The Best Luxury Tour of Egypt with Nile Cruise

The massive ancient burial site of Saqqara also contains the oldest stone building complex in the world, as well as multiple ancient Mastaba tombs belonging to high-ranking citizens. Among these the combined Tomb of Udut, Unas-Ark and Inefert is well worth a walk through. Saqqara was used as a burial ground for 3000 years, lasting into the Roman period.

Another short drive will bring you to Dahshur, where you will experience how the Egyptians progressed on building pyramids after the Step Pyramid. Amazing attractions here include the 4600-year-old Bent Pyramid as well as the Red Pyramid, both built by the Pharoah Sneferu.

A 20-minute drive will take you to the Giza Necropolis, where you will break for an included lunch at a restaurant specializing in Egyptian delicacies. After lunch you will drive up the small plateau to the 3 amazing pyramids here, all of which are individually awe-inspiring. The Great Pyramid was built by Khufu, the son of Sneferu, the Pharoah who had the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid constructed at Dahshur. The Great Pyramid has always been the oldest member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and is now the only one of them still remaining.

After the Dahshur Pyramids the pharaohs got busy building these amazing structures and the two tallest pyramids, Khufu's Great Pyramid and Khafre's Pyramid, were finished within a few decades after the completion of the Red Pyramid at Dahshur. As Khafre was Khufu's son, he built his pyramid to a height of 471 feet, as opposed to the Great Pyramid's 481.4 feet height, but he built it on a slightly higher elevation close by, thereby making his pyramid seem taller. Although significantly smaller than these two pyramids, the third pyramid at Giza, built by Menkaure, son of Khafre, is well worth a visit.

Next up is the Great Sphinx, which is commonly believed to have been designed and constructed during the above-mentioned Khafre's reign, with his face mounted on the mythical creature, although scholars are not certain and a debate on its exact origins is ongoing. It is 66 feet high and 62 feet wide and 240 feet long.

Although there are remains of scores of other pyramids in Egypt, it is an interesting fact that the above mentioned largest still intact pyramids, with the exception of the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, were all built over about just 80 years by four generations of Pharaohs, starting with Menkaure's great grandfather, Pharoah Sneferu. You will avoid Cairo's miserable rush hour traffic and return to your hotel after this exploration of Giza.
(Overnight - Four Seasons Nile Plaza)

Day 3: Cairo. Today you will start your exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Islamic Cairo, also known as Historic Cairo. Although areas that now comprise the metropolis of Cairo are much older than this, Islamic Cairo was founded in the 10th century and has flourished since then in one form or another.

There are impressive mosques and other historic structures, as well as a unique culture and atmosphere that has not changed much over the centuries. Start with an exploration of the Citadel of Salah El-Din, a fortress that houses museums and beautiful gardens, with the most impressive structure being the Alabaster Mosque, or the Mosque of Mohamed Ali. This Citadel was home to Egypt's rulers from the 12th to the 19th century.

After this you will enter the walls of Islamic Cairo from the Gate of El Nasr (Gate of Victory) and start a fascinating walk through the neighborhoods. Much of your walk will be on Al-Muizz street, which has been Islamic Cairo's main thoroughfare since the 10th Century. Many of Cairo's ancient historic attractions are located on this street, and there is unique architecture and culture to be found everywhere you look. There are beautiful mosques, Islamic schools that have existed for many centuries, and ancient souks.

Next is a walk in Cairo's Old Bazaar, Khan el-Khalili. This souk is always full of tourists and Egyptians and the colors, smells and sounds have to be experienced to be believed. Depending on how much time you spend at each attraction and experience on this day, you will have the option today to break for lunch (authentic local cuisine is recommended and your Egyptologist Tour Director can make suggestions) at a time of your choice, or return to your hotel for a late lunch.

Next up is an exploration of Coptic Cairo. The Coptic Christians built their churches inside the Roman fortress interestingly named Babylon. Egypt was a Christian nation for three centuries between the 3rd and 7th century and the beautiful churches in Old Cairo were built mainly during that period.

Coptic Christians make up between 8 to 15% of Egypt's population today, depending on the source of information, and their unique culture and architecture is fascinating to observe. Much of the delight in this short exploration is just walking through the ancient neighborhoods, taking in this unique culture and architecture.

Another church will be the 5th century Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, which was built over the crypt where Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus are said to have rested during their journey in Egypt. You will have the opportunity to enter the crypt and view the details, including the tiny alcove where the infant Jesus slept.

Your last stop can be at the Synagogue of Ben Ezra. There has been a house of worship in this location since the 4th century, first a church and then the synagogue. As less than a dozen Jewish people now make Cairo their home, the synagogue and its beautiful interior now serve as a museum.
(Overnight - Four Seasons Nile Plaza)

Day 4: Cairo - Aswan. In the mid-morning, after rush hour, you will be assisted with your check-out and you will now proceed to one of two museums. We do not expect the oft-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum to open until the end of 2023. It will be the one you visit if it is open by the time you travel.

Grand Egyptian Museum Option: You are driven to the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum, which, at 5.2 million sq. feet, is the largest archaeological museum on our planet. This incredible collection of 50,000 antiquities includes the vast and amazing Tutankhamun Collection, a 3200-year-old 83 ton and 32.8-foot-tall red granite statue of Ramses II, as well as a plethora of artifacts that have never been displayed before. Viewing all the treasures in the museum would take many days and so your Egyptologist Tour Director will tell you about the possible highlights and, based on your preferences, design your visit accordingly. Just as during the rest of your tour, your Tour Director will regale you with fascinating tales about the major exhibits that you are experiencing. Lunch at one of the restaurants at the museum is recommended at a time of your choice.

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization Option: This new museum was inaugurated in April of 2021 with a widely promoted made for TV event which included a spectacle filled procession as many of the best treasures in the iconic Egyptian Museum were transported to their new home in this new museum. Although the biggest draw will be the 22 mummies of the greatest Pharaohs and their collections of treasures, this museum is unique because it displays a holistic view of the awe-inspiring history of Egyptian Civilization, ranging from Predynastic times to the 2000 year long Pharaonic period to Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and contemporary times. What you experience during your visit to the museum will be based on your preferences as relayed to your Egyptologist Tour Director. You will break for a late lunch after exploring the museum.

Arrive at Aswan and you are driven to your spectacular historic hotel where you are assisted with your check-in. The Old Cataract has hosted royalty, such as Princess Diana and Tsar Nicholas II, and many top leaders of the world as well as celebrities for over a century. After staying here, Agatha Christie set part of ‘Death on the Nile’ in the hotel, and the motion picture was partially filmed here. Guests who want to really enjoy this legendary hotel and its extensive facilities can ask us to add an additional day at Aswan. Other activities such as a felucca cruise to a popular touristy Nubian Village can be added.

The famous guests who stayed here a long time ago obviously did not expect central heating and were fine with the cold hallways, common areas and dining venues at the historic hotel. Today’s luxury travelers are not, so we caution you about the fact that the hotel, along with the historic Winter Palace in Luxor, can be very cold during winter, especially December through February. Egyptian guidelines for historic buildings make the possibility of the hotel operators adding heating a prohibitively expensive proposition with limited benefits. We caution our guests to have ample warm clothing for their stays at these hotels during winter.
(Overnight - Sofitel Legend Old Cataract)

Day 5: Aswan - Abu Simbel Excursion. In the morning your Egyptologist Tour Director will accompany you to the Aswan airport and assist you in boarding the short flight to Abu Simbel. Arrive at Abu Simbel and you are ushered to your private vehicle and driven to Ramses II's most awe-inspiring creation.

Located on the western banks of Lake Naseer, these colossal temples are still accessible to humanity because of one of the most amazing archaeological engineering feats of all time. Between 1964 and 1968 everything in and outside these temples were cut into massive blocks weighing up to 30 tons each and transported to a location 213 feet higher than where they were originally constructed. UNESCO and the Egyptian Government orchestrated a massive campaign with a large and diverse international team of specialists and accomplished this incomprehensibly difficult project so as to save the temples from the rising waters of the Nile to be caused by the impending opening of the Aswan High Dam.

The Abu Simbel Temples are part of the 'Nubian Monuments' UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes Philae, near Aswan. Built in the 13th Century BC over 20 years, these two temples were created to establish, in the minds of the Nubian people, Ramses II's power and near-divinity, as well as the might of Egypt.

It is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt. Much smaller statues of the royal family, including his wife Nefertari, are situated around the seated monarchs' legs. Amazing historic treasures await visitors inside the temple, which has a triangular layout reducing in scale as you go deeper to the main sanctum. There are beautiful statues, gorgeous bas-reliefs, impressive pillars, and objects devoted to the three ancient Egyptian Gods to whom Ramses II dedicated this temple.

A short distance away is The Small Temple, dedicated to Goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari. This temple is only the second temple in Ancient Egypt's many millennia long history that is dedicated to the consort of a king, and is one of the very few times such a major monument presented statues of the king and his queen that were equal in size. Surrounding the entrance are three 33-foot statues on each side, with statutes of Ramses II bookending the two statues of Queen Nefertari on both sides. The interior of the temple offers amazing treasures and is similarly beautiful as The Great Temple, although smaller in scale.

After exploring these wonders, you will return to the airport and fly back to Aswan, returning to your hotel for some relaxation.

In the late afternoon you are driven to Aswan's Nubian Museum, an award-winning building with a midsize collection of amazing antiquities ranging from local geological wonders to a unique and impressive collection of Nubian, Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic antiquities. This fairly short visit will significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of what you are experiencing in the Aswan region.
(Overnight - Sofitel Legend Old Cataract)

Day 6: Aswan - Oberoi Zahra 3 Night Nile Cruise. Late this morning you are assisted with your checkout and driven to the pier where the Oberoi Zahra is docked. Given further on is the Oberoi itinerary sketch for the next 3 days, but your shore excursions will be a little different. Your Egyptologist Tour Director will orchestrate your excursions privately from the cruiser, including when you stop at Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna. We are unimpressed with the quality of the onboard guides that all cruises (including those on the Zahra) on the Nile provide, along with their interpretation of 'luxury groups' (or luxury small groups as in Zahra's version) on these excursions.

Just as one example, the Philae Temple Complex deserves more time than the rushed visit allotted to it. The Oberoi Zahra facilitates a visit to the High Dam and Philae starting at 3pm, and then you are back well in time for Tea at the Club Lounge at 5:30pm. We think that Philae deserves more time than the cruise group tour allows, and our version of the Philae Temple visit is as follows:

Philae Island was the original island home of these massive structures and they were moved as part of the incredible project that moved Abu Simbel's Temples. This awe-inspiring complex was moved to Agilika Island by the Egyptian Government and UNESCO as Philae Island had existing flooding issues even before the Aswan High Dam was constructed - it is now mostly submerged.

Among other subjects, the amazing bas-reliefs on the temple's walls portray how Isis brought Osiris back to life, gave birth to Horus, and mummified Osiris after his death. It is purported to be Osiris' final resting place. Originally built around 700 BC, the temple complex had subsequent additions made by both Egyptians and, later on, Roman rulers. The Temples of Philae were a major pilgrimage site for Nubians, Egyptians, and people from far away lands. The amazing details on the walls, statues and columns are among the most impressive you will find anywhere, and the worship of Isis continued here until the 6^th Century.

Christians had established a foothold on Philae during the fourth century, and they initially co-existed with the ongoing religious practices at the Philae Temple. In the 6th century they took over and converted parts of the complex to a church, defacing a number of significant monuments and structures in the process. Just as many of Ancient Egypt's most important sites, some of the most valuable artifacts of the Temple were removed by European archaeologists during later colonial times. Your visit will include the Pylon Panorama Ticket, which allows you to use the steps to reach the roof of a Pylon and take in the incredible views of the complex and the Nile. Your Tour Director will escort you back to the Zahra in time for Tea.
(Overnight - The Oberoi Zahra)

Oberoi Zahra Cruise Description

Day 7: Oberoi Zahra Cruise. Today you will cruise towards Luxor, stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu for explorations of the amazing Temple Complexes. At each port your Egyptologist Tour Director and personal chauffeur driven vehicle will be waiting for you when you disembark. Just like the rest of your Egypt exploration, you will have high quality private tours of the complexes, and be escorted back to the Zahra at the appropriate time.
(Overnight - The Oberoi Zahra)

Day 8: Oberoi Zahra Cruise. Your excursion will again be orchestrated very differently from the cruise’s itinerary. After breakfast a short drive will bring you to the Valley of the Kings.

Capacity is controlled at all Tombs and the popular standard Tombs are nice but not as impressive and have long lines. The handpicked tombs we take you to require individual entrance tickets and have, at most, very short lines.

Camera Photography can often be restricted at one or more Tombs without any prior notice. Some of the Tombs, such as the magnificent Tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens, currently do not permit any photography except with cell phones, but the option to even use your phone’s camera is subject to change at any time. Please note that photography rules are strictly enforced.

Your exploration will include the following premium attractions:

1: The Tomb of Ramses V & VI (KV9) - This 340-foot-long Tomb was started by Ramses V but later taken over by his successor, Ramses VI.

2: The Tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut) (KV62) - This is one of the smaller Tombs in the valley. The Tomb was discovered in 1922 with all its treasures intact, and the majority of these artifacts are now the most impressive section of displays in the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. You will be able to see young King Tut's mummified remains in the Tomb, and the glittering shrines in his burial chamber.

3: The Tomb of Seti I (KV17) - This is the longest Tomb in the valley at over 450 feet, and also one of the deepest. There are incredible decorations on the walls and ceilings, and its vivid colors are a delight to behold. A steep entry fee eliminates the long lines found for most tombs, and those who do not visit Nefertari's Tomb in the Valley of the Queens usually feel that this was the most impressive Tomb that they have seen.

4: The Tomb of Nefertari (QV66) Valley of the Queens - On the way to the Valley of the Queens you will stop along the way at the Temple of Hatshepsut, as detailed below. Located a short distance away in the Valley of the Queens, Nefertari's Tomb is, in our opinion, the most striking Tomb in the Luxor region, and among the least visited due to its entry fee. The 5600 square foot Tomb has amazing multicolored artwork on its polished stone walls, and the incredible beauty of the legendary queen is depicted in scores of paintings.

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Before reaching the Valley of the Queens and Nefertari's Tomb, you will stop along the way at this wonderfully restored temple complex. This impressive 3500-year-old structure is built on 3 levels reaching almost 100 feet at the top. During your travels your Egyptologist Tour Director will share some fascinating tales about Queen Hatshepsut, one of the smartest rulers of this ancient world.

Colossi of Memnon. The last stop on this exploration will be at these two massive 14 Century BC statues of King Amenhotep III. These ancient structures reach about 60 feet high and are estimated to each weigh about 720 tons. Unlike most visitors, you will visit these at the end of your exploration on this day so that you can be among the first to arrive at the Valley of the Kings in the morning.

We recommend that you spend this late afternoon on board the Zahra and enjoy its lavish facilities as your visit to the Luxor Temple will be much better on the next day - it is located a very short walk from your Luxor hotel.
(Overnight - The Oberoi Zahra)

Day 9: Luxor. Your Egyptologist Tour Director greets you at your final disembarkation. Welcome to ancient Thebes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Occupying about 200 acres, the Karnak Temple and its structures are purported to be the largest religious complex ever to be built. Construction of the first parts started about 5000 years ago, and continued over the reign of about 30 Pharaohs. The site is made up of four parts, out of which only the largest part, the Precinct of Amun-Re, is open to the public. This is the second most visited site in Egypt after the Giza Pyramids. Experience the hundreds of ancient structures, including the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall, a 50,000 square foot Hall with 134 massive beautifully carved pillars. 122 of these pillars are 33 feet tall, while the other 12 are 69 feet high and almost 10 feet in diameter.

After your exploration of the Karnak Complex, you are driven to your historical boutique hotel and you are assisted with your check-in after lunch – check-in is at 3 pm. This luxury hotel has played host to various members of royalty and other dignitaries. Agatha Christie also stayed here and wrote part of her book while she was in residence. As at Aswan, the hotel’s common areas, hallways, and dining venues can be very cold during winter, especially December through February.

Luxor Temple and Sunset Illumination: You can enjoy a very short walk on the scenic Nile Corniche (with pushy souvenir sellers) to the Luxor Temple, or you can choose to be driven. The best time to visit this magnificent 3400-year-old Temple Complex is in the late afternoon as this allows you to first explore its incredible attractions in daylight.

Avenue of Sphinxes Moonlight Walk: From the Temple you will experience a walk on the similarly lit Avenue of Sphinxes. This ancient royal pathway finished a massive reclamation and restoration project and opened to the public with much fanfare in November 2021. It is a unique experience to walk along the broad avenue in the dark, flanked by gently illuminated ancient sphinxes. The Avenue of Sphinxes was ‘The King’s Festivities Road’, and runs the full 1.7 miles between the awe-inspiring temples of Luxor and Karnak - you can choose to walk as far as you want before returning to your hotel.
(Overnight - Sofitel Winter Palace)

Day 10: To Cairo for International Departure OR the Red Sea. You have the option of a very early start in the morning for a balloon ride over Ancient Thebes – you will need to inform us about your preference while finalizing your reservation. You are assisted with your checkout in the morning at any time before 11 am. Please note that most outbound international flights from Cairo depart in the early morning. This itinerary assumes that you will fly back to Cairo in the late afternoon or early evening. Listed below are two really nice museums that you can explore, or your Egyptologist Guide will suggest experiences based on your preferences.

The Mummification Museum offers great information on this ancient Egyptian process, along with many more fascinating exhibits. The process of mummification, and the materials used in the process, are displayed in detail. The mummies on display include the 3000 plus year old mummy of Masaharta, the High Priest of Amun at Thebes. There are also mummies of cats, fish and crocodiles.

The Luxor Museum has a lot fewer treasures than the abundance of exhibits found in Cairo's museums, but the quality of the artifacts that they display is unsurpassed, including amazing pieces from the Karnak Temple Complex.

You will be driven to Luxor airport and assisted in boarding your flight to Cairo. Arrive at Cairo and collect your baggage, after which your Tour Director will accompany you to your in-terminal hotel and assist you with your check-in. Bid farewell to your Tour Director at this time.
(Overnight - Le Meridien Cairo Airport)

Day 11: Cairo - International Flight. An Easy Tours Facilitator will assist you with your checkout in the morning (any time before 11 am) and then walk you to the international terminal where they will introduce you to your VIP Airport Representative and bid you farewell. You will then be escorted through the complete departure process, including check-in, security and immigration.
Additional services can be added upon request.
Our services end at Cairo Airport.

Red Sea - End of Tour Options

Many of our guests choose to end their exploration of Egypt with a few days at the luxurious Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh on the Red Sea. Besides the crystal-clear waters and wonderful beaches, this region also offers some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling. The resort is a 4-to-4.5-hour comfortable drive from your lodging in Luxor. If you are interested in adding a stay at the Red Sea, at the Oberoi or any other Red Sea resort, please let us know at the time of reservation and we will be happy to give you options to consider.

Optional Excursions available at the gorgeous Red Sea Coast:

World Class Diving: Can be a private or shared experience(s). The luxury beach resorts offer dive excursions and these can be reserved directly with the resort. For avid divers interested in more than one dive we recommend that you discuss your options with us and let us assist you in prearranging them.

Snorkeling: Can be a private or shared experience(s). The luxury beach resorts offer snorkeling excursions and these can be reserved directly with the resort, or you can ask us to prearrange them.

Submarine Adventure: A join-up morning experience - can be private if you wish to pay for the whole submarine, which is designed for almost 40 passengers. Either way, your transfers to the submarine boarding and disembarking area will be in your private vehicle. The Red Sea is one of our planet’s most diverse and fascinating marine eco-systems. There are roughly 200 types of corals, more than 1000 species of fish, scores of crustaceans, and exotic creatures such as hammerhead sharks and eels. The submarine goes down to depths as low as 80 feet during your experience and you will see corals with incredible colors and the vibrant marine life that surrounds them – a marine guide will enhance your experience.

Bedouin Village and Dune Bashing: A private experience. After breakfast one morning you will be assisted you in boarding your 4X4 vehicle and now you will head out for an adventure in the desert. You will be dune bashing on the way to the Bedouin village that is your destination. This is an actual village where a perennial spring waters the few tropical trees, and not a staged desert experience. You will enjoy a camel ride on the villagers’ camels, and then explore the culture and homes of the simple and hospitable villagers. You will return to your beautiful resort in time for lunch, and then you are at leisure.