Egypt: Sand and Sea
Egypt: Sand and Sea
Egypt: Sand and Sea
Egypt: Sand and Sea
Combine the highlights of ancient Egypt with the white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters of the Red Sea.
Days: 10 | From: $4,190/per person
- Includes curated accommodations at best in class luxury hotels
- Expert private guides and Egyptologists make history come alive
- Choose from a range of unique, optional tours and local experiences throughout
Start your journey in vibrant Cairo, where ancient meets modern in stately mosques and sprawling bazaars. Visit the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx, then make your way to the Nile River to see the many temples and tombs that dot the shores from Luxor to Aswan. Marvel at beautifully preserved sites and decipher hieroglyphs with the help of your private expert guide. Finish your trip with sun and sand as you relax on the pristine beaches of the Red Sea.
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We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
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At a glance
- Cairo
2 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. - Aswan
1 night: Settle into life along the Nile as you begin your discovery of iconic temples. - Luxor
3 nights: Explore Karnak and Luxor, the silent tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the colossi of Memnon. - Hurghada
3 nights: Relax on the Red Sea, snorkel crystal clear waters, or dive deeper at some of the world's best scuba sites.
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, 2 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: BreakfastCairo in Depth: Pyramids and Bazaars
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.
After lunch, wander the wonderous galleries of the famous Egyptian Museum, filled with artifacts left behind by ancient civilizations. Its halls house roughly 160,000 treasures spanning over 5,000 years of Egyptian history. From the hushed quiet of the museum, head to the bustling chaos of Cairo’s old quarter and its oldest bazaar, Khan-el-Khalili, accompanied by your expert private guide.
Cairo to Aswan
Board your short flight to Aswan, a gateway to the Nile and its many treasures. Visit the Aswan High Dam, a remarkable feat of engineering, and marvel at the workmanship frozen in time of the unfinished Obelisk. 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 River. Sail around Kitchener’s Island and visit the Agha Khan Mausoleum before retiring to your historic hotel for the evening.
Accommodations: Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel Aswan
Situated on the banks of the Nile River in Aswan, the Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel offers a luxurious vantage point f rom which to observe life along the river, just a stone's throw from some of Egypt’s best cultural sites and temples. This hotel, made famous by the stories of Agatha Christie, features a spa, a range of dining establishments, and beautifully appointed rooms overlooking the Nile.
*Includes: BreakfastAswan to Luxor via Edfu
Journey north along the mighty Nile toward Luxor. Following the banks of the river, immerse yourself in the rhythms of local life as you pass through villages and fields. Explore the vast Kom Ombo temple complex and view the beautifully situated areas dedicated to the gods Sobek and Harocies. Continue to Edfu to visit 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.
Accommodations: Steigenberger Nile Palace, 3 nights
Located in the city of Luxor and situated on the banks of the Nile River, this hotel is the ideal base from which to explore the treasures of the region, from Karnak Temple to the Valley of the Kings. Each room offers a terrace or a balcony with views of the lush courtyard, the ancient city, or the Nile itself. The property features multiple restaurants and bars, a cafe, fitness center, spa, and large outdoor pool overlooking the Nile.
*Includes: BreakfastTreasures of Luxor
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. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the sights and sounds of life along the Nile.
Valley of the Kings and Queens
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. Enter cavernous, beautifully preserved tombs where striking art and hieroglyphs depict the lives of those laid to rest within their walls. Make your way to the Valley of Queens to marvel at the sheer size of the Colossi of Memnon and tour the temple of Queen Hatchepsut. Your private Egyptologist guide will be there to explain the stories and help ancient Egypt come alive to you.
Journey to the Red Sea
Journey from the Nile to the sparkling turquoise waters of the Red Sea, teeming with colorful sea life and unspoilt coral reefs. Renowned for its incredible dive sites and tranquil beach vibes, Hurghada is an international beach destination. Vast coral reefs and thousands of tropical fish are found underwater, while beautiful sand beaches and warm breezes abound on land. This is the idea place for rest, relaxation and sun.
Accommodations: Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh Beach Resort, 3 nights
This five star resort spans over 40 acres of pristine Red Sea shoreline, offering a spacious but exclusive ambience. The airy rooms have high domed ceilings and ample natural light, and luxurious suites offer uninterrupted views of the water. There are several fine dining options and a range of activities to let you experience the very best of the region. World-class dive sites and exciting water sports are coupled with exceptional hospitality and a relaxing atmosphere.
*Includes: BreakfastRelaxation at the Red Sea
Spend the day at leisure or adventure at your Red Sea resort. From boat trips to snorkeling and diving for all levels, you can spend your days here on or under the sea with a range of activities to suit your style.
Hurghada is also full of unique Coptic churches, colorful bazaars and historic sites. World-class golf courses are just a stone’s throw away, as is a range of dining and shopping options to round out your time here.
Red Sea Beaches
Today is your final day in Egypt. Take in the view from the end of the pool, or squeeze in one last dive. Marvel at the impossibly blue water on a boat trip, or pick up any last minute souvenirs at the local bazaar. Enjoy a relaxing day at on the coast as you toast to your time in Egypt.
Farewell Egypt
After breakfast you bid farewell to the coast and your guide and return to the airport for the flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the international terminal for your final departure home or to your onward destination.
Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary
Choose from a selection of carefully curated, best in class hotels to ensure this trip fits your unique travel style.
Incorporate the Valley of the Whales or a trip to ancient Alexandria, on the shores of the Mediterranean, for an even deeper journey through the highlights of Egypt.
Arrange a hot air balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings for a whole new perspective over the treasures of Egypt.
Add a Nile Cruise, the ultimate way to travel between Aswan and Luxor; watch the river float by from your luxury vessel.
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.