Begin your day with a traditional Egyptian breakfast at your hotel before meeting your expert guide. Today's journey takes you to the legendary Giza Plateau, home to one of the world's most famous landmarks. Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza, the sole surviving structure among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These monumental tombs, built for pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, have stood as testaments to ancient Egyptian ingenuity for over 4,500 years.

As you explore the plateau, marvel at the enigmatic Great Sphinx, with its human head and lion's body, standing guard over the ancient necropolis. Visit the Valley Temple, an impressive structure associated with the pyramid complex, where ancient priests performed mummification rituals.

After absorbing the magnificence of Giza, enjoy lunch at an authentic local restaurant where you'll sample traditional Egyptian cuisine in a charming setting. In the afternoon, your journey continues to the ancient necropolis of Sakkara, located about 30 kilometers south of Cairo.
At Sakkara, discover the revolutionary Step Pyramid of Djoser, designed by the legendary architect Imhotep around 2630 BCE. This remarkable structure represents the earliest known pyramid and marks a pivotal development in ancient Egyptian architecture, transitioning from flat-roofed tombs to the iconic pyramid shape. Explore the surrounding complex, including mastaba tombs of nobles and high officials that reveal fascinating aspects of ancient Egyptian society.

As the day concludes, return to your Cairo hotel for an evening at leisure. Reflect on the day's discoveries while relaxing at your accommodation or explore nearby restaurants and shops at your own pace.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, transportation, entrance fees, expert guide
Accommodation: Overnight in Cairo

After breakfast, embark on an exciting visit to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Giza Pyramids. This colossal modern museum houses thousands of artifacts spanning Egypt's rich history, with many items displayed for the first time. While the museum is still preparing for its complete official opening, you'll have access to the impressive Main Galleries, Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, commercial areas, and surrounding gardens.

The museum's crown jewel is undoubtedly the complete collection of treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb, including his famous golden mask and sarcophagi, now displayed together in an unprecedented exhibition. Your expert guide will lead you through selected galleries, providing context and fascinating details about key artifacts that tell the story of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Following this enlightening experience, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant offering authentic Egyptian flavors. In the afternoon, your journey through Egypt's historical treasures continues at the venerable Egyptian Museum in Downtown Cairo, overlooking the historic Tahrir Square.
Though many artifacts have been transferred to the GEM, the Egyptian Museum still houses an impressive collection spanning thousands of years. Explore galleries containing monumental statues, intricate jewelry, everyday objects, and funerary items that provide remarkable insights into ancient Egyptian life, beliefs, and artistic achievements. Your knowledgeable guide will highlight the most significant pieces, bringing history to life through engaging explanations.

As the day concludes, return to your Cairo hotel for an evening at leisure. You might choose to explore the local neighborhood, relax at your accommodation, or perhaps arrange an optional evening activity such as a sound and light show or a Nile dinner cruise (available at additional cost).
Included: Breakfast, lunch, transportation, entrance fees, expert guide
Accommodation: Overnight in Cairo

After an early breakfast, check out from your Cairo hotel and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Luxor, the world's greatest open-air museum. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your local expert guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout your time in this ancient city.

Begin your exploration of Luxor with a fascinating tour of the West Bank, home to the ancient necropolis where pharaohs and nobles were entombed. Your first stop is the impressive Temple of Medinet Habu, dedicated to Ramesses III. This massive mortuary temple features some of Egypt's best-preserved reliefs, depicting military victories, religious ceremonies, and scenes from daily life, with remarkably preserved colors still visible after millennia.

Continue to the ancient Ramesseum Temple, the memorial temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Though partially ruined, this site contains impressive architectural elements and reliefs, including fragments of the colossal statue of Ramesses that inspired Percy Bysshe Shelley's famous poem "Ozymandias." Your guide will bring the temple's history to life, pointing out significant features and explaining their historical context.

Your West Bank exploration concludes at the Valley of the Nobles, where high officials and courtiers of ancient Egypt were buried in elaborately decorated tombs. Unlike the royal tombs, these burial chambers provide fascinating glimpses into everyday life in ancient Egypt, with vibrant scenes depicting banquets, agriculture, crafts, and family activities. Your guide will select the most impressive accessible tombs to visit, explaining the symbolism and stories behind their colorful decorations.
After your informative tour, check in at your Luxor hotel, where you'll stay for the next two nights. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to relax at your accommodation or perhaps stroll along Luxor's scenic Corniche as the sun sets over the Nile.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, domestic flight, transportation, entrance fees, expert guide
Accommodation: Overnight in Luxor

After breakfast, embark on a fascinating day trip to two of Egypt's most significant yet less-visited temple complexes. Your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel for the approximately two-hour journey north to Abydos, traveling through scenic Egyptian countryside and small villages that offer glimpses into rural life.

Abydos was one of ancient Egypt's most sacred sites, believed to be the burial place of Osiris, god of the afterlife. Explore the magnificent Temple of Seti I, renowned for its exceptional relief carvings and the famous King List - a chronological record of Egypt's pharaohs from the first dynasty to Seti's reign. The temple's seven sanctuaries, dedicated to different deities, feature some of the best-preserved wall paintings in Egypt, with remarkably vivid colors still intact after thousands of years. Your guide will explain the religious significance of Abydos and interpret the symbolic imagery adorning the temple walls.

After exploring Abydos, continue to Dendara, approximately 50 kilometers south, where you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the spectacular Temple of Hathor, one of Egypt's best-preserved ancient temples. Dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty, and joy, this Greco-Roman period complex features an impressive façade with massive columns topped by Hathor's image. Explore the temple's intricately decorated hypostyle hall, underground crypts, and sacred lake. Don't miss the famous astronomical ceiling in the outer hypostyle hall, recently cleaned to reveal its original vibrant blue color.
A highlight of Dendara is climbing the narrow staircase to the roof for panoramic views of the complex and surrounding landscape. Your guide will point out the small chapel on the roof dedicated to Osiris, featuring fascinating scenes relating to his resurrection.

As the day concludes, return to Luxor (approximately 1.5 hours' drive) and your hotel. The evening is at your leisure to relax or perhaps explore Luxor's markets and waterfront independently.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, transportation, entrance fees, expert guide
Accommodation: Overnight in Luxor

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Luxor hotel before checking out. Your guide will transfer you to Luxor International Airport for your return flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in the capital, your tour manager will welcome you back and escort you to your hotel for the final portion of your journey.
Today offers a welcome break from scheduled activities, allowing you to recharge and explore at your own pace. You might choose to relax at your hotel's facilities, arrange optional activities like a visit to Khan el-Khalili bazaar, or discover nearby neighborhoods independently. Your tour manager can provide recommendations based on your interests, whether you're seeking shopping opportunities, cultural experiences, or dining suggestions.

For those interested in Egyptian cuisine, this free afternoon presents an excellent opportunity to sample local specialties at nearby restaurants. Alternatively, if you're eager to continue exploring, optional excursions can be arranged at additional cost, such as a visit to Coptic Cairo or Islamic Cairo's medieval monuments.

Included: Breakfast, airport transfers, domestic flight
Accommodation: Overnight in Cairo

Your exploration begins at the impressive Qaitbay Citadel, built in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This defensive fortress offers spectacular Mediterranean views and houses a small maritime museum. Wander through its corridors and ramparts as your guide explains its strategic importance and fascinating history.
Next, visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the ancient Great Library that once made Alexandria the learning capital of the world. This striking contemporary building houses multiple museums, art galleries, a planetarium, and millions of books. Your guide will lead you through selected sections of this vast cultural complex, explaining how it honors Alexandria's intellectual legacy while embracing modern knowledge.

After lunch at a seafood restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean, continue to the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, a remarkable underground necropolis dating to the 2nd century CE. Descend a spiral staircase to discover burial chambers that uniquely blend Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic elements. Explore the main burial chamber with its impressive sarcophagi and the Triclinium, where relatives would gather for funerary feasts.

Time permitting, drive along Alexandria's famous Corniche for views of this cosmopolitan city before beginning your return journey to Cairo. Arrive back at your Cairo hotel in the early evening for your final night in Egypt.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, transportation, entrance fees, expert guide
Accommodation: Overnight in Cairo

Savor a final Egyptian breakfast at your hotel before checking out. At the pre-arranged time, your tour manager and driver will transfer you to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight.
As your 8-day exploration of Egypt's treasures concludes, you'll depart with unforgettable memories of ancient wonders, cultural insights, and warm Egyptian hospitality. Our team will assist with check-in procedures, ensuring a smooth end to your Egyptian adventure.
Included: Breakfast, airport transfer