Egypt Experience 12 Days

Salaam Aleikum and welcome to Egypt!
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, a representative from Egypt Unlocked By Mo will meet you and arrange your private transfer to your hotel. In the evening, your journey officially begins with an important welcome briefing at 6:00 PM, where you’ll meet your tour guide.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

No meals included today.

Included Experiences

• Complimentary airport pick-up by Egypt Unlocked By Mo

Optional Activities

• Coptic Cairo
• Downtown Cairo Walking Tour
• The Citadel
• Saqqara & Memphis Tour

After breakfast, your journey into ancient history begins with two of the world’s most iconic landmarks — the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Standing for more than 4,500 years, these colossal monuments remain an enduring symbol of Egypt’s power and ingenuity. Wander around the Giza Plateau with your expert guide and learn the stories behind these legendary structures. For an additional fee, you may have the chance to enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu, a remarkable (and narrow!) experience that offers a rare look inside one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Your adventure continues with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, fully opened in November 2025 and celebrated as one of the most significant cultural institutions in the world. Here, you’ll encounter the extraordinary treasures of Tutankhamun, including his dazzling golden funerary mask, intricate jewellery, and beautifully crafted sarcophagi — each piece offering a glimpse into the life, death, and legacy of the young pharaoh.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Experiences

• Pyramids of Giza & the Great Sphinx
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Optional Activities

• Inside the Great Pyramid of Cheops – EGP 1500
• Pyramids Sound & Light Show

Special Notes

• Expect some walking around the Giza complex; summer months can be extremely hot. Bring sun protection, breathable clothing, and plenty of water.
• The interior passages of the pyramids are narrow and warm, so entering is not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia.

This morning, board your private van and journey north to the shimmering Mediterranean coast for a full day exploring Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city and beloved “Bride of the Mediterranean.” Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great and designed by the Greek architect Dinocrates, Alexandria rapidly became a thriving centre of culture, learning, and trade — a legacy still felt in its streets today.

Your first stop is the mysterious Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, the largest Roman burial site in Egypt. Descend 20 metres underground into a labyrinth of chambers originally built as a family tomb and later expanded to accommodate more than 300 bodies. Rich in carvings and cultural fusion, this unique necropolis blends Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles.

Next, visit the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built as a tribute to the ancient Great Library of Alexandria. Designed to hold over eight million books, it stands as one of the most impressive cultural institutions in the Middle East.

End your day with a relaxing stroll along the scenic Corniche, soaking in the sea breeze and exploring the historic Fort Qaitbey, majestically perched at the edge of the Mediterranean.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Experiences

• Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Fort Qaitbey

Special Notes

• Total driving time today is approximately 3 hours.

Begin your morning with a journey to Wadi El Natron to visit one of the monastery and enjoy the peaceful desert landscape before travelling back to Cairo by private van.

In the afternoon, unwind and collect some snacks for the journey ahead. This evening, board your overnight sleeper train to Aswan, where your southern Egyptian adventure will continue.

Accommodation

Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Included Experiences

• Wadi El Natron monastery visit

Special Notes

• Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours.
• The sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan departs around 8 pm and takes approximately 13 hours.
• Cabins are two-berth, air-conditioned, and include bedding. Western-style toilets are available in each carriage.
• Dinner and breakfast are provided onboard, though bringing extra snacks is recommended.

Wake up to views of the Nile as your sleeper train pulls into Aswan around 9 am. Egypt’s southernmost city welcomes you with its relaxed atmosphere, shaped by its strong Nubian heritage, vibrant culture and timeless riverside charm.

Begin your day with a visit to the enchanting Temple of Isis, beautifully relocated to Philae Island after being saved from the rising Nile waters. With its ornate pylons and some of Egypt’s finest ancient carvings, this temple is considered one of Upper Egypt’s true treasures.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.

This evening, immerse yourself in modern Nubian life as you visit a nearby village. Share a memorable home-cooked dinner with a local Nubian family and savour traditional dishes such as okra stew, tagen, and freshly made sanasel bread – a warm and authentic cultural experience.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Included Experiences

• Philae Temple visit
• Nubian Village visit & home-cooked dinner

Optional Activities

• High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk Tour
• Philae Temple Sound & Light Show Tour

Start your morning with a scenic drive from Aswan to the majestic temples of Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most unforgettable ancient wonders. Built by the great Pharaoh Ramses II, this monumental site once marked the southern gateway into Egypt. As you approach the towering façade, you’ll be greeted by four colossal statues of Ramses, carved directly from the mountainside and standing guard over the Great Temple.

Enjoy two full hours to explore both temples, admire the intricate carvings and learn about the extraordinary UNESCO-led relocation project that saved Abu Simbel from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Afterwards, return to Aswan where you’ll board your Nile cruise boat, your floating home for the next stage of your journey. Late in the afternoon, unwind on a peaceful felucca sail on the Nile—a perfect way to take in the river’s timeless beauty before enjoying dinner onboard.

Accommodation

Cruise Boat (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Included Experiences

• Abu Simbel Temples visit
• Felucca Sailing experience

Special Information

• Today involves approximately 6 hours of driving (round trip).
• The cruise boat remains docked in Aswan tonight.
• Nile cruise boats typically accommodate around 150 passengers, with private cabins, air-conditioning and full-board meals (drinks at additional cost).
• Exact cruise boat allocation varies depending on schedules.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Aswan, where you can sip a coffee along the riverfront or wander through the lively local bazaar as the city begins its day. After lunch onboard your Nile cruise, your ship will set sail toward your next ancient treasure: Kom Ombo Temple.

Arriving in the afternoon, you’ll explore this remarkable dual temple, built in the 2nd century BC and famous for its perfectly symmetrical, mirror-image design. One side is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility, while the other honors Haroeris (Horus the Elder), the falcon god. The temple walls are lined with detailed reliefs, including depictions of ancient surgical instruments and medicinal practices—one of the most fascinating carvings in Egypt.

After your visit, return to the cruise boat and continue your journey upriver. Spend the rest of the day unwinding on the sundeck as breathtaking Nile scenes pass you by: golden desert hills, green riverbanks, fishing boats drifting in the breeze and farmers tending their fields.

This evening, enjoy dinner onboard before the ship docks in Edfu.

Accommodation

Cruise Boat (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Included Experience

• Kom Ombo Temple

Special Information

• Your cruise boat will be docked in Edfu tonight.

Wake up this morning moored near Edfu, home to one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. After breakfast on board, your cruise continues toward Luxor, passing through the famous Esna Locks. Watching the ships queue for their turn is a surprisingly captivating experience—enjoy the view from the sundeck with a cool drink as captains call instructions and local merchants paddle up in small boats to sell their goods.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Luxor, often called the world’s greatest open-air museum. Join your leader for an orientation walk to get familiar with the city’s vibrant markets, riverside Corniche and lively local life. This evening, you may choose to visit Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated and even more magical after dark. Return to your cruise boat for dinner and your final night onboard.

Accommodation

Cruise Boat (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Optional Activities

• Luxor Temple

Special Information

• Your cruise boat will be docked in Luxor tonight.
• Visits to Edfu Temple aren’t included due to the use of horse-drawn carriages, which do not meet Egypt Unlocked’s animal welfare guidelines.
• Edfu is an included stop on the cruise schedule. If you decide to walk there (approximately 30 minutes each way along a busy road), please inform your leader.

Your Nile cruise concludes in the open-air museum of Luxor, a city packed with remarkable reminders of the Pharaohs. After breakfast, disembark and drop your luggage at your hotel before setting off with your guide to the spectacular Karnak Temple. Built over nearly 2,000 years, this monumental complex is a true masterpiece, featuring towering pylons, obelisks, chapels, and the famous Avenue of Sphinxes. Explore the Great Temple of Amun and other highlights with your expert guide, who will reveal the fascinating stories behind these iconic structures.

The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Experiences

• Karnak Temple (entrance fee)

Optional Activities

• Luxor Temple
• Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show

Board a private minivan this morning and journey to the heart of ancient Thebes on Luxor’s west bank. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two impressive 17-metre-high statues guarding the approach to the royal necropolis. Continue to the Valley of the Kings, the secret burial ground of over 60 New Kingdom pharaohs. Explore three royal tombs with your expert guide, discovering intricate hieroglyphics and vivid wall paintings that have survived for millennia, and hear the stories behind the pharaohs’ eternal resting places.

Next, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a striking colonnaded structure set against towering cliffs that form a natural amphitheater. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Experiences

• Colossi of Memnon
• Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
• Hatshepsut Temple

Optional Activities

• Medinat Habu Temple
• Deir el-Medina
• Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings

Special Information

• Hot air balloon rides are possible early in the morning (pick up between 4:30–5:00 am) and are subject to weather conditions.
• Balloons carry 16–25 passengers; cameras are not allowed in the basket, but phones are permitted. Payment by card incurs a 3% bank service fee.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and take a short flight back to Cairo. On arrival, join your leader for a journey through the Islamic quarters of the city, exploring the winding backstreets and vibrant alleys of Khan al-Khalili Bazaar. As one of the largest and oldest markets in the world, Khan al-Khalili is a sensory delight: stroll through the gold market, discover exotic spices along ‘Perfume Street’, browse the colorful cloth market, or stop at El Fishawy, a historic cafe operating for over 200 years.

In the evening, celebrate the conclusion of your Egyptian adventure with your fellow travellers over a delicious dinner featuring local specialties such as kebab, kofta, and sheesha.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast & Lunch

Included Experiences

• Khan al-Khalili Bazaar visit

Special Information

• Today’s travel time is approximately 2 hours

Your Egyptian adventure comes to an end today. There are no planned activities, giving you the freedom to depart at your convenience. Please confirm your hotel check-out time with your leader.

If you wish to extend your stay in Cairo, additional accommodation can be arranged subject to availability, allowing you to enjoy a few more days exploring this vibrant city.

Meals Included

Breakfast