Discover the grandeur of Egypt on this 9-day overland journey, perfect for those who prefer to avoid cruises or want a different perspective. Explore the ancient sites of Cairo and Giza, journey to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, and travel south by sleeper train to experience the magnificent temples of Luxor and Aswan.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Cairo

• Arrive at Cairo International Airport. Meet, greet, and transfer to your hotel.
• Check-in and free time to relax.
• Overnight in Cairo. And Meal

Day 02: Pyramids, Sphinx, Museum & Old Cairo

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Full-day tour: Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.
• Explore the Egyptian Museum (or GEM).
• After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Old Cairo: the Citadel of Saladin, Mohamed Ali Mosque, the Hanging Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
• Return to the hotel.
• Overnight in Cairo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 03: Full Day Alexandria Excursion

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Full-day guided tour to Alexandria by A/C vehicle.
• Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, the Citadel of Qaitbay (site of the ancient Lighthouse).
• View the Bibliotheca Alexandrina from the outside and visit Montazah Palace Gardens.
• Lunch at a seafood restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean.
• Return to Cairo in the evening.
• Overnight in Cairo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 04: Saqqara, Memphis & Sleeper Train to Aswan

• Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out.
• Morning tour to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, and Memphis, the ancient capital, with its Colossus of Ramses II.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon free for last-minute shopping or relaxation.
• Evening transfer to Giza train station for the overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
• Dinner and breakfast served on the train.
• Overnight on the sleeper train. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (train)

Day 05: Aswan Arrival - High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk

• Breakfast on the train. Arrive in Aswan.
• Meet and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
• Guided tour of Aswan: Visit the High Dam, the ancient granite quarries with the Unfinished Obelisk, and the beautiful Temple of Isis on Philae Island, reached by motorboat.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional felucca ride on the Nile around Elephantine Island.
• Overnight in Aswan. Meals: Breakfast (train), Lunch (local restaurant can be an option)

Day 06: Optional Abu Simbel - Transfer to Luxor

• Optional early morning excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples (additional cost).
• If not taking the optional tour, enjoy a free morning in Aswan.
• Mid-day, check out from the hotel.
• Transfer by private A/C vehicle (approx. 3-4 hours) or by train (specify which) to Luxor.
• Arrive in Luxor and check-in to your hotel.
• Evening at leisure.
• Overnight in Luxor. Meals: Breakfast

Day 07: Luxor's West Bank Exploration

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Full-day tour to Luxor's West Bank: Visit the Valley of the Kings, the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon free, or optional visit to a local alabaster factory.
• Overnight in Luxor. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 08: Luxor's East Bank & Fly to Cairo

• Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out.
• Morning tour to Luxor's East Bank: Visit the vast Karnak Temple complex and the impressive Luxor Temple.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo.
• Upon arrival in Cairo, transfer to your hotel.
• Overnight in Cairo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 09: Departure from Cairo

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your final departure. Meals: Breakfast

Highlights

Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo. Full-day excursion to Alexandria's Greco-Roman sites. Saqqara's Step Pyramid and ancient Memphis. Overnight sleeper train journey. Aswan's High Dam, Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, and felucca ride. Optional visit to Abu Simbel. Luxor's Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak and Luxor Temples.

Inclusions

Meet and greet services. All transfers in private, air-conditioned vehicles. Accommodation: 4 nights in Cairo at a specified category hotel with breakfast. 1 night on an overnight sleeper train (private cabin) with dinner and breakfast. 1 night in Aswan at a specified category hotel with breakfast. 2 nights in Luxor at a specified category hotel with breakfast. Domestic flight: Luxor-Cairo. Meals as specified in the itinerary. Guided tours with a qualified Egyptologist guide. Entrance fees to all sites listed (excluding optional). Motorboat to Philae Temple, felucca ride in Aswan. All service charges and taxes.

Exclusions

International airfare. Egypt entry visa. Optional Abu Simbel excursion. Tips and gratuities. Personal expenses. Any items not mentioned.

Additional Info

Visa & Currency: Standard information. Packing: Standard information. Hotel Standards: Indication of standard, final properties confirmed on booking. Transport: Overland travel between Aswan and Luxor is by A/C vehicle or train (confirm).

Cancelation Policy

We understand that plans can change. However, due to the commitments made for advance bookings of hotels, cruises, transportation, and guides, the following cancellation policy applies to this tour package: Cancellations received 60 days or more prior to the tour departure date: A full refund will be issued, minus a 10% administrative fee per person. Cancellations received between 59 and 30 days prior to the tour departure date: 75% of the total tour price will be refunded (25% cancellation fee). Cancellations received between 29 and 15 days prior to the tour departure date: 50% of the total tour price will be refunded (50% cancellation fee). Cancellations received between 14 and 7 days prior to the tour departure date: 25% of the total tour price will be refunded (75% cancellation fee). Cancellations received less than 7 days prior to the tour departure date, or in case of a no-show: No refund will be issued (100% cancellation fee). All cancellations must be made in writing. We strongly recommend travel insurance.