Egypt: Cairo, Abu Simbel and Dahabiya Cruise

Your Egyptian vacation begins in Cairo. You will be driven from the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Cairo, Egypt’s capital is a fascinating centuries-old repository of cultural and historical legacy. Situated along the great River Nile and the magnificent Sahara Desert in close vicinity, the city has preserved the splendour of its famed ancient civilisation, mediaeval Islamic culture, and 19th-century colonial past. Along with iconic landmarks like Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, you can also explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, popular marketplaces like Khan El Khalili, and visit the Cairo Tower for a spectacular view.

Personalised Felucca Dinner Cruise on the Nile

Marvel at the beauty of Cairo from the water as you sail in a traditional riverboat down the Nile. You will be picked up from your hotel in the evening and taken to the boarding point. Sit back in the felucca and admire the city’s well-known landmarks as your guide shares interesting facts about them.

This will be followed by a delicious, five-course Middle Eastern meal, which you can savour while listening to the soothing sounds of a lute. Enjoy the soothing sight of twinkling lights in the distance as your boat returns to the starting point. After the cruise, you will be driven back to your hotel.

Personalised Cairo City Tour incl. Egyptian Museum, Citadel and Bazaar

Uncover the assorted attractions of Cairo on this day-long tour with a private guide. Start at the Egyptian Museum near Tahrir Square, which holds the most extensive collection (over 120,000 artefacts) of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Some of the most popular artefacts include the tomb of Tutankhamun, his gold mask encrusted with precious stones, and his golden belt. The museum also houses the sculptures of Pharaoh Khufu, who erected the Great Pyramid at Giza, and Nefertiti, the wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten.

Next, make your way to the top of Mokattam Hill and explore the Citadel of Saladin. The citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the structures within are fine examples of Islamic architecture. Walk through charming courtyards and admire the intricate architecture of the Al Nasir Muhammad Mosque and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Stroll around the historic quarter before heading for the famous Khan El Khalili bazaar.

Explore this bustling bazaar's alleys, which are lined with Egyptian handicraft and spice shops. Pick up handcrafted jewellery, hand-painted pottery, and other souvenirs before returning to your hotel.

Personalised Tour to Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara

Today, you will get to visit the famed 4,500-year-old Giza pyramid complex, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the towering Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure and learn about these incredible structures from your guide. Your next stop is the iconic Sphinx, which is, without a doubt, one of Egypt's most famous landmarks. Featuring the head of a human, thought to be that of Pharaoh Khafre, and the body of a lion, the Sphinx is considered the oldest monumental sculpture in Egypt.

Afterward, head for Memphis, ancient Egypt's first capital. Walk around the Mit Rahina open-air museum and admire the magnificent statues of Ramesses II and the Alabaster Sphinx, sculpted from a single piece of white gypsum. Round off your day at Sakkara village, where you will see the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Tour the tombs of high officials, halls, and courts of the funerary complex surrounding the pyramid before returning to your hotel in Cairo.

You will be driven from your hotel to Cairo airport in a private vehicle. Board your flight from Cairo to Abu Simbel (via Aswan). The duration of your flight is about 2.5 hours.

Located by the Nile River near the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel is a small Nubian village known for its impressive rock-cut temples. This hamlet is a popular stop for cruise ships plying the Luxor - Aswan route thanks to its chief attractions - the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor.

Sound & light Show at Abu Simbel Temple

Take in the rich history of the Nubian village of Abu Simbel with an immersive sound and light show on the banks of Lake Nasser. As you sit down at the main temple, you will see its façade is dominated by four colossal statues of Ramesses II. Mesmerising projections depicting intricate hieroglyphics and the temples in their original forms will take you back in time.

The twin temples, built over 3,000 years ago, are stunning examples of ancient Egyptian architecture. The great temple is dedicated to the gods Amon-Ra and Re-Horakhty, while the smaller temple of Nefertari — the king’s favourite queen — is for worshipping the goddess Hathor. Enormous statues of the monarchs adorn the structure’s exterior. You get to see this great illuminated structure and hear some fascinating stories before the show comes to an end.

Personalised Tour of Abu Simbel Temples

Embark on an informative private tour of the magnificent rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, which were built in the 13th century BC by Pharaoh Ramesses II. You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the UNESCO-listed temple complex, which is located on the western bank of Lake Nasser. Along the way, your guide will share some interesting facts about these ancient monuments and the innovative efforts undertaken to relocate them when the Aswan Dam was built.

Outside the Great Temple of Ramesses II, marvel at the four massive 66-foot (20-metre) seated figures of the Pharaoh, which have been carved out from a sandstone cliff. You will also see the figures of Ramesses’ children, his queen, Nefertari, and his mother, near the feet of these statues. Stroll through the halls and take a closer look at the pillars, sculptures and bas-relief depictions of famous battles.

Next, explore the Temple of Hathor, which is dedicated to Queen Nefertari. Look at the artwork, which includes bas-reliefs of the king and queen worshipping Hathor, the goddess of love and fertility. While here, please note that your guide is permitted to tell you about the site only while outside the temple, and they will do so before you enter it.

You will be driven from Abu Simbel to Aswan in a private vehicle. The travel time is about three hours.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful cities on the Nile, Aswan is known as much for its alluring landscape as it is for its ancient temples and monuments. Take a boat to Philae Island to explore the Philae temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or explore the ruins of Abu at Elephantine Island.

Spend some time at Aswan's lively souks, where you can shop for spices, perfumes, jewellery, and rugs. Get a peek into the Nubian way of life on a village tour, or hop onto a felucca and float down the Nile.

Personalised Tour of Elephantine Island & Aswan Museum

Travel to Elephantine Island, the oldest inhabited part of Aswan, and discover its many historical and cultural treasures. Start your exploration at the Temple of Khnum, which is dedicated to the ram-headed god of Elephantine Island. Admire the roof decorated with astronomical visuals, the hymns etched into the doorways, and the hieroglyphics on the pillars recounting temple rituals.

One of the highlights of your tour is visiting the Nilometer, an innovative instrument designed to measure the Nile’s water level. Your guide will shed light on how this marvellous device helped the locals predict and prepare for the annual flooding of the river.

Your next stop is one of the colourful Nubian villages on the island. Take a leisurely walk through its charming alleys and past brightly painted traditional homes, and get acquainted with the region’s culture and local customs. Round off your tour with a visit to the Aswan Museum, which houses a rich collection of artefacts, including statues, mummies, pottery, and utensils.

Personalised Tour of a Nubian Village

Get an insight into the Nubian way of life at a traditional village near Aswan. You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and taken to one of the Nubian villages on the West Bank of the Nile. Wander around and explore its charming streets lined with vividly coloured houses and buildings sporting handmade art.

Learn about Nubian history and culture from your expert guide. Afterwards, sample some of the local delicacies and wrap up your meal with a hot cup of tea. If you wish to, you can relax with a mud and sand therapy session, or enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Nile before returning to the hotel.

You will be driven from your hotel to the Aswan Pier in a private vehicle.

Ashranda Dahabiya Cruise: Highlights from Aswan to Luxor (4 Days/ 3 Nights)

Soak in the culture and history of the Upper Egypt region as you go on a memorable cruise down the Nile River from Aswan to Luxor. Board a dahabiya, a traditional two-masted sailing boat, and make yourself comfortable. The following day begins with a visit to the Aswan Dam. You will also get to see the Old Dam, which was built in 1902. Afterwards, head for Agilika Island’s breathtaking Philae Temple complex, which can only be reached by boat. The complex was moved block by block to prevent it from going underwater when the new Aswan Dam was built.

Once back on board, your boat will sail towards Kom Ombo, an agricultural town. After reaching your destination, go ashore and have dinner before calling it a day. While here, you will visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, which is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. It is known for its double design, which features two sets of courts, halls, and rooms. You also have the option of visiting Gebel Silsila. This is a scenic narrow gorge where the Nile flows between steep sandstone cliffs. Your anchor point for tonight is the city of Edfu.

On day four, set out to explore the Ptolemaic Temple of Edfu, which is dedicated to Horus and Hathor. The boat will dock at Esna for the night. The next day, enjoy the view as you sail through the Esna Lock to Luxor. At Luxor, marvel at the magnificent Karnak Temple complex, which is dedicated to the god Amon, and the famous Luxor Temple.

The penultimate day will be spent on the West Bank, exploring rock-cut mausoleums in the Valley of the Kings. One of the most famous landmarks here is the tomb of Tutankhamen. You will also get to visit the Valley of the Queens, where the wives of the pharaohs were laid to rest, the Colossi of Memnon and the Medinet Habu Temple.

On the eighth and final day of your cruise, have a hearty breakfast before disembarking to head for your next destination.

You will be driven in a private vehicle from Luxor Pier to your hotel.

It isn't without good reason that Luxor is often called the 'world's greatest open-air museum'. The Karnak Temple Complex and the Luxor Temple lie within the city, while the tombs and monuments of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens are located across the Nile. Ancient, grand, and awe-inspiring, no trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the ancient capital of the pharaohs.

Personalised Tour of the Hathor Temple in Dendera & the Osiris Temple in Abydos

Today, you will be visiting the ancient temples of Hathor and Osiris. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and take you to Dendera to see the Temple of Hathor. Built in honour of the goddess of love and joy, the temple is a classic example of Egyptian architecture during the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty. You will also get to explore other structures within this very well-preserved, 40,000 sq.m complex, such as the Temple of the Birth of Isis, the sanatorium, the Sacred Lake, and the Basilica.

After admiring Dendera’s magnificence, head for Abydos, regarded as one of the oldest cities in Egypt. Explore the Temple of Osiris, pausing to take in the beauty of paintings of ancient Egyptian Gods and pharaohs. Take time to appreciate the frescoes, considered amongst the most well-preserved in Egypt, before returning to your hotel.

Group Hot Air Balloon Flight over Ancient Thebes & the Nile

Enjoy a hot air balloon ride that gives you a bird's eye view of the ancient city of Thebes and the Nile River. Leave your hotel early in the morning and head to the hot air balloon launch site. Watch the first rays of the sun cast a golden glow all around as you hop into the hot air balloon and lift off.

Soar over the Valley of the Kings, the tomb of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and other historical monuments. Glide past sugarcane fields and traditional homes with earthy brown adobe walls and flat rooftops lining the banks of the Nile River. Savour the beauty of the region's rustic landscape and take lots of amazing pictures before returning to the landing point.

You will be driven in a private vehicle from your hotel to Luxor airport. The duration of your flight to Cairo is about one hour. You will be met upon arrival and assisted with check-in and baggage formalities.