11-Day Off-the-Beaten-Track Egypt Tour

11-Day Off-the-Beaten-Track Egypt Tour

By Ruby Zhao | Updated May. 6, 2023

Mysterious Egypt — In-Depth

From the golden Giza Pyramids, new and old areas in the capital city, to the Nile cruise on a unique boat, and shore excursions to famous temples of ancient gods.

Days

11

Price

US$2,510 p/p

Best For

Discovery-seekers

Best Time

Nov. to Feb.

Tour Highlights

Discover the Oldest Pyramids in Saqqara
1
Discover the Oldest Pyramids in Saqqara

Get off the beaten path to the less touristy pyramids where the Egypt story begins.

Visit the 'New Home' of Royal Mummies
2
Visit the "New Home" of Royal Mummies

Meet and unveil the secrets of the ancient pharaoh mummies in Egypt.

Discover the Exotic Charms and Spiritual Energy of Cairo
3
Discover the Exotic Charms and Spiritual Energy of Cairo

Immerse yourself in the memories of Cairo cherished in the mosques, churches, and local markets.

Take a Dahabiya Boat as the Ancient Royal Family Did
4
Take a Dahabiya Boat as the Ancient Royal Family Did

Experience the "golden boat" of the Nile for a taste of royal family life in ancient times.

Have Fascinating Interactions with Nubian People
5
Have Fascinating Interactions with Nubian People

Join in a Nubian tribal party. Enjoy their singing and dancing with them.

Explore the Exotic Nile on a Felucca
6
Explore the Exotic Nile on a Felucca

Visiting the Nile by felucca (Egypt's traditional wooden sailing boat) is one of the top things to do for those seeking a relaxing and romantic vacation in Egypt.

Recognize Ramesses II in the Temple of Abu Simbel
7
Recognize Ramesses II in the Temple of Abu Simbel

Marvel at the unbelievable techniques used in building the awesome temple.

 
 
 

Itinerary Details

Day 1
Cairo Arrival

Meet your local guide at the airport. A hassle-free transfer to the hotel in a comfortable car awaits you. The rest of the day will be a relaxing break for you to adjust from jet lag.

Day 2
Cairo | In-depth Pyramids Day Trip

Start the day's journey with the oldest pyramid, Saqqara, where the story begins. Located in the capital of ancient Egypt, the remains of the Step Pyramid and other monuments still stand after thousands of years.

Then visit the timeless emblem of ancient Egypt, the Great Pyramids of Giza, which include the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and the famous Sphinx. Be awe-struck by the only wonder of the ancient world left on the planet and immerse yourself in lost legends.

Day 3
Cairo | Museums and Khan el-Khalili

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is probably one of the most famous museums in the world. One of the highlights of this museum is the collection of the relics about Tutankhamun II

Then you will visit the Museum of Egyptian Civilization which is the new home of royal mummies. You can find the answer to anything you want to know about the mysterious mummies here.

At last, stop at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Wandering between the lovely shops displaying a variety of handiworks is like taking a trip back in time to the old Arab days.

Day 4
Cairo | Top Religious Attractions

In the morning, Visit the Hanging Church, named for its unique location above the entrance of the Babylon Fortress in Coptic Cairo, is one of the most beautiful churches in the Middle East.

After lunch, transfer to the Citadel of Saladin, where you can visit the most famous mosque in Egypt or even Africa. As the main part of the citadel, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali is a landmark that is an iconic part of the city.

One of the best experiences at the Citadel is to feast your eyes on the vibrant views of Cairo.

Day 5
Cairo to Luxor | The Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple

Take a morning flight to Luxor. Board the dahabiya boat before lunch. Visit the Karnak Temple Complex in the afternoon. Be impressed by the ancient legends and magnificent architecture of the temples.

Day 6
Nile Cruise | Visit the West Bank

Discover the mystery of the west bank. The highlights of today will be the epic Valley of Kings. You will get a glimpse into the royal family's life in their glory days as you survey the breathtaking underground palaces, amazing paintings, and marvelous pillars.

Listen to the inspiring legend of the first female pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut, as you visit her unique palace. And feel the power of the Colossi of Memnon, who still guard the sacred land until today.

Then sail to Esna. Enjoy tea time on the sun deck .

Day 7
Nile Cruise | Edfu Temple and Al Ramady Island

Cross the Esna Lock at the breakfast time. Visit the Temple of Edfu in the afternoon. It is the second largest and the most intact of Egypt's monuments with two beautiful granite statues of the falcon-headed god Horus flanking the entrance.

You will then sail to Al Ramady Island, where you will disembark for a dinner along with an exclusive Egyptian Rabab a show.

Day 8
Nile Cruise | Kom Ombo Temple and Hor Diab Island

Sail to Kom Ombo. Explore the extraordinary temple of Horus and Sobek. The temple was built symmetrically, with two entrances, two halls, and two sanctuaries dedicated to Horus and the crocodile-headed god, Sobek.

Continue to Hor Diab Island and have the experience of swimming in the purest and cleanest water of the Nile River.

Day 9
Nile Cruise | Visit the Philae Temple and the High Dam

Start your tour with the refreshing views from on top of Aswan High Dam. Next, head to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and fertility.

You can do an optional program in the afternoon to visit a Nubian village.

Day 10
Aswan to Cairo | Abu Simbel Temple

Disembark and Visit the famous Abu Simbel temples which were built by Ramesses II about 3,300 years ago. At the entrance, there are four huge statues that embody the supremacy of the pharaoh. Their huge external rock relief figures are considered iconic.

Fly back to Cairo in the afternoon

Day 11
Cairo Departure

Airport Transfer

Hand-picked Hotels

Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
Fairmont Nile City
Fairmont Nile City
The Marriott Mena House
The Marriott Mena House
Four Seasons Cairo At The First Residence
Four Seasons Cairo At The First Residence
 
 
 

Price Includes

Price from: $2,510 (Tour code: gh-eg-3)

One-to-one consultancy
One-to-one consultancy
Knowledgeable local guides
Knowledgeable local guides
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Hand-picked hotels
Hand-picked hotels
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Transportation as listed
Transportation as listed
A 24/7 helpline while traveling
A 24/7 helpline while traveling

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