Classic Egypt in 8 days

Overview

Cairo, Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then a four-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. The trip most first-time visitors should take.

1. Day 1Arrive in Cairo+

   Your greeter meets you inside the terminal with your name, walks you through visa and passport control and waits with you at the baggage belt. Your driver takes you to your hotel, and your coordinator messages you on WhatsApp so you have one number for the whole trip. The rest of the day is yours.

2. Day 2The Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum+

   An early start at Giza, before the heat and the coaches: the Great Pyramid, the panorama point and the Sphinx with your Egyptologist. After lunch, the Grand Egyptian Museum next door, including the Tutankhamun galleries and the Grand Staircase. Your guide paces the museum to your interests rather than walking every hall.

3. Day 3Fly to Luxor and board your Nile cruise+

   A morning flight to Luxor, where your driver takes you straight to the ship. In the afternoon, Karnak Temple and its forest of columns in the Hypostyle Hall, then Luxor Temple as the lights come on.

4. Day 4Luxor West Bank, then sail south+

   An early crossing to the Valley of the Kings, the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Back on board for lunch as the ship sails towards Esna lock.

5. Day 5Edfu and Kom Ombo+

   The Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt, in the morning. In the late afternoon the ship moors at Kom Ombo, a double temple to Sobek and Haroeris on a bend of the river.

6. Day 6Aswan: Philae and the High Dam+

   A short boat ride to the Temple of Isis on Philae, moved stone by stone to save it from the rising water. The afternoon is free for a felucca sail around Elephantine Island.

7. Day 7Optional Abu Simbel, then fly to Cairo+

   Disembark after breakfast. Guests who add Abu Simbel leave before dawn and return by midday. An afternoon flight takes you back to Cairo for a last night near the airport or in the city.

8. Day 8Departure+

   Your driver collects you at a time set around your flight, and your greeter walks you through check-in and security. Your coordinator stays on WhatsApp until you are airside.

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