Essential Egypt
Essential Egypt
Essential Egypt
Essential Egypt
Focus on Egypt's top highlight destinations on a tailor-made journey.
Days: 5 | From: $2,250/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.
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Talk to one of our Vaya Africa Specialists
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
2 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.
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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: BreakfastExplore 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. 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.
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: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Luxor, 2 nights
The Old Winter Palace is a historic British Colonial-era resort, situated on the banks of the Nile River just steps from some of Egypt’s most celebrated attractions. Featuring an exceptional collection of art and antiques, this grand edifice has an air of stepping back in time, while still offering excellent modern hospitality. A mix of rooms and suites are serviced by five restaurants, surrounded by vast grounds and unbeatable views of the Nile.
*Includes: BreakfastThe 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.
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.
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.