Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt on this 8-day small group classic tour, designed to immerse you in the rich history, iconic landmarks, and timeless beauty of this ancient civilization. Explore the bustling streets of Cairo, visiting the Pyramids, Sphinx, and the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, and uncover the treasures of the Egyptian Museum. Journey to Luxor, where you'll set sail on a 4-night 5-star Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, exploring ancient temples like Edfu, Komombo, and the serene island temple of Philae. Experience rural Nile life aboard a traditional felucca sailboat and marvel at Aswan’s peaceful beauty. Return to Cairo to explore the Egyptian Museum and discover Tutankhamun’s treasures. Enjoy 5-star accommodations throughout for the perfect mix of luxury and history on this unforgettable Egypt trip.
Highlights
Visit the iconic Great Pyramids and the legendary Sphinx in Giza
Explore Memphis, Saqqara, and the Step Pyramid, Egypt’s ancient wonders
Tour the Valley of the Kings and see the Pharaonic tombs
See the well-preserved Edfu Temple, dedicated to the god Horus
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Upon arrival, a staff meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Once you settle in, you are introduced to the local area and go over the plans for the next day. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own.
The Egypt tour begins with a visit to the Giza Plateau, where you'll see the world-famous Great Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Explore the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx that guards them, then head to Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, to see the statue of Ramses II. After that, visit Sakkara to view the Step Pyramid.
This morning head to Cairo airport for an early flight to Luxor. The tour of the West Bank of the Nile begins with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, followed by an exploration of the ancient Pharaonic tombs in the famous Valley of the Kings. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and admire the colorful hieroglyphics at Medinet Habu Temple before heading back to Luxor. The afternoon is yours to relax on your 5-star Nile cruise boat or explore Luxor’s markets. In the evening, take a walking tour of the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple.
Today, you have the opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank of the Nile. After breakfast, visit the massive Karnak Temple complex, known for its towering columns, temples, and structures, earning Luxor its title as the world’s largest open-air museum. In the afternoon, the boat begins sailing up the Nile, passing through the Esna lock, and continues to Edfu, where you spend the night.
Please note: Nile cruise itineraries may be slightly adjusted along the way.
After breakfast, visit the nearby Edfu Temple, dedicated to the god Horus. Then sail upriver toward Kom Ombo, enjoying views of traditional rural Egyptian life along the Nile's banks. You can relax and take a dip in the plunge pool on the boat's sun deck. At Kom Ombo, explore the temple, which sits beautifully by the river and houses mummified crocodiles, among other fascinating artifacts. The cruise continues to Aswan.
Day 6: Aswan | Optional Abu Simbel | Philae Temple | Aswan Dam
This morning, you have the option to visit the impressive temples built by Ramses II at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel (for an additional cost, talk to your Adventure Life Trip Planner for more details). Head out early to catch the sunrise over the temples. If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel, the morning is free for you to relax.
In Aswan, the tours include a visit to the beautiful Philae Temple complex, located on an island and accessible by boat. The temple is one of Egypt's most picturesque sites and was completely relocated during the construction of the Dam. You can also visit the impressive Aswan High Dam, which was built to create Lake Nasser.
In the morning, transfer to Aswan airport for a flight back to Cairo. The Cairo tour begins with a visit to the world-famous Egyptian Museum, home to countless ancient treasures. With a certified Egyptologist as your guide, you'll explore the museum's exhibits that showcase each period of Egypt’s history. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you wish, or you can choose an optional half-day tour to explore Coptic Cairo’s old churches and synagogues, visit the Citadel with its city views, and wander through the narrow streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar (for additional cost). In the evening, you can opt for a dinner cruise on the Nile.
Day 8: Cairo | Departure Transfer to the Airport
1 Breakfast
Today, you have free time until the transfer to the airport for your departure flight. You can also extend your tour with options like relaxing by the Red Sea, taking day trips to Alexandria, or visiting the World Heritage Site of Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales.
If our scheduled departure dates don't fit your plans or you prefer a private experience, we can arrange this tour exclusively for you. Contact us for more details and pricing.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
2 days ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
2 days ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
Brooke Hopper
3 days ago
Excellent service, great hotels and well organized excursions with expert guides! Highly recommended!
Shadi Dalili
4 days ago
Clara Tort has been our Travel Advisor for Buenos Aires, then for Iguazu, then for Mendoza and Aconcagua Trekking, and then for Patagonia and Fitz Roy trekking. She has navigated with us through our travels, and now we are coming back for more- onto Machu Pichu and Peru.
