A Grand Egyptian Journey
A Grand Egyptian Journey
A Grand Egyptian Journey
A Grand Egyptian Journey
Experience iconic Egypt: the Great Pyramids of Giza, ancient temples, fossils, and stunning landscapes that stretch to the Mediterranean sea.
Days: 12 | From: $6,850/per person
- Includes curated accommodations at best in class luxury hotels
- Expert private guides and Egyptologists make history come alive
- Cruise the Nile on a luxury vessel
- Choose from a range of unique, optional tours and local experiences throughout
Journey through time to Ancient Egypt as you discover the relics of this influential age. Marvel at the Great Pyramids, ever guarded by the magnificent Sphinx, and wander the halls of antiquity at the Egyptian Museum. Take in the sights and sounds of traditional markets where old meets new, and sail the famed Nile River to beautifully preserved temples and the Valley of the Kings. Culminate your journey with a flight to Abu Simbel for a visit to this iconic temple.
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We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.
At a glance
- Cairo
3 nights: Discover the wonders of Cairo: Sakkara, the Sphinx, the Pyramids, and the Egyptian Museum. Marvel at the intersect of ancient and modern in the old bazaars and winding streets of the city with your private guide. - Nile River Cruise: Luxor to Aswan
4 nights: Set sail on the Nile through beautifully preserved ancient sites, from Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, visiting ancient temples along the shores of this famed waterway. - Cairo
1 night: Take in a whole new view of Cairo before the next phase of your journey. - Alexandria
1 night: Tour the coastal city of Alexandria, with its unique blend of European and African history. Glimpse the past glory of the Library of Alexandria and explore the catacombs and monuments of this Mediterranean city. - Cairo
2 nights: Return to magnificent Cairo, your access point to the Oasis of Fayoum and the UNESCO World Heritage Valley of the Whales.
All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.
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Sample itinerary
Welcome to Egypt
Arrive to Cairo. This vibrant metropolis is home to some of the most iconic and evocative travel destinations on earth, from the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx to Sakkara and the Egyptian Museum. Your VIP airport assistant will guide you seamlessly through customs and deliver you to your waiting driver, who will chauffeur you into the heart of the city.
Accommodations: Marriot Mena House, 3 nights
Located in Cairo, this hotel offers uninterrupted views out over the Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramids. The hotel is an oasis of calm in the city, surrounded by over 40 acres of lush gardens, and features a pool, spa, fitness center. Originally built in 1869, this historic property offer several room categories, many with a full views of the pyramids right out the window.
*Includes: BreakfastThe Pyramids of Giza
Your private Egyptologist guide will whisk you away to the plateau of Giza to visit one of the wonders of the world: The Great Pyramids. This must-see site has been enrapturing travelers for centuries. Opt for a classic camel ride for a unique perspective on the area, or enquire about a tour that enters one of tombs hidden beneath. Visit Sakkara, the site of the great Necropolis of Memphis and the capital of this Old Kingdom, before getting up close and personal with the watchful Sphinx.
Cairo in Depth
Dive into the wonders of Cairo with your private guide. Spend the morning wandering the wonderous galleries of the famous Egyptian Museum, filled with treasures and artifacts left behind by ancient civilizations. In the afternoon, switch gears and explore modern Islamic Cairo. Tour the citadel of Salah-el-Din and Mohamed Ali Mosque in the Old City, then proceed to Ibn Tulun Mosque, with its airy interior and minaret with sweeping city views. The last stop for today is Sultan Hassan Mosque. Completed in 1363, this mosque has been the home of several different Islamic schools of thought, as well as a mausoleum. Conclude the day with a stroll through the famous Khan-el-Khalili bazaar.
Cruise the Nile: From Cairo to Luxor
Take a short flight to Luxor to seek out the temples and landscapes of the Nile River. Your private guide will be waiting to take you to your cruise ship, where you can settle in to your luxury suite. Enjoy lunch aboard, then venture out on the East Bank of the Nile to explore the incredible Karnak Temple, with its forest of towering columns, statues and hieroglyphs. A visit to Luxor Temple and an optional exploration of the Luxor Museum round out your afternoon before you return to the ship for an evening of food and entertainment on the Nile.
Accommodations: Luxury Nile Cruise, 4 nights
Cruise the Nile River in style on a luxury vessel that suits your individual taste. Select from our carefully curated portfolio of vessels, from traditional Dahabiya sailing boats to larger cruise ships, each with their own style and flair guaranteed to make your Nile Cruise a highlight of your trip to Egypt. Iconic sightseeing with your private guide is followed by afternoons lounging on the sundeck, fine dining, a range of wellness activities, and plenty of relaxation in your sumptuous cabin or suite. Talk to one of our Africa Specialists about our range of luxury Nile cruises.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAlong the Nile: Luxor to Esna
Set out for the Valley of the Kings as your private guide takes you to the West Bank of the Nile and the many tombs and treasures buried there. Marvel at the sheer size of the Colossi of Memnon, tour the temple of Queen Hatchepsut, and explore the secrets and stories of fascinating royal tombs. Each tomb has something special to offer as they reveal their art and hieroglyphs, making ancient Egypt come alive before your eyes with the help of your expert guide. Afterward, return to the ship and begin navigating toward Esna, where you will dock for the evening.
Journey South to Aswan
Observe the gently gliding feluccas and fishermen of the Nile as you disembark at Edfu. Your private will take you to the Temple of Horus, the largest sanctuary built during the period of King Ptolemy and one of the best preserved sites of ancient Egypt. Enjoy a local lunch before continuing on to Kom Ombo, the huge temple complex dedicated to the gods Sobek and Harocies. Return to the boat for lunch and take in the passing scenery as you make your way toward Aswan.
Antiquities of Aswan
Marvel at the unfinished Obelisk, frozen in time in the bustling ancient city of Aswan. Enjoy local cuisine and tour the Philae Temple, which was moved piece by piece and entirely reconstructed on the island of Algikia during the building of the Aswan High Dam. In the afternoon, relax on a traditional felucca sailing boat and feel the wind in your hair as you tack back and forth in the current of the Nile. Return to your suite on board for a last evening on the river.
Aswan to Abu Simbel
Disembark from your luxury cruise and take a short flight to magnificent Abu Simbel. Set on the shores of the man-made Lake Nasser, the colossal temple of Ramses II is one of the most iconic sights in Egypt. Wander at the feet of imposing statues and imagine the might of the reign of Ramses II. Later this afternoon, return to Cairo, where your private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
Accommodations: Sofitel El Gezeirah
Situated in the heart of Cairo on a wide bend in the Nile, this luxurious hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, all overlooking the river. The hotel offers multiple dining options and bars, an infinity pool, gym, and spa.
*Includes: BreakfastAlong the road to Alexandria
Journey north to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, a city with a fascinating blend of ancient and modern cultures. Tour the Bibliotheca of Alexandria, an homage to the famed ancient library and a hub of art, history and culture. Wander the glittering seaside esplanade, then head underground to view the catacombs. Your private guide will be there to tailor the day to your interests.
Accommodations: The Four Seasons Alexandria
Set on the shore of the Mediterranean, this hotel offers exceptional service and hospitality, along with sweeping views of the city and the sea. A secluded private beach offers a natural oasis, while the central location keeps you close to the city’s iconic sites. The sleek modern rooms are light and airy, and there are a range of activities, amenities and dining options on offer.
*Includes: BreakfastReturn to Cairo
Explore the varied sites of Alexandria before you journey back to Cairo.
Accommodations: St. Regis Cairo, 2 nights
The St. Regis hotel sits right in the heart of Cairo, offering outstanding views of the Nile River. The hotel emphasizes exquisite, personalized service and attention to detail with the famed St. Regis Butler service. The property features seven restaurants and bars.
*Includes: BreakfastThe Valley of the Whales
Drive to Fayoum Oasis for an adventure into the desert in a 4 x 4 Jeep, making your way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Valley of the Whales, or Wadi al Hitan. This unique desert landscape yields the highest concentration and quality of whale fossils and shows the dramatic evolution of these creatures. Scattered throughout are fossils that vividly showcase their changing form and way of life during their transition from land mammals to a marine existence. This fascinating place is unlike anyplace else on earth. After a day of ancient fossils and wild desert landscapes, return to vibrant Cairo for your final night in Egypt.
Farewell Egypt
After breakfast, your private guide will take you to Cairo International Airport, where you say your goodbyes and connect with your flight home or to your onward destination.
Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary
Choose from a selection of carefully curated, best in class hotels and exclusive river boats to ensure this trip fits your unique travel style.
Arrange a hot air balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings for a whole new perspective on the treasures of Egypt.
Spend some time on the pristine beaches of the Red Sea, snorkeling, diving, or simple enjoying some time in the sun.
Consult with your Vaya specialist and expand your trip to combine with another destination on the continent for a true in-depth look at Africa.
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Why Travel with Vaya?
We're TRUE specialists
We’ve not only traveled there, we’ve lived there. Our smart and engaging specialists are all current or former expatriates with years of experience in the region.
Uplifting service
From the first phone call to after you get back, we're here for you every step of the way. We listen, create, customize and advocate for you, and design experiences that go beyond the expected.
Thoughtful travel
Our discerning sensibility and good taste go beyond just choices in hotels and top guides; we have a walk the walk commitment to the environment and are genuine leaders in conservation efforts.