Egyptian Wonders Pyramids to Red Sea - 10 Days

Welcome to Cairo! Upon your arrival at the airport, we will be ready to transfer you to your hotel. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day of our journey in Cairo, we will embark on a full-day excursion to discover some of Egypt's most iconic landmarks. Our adventure begins with a visit to the famous Pyramids of Cheops, Kefren, and Micerinos. While tickets to enter the pyramids are not included, there will be ample opportunity to marvel at these ancient wonders from the outside. We will then admire the enigmatic Sphinx, an impressive monument carved directly from rock, which has stood the test of time. Our next stop is the Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of ancient artefacts, including the invaluable treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb. Lunch is provided during our outing.

In the afternoon, we will explore the Citadel of Saladin, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city, and the magnificent Alabaster Mosque, known for its stunning architecture. Our day continues with a stroll through the Coptic neighbourhood, where you will visit the Hanging Church, a remarkable structure built atop a Roman fortress. Throughout the day, you'll immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Cairo, understanding why it is a cornerstone of ancient civilisation. This day promises to be a remarkable dive into Egypt's legacy, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

On the third day of our journey, we begin with an early morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Aswan, with airfare included. Upon arrival, we proceed to embark on our ship, completing the necessary procedures before settling in. In Aswan, we explore the Red Granite Quarry, the site of the famous Unfinished Obelisk. Here, we learn about the ancient Egyptians' ingenious methods for extracting granite blocks. Our next stop is the monumental High Dam, a significant engineering achievement that holds back the waters of the Nile. We then visit the stunning Temple of Philae, devoted to the goddess Isis and situated on a picturesque island accessible only by boat. The day culminates with a delightful sail on a felucca, a traditional fishing boat, offering a charming and authentic experience on the Nile. Meals and accommodation are provided aboard the ship.

On the fourth day of our journey, we sail towards Kom Ombo. In the morning, we explore the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two deities: Sobek and Haroeris. Here you can see the Nilometer, an ancient device used to measure the Nile's water levels, and a display featuring a mummified crocodile. We then set off for Edfu, where upon arrival, we take a charming carriage ride to visit the Temple of Edfu. This temple, devoted to Horus, the falcon god, was once partially buried in silt due to the Nile's floods. Now fully restored, it stands as a stunning example of Ptolemaic architecture in excellent condition. Meals are provided, and our accommodation remains on board.

Today, we continue our journey with a full board on our cruise as we sail towards Luxor, crossing the Esna Lock along the way. This afternoon, when we arrive in Luxor, you will have some leisure time to explore the city at your own pace. Spend the evening on board as we remain docked in Luxor overnight, providing ample opportunity to soak in the beauty of the Nile.

Today, we immerse ourselves in the grandeur of Luxor, one of the world's most impressive ancient cities. Our day begins with a private boat crossing the serene Nile River to the west bank. Here, we explore Deir el-Medina, often referred to as the Valley of the Artisans. This lesser-visited site is where the artisans and builders of the royal tombs lived. We will visit three tombs, adorned with vivid paintings that depict scenes from daily life during that era. Next, we explore the magnificent temple of Medinet Habu, dedicated to Ramses II, known for its well-preserved battle scenes. A stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two grand statues of Amenhotep II, offers a striking photo opportunity.

Our journey continues to the Valley of the Queens, home to the spectacular Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Hatshepsut was one of Egypt's few female pharaohs and left a remarkable legacy. We also visit the renowned Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of famous pharaohs are hidden away. This includes a ride in an electric cart to the entrance, and an optional visit to the tomb of Ramses.

After returning to the east bank, you'll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we explore Karnak, an extraordinary religious complex, featuring the awe-inspiring Temple of Amun-Ra. Our guide will also lead us to the quieter Temple of Khonsu. Our cultural journey continues with a visit to the Luxor Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of artefacts and mummies discovered in the region. As night falls, we enter the Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated, adding a magical touch to our evening. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll in the bustling commercial area (souk) nearby. Note that the sequence of visits may change depending on weather conditions and to avoid crowded sites.

In the morning, enjoy some leisure time in Luxor, perfect for a leisurely stroll, shopping, or further sightseeing around the city. Later, we head to Dendera, a remarkably well-preserved Egyptian complex. Discover its impressive 40,000-square-metre enclosure, protected by sturdy brick walls that rise between eight and ten metres high. The complex is home to the Temple of Hathor, the goddess of love and fertility, which captivates visitors with its vast walls and immense doorways. Following our exploration, we will have an included lunch before continuing our journey towards the Red Sea. The route takes us through desert mountain ranges, offering fascinating landscapes along the way. We�ll reach Hurghada by late afternoon, a prime Egyptian resort city with hotels stretching over nearly 50 kilometres. Enjoy comfortable accommodation on an all-inclusive basis.

Spend a leisurely day in Hurghada, enjoying the hotel's amenities or exploring the local sights at your own pace. You might choose to visit the large aquarium or the Hurghada Museum to learn more about the region's natural and cultural history. After a relaxed morning, we'll enjoy lunch together before embarking on an excursion to discover more of the surrounding area. Our journey takes us to El Gouna, a luxurious resort town just a short drive away. Known for its network of canals and lagoons, El Gouna offers a unique setting where many residences are accessible by yacht. You'll have free time to wander through this exclusive locale. Later, we'll head to the centre of Hurghada, where we'll visit a mosque and then stroll to the marina. This vibrant area is filled with shops and restaurants, offering plenty to see and enjoy. After some leisure time, we'll return to our hotel, where you can unwind with the comforts of all-inclusive accommodation.

Today, we continue following the coastline of the Red Sea to explore some extraordinary sites. Our first stop is the historic Coptic Monastery of St Anthony, renowned as the oldest monastery in Christendom. Founded in the fourth century, the monastery stands at the foot of the Red Sea Mountain, where early monks sought solitude in caves and cliffs. Entering its timeless atmosphere, we explore the walled complex of buildings and adobe houses, with the church of St Anthony sitting atop the Saint's tomb. Here, we can admire splendid Coptic murals dating back to the thirteenth century. A meal is served at a nearby service area to refresh us for our next adventure.

We then journey to El Galala, where modern ambition meets ancient landscapes. Witness Egypt's grand vision in the form of newly constructed cities in the desert. We'll visit an opulent resort beside the sea, complete with a marina and water park. From here, we'll ascend by cable car�the highest in Africa�to reach El Galala, an ingeniously planned new city, home to a substantial university, and initiated in 2015. As the day draws to a close, we proceed to Cairo, arriving by evening.

After enjoying breakfast, we will arrange your transfer to the airport, marking the conclusion of our services. Safe travels and we hope you take with you fond memories of this extraordinary journey.