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: 11 | From: $7,790/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
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. - Aswan
1 night: Settle into life along the Nile as you begin your discovery of iconic temples. - Nile River Cruise
3 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. - 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, 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 Great Pyramids
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. Today you’ll 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.
Abu Simbel
Board your flight to Aswan where you’ll connect with another 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 Aswan, where your private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
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
Explore 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, you’ll board your Nile cruise for the next three nights.
Accommodations: HISTORIA Boutique Hotel Nile Cruise, 3 nights
The Historia cruise embraces stylish comfort. With Egyptian-inspired furniture throughout, this 5-star cruise draws on the heritage of the land, with perforated rattan screens to allow an interplay of light and shadow and give a soft, diffuse glow to the luxurious surroundings. Take in the sights and sounds of life along the Nile and soak in the sun rays aboard the Historia’s solaria deck. Enjoying uninterrupted view from the luxury of the ship’s swimming pool is the perfect way to cool off after a day of exploring historical sites. A wide range of suites are available, each outfitted with luxe amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Onboard there's a bar, lounge, and restaurant, as well as a gym and spa.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAswan to Luxor via Edfu
Sail 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. This evening, visit the lit-up Luxor Temple.
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.
Accommodations: HISTORIA Boutique Hotel Nile Cruise, 3 nights
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: The Chedi El Gouna, 3 nights
The Chedi El Gouna is an eco-friendly luxury getaway nestled within Egypt’s most appealing seaside resort community on the Red Sea. The hotel itself overlooks the golden shoreline of the surrounding eponymous hamlet of El Gouna. This dazzling beachfront hotel offers guests 82 elegant rooms and suites, and are sleek, modern, and designed with earthy color palettes, and the beds feature Egyptian high thread count linen and extra thick and plush terry robes. The hotel has several onsite restaurants, bars, cafes, a rooftop lounge, two large pools, a spa, a gym, private beach access, and daily yoga classes.
*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.