wonders of egypt

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN CAIRO

Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you’ll be met by yours truly and transferred to our hotel. Settle in, rest, and get ready to begin the journey of a lifetime. For our first group dinner, we'll explore Cairo and try some incredible local cuisine. 

DAY 2 – TRAVEL TO LUXOR

Morning: We catch a short flight to Luxor, once known as Thebes—the ancient capital of the New Kingdom. Our first stop is the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple complex. Spanning over 2,000 years of history, Karnak is the largest religious site ever built. The massive pillars, which are incredibly well preserved, is something you will remember forever. 

Afternoon: We board our beautiful Nile cruise ship. Enjoy a relaxing lunch and some rest as the scenery begins to shift.

Evening: A visit to Luxor Temple, illuminated by golden light and the glow of the setting sun. Unlike most temples, Luxor wasn’t dedicated to a specific god, but rather to the rejuvenation of kingship. It’s a symbolic place to begin our journey.

Dinner on board. Tonight will be our first night on the Nile cruise.

DAY 3 – HOT AIR BALLOON + VALLEY OF THE KINGS

Early Morning: Rise before dawn for an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the West Bank. As the sky opens with first light, you’ll float above the Nile and ancient ruins, a breathtaking perspective that few ever get to witness.

Valley of the Kings: Venture deep into the hills to explore the tombs of pharaohs. This is where the most powerful rulers of ancient Egypt were laid to rest, including Tutankhamun himself. Our Valley of the Kings visit includes 2 additional "exclusive" tombs aside from the standard entry ticket.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: One of the most remarkable women in history, Hatshepsut ruled as pharaoh in a time when women held no such power. Her temple is a striking tribute to her legacy, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

Afternoon: We return to the boat and set sail toward Edfu. Watch the riverbanks pass by from the rooftop pool and bar! 

Dinner on board. Second night on the Nile cruise.

DAY 4 – EDFU & KOM OMBO TEMPLES

Morning: We visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. 

Afternoon: Next, we stop at Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to two gods—Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus the Elder. It's the only temple in Egypt designed for two deities, and it's one of my favorite temples I visited! 

Evening: Arrive in Aswan, a tranquil and colorful city in southern Egypt.

Dinner on board. Third night on the Nile cruise.

DAY 5 – ABU SIMBEL & NUBIAN VILLAGE

Early Morning: Depart for Abu Simbel, the legendary temple of Ramses II. These colossal statues were carved directly into a mountain to show off the pharaoh's power to both gods and enemies. It is one of the most stunning temples on this trip and well worth the drive. 

Afternoon: Return to Aswan for lunch.

Later, we take a private local boat to visit a Nubian village, where we’ll experience warm hospitality, vibrant colors, and a culture that has endured for millennia. You’ll feel the rhythm of life here. 

Evening: Optional visit to the Aswan market for spices, scarves, and souvenirs.

Dinner on board. Fourth and final night on the Nile cruise.

DAY 6 – PHILAE TEMPLE & RETURN TO CAIRO

Morning: Visit the magical Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Located on an island in the Nile and only reachable by boat, this sacred site was also relocated stone by stone after the Aswan High Dam was built. It’s a place of myth, mystery, and devotion.

Afternoon: Fly back to Cairo, and arrive in time to explore a bit more of the city this evening. 

DAY 7 – ALEXANDRIA DAY TRIP

Early Morning: Today we drive north to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria—once home to Cleopatra, ancient scholars, and the fabled Lighthouse of Pharos.

Highlights:

• Roman Amphitheater: A beautifully preserved structure from the Greco-Roman period.

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: A haunting underground labyrinth that blends Roman and Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.

• Library of Alexandria: A modern homage to the greatest library of the ancient world, this architectural marvel holds knowledge, art, and light.

• Qaitbay Citadel: Built on the exact location of the ancient Lighthouse, this fortress offers sweeping sea views and a strong sense of place.

• Lunch: Feast on fresh seafood with Mediterranean views.

Return to Cairo after dinner (expect late return around 9–10pm).

DAY 8 – PYRAMIDS & EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

Today, we visit the icons of Egypt:

• Giza Pyramids + Sphinx: No matter how many times you’ve seen the photos, nothing compares to standing before these ancient wonders. Built over 4,500 years ago, these pyramids are aligned with the stars and continue to baffle scientists and historians.

• Grand Egyptian Museum: Home to treasures beyond imagination, and is now the largest museum in the world.

This day will leave you speechless, humbled, and in awe of human history.

DAY 9 – DEPARTURE DAY

Enjoy one last Egyptian breakfast. Airport transfers will be provided based on your flight times. 

The full experience is $3,500 USD per participant.

Cost includes all domestic airfare, accomodations (both in Cairo and the Nile cruise), all meals from pickup to drop off, entrance fees to ALL temples/archaeological sites, local guide/historian, comfortable private transportation to and from all temples (no crowded buses with other tour groups), museum entry fees in Cairo, and airport transfers.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International airfare, travel insurance, and alcoholic beverages.

Secure your space with a $500 deposit and request a payment plan for the remaining balance. All balances must be paid in full 90 days BEFORE tour start date. Credit cards are accepted for an additional 5% processing fee. All payments made are non-refundable. We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect you in the event of any emergency that leads to a cancellation. Please see the “Travel Insurance” tab on our main menu.