Private 10-day round trip including Nile cruise and beach holiday from Cairo
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo – Old City and Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Our English-speaking tour guide, a university-educated Egyptologist, will greet you at Cairo International Airport. He will accompany you throughout your stay in Cairo. He will also plan the order of your sightseeing individually, allowing you to avoid the tourist crowds. Lunch will be provided daily, either at a restaurant, in your hotel, or on the cruise ship. Your tour program will begin immediately upon your arrival.
Old Town, El-Moaz Street
The Old City is Cairo's Islamic quarter, whose history stretches back over a thousand years. El-Moaz Street is a pedestrian zone with the largest concentration of Islamic architecture. Observe authentic Egyptian life on El-Moaz Street. Egyptian culture is a blend of diverse influences, with Arabic as the predominant language. The predominant religion is Islam; Christians make up only about 20% of the population.
During your walk, you will pass the oldest and largest Ibn Tulun Mosque, the Sultan Hassan Mosque, and the Alabaster Mosque in the Citadel of Saladin. Your walk ends at the Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Khan El Khalili Basar
The bazaar is a lively medieval market where you can discover all sorts of curiosities. Admire the unique architecture of the houses and let yourself be enchanted by the diverse colors and aromas. Observe the locals going about their daily lives. Marvel at the serenity of the merchants. Perhaps you'll even feel like doing a little haggling yourself.
The evening
Your tour guide will assist you with check-in and discuss your itinerary with you. Afterwards, you will spend the evening enjoying a sumptuous dinner at the hotel.
Optionally, you also have the opportunity to see the impressive sound and light show at the pyramids during your stay in Cairo. This evening spectacle illuminates the pyramids and the Sphinx while telling their story. Your tour guide will be happy to arrange this for you. Of course, you can also explore Cairo on your own; your tour guide will certainly have some tips for you.
Day 2: Giza Plateau – Step Pyramid in Saqqara
After breakfast, a pyramid tour is on the agenda today. You will travel to the Giza Plateau and Saqqara.
Pyramids of Giza
The Giza pyramid field was already an important cemetery during the 1st Dynasty. The pyramids have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, as they are the only remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They were built between approximately 2620 and 2500 BC during the 4th Dynasty. They were erected on a limestone plateau measuring 1000 by 2000 meters, and the complex also included subsidiary pyramids, burial grounds, temples, and workers' villages.
Optionally, you can visit the burial chambers in the three large pyramids for an additional fee. Please note that admission can only be paid on-site by credit card.
Great Sphinx and Valley Temple
Not far from the pyramids stands the Great Sphinx, by far the most famous and largest. Likely built during the 4th Dynasty, between 2520 and 2494 BC, it has risen from the sands of the Egyptian desert for over 4,000 years. Hewn from the remains of a limestone hill that served as a quarry for the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu), it depicts a reclining lion with a human head. Measuring 73.5 meters long and approximately 20 meters high, it is truly gigantic. Afterwards, you will visit the Valley Temple of Khafre, located right next to it.
Step Pyramid of Saqqara
The Step Pyramid of Saqqara is the oldest Egyptian pyramid and the centerpiece of a nearly 16-hectare tomb complex. The complex is surrounded by a 10-meter-high limestone wall and includes temples, chapels, and other tombs. Carvings and hieroglyphs offer insights into the daily activities and religious practices of the ancient Egyptians.
The Step Pyramid was built during the 3rd Dynasty of the Old Kingdom around 2650 BC by Djoser during his 19-year reign. The burial chamber, constructed at a depth of 28 meters, consists of four layers of rose granite blocks. The Step Pyramid itself is made of limestone.
The evening
They end the day with dinner and enjoy the hotel's amenities.
Day 3: Egyptian Museum – Coptic Quarter – Hanging Church
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and continue your travel program.
Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is a museum of ancient Egyptian art located in the heart of Cairo, on Tahrir Square. The building was constructed in 1900 in the neoclassical style and opened in 1902. The museum houses a collection of over 250,000 artifacts, some dating back 5,000 years. Exhibits from various periods of ancient Egyptian culture and history are on display. Journey through time from prehistory to the Greco-Roman period.
Coptic Quarter
The Coptic Quarter lies on the site of the Roman fortress of Babylon and is a historic Christian district that existed even before the Muslim Fatimids founded Cairo in 969 AD. The quarter is considered a stronghold of Christianity in Old Cairo and contains places of worship from a time when the pharaonic religions had died out and Islam had not yet taken hold. Some of the earliest churches, dating back to the 4th century, have survived to this day. It is believed that the Holy Family lived here briefly during their flight from Herod.
Hanging Church
The church's unique construction gave it its name. It was built on the walls above a gatehouse of the Roman fortress of Babylon, giving the impression that it is suspended above the passageway. The Hanging Church is reached by climbing 29 steps. It combines Coptic and Byzantine elements and was built in the style of a basilica. The interior is richly decorated, and the marble pulpit is supported by 13 columns, symbolizing Jesus and the 12 apostles. The church also houses 110 icons, the oldest of which dates back to the 8th century.
The church was likely used as early as the 3rd century AD, making it the oldest Christian site in Egypt. However, the current structure dates back to the 9th century. From the 11th to the 13th centuries, the Hanging Church served as the official residence of the Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria, after the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Church was moved to Cairo. To this day, the church remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage.
The evening
Following your sightseeing today, you will be transferred to Cairo airport for a one-and-a-half-hour flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, your tour guide will be waiting for you. You will then be transferred to your hotel, check in, and conclude the day with a delicious dinner.
Day 4: Abu Simbel
Today you have to get up very early. You'll be departing at 4:00 a.m. in an air-conditioned vehicle for an approximately three-hour drive to Abu Simbel.
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel lies in the far south of Egypt, near the Sudanese border, and is one of the most magnificent monuments a visitor must see. The Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979. Both temples are no longer in their original locations. They were dismantled between 1963 and 1968 and rebuilt 64 meters higher on the Abu Simbel plateau.
The large temple, with its four colossal statues, was dedicated to Ramses II and the principal gods. His favorite wife, Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor were honored in the smaller temple. The temple was probably built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC.
The afternoon and the evening
Upon your return, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to your Nile cruise ship. You will board and enjoy the rest of the day on board. Of course, you can also explore Aswan; feel free to ask your tour guide for recommendations. In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 4: Aswan Dam – Philae Temple – Unfinished Obelisk
Today you will explore Aswan. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before departure.
Aswan Dam
The dam is located approximately 13 km south of Aswan. It was completed on July 21st after 10 years of construction and officially opened on January 15th, 1971. It has a capacity of 135 to 169 cubic kilometers of water. It serves to regulate the Nile's flood levels, ensuring that the river carries sufficient water even during dry periods.
Philae Temple
The Philae Temple was dedicated to the goddesses Isis and Hathor and was not always located where it stands today. At its original site, the temple would have been submerged after the reservoir flooded. Therefore, it was moved to the island of Agilkia between 1977 and 1980.
The main building is the Temple of the Goddess Isis, located on the island's west shore. Surrounding it are several smaller structures, including the kiosk of Nectanebo I, the small Temple of Hathor, the Temple of Imhotep, the Chapel of Mandulis, and a few others. Dating the temple's founding is impossible; the oldest evidence dates back to the reign of Nectanebo I.
Unfinished Obelisk
With a height of 41.75 m on a base of 4.2 × 4.2 m and a weight of approximately 1168 t, the obelisk would have been the largest of antiquity upon completion. It is made of rose granite and was never finished. Its date of origin is unknown. Construction was probably begun under Queen Hatshepsut. Cracks in the material are believed to have led to the cessation of work.
The afternoon and the evening
You'll spend the afternoon on board as the ship departs north towards Kom Ombo. Relax on deck and enjoy the scenery from the Nile. The day concludes with a delicious dinner.
Tag 5: Chair - Edfu
Your ship has docked in Kom Ombo. After breakfast, you will explore the twin temples of Kom Ombo.
Kom Ombo
The temple is located near the boat landing, so you will need to walk there. Kom Ombo was dedicated to the two deities Sobek and Haroeris, which is why it is also known as a double temple. The part of the temple visible today dates largely from the Ptolemaic period. During the Ptolemaic era, Kom Ombo, along with Elephantine, was an administrative center of the first Upper Egyptian nome, Ta-seti. The temple was built between 304 and 31 BC.
The temple complex consists of a double temple with two columned halls, numerous rooms with countless decorations, and a terrace. In the forecourt is a mammisi (birth house), and on the right side of the temple courtyard is the small Hathor Chapel. 25 meters northwest of the temple complex, you will find a water level gauge, a so-called nilometer, the readings of which had a direct impact on taxes in ancient Egypt.
They board the ship again and continue on to Edfu.
Temple of Horus at Edfu
The Temple of Horus is among the best-preserved temples in Egypt. This excellent state of preservation is likely due to the sand that covered the temple up to its capitals for a long period. Admirable remains of the ancient city can still be found next to the temple.
Edfu was the capital of the second Upper Egyptian nome from the 5th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. The temple was built between 237 and 57 BC and was dedicated to Horus of Edfu. During the Ptolemaic period, important festivals honoring the gods of the Horus cult were held here.
The evening
You will spend the evening enjoying a delicious dinner on board the ship as you continue your journey to Luxor.
Day 6: Karnak Temple - Valley of the Kings - Temple of Hatshepsut - Colossi of Memnon - Boat trip on the Nile
After breakfast, you will disembark and explore Luxor, the ancient Thebes.
Karnak-Templ
The Karnak Temple in Luxor is the largest temple complex in Egypt. This impressive site is an outstanding relic of ancient Egyptian civilization. Construction began as early as the 16th century BC and continued for many centuries. Closely connected to the temples in West Thebes, it played a central role in the lives of the ancient Egyptians.
The main area of the temple is characterized by monumental pylons marking the entrances to the various sacred spaces, as well as towering obelisks and majestic colonnades. The complex is considered to have significant religious importance. At the same time, Karnak was a major center for political and social activity.
Valley of the Kings - Egypt's famous pharaohs' tombs
One of Egypt's most important archaeological sites is the Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of Luxor. This necropolis was once the final resting place of many famous pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. The elaborately designed tombs with their magnificent wall paintings reflect the religious symbolism of ancient Egypt.
Your guide will show you the three most beautiful of the 64 tombs excavated so far in the Valley of the Kings. Optionally, you can visit the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Tickets for these can only be purchased on site.
Hatshepsut Temple
Also known as Deir el-Bahari, the Temple of Hatshepsut is an architectural masterpiece. Built during the 18th Dynasty for the powerful Queen Hatshepsut, the temple symbolized her extraordinary reign. Let yourself be captivated by this unique temple and its exceptional architecture.
Memnon Colossi
The Colossi of Memnon are two imposing statues that were once part of a temple dedicated to the sun god Amun-Re and depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Built more than 3,000 years ago, they are a testament to the impressive architecture of the ancient Egyptians.
Boat trip on the Nile
Your Luxor tour concludes with a relaxing boat trip on the Nile. Enjoy a completely new and beautiful perspective of Luxor as you glide gently across the water. Breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sun while experiencing the unique beauty of the Nile.
The afternoon and the evening
After today's program concludes, you will travel through the Nile Valley. Here you can observe the local people going about their daily lives. The journey continues through the desert to Hurghada, where you will check into your reserved 5-star hotel. Enjoy your beach holiday.
Day 8: Beach stay
Let yourself unwind and be pampered by the hotel staff.
We also offer an optional excursion program to ensure you won't get bored.Please find more information on our homepage.
Day 9: Beach stay
Today, too, let yourself unwind and be pampered by the hotel staff.
Day 10: Departure
Your tour guide will take you to the airport in time for check-in for your flight to Cairo. He will say goodbye to you, as your 10-day tour is now coming to an end.
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