10 Days of Exploration: Egypt Uncovered

Upon your arrival at Cairo international Airport, you'll meet your Tour Manager, and get your Egypt Entry visa
Private Transfer to your booked hotel

Overnight at 5* hotel in Cairo
Meals Included: None
Optional Excursion: Pyramids Sound & Light Show

For many, the second day of this remarkable journey through Egypt is the highlight they've anticipated.
You'll get to explore the colossal Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the mystifying Saqqara Necropolis. You'll get an Egyptologist guide for these attractions as there is so much to learn!

• Saqqara Necropolis

The first stop is the Saqqara Necropolis, the site where you will find the oldest Egyptian Pyramid– the Pyramid of Djoser, or the Step Pyramid.
This was constructed as early as 2667 to 2648 BCE, more than 100 years before the Great Pyramid. This is a great place to learn a lot about Egyptian history from the Old Kingdom and explore the ancient tombs, mastabas, pyramids, and temples in this old necropolis of ancient Memphis.

• The Great Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza are by far the most impressive monuments ever constructed. You can spend hours here exploring these ancient marvels.
The main pyramids on the Giza Plateau are the Great Pyramid (Khufu Pyramid), Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure (along with the three adjacent Queen Pyramids).
While there are plenty more monuments that will blow you away, for most, the Great Pyramids of Giza will be the highlight of this 10-days of Exploration- Egypt Uncovered.
Enjoy the moment!

• The Great Sphinx of Giza

The iconic Great Sphinx marks the culmination of attractions at Giza. A short drive from the Great Pyramids, it stands as an essential sight for anyone visiting Egypt. Beyond its grandeur, the Sphinx boasts a temple complex at its base, constructed from massive limestone blocks hewn directly from the bedrock that cradles the Sphinx itself.

Sleeper Train to Aswan

After finishing your Tour you'll proceed to the Train station to get your cabin on the Sleeper Train heading to Luxor, the trip includes Dinner and Breakfast

• Optional Excursion: Entrance inside the Pyramids
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Arriving Aswan will be in the morning, as day three promises a full day of discovering ancient monuments. Aswan offers a multitude of activities, and this itinerary encompasses most of the top highlights and attractions.

• Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk stands as a colossal 1,000-ton piece of granite within an ancient quarry near Aswan. Although it remains incomplete, had it been finished, this monumental obelisk would have stood as the world's tallest and most massive. Now, it provides a glimpse into the methods the ancient Egyptians used to sculpt such immense granite structures.

• Philae Temple

Next on the itinerary is the Philae Temple, a splendid edifice devoted to the deities Isis, Osiris, and Horus. Constructed predominantly around 280 BCE during the Ptolemaic period under Ptolemy II's rule, it's astonishing to realize that this temple was erected a full 2000 years subsequent to the construction of the Great Pyramids. The Philae Temple is perched on Agilika Island, necessitating a brief motor-boat journey for access. The site offers a wealth of features to discover, from its expansive columned halls to the assortment of smaller temples honoring a variety of gods.

Enjoy an early morning transfer in a private, comfortable vehicle to Abu Simbel with a knowledgeable guide. This full-day private tour provides an intimate look into ancient Egyptian history. Be awed by the grandeur of the two colossal rock temples at Abu Simbel, which serve as enduring monuments to Pharaoh Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites, situated near the Sudanese border, represent not only architectural feats but also the global efforts to preserve them during the Aswan High Dam's construction. Explore the Great Temple of Ramses II and proceed to the temple dedicated to his cherished queen, Nefertari.

At the conclusion of your visit, you will be back to your hotel in Aswan. 

 (Nile River)

In the morning, you'll visit the Nubian Museum and the Aswan Museum to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ancient Nubian civilization that flourished on their land at the far southern border between Egypt and Sudan.

In the afternoon, embark on an excursion aboard a traditional sailboat, a Felucca. Many boats make a stop at Elephantine Island, and for added excitement, you can visit a Nubian village. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the daily life of the Nubian people firsthand.

The sixth day of this 10-day Egyptian itinerary entails a land trip from Aswan to Luxor.

En route, two monumental sites not to be missed are the Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus) and the Kom Ombo Temple.

• Kom Ombo Temple & The Crocodile Mummy Museum

The Kom Ombo Temple stands out as one of Egypt's most distinctive temples and is a must-visit on the Luxor-Aswan route.

This "double" temple is divided to venerate two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder), the falcon god.

Beyond the impressive sanctuaries, courts, and halls, the temple's highlight is the ancient Egyptian calendar inscribed on a wall. Additionally, at the temple's base lies the recently inaugurated Crocodile Mummy Museum.

• Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus)

The Edfu Temple, another exquisite Ptolemaic structure, is devoted to Horus, one of Ancient Egypt's paramount deities.

This temple complex captivates with its preservation, featuring a vast courtyard and an ornate columned hall adorned with intricate hieroglyphs and carvings.

Early Evening arrival at your hotel in Luxor

Dinner and overnight in Luxor

Luxor, the ancient Egyptian capital known as Thebes, is a city rich in history.

For a comprehensive experience, it's advisable to divide your visit between the east and west banks of the Nile over two days.

Karnak Temple Complex

The Karnak Temple, a monumental complex, stands as one of the world's largest and most important religious sites. Spanning over 250,000 square meters (2.69 million square feet), its construction dates back to 2000 BCE.

A visit to this historic marvel to appreciate its grand columns, intricate carvings, and vivid colors. The site also boasts the tallest obelisk in Egypt, a 343-tonne pink granite monolith erected by Queen Hatshepsut, soaring to a height of 28 meters.

Avenue of the Sphinxes

The ancient road known as the Road of the Rams or Avenue of the Sphinxes, which connects the Karnak Temple with the Luxor Temple, was reopened in November 2021. This 3,400-year-old, 2.7-kilometer (1.7-mile) path is adorned with numerous ram and human-headed sphinx statues.

Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple, another architectural wonder dating back to around 1400 BCE, is believed to have been the site for the coronation of new Pharaohs, making it a pivotal religious site in ancient Thebes.

Though smaller than the Karnak Temple, the Luxor Temple is a must-see, especially recommended for an evening or late afternoon visit to enjoy its exceptional illumination.

Overnight at Hotel in Luxor

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the land to the west is known as the Duat. It is here that the sun god Ra journeys each night to battle Apep, ensuring the sun rises again each morning, bringing life back to Earth.

The Duat also serves as the realm where souls journey after death for judgment. Consequently, the ancient Egyptians established their burial grounds west of the River Nile.

After a Seven-day sojourn in Egypt, it's time to explore Luxor's west bank, home to the unparalleled Valley of the Kings.
Optional: Luxor is among the premier locations worldwide for hot air ballooning. Popular and economical sunrise excursions are available every morning from the west bank, offering breathtaking views of the Valley of the Kings and the sunrise over the Nile River.
Valley Of The Kings
The Valley of the Kings stands as the royal burial site of ancient Thebes. Archaeologists have discovered 63 royal tombs here. Each tomb, carved into the rock, extends deep underground and features elaborately decorated passages, halls, and burial chambers.

A visit to the Valley of the Kings is essential for any Egypt itinerary. Presently, about eleven tombs are accessible to visitors. The most renowned is that of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun, whose mummy remains in his tomb.
Be sure not to overlook the Colossi of Memnon en route to the Valley of the Kings. These two colossal statues represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III and are each hewn from a single stone block, weighing as much as 650 tones.
Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Adjacent to the Valley of the Kings lies the grand Mortuary Temple dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut.

This magnificent temple showcases exquisite examples of colored hieroglyphs, depicting vibrant scenes of Queen Hatshepsut's commercial exploits. The depictions of ships returning with a bounty of goods from distant lands, including African wildlife and rare plants, are particularly striking.
After exploring the monuments of West Thebes, you will head to the train station to board the Sleeper Train for an overnight journey from Luxor to Cairo.

In the morning, you will arrive at Giza Train Station and meet your private tour guide in Cairo to begin visiting the city's landmarks.

The final day of travel in Egypt brings you back to Cairo for one more day of discovery!

This time, the focus is on the city's highlights, exploring the vibrant melting pot of cultures that have shaped this wondrous city for millennia.

Egyptian Museum (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities)

Saving the Egyptian Museum for last is an excellent way to appreciate the history and the incredible monuments and treasures it holds. By now, you'll have a profound understanding of ancient Egyptian history, having visited some of its most significant sites.

As the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, it contains some of Egypt's most precious ancient artifacts. A standout for me was the King Tutankhamun exhibit, showcasing the young king's renowned golden headdress and sarcophagus.

Tip: A new museum is under construction in Egypt—the Grand Egyptian Museum, also known as the Giza Museum, set to open in 2025. Once open, it will be the largest archaeological museum in the world and is a must-see addition to any itinerary.

Coptic Cairo & The Hanging Church

Coptic Cairo, part of Old Cairo, is home to several churches and historic sites, including the Babylon Fortress, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George, and the Coptic Museum.

During our tour with Ninfea Travel, we explored the remarkable Hanging Church, one of Egypt's oldest churches. It is built atop a bastion of the 4th-century Babylon Fortress, which is the origin of its name.

Mohammad Ali Mosque

If you've looked over Cairo's skyline, you've likely noticed the striking Mohammad Ali Mosque. This mosque, the largest of the Ottoman style in Egypt, boasts stunning minarets and exquisitely adorned walls and domes.

From the mosque's exterior, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Cairo's landscape.

Overnight at Hotel in Cairo

Today marks your farewell to Egypt.

Our driver will collect you from the hotel at an appropriate time to ensure a private transfer to Cairo Airport.

You will then be on your way to your next destination or return home.