12-Days Luxury Experience Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Hurghada

The Great Pyramids of Giza are not only Egypt's most famous symbol but also one of the most remarkable stories in the world of history that everyone needs to experience when in Cairo. Giza is the site of the last remaining ancient Seven Wonders of the World, which your private guide, driver, and an expert Egyptologist will take you to see. Be amazed by the arbitrary pairs of gigantic pyramids and the Sphinx, whose powerful image has caught the interest of people like Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte, the very strong statue that has no equals internationally. The Sphinx is a timeless creation as it now undergoes change with the remorseless desert winds.

The enigmas of the Pyramids have been ones that people have been intrigued by for hundreds of years. Discover, among others, the Pyramid of Chephren, also known as the Pyramid of Khafre, the second-largest of the pyramids. As it is constructed on a higher base of rock, it gives the impression of being more enormous than the Great Pyramid of Khufu and provides a different angle from which to see an ancient wonder.

Have a great lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge, where a breathtaking view of the pyramids and the desert is part of the package. Being seated on the historic cushions and carpets will make the experience of eating delicious Egyptian food even more enjoyable.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at one of the renowned restaurants at Marriott Mena House, where you can enjoy exquisite dishes while taking in the stunning views of the Pyramids.

Start your trip with a personal transfer from the airport, and an English-speaking guide will be with you. Take a direct flight from Cairo to Aswan that lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.Please be aware of the luggage limitations for this regional flight Economy Class allows for one checked bag weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg), while Business Class permits a maximum of 70 lbs (32 kg). The checked baggage must not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) in size Guests are permitted to carry one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 17 lbs (8 kg). Business Class passengers can bring two pieces of carry on luggage. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. Then embark on a peaceful Nile cruise aboard a traditional felucca boat. Sailing by the picturesque El Nabatat Island (also known as Kitchener’s Island), you will visit this green Aswan Botanical Island planted with trees from five continents and then go pay respect at the Mausoleum of Aga Khan, the tomb of Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah. Complete your sightseeing with the sail back to Aswan.

Start your journey in Aswan with a private transfer from the port. One of the main attractions is the Aswan High Dam, which was regarded as an extraordinary engineering marvel at that time. The dam was meant to guard Egypt against droughts in the low-water seasons and floods in the high-water periods, besides enhancing the irrigation of agriculture. With your private guide, invest half a day in exploring Aswan and understanding the dam's historical and social impact.

Its construction led to the relocation of more than 100,000 Nubian people in both Egypt and Sudan and triggered a large-scale effort to save ancient monuments through the UNESCO Nubia Campaign. Famous sites such as the Abu Simbel temples and Philae were relocated, while others were submerged beneath Lake Nasser, the largest man-made lake in the world.

Your trip will take you next to Philae Temple, which was now so nice located by the goddess Isis on Agilkia Island. You will also see the Unfinished Obelisk the largest obelisk ever attempted The journey also includes a stop at the ancient granite quarries. This site gives you a peek into the working of the stones in the ancient times, as the marks left by the tools can still be seen on the rock making it easy to understand how the craftsmen had crafted these huge structures.

Leave your Nile cruise and take a walk with your private guide to the Temple of Kom Ombo. This temple is rare since it was initially constructed for two deities simultaneously. One part of the temple is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god who was symbolized by strength and protection. The other part is for Haroeris, a form of Horus the Elder, the sun god. The whole temple is nearly symmetrically, with corresponding halls, courts, and paths on either side. The temple, which was built about 180 years Before Christ during the Ptolemaic period and later modified by the Romans, is situated right on the Nile between Edfu and Aswan.The Sobek side venerates Sobek-Re along with his consort (a form of Hathor) and their son Khonsu-Hor. Because crocodiles were feared along the Nile, ancient Egyptians believed worshipping Sobek would protect them from danger. The opposing side honors Haroeris, known as the Good Doctor, together with his companion Ta-Sent-Nefer, the Good Sister, another manifestation of Hathor. Disembark from your cruise and meet your private guide to explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt’s most remarkable ancient monuments. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship and protection, the temple was built between 230 and 57 BC under Ptolemy III and later rulers. Thanks to its relatively late construction, it remains the best-preserved temple in Egypt. The temple is good example of the pharaonic architectural styles that were prevailed by that time. Its inscriptions have been the main source of information for the temple construction and rituals. In 391 AD the Roman Empire's policy against non-Christian religions resulted in the closing of this temple as a religious center. At present, the Temple of Edfu is ranked second only to Karnak in size among the temples in Egypt and also regarded as one of the greatest instances of the ancient sacred architecture.

On a private guided tour, visit the west bank of Luxor. Your visit will include the Tombs of the Nobles, the magnificent Medinet Habu Temple, and Deir El Madina, a truly unique ancient village which was once home to the craftsmen who built and decorated the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings.Luxor is frequently referred to as the largest open-air museum in the world, and two of its stunning attractions Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are located along the East Bank. Entering through the famous Avenue of Sphinxes, your instructed Egyptologist will accompany you during the complete and remarkable experience of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and during this, you will gain a greater insight into the fascinating and lengthy history of ancient Egypt. Start with the gigantic Karnak Temple complex and see the enormous highest sandstone columns, the detailed reliefs, and the monumental structures that have their stones transported from great distances along the Nile. Your instructor will let you in on the secrets of the amazing engineering which made the construction of this gigantic site possible.Continue onward to Luxor Temple, which was originally connected to Karnak by a 1.25-mile-long Avenue of Sphinxes, part of which still forms the temple’s entrance today. Built around 1400 BC, Luxor Temple was dedicated to the renewal of royal power rather than funerary worship. In later centuries, during the Roman period, the temple complex was adapted for military use and served as a Roman administrative center in the region.

A private transfer from the port is arranged for your comfort.Discover some of Egypt’s most remarkable ancient landmarks on a half-day private tour of Luxor’s West Bank, accompanied by your personal guide and driver. This historic area is home to the legendary burial grounds of Egypt’s royal families. You start your journey in the Valley of the Kings, exploring the world infamous Tomb of Tutankhamun, in addition to two other royal tombs. Tutankhamun became king at a very young age, and his tomb, discovered in 1922, gained immense attention. For about five centuries, from the 16th to the 11th century BC, this valley served as the burial ground of New Kingdom Pharaohs and High-Ranking nobles.Continue to the impressive mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful rulers and the second woman confirmed to have ruled as Pharaoh. Celebrated for her long and prosperous reign, she is remembered as one of the most accomplished leaders in Egyptian history. The journey then proceeds to the Valley of the Queens, where the wives and family members of pharaohs from the 18th to the 20th Dynasties were laid to rest. Conclude your West Bank exploration with a stop at the Colossi of Memnon, the last standing statues from the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.The Tomb of Queen Nefertari is considered one of the finest and best-preserved tombs in Luxor and is often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt.” Discovered in the early 20th century, it was closed for many years to protect its artwork and underwent extensive restoration. Nefertari, the beloved wife of Ramses II, is honored through vivid wall paintings that offer extraordinary insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. This evening, enjoy dinner at the historic 1886 Restaurant at the Winter Palace. Under the direction of Chef Ménad Berkani, the restaurant presents refined French cuisine in an elegant setting. Dine by candlelight amid ornate décor while soft guitar music enhances the atmosphere. Formal attire is required: jacket and tie for gentlemen, and smart attire for ladies.

A private transfer from Luxor to Hurghada, taking nearly four and a half hours, will be arranged for you. In the afternoon, it is your choice to either stay at the hotel and relax or take a leisurely stroll around the place.

Relax in the serene and classy aura of Hurghada, and appreciate the beautiful underwater creatures in the Red Sea’s lucent waters. Resort to numerous optional activities offered at your resort (extra charges apply, payable directly at the hotel), including thrilling boat rides, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and even canoeing for exploring the sea.
 

A private transfer will be arranged between the airport and your hotel for your convenience.Catch a flight from Hurghada to Cairo, with a flight time of About one hour. Upon arrival, you will have an airport private transfer, and an English-speaking guide attending. Board your very own oriental felucca for an exceptional dining experience. As you sail down the majestic River Nile, enjoy the breathtaking sights of Cairo's vibrant cultural history. Once you arrive at the pier, get onto your boat and get ready for a magical night on the water. The waiter will bring you a 3-course dinner, which is very tasty, while you look at the sparkling skyline of Cairo at night. The great hotels, bridges with lights, and the river have made this event wonderful with a romantic setting. Indulge in the fabulous food, partake in the onboard entertainment, and allow Cairo's sights and sounds to mesmerize you. At the end of the cruise, you will be taken back to your hotel for a relaxing return.

With an expert Egyptologist guide, delve into the captivating past of Egypt on a private tour. Begin your morning at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities that boasts an impressive collection of over 120,000 items unearthed from Ancient Egypt, displayed in both the galleries and the storage rooms. Subsequently, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, occupying a prime location by the picturesque Ain El-Seera Lake on the archaeological site of El-Fustat where the first capital of Egypt was located, will be your next stop. The museum spans the period of Egyptian history from the time of the Pharaohs to modern-day through both, its permanent and temporary exhibitions, which indeed facilitates comprehension of the country’s culture and heritage. The Royal Mummy Hall, where some of the most famous rulers of Egypt rest, will be one of the places you visit. They were moved from their tombs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens.

During lunch, take a break and include a soft drink, tea, or coffee. Afterwards, the bustling Khan Khalili Bazaar will be your next destination for an evening full of shopping, dining, and fun. Your guide will take you down Al-Moaz Street, where you will experience the vibrant area through its sights, sounds, and smells, and at the same time, see the numerous medieval Islamic buildings. Your day will end with a dinner at the Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, which is one of the most famous and best restaurants in Cairo, located right in the middle of the bazaar. A private car will take you back to your hotel after dinner.

Traveling to or from the airport was no problem if a private car was at your service with a guide who spoke English to assist you.