Grand Egypt in 14 days

Overview

The complete country at an unhurried pace: Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Abu Simbel, a Nile cruise to Luxor, and four nights on the Red Sea.

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 3Saqqara, Dahshur and Old Cairo+

   The Step Pyramid at Saqqara and the Bent and Red Pyramids at Dahshur, usually with very few other visitors. Late afternoon in the Citadel and Khan el-Khalili.

4. Day 4Alexandria+

   A private drive to the Mediterranean: the catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, the Qaitbay Citadel on the site of the ancient lighthouse and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Fish lunch by the harbour, back to Cairo in the evening.

5. Day 5Fly to Aswan+

   A morning flight south. Afternoon at the Temple of Isis on Philae, and the evening on the terrace of your hotel above the first cataract.

6. Day 6Abu Simbel, then board your cruise+

   An early start for the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari at Abu Simbel, by road or by a short flight. Back in Aswan in the afternoon to board your ship.

7. Day 7Kom Ombo and Edfu+

   The riverside temple at Kom Ombo, then the Temple of Horus at Edfu as the ship sails north.

8. Day 8Esna and Luxor+

   Through the Esna lock to Luxor. Karnak in the afternoon light.

9. Day 9Luxor West Bank+

   Disembark and cross to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and Medinet Habu. One night in a Luxor hotel on the river.

10. Day 10Drive to the Red Sea+

    A private drive of about four hours to your beach hotel, with the afternoon free.

11. Day 11Red Sea+

    A free day by the sea.

12. Day 12Red Sea: Giftun Island by boat+

    A private or small-group boat to the reefs around Giftun Island for snorkelling, with lunch on board.

13. Day 13Red Sea+

    A last free day.

14. Day 14Departure+

    Transfer to Hurghada airport with assistance at check-in, or a short flight to Cairo to connect.

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