Spend a magical night aboard a traditional felucca, drifting past vibrant villages and ancient temples by day and stargazing by night in Egypt. Marvel at Cairo’s iconic landmarks, including the mysterious Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and maybe even learn to write your name in hieroglyphics!
Overview & Info
This Essential Egypt 9-day tour package combines the classic highlights of Cairo, Aswan and Luxor with a couple of adventures you won’t find on a typical group tour — an overnight felucca sailing trip under the stars, and a Nile kayaking excursion among them.
You’ll marvel at Cairo’s iconic landmarks, including the mysterious Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza — one of the Seven Wonders of the World — before heading south to explore the Valley of the Kings with a guided tour of three royal tombs. Browse the bustling Aswan bazaar, experience Nubian hospitality, and wander Luxor’s open-air museum at your own pace with expert tips from your local leader.
Itinerary
Arrive in Cairo and, Your journey officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where your trip guide will go over all the essentials.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included: Non
Optional Activities:
- Saqqara and Memphis
- The Citadel
After breakfast, set out for one of the highlights of any Egypt adventure: the Great Pyramids of Giza – one of the ancient Wonders of the World – and the mysterious Sphinx, whose missing nose continues to intrigue visitors. Built by Pharaoh Khufu over 4,500 years ago, the Great Pyramid rises 146 meters and was constructed from 2.3 million stone blocks weighing around 2.5 tonnes each. Snap incredible photos, marvel at the scale, or simply take it all in from a distance with the Cairo skyline behind you.
Later, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the Egyptian Museum to see one of the world’s greatest collections of ancient artefacts or visit the Valley Temple of King Khafre. As the day winds down, board your overnight sleeper train to Aswan, where you’ll rest for the night surrounded by the rhythms of the railway.
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities:
- Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Optional Activities:
- The Great Pyramid of Cheops – EGP1500
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilization & Royal Mummy Room
- Grand Egyptian Museum
Special Notes:
The overnight train cabins are air-conditioned with all bedding provided. Toilets are Western-style, but extra toilet paper is recommended. Dinner and breakfast are included, though vegetarian travellers may wish to bring additional food. On rare occasions, you may share a cabin with a traveller of the same gender who is not part of your group. The journey lasts approximately 14 hours.
Start your day exploring the vibrant Aswan bazaar with your leader. Wander through the colorful stalls as merchants greet you with friendly shouts of “Welcome!” and invite you to sample local goods.
In the afternoon, take to the Nile for a kayaking adventure. Glide along the historic river, seeing the sights from a unique waterside perspective while soaking in the warm sun and timeless landscapes. Later, consider an optional evening excursion to a nearby Nubian village, where you can enjoy a traditional dinner with a local family and experience the rhythms of daily life in this charming community.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Included Activities:
- Orientation walk and bazaar visit in Aswan
- Kayaking on the Nile
Optional Activities:
- Philae Temple
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
- Philae Temple Sound & Light Show
- Philae Temple, High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk Tour
Enjoy a free morning in Aswan at your own pace. For those up for an early start, an optional trip to Abu Simbel is a must. Carved directly into a massive cliff, this monumental temple was built in honor of Pharaoh Ramses II and is a true marvel of ancient engineering. The most budget-friendly way to get there is by sharing a minivan with fellow travellers, a 3-hour drive each way, giving you plenty of time to explore the temple’s grand halls and colossal statues.
Return to Aswan in the afternoon for a free evening to enjoy the city at your leisure. Discover local dining spots, try classic Egyptian dishes like ful wa ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel) served with fresh pita and salad, and don’t forget to sip some refreshing mint tea as the sun sets over the Nile.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Optional Activities:
- Abu Simbel Tour by road
- Abu Simbel Tour by air
- Nubian Museum
Take a morning to unwind and soak up the peaceful vibes of Aswan before boarding your traditional felucca – a charming, open-air wooden sailing boat – for an overnight journey along the Nile. As you glide past riverside villages and sunlit scenery, choose to relax with a good book, play cards with your group, or simply watch the Nile drift by.
As night falls, the felucca transforms into a magical floating campsite. Share dinner and music on deck, and maybe even join in a little starlit beach party if the mood strikes. Drift off to sleep under the open sky, feeling the gentle sway of the boat and breathing in the warm river breeze. With no walls to block your view, the blanket of constellations above is your ceiling.
Accommodation: Overnight Felucca (1 night)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities:
- Overnight felucca sailing trip
- Dinner and music on the felucca
Special Information:
Sleeping on a felucca is a truly immersive experience in Egyptian and Nubian life. You’ll share a large mattress with your fellow travellers – blankets are provided, but a sleep sheet is recommended. A toilet is available on board and mosquito nets help keep the bugs away, though bringing insect repellent is a good idea.
After disembarking your felucca, refresh with a long, hot shower at your hotel before heading off to explore some of Egypt’s iconic temples. En route, you may choose to stop at the Temple of Edfu, where detailed inscriptions reveal fascinating insights into life during the Hellenistic period.
Continue your journey to Luxor, often called the world’s greatest open-air museum. Wander at your own pace through Karnak Temple – a sprawling complex of pylons, obelisks, and statues that has stood for over 3,000 years. Don’t miss the legendary granite scarab west of the Sacred Lake; legend says that circling it seven times brings you closer to your soulmate. After a day of history, unwind tonight with some local flavors – perhaps fiteer baladi (Egyptian-style pizza) or a juicy shawarma.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Optional Activities:
- Karnak Temple
- Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show
- Kom Ombo Temple, Aswan
- Edfu Temple (entrance fee) – EGP550
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Rise early and make your way to Luxor’s West Bank, where ancient history comes alive. Start with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, exploring three royal tombs filled with intricate hieroglyphics and vibrant wall paintings. For an extra thrill, you can opt to visit the once-lost tomb of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh whose treasures captivated the world.
Next, marvel at the Colossi of Memnon – two towering statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III – and snap your own epic photos.
If your energy allows, round out your West Bank adventure with an optional visit to the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female Pharaohs, and perhaps squeeze in a stop at Luxor Temple. Tonight, board the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo, reflecting on a day steeped in history and legend.
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities:
- Valley of the Kings – entrance to 3 tombs
Optional Activities:
- Hatshepsut Temple
- Tomb of Tutankhamun
- Luxor Temple
- Luxor Museum – EGP400
- Dinner with a local family
- Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings
Upon arrival in Cairo, head to your hotel to freshen up and drop off your bags. Then, take the Metro with your leader to Bab al-Futuh, one of the few remaining gates of the Old City. Wander past historic Islamic monuments as you make your way through the bustling streets and immerse yourself in the lively Khan al-Khalili bazaar, where the vibrant stalls offer everything from spices to souvenirs.
Pause for a drink at El Fishawy, a 240-year-old café famous for its tea, coffee, or refreshing mint lemonade. Tonight, enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner with your travel companions or explore Cairo’s nightlife to celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Included Activities:
- Khan al-Khalili Bazaar visit
Optional Activities:
- Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids
After breakfast, your Egyptian adventure concludes. Check out of your hotel at your leisure and make your way to the airport or continue exploring the wonders of Egypt. If you wish to extend your stay, your booking agent can assist with arranging additional accommodation.
Meals Included: Breakfast
