palace — Drive to El Gouna (approx 4 hrs)

Early transfer by private car or van to El Gouna (~4 hrs). Check into beach resort (Cook's Club El Gouna, Serry Hotel, or similar). Cost: transfer $150–$300; hotel $100–$250/night. Time: 4+ hrs travel and check-in.

1:00PM: Relax at Resort & Beach Time

Afternoon pool/beach relaxation after travel, spa options available. Cost: resort amenities variable; Time: rest of day.

Oct 11 — El Gouna: Relaxation & Group Activity

9:00AM: Morning Water Activities

Choose snorkeling, kiteboarding lessons, or boat trip in the lagoon (activity cost $50–$150 pp, 2–3 hrs). Crystal-clear waters and marine life. Time: 2–3 hrs.

3:00PM: Group Activity (TBD)

Planned group excursion or private beach dinner with wedding guests—coordinated by hosts (cost varies). Time: afternoon to evening.

Oct 12 — Transfer to Luxor & Embark Nile Cruise

6:00AM: Depart El Gouna for Luxor (early transfer; options: drive + flight or private transfer)

Early transfer to Luxor to meet Monday embarkation. Options: private transfer to Luxor (long drive + ferry) or transfer to Hurghada airport + short flight to Luxor. Time & cost vary: $150–$400 pp. Allow extra time for check-in.

11:00AM: Embark Mazaj Tulip (or comparable 5-star) — Check-in 11:00AM

Board 5-star Nile cruise (Mazaj Tulip or Nile Carnival) and settle into cabin. Cruise departs Monday; itinerary Luxor→Aswan over 4 nights/5 days. Cost estimate: $600–$1,400 pp depending on cabin class; Time: check-in 11:00AM, afternoon shore visits.

2:00PM: Luxor East Bank — Karnak/Temple of Luxor (shore excursion)

Guided visit to Karnak and Luxor Temples (entrance ~$10–$25 pp, 2–3 hrs) before departure. Time: afternoon guided touring.

Oct 13–15 — Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan (Full cruise days)

Typical Daily Schedule (examples)

Daily tours: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo, and other sites with private guides. Each stop: 2–4 hrs. Onboard: meals, relaxation, sunset decks. Cost: guided excursions often included or extra $30–$120 each. Time: varied—mornings and afternoons touring with evenings onboard.

Oct 15 Evening: Arrive Aswan — Philae Temple by boat (optional)

Evening visit to Philae Temple and local markets in Aswan (boat transfers included in many cruise packages). Cost: included or small fee; Time: 2–3 hrs.

Oct 16 — Disembark Aswan & Return to Cairo / Stay in Cairo

Morning: Disembark in Aswan — Transfer to Aswan Airport / Cairo

Disembark and transfer onward—options: fly Aswan→Cairo (~1.5 hrs) or train/drive. Cost: domestic flight $80–$200 pp. Time: morning travel and transfer to Cairo hotel if overnight required.

Oct 17 — Cairo: Leisure / Buffer Day

Flexible day for shopping, relaxation, or additional touring

Buffer day for rest, last-minute shopping, or visits to any missed sites (e.g., Coptic Cairo, local museums). Cost: variable. Time: flexible.

Oct 18 — Return: Cairo → Newark (EWR)

Morning/afternoon: Transfer to CAI — Flight CAI→EWR (likely with one stop)

International return to EWR. Book comfortable long-haul seating for rest. Cost: $700–$1,800 pp economy to premium. Time: ~12–16 hrs with connections depending on routing.

Check hotel and flight prices: Search hotels & flights on KAYAK

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Paris: Canal Saint-Martin cafes and covered passages; Cairo: Zamalek’s island cafes, Al-Azhar Park sunsets and cake at Felfela; El Gouna: Mangroves lagoon and small artisan shops; Luxor/Aswan: local feluccas at sunrise, village visits across the Nile for authentic Nubian hospitality. Ask private guides to include these quieter stops.

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