Egypt_Cairo_Giza_Pyramids with camels

Essential Egypt

Egypt_Valley of the Kings_Tomb Interior

Essential Egypt

Egypt_Temple_Karnak Columns

Essential Egypt

Egypt_Camel_Close up

Essential Egypt

Focus on Egypt's top highlight destinations on a tailor-made journey.

Days: 7 | From: $2,850/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

Stand in the shadow of the Great Pyramids and witness the legendary Sphinx in its centuries-long watch over the Giza Plateau. Discover the history and treasures of this great civilization with a private, Egyptologist-led tour of the Egyptian Museum, then meander with your private guide through ancient bazaars in Cairo. Journey south to see the famed temples of Karnak and Luxor and the famous tombs long hidden in the Valley of the Kings. This trip can stand alone or be part of a greater African adventure, but either way it will be the perfect introduction to this fascinating country.

Talk to one of our Vaya Africa Specialists

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Cairo
    4 nights: Encounter the iconic sights of Cairo, from the Pyramids of Giza to the watchful Sphinx, and the treasures of the museum to the country's oldest bazaar.
  • Luxor
    2 nights: Delve into ancient temples along the banks of the Nile River. Explore Karnak and Luxor, the silent tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the colossi of Memnon.

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.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample itinerary

Day 1: 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: Breakfast

Day 2: Explore Cairo: Pyramids and Artifacts

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.

Accommodations: Marriot Mena House , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 3: 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 in the bustling chaos of Cairo’s old quarter and its oldest bazaar, Khan-el-Khalili, accompanied by your expert private guide.

Accommodations: Marriot Mena House , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 4: The Temple of 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 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 head to your historic hotel on the banks of the Nile.

Accommodations: Hilton Luxor , 2 nights

Located on the banks of the Nile, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers elegant rooms with panoramic riverside views, luxury spa facilities and spectacular infinity pools. The property exudes a tranquil atmosphere across its seven elegant bars and restaurants and two magnificent infinity pools and hammocks next to the river's edge. Guests can choose from classic Hilton rooms to upgraded suites with Nile views.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 5: The Valley of the Kings

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 Hatshepsut. Your private Egyptologist guide will be there to explain the stories and help ancient Egypt come alive to you.

Accommodations: Hilton Luxor , 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 6: Return to Cairo

Your last full day in Egypt. Today you’ll take a quick flight back to Cairo. As you land, your guide will be waiting for you. Depending on the timing, you have the afternoon to explore as you please, or you can simply choose to relax on your last night in Cairo.

Accommodations: St. Regis Cairo

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.

Day 7: Farewell Egypt

After breakfast you bid farewell to your guide and return to the airport for the short 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.

Accommodations: Le Meridien Cairo Airport

This upscale hotel is an ideal option for those who with to remain close to the airport, allowing travelers to maximize their time in this vibrant metropolis en route to the many temples and treasures further south. This hotel offers the convenience of being directly connected to the airport, while also providing an oasis of calm with multiple gardens and a large outdoor pool. There are also multiple dining options available.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Choose from a selection of carefully curated, best in class hotels to fit your individual travel style.

  • 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.

  • Add a luxurious river cruise and spend a few nights exploring the temples and sights as you float along the Nile River in style.

  • Take a short flight and spend the day exploring Abu Simbel on the shores of Lake Nasser, and marvel at this incredible temple.

  • Spend some time on the pristine beaches of the Red Sea, snorkeling, diving, or simple enjoying some time in the sun.

  • Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
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