Egypt Tour
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo
Your international flight will most likely land in Cairo. Cairo is an overwhelming, crazy city, so we recommend making your way to your hotel and relaxing for a while. Allow yourself time to adjust to the heat, dusty air and loud street noise. We used a tour company, so our tour manager met us at Cairo International Airport to escort us to the hotel. We were glad to have an air-conditioned vehicle. After we had checked in at the hotel, he reviewed our itinerary with us to confirm pick-up times for each tour. Related: Cairo Airport: Private Transfer Service Overnight in Cairo. Tip: Riding in a Cairo taxi can be stressful. They're crazy drivers! If you're not using a tour company, consider hiring a private driver to take you to your hotel.
Day 2: Memphis and its Necropolis + Saqqara + the Pyramids of Giza
Morning: Begin your day at Giza, before the crowds and haze descend on the site. Play with perspective by posing with the three enchanting pyramids of Cheops, Khafre. Then head to the nearby Great Sphinx. The iconic head of a pharaoh with a lion's body dates back to the time of Khafre. Also be sure to see the Valley Temple, which is connected to the Pyramid of Khafre. He was a busy king. Related tour: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and Sakkara – Private Full Day Tour Tip: Try walking all the way around the base or climbing the steps. It will give you a clear sense of a pyramid’s massive size and make you wonder how they did that. Afternoon: Memphis, the ancient capital of Old Egypt during the Old Kingdom, was founded by King Menes. Visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, which was designed for King Djoser by his chancellor, Imhotep. Imhotep was one of only a few commoners ever to be accorded divine status after death. He had an impressive list of credentials: Chancellor of the King of Egypt, Doctor, First in line after the King of Upper Egypt, Administrator of the Great Palace, Hereditary nobleman, High Priest of Heliopolis, Builder, Chief Carpenter, Chief Sculptor, and Maker of Vases in Chief. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 3: El Fayoum (Valley of the Whales)
Morning: After all the big-city chaos, it's time to enjoy a little of Egypt’s natural side by visiting Wadi Rayyan (Wadi al-Rayan), a protected area in Egypt's harsh and deserted Western Desert. This 100 km drive will help you understand more about Egyptian mythology. The western lands were where the sun god Ra went to die each day. The pharoahs were buried on the western side of the Nile, too. It's all connected. The first stop is also its best known: Wadi Al-Hitan (Valley of the Whales). This UNESCO site holds hundreds of whale skeletons as well as dramatic rock formations that challenge the imagination. Scientists say the desert had been an ocean at one time. Could be. We believe the whales were marooned there as the waters receded from the Great Flood. Afternoon: After lunch, climb Mudawara Mountain for a spectacular view. The two gigantic freshwater lakes you'll see are connected by Egypt’s only waterfalls. After a day of desert heat, Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls will be a refreshing final stop before returning to the city. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 4: Historic Cairo
Morning: Historic Cairo is a UNESCO site as well. Even if you're not a museum fan, we suggest you begin your Cairo tour with the Egyptian Museum. This is where you can see the famous Tutankhamun treasures, as well as over 120,000 other fascinating artifacts. Related tour: 4-Hour Guided Tour of the Egyptian Museum Tip: The room that houses King Tut’s treasures can be extremely crowded. For the fewest crowds, arrive at 9 AM, when the museum opens, and head straight to that hall. Afterward, visit Salah El Din Citadel, which was constructed by Salah El Din (Saladin) in 1183 AD. He built it to defend Cairo from the onslaught of invading Christian Crusaders. Then visit Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque, named for the man who ruled Egypt over 45 years (1805-1849). Afternoon: Visit Old Cairo to enjoy the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue and a few other sites. Spend some time at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the most famous and oldest bazaars in the Middle East. Related tour: Cairo Citadel, Old Cairo & Khan El Khalili Full-Day Tour Overnight in Cairo.
Day 5: Alexandria
Morning: Another escape from crazy, hazy Cairo, on an amazing day trip to Alexandria. First stop: Pompey's Pillar, built in honor of the Emperor Diocletian at the end of the 4th century. Then drive to visit the Catacombs which are the largest Roman Cemetery consisting of three levels cut in the rock. Afternoon: See the Qaitbay Citadel which was built on the site of the ancient Pharos of Alexandria, using some of its stones. The Pharos was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Next to Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a major library and cultural center built to commemorate the famous Library of Alexandria, lost to a fire in antiquity. Related tour: Full-Day Tour of Historical Alexandria from Cairo, Egypt Overnight in Cairo.
Day 6: Luxor + board Nile Cruise
Even if you're on a budget, don't discount those multi-day Nile river cruises. Thanks to the drop in tourism, prices are an unbelievable deal right now. Our cruise ship was running at only about 30% capacity, although we couldn't tell from the abundant food offerings! Morning: Fly from Cairo to Luxor (choose 07:20-08:30 or 10:45-11:55 am). We took the earlier flight so we could check in early and explore the ship at our leisure and walk around Luxor's riverfront, known as the corniche. Planning tip: Due to the Nile's strong flow, cruise itineraries run for 4 Days downriver from Aswan to Luxor and for 5 Days upriver from Luxor to Aswan. Afternoon: The ancient Egyptians knew Luxor as Thebes. The East Bank of the River Nile is home of Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, a UNESCO site. This is where Pharaonic history begins to come to life, as you tour Karnak Temple (the biggest temple in the world), Sphinx Avenue, and Luxor Temple. Related tour: Full-Day Tour of the East & West Banks from Luxor Evening: After dinner, take an evening stroll on the corniche. Or enjoy the Karnak at Night light show. Related: Tickets for Sound and Light Show in Karnak Temple Overnight in Luxor.
Day 7: Luxor
Morning: Visit the ancient tombs and temples of Luxor's West Bank: the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple at El Deir El Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. (Valley of the Queens is also on the West Bank, but it’s not always included in the itinerary due to distance.) Tip: Consider booking a hot air balloon ride over Luxor. It's a memorable experience and you will return to the ship before breakfast. Afternoon: Enjoy the passing Egyptian landscape as you cruise toward Edfu. In the afternoon, visit the sun deck and watch as the ship passes through the Nile Lock at Esna, the largest lock in the world. Overnight in Edfu.
Day 8: Temple of Edfu + Kom Ombo
Morning: Horus Temple at Edfu. Afternoon: Sail to Kom Ombo to visit an unusual double temple, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Then, stop in at the Crocodile Museum to see a few of the 300 crocodile mummies discovered nearby. Return to the ship for dinner and sail on to Aswan. Related tour: From Aswan: Day Trip to Kom Ombo and Edfu Overnight in Aswan.
Day 9: Aswan High Dam + Unfinished Obelisk + Philae Temple + Nubian Village
Morning: Pay a visit to the Aswan High Dam, built in the 1960s to control Nile flooding. Then continue to one of ancient Egypt's stone quarries to see the immense Unfinished Obelisk, and finish the morning at the majestic Philae Temple. Afternoon: Take a trip upriver past the Nile's first cataract, and cool off with a dip in the Nile waters. Then continue on to visit a local Nubian village. Meet a traditional Nubian family, learn about their lifestyle and culture and gain insight into the traditions the Nubians have followed for thousands of years. Overnight in Aswan.
Day 10: Disembark + fly home
Try to book a flight that departs later in the day. This way, you can disembark early from the ship, as we did, and drive to Abu Simbel. It's one of the most impressive UNESCO sites in Egypt and you'll be glad you woke up early to see it.