Treasure hunting in Egypt

Travel to the highlights of Egypt's cultural heritage in a way that is just as unique as these ancient monuments. This complete Egypt itinerary begins with a visit to the astounding pyramids of Giza and Saqqara. Then you'll leave the dynamic capital behind you to travel through rural central Egypt by train. This is where you'll see the real Egyptian way of life in the countryside along the sleepy shores of the Nile. After visiting the fascinating temples and tombs of Luxor you'll travel across the Nile itself. While onboard an authentic Dahabiya sailboat you'll experience the laidback way of life on the waters of the Nile, you'll sample Egyptian culinary delights and you'll go on excursions to on-shore attractions as you slowly sail towards the southernmost part of Egypt. The complete Egypt itinerary ends at the foot of the Abu Simbel temple, as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the gigantic entrance statues.

Duration	18 days/ 17 nights	Accommodation	Charming hotel and 4 nights onboard a Dahabiya, comfort level 3 (see accommodation)
Price	Please see our Contact Us page for more details	Includes	Transport, accommodation with breakfast (full board onboard the dahabiya) and English-speaking guide
Transport	Private transport by Land Cruiser, minibus and Dahabiya sailboat	Excludes	Flights (domestic and international),visa, other meals, tips

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

It's roughly a 5 hour flight from the UK to Cairo. On your arrival at Cairo Airport you'll be greeted by our local representative. He or she will arrange a visa for your passport, assist with customs formalities and your complete Egypt itinerary will begin.

First you'll head towards your small, charming hotel in the heart of Cairo. Depending on traffic it should only take you 30 minutes to 45 minutes to get there. If you would like some advice on where to go for great meals and which neighbourhoods you should visit to catch a glimpse of the local way of life, don't hesitate to ask our representative. If you would like him or her to guide you through the city on your first evening, just ask and he/ she will join you. It's customary to tip the representative at the end of the evening if they do show you around.

Complete Egypt itinerary - Bustling Cairo

Complete Egypt itinerary - The Pyramids and Sphinx

Day 2: The pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and Saqqara

Early in the morning our driver will pick you up and take you to Giza. After about 20 minutes of city traffic you'll start to see two of the three pyramids appear, seemingly out of nowhere. It'll be your first real encounter with the amazing history of Egypt.

For this complete Egypt itinerary we've arranged for an English-speaking guide to join you, tell you the interesting stories behind the pyramids and to take care of the entrance fees for you. If you leave your hotel very early in the morning, you can also enter the Cheops pyramid for an additional fee (approximately £9) and experience what it feels like to be an archaeologist in Egypt.

After lunch you'll continue on to Saqqara. Relatively few tourists come to this site, however to this day Saqqara is the largest archaeological site in Egypt with many undiscovered treasures still buried beneath the sand. In the evening you'll return to your hotel and you can spend it as you please.

Day 3: Cairo

Today you'll have plenty of time to do your own thing in Cairo. There are several attractions near your accommodation that you can visit such as the world famous Egyptian Museum and Ramses Square.

There's a metro station near your hotel on this Egypt itinerary. It's a quick and easy means of transport to other parts of the city such as Coptic Cairo and the busy winding streets of the historic Islamic district.

Complete Egypt itinerary - Street markets

Complete Egypt itinerary - Friendly streets of El Minya

Day 4: Cairo - El Minya

This morning you'll be collected from your hotel for a drive to El Minya. You'll travel south upstream along the banks of the Nile. Along the way you'll pass the remnants of the Meidum and Hawara pyramids which were built on the fertile soil of the Nile. As you travel further inland, you'll see how the surroundings become more unspoiled, less aimed at tourism.

The town of El Minya is the final stop of the day. You'll find the best preserved archaeological excavations in Egypt here, such as the temples of Nefertiti. El Minya has an endearing atmosphere, mainly due to the romantic architecture in the town. Italian architects once built luxurious mansions here with elegant decorations for wealthy Greek and Egyptian cotton plantation owners. You'll spend the fourth night of the complete Egypt itinerary in a pleasant small hotel with the friendly atmosphere of El Minya.

Day 5: Nefertiti's City and the tombs of Beni Hassan

Today you and a guide will spend the entire day visiting one of the most astounding historical sites in Egypt. You'll visit the remnants of the ancient city Tell-ell Amarna, once known as Sun City, it's so stunning, we simply had to include it on our complete Egypt itinerary.

Pharaoh Akhenaton and his wife Queen Nefertiti requested that the city be built. The city was built out of dedication to Atan, the God of the sun. Temples, palaces and tombs were all built on the enormous piece of land dedicated to the city. Now, more than 3000 years later, it's still an awe-inspiring feeling to walk among the ruins of this royal city.

Later on you'll travel to the tombs of Beni Hassan. The 39 graves are hidden between rock cliffs looking out over the valley. Most tombs were never finished and cannot be accessed. There are however four tombs with extraordinary detailed paintings that you can enter. The tombs were built for the local governors who lived and died sometime around 2000 before Christ. At the end of the day you can relax and think back on what you've seen today in the comfort of your hotel in El Minya.

Complete Egypt itinerary - Hands carved in stone

Complete Egypt itinerary - Train journey

Day 6: El Minya - Luxor

Today you'll start out with an early breakfast before heading out of El Minya. You'll see Egypt's arid plains roll by on one side and the green farmland lining the Nile on the other. The fertile river banks are perfect for growing sugar cane, corn and date palms. Pass the time by reading, eating, snoozing or simply staring out of the window. This is also the perfect place and time for a chat with your fellow travellers. Before long you'll learn your first Arabic words such as 'Shukran' which means thank you.

On your arrival in Luxor our local representative will be waiting to take you to a city hotel in the heart of Luxor. At night the Luxor temple is illuminated and in the distance you can see the contours of the Valley of the Kings mountain range in the distance. Welcome to the 'ancient kingdom capital'.

Day 7: Luxor - East Bank - Karnak Temple

Today you'll have an entire day to explore Luxor's East bank. The top attraction on this side of the Nile is Karnak, the temple of temples. During a period of approximately 1300 years nearly all pharaohs have participated in the construction of what is probably the most impressive structure in Egyptian history. The best time to visit the temple is around 7:30am, around lunch time or after 15:00, avoiding the tourbuses. Having your own guide in the temple will give the visit that added something special. It will also give you a chance to ask any questions you may have and you'll be able to view the temple at your own pace.

You'll start out at the Avenue of the Sphinxes at the temples spectacular entrance. Karnak's dimensions are extraordinary. As you cross through several outer temples you'll finally reach the centre of the temple, the absolute highlight of Luxor. The entire temple covers an area of 6000 square metres. Its 'forest of columns' is 134 pillars covered by chiselled hieroglyphic figures is unique. Some parts of the old ceiling still feature the original colours. The rest of the day on the complete Egypt itinerary is yours to spend as you wish.

Complete Egypt itinerary - The tomb of Tutankhamon

Day 8: Luxor, East Bank - Valley of the Kings, West Bank

After breakfast your guide will take you to a pier on the Nile where a boat will be waiting for you. Bring along your belongings since you'll be spending the next two nights on the West Bank of the Nile. Although you'll be staying right across from Luxor City, as soon as you walk across the west bank you'll feel as if you're in an entirely different type of Luxor. It's friendlier, rural and yet it also has the most well known attraction in Egypt, the Valley of the Kings. Nearly all pharaohs are buried here and to this day it is a impressive burial site for archaeologists.

The west bank is a very special part of Egypt, we believe it really gives visitors a good impression of Luxor. Travellers can experience a fun combination of the 'local way of life' and unique world famous must-see's. The morning will be dedicated to visiting these attractions with a guide and you can fill the remainder of your time visiting the sights independently by bike, donkey or with a guide.

Our driver will drive you across winding roads through mountainous territory towards the Valley of the Kings. In ancient Egypt, this was a holy place where Pharaohs were buried. 63 tombs have been discovered so far. Howard Carter discovered the only tomb that had not been plundered, Tutankhamun's tomb, and became famous because of this. There are ten tombs that are open to the public every day and 3 tombs are included in your complete Egypt itinerary, and you may have to queue for a while for each. The corridors are decorated with colourful hieroglyphics and often run deep into the mountain.

Our guide will share stories with you and interesting facts about Egypt's past. After you finish visiting the Valley of the Kings, you can ask your guide advice on what you could visit on your own. You'll also find the famous Hatshepsut temple, tombs of prominent Egyptians, the Valley of the Queens, and Deir el Medina. When you have seen all you wish to see, you'll be dropped off at our cosy family run hotel at the edge of the village in the countryside. At the end of the day you can enjoy dinner on your hotel's rooftop terrace.

Complete Egypt itinerary - Exploring desert ruins

Day 9: Luxor - West Bank

Today on the complete Egypt itinerary you can spend as you wish. Either take a taxi cab to the temples and tombs you missed out on yesterday, or go sailing the Nile on a traditional Felucca. If you're travelling with children it may also be fun to do this by donkey. Your hotel's reception staff will gladly help you out, all you have to do is ask.

Another extraordinary excursion you can choose from is a hot air balloon ride above the Valley of the Kings and the West bank at sunrise. It only costs approximately £55, which is more affordable than hot air balloon rides in most countries. It's a unique experience and lasts for about 20 minutes. There are several small restaurants in the area where you can try local cuisine. We recommend having the simple, yet tasty dish of 'Memnon' at one of the restaurants at the boat-stop of Gezira.

Day 10: Luxor - Esna, Dahabiya sailing trip starting point

This morning you'll be collected from your hotel in Luxor and in less than an hour you'll arrive at the pier in Esna where our Dahabiya will be waiting for you. Dahabiyas are traditional sailing vessels commonly used during the days of the Monarchy (1920's - 40's) when aristocrats and wealthy travellers cruised the Nile in style. The Dahabiya you'll be sailing belongs to our local partner and has been completely restored to reflect the elegant days of the past, with modern comforts and conveniences. Only 10 passengers can stay onboard at one time, so it doesn't feel overcrowded. The back deck stairs lead to 4 cabins with comfortable beds, air-conditioning and a private bathroom with bath, shower and toilet.

A more spacious suite with a small adjoining private terrace is also available for a £55 surcharge per person, per night. The ship's corridor leads to the comfortable lounge with authentic, colonial style furniture collected throughout the years. All meals are included during this trip and even more importantly, they are incredibly tasty as the ship's cook only uses local ingredients. Each meal is served either on the main deck beneath the stars, or on the banks of the Nile.

Day 11: Edfu - Horus Temple - Wadi el Shat

For thousands of the years the Nile has been believed to have mystical powers. Whatever you believe, we can honestly say that we rarely slept as well as we did when on board the Dahabiya. Have a shower, take a swim, and wake up at a leisurely pace. As you enjoy the surroundings, the crew will lift anchor and before you know it you'll be sailing down the Nile once again. What better way to start the day in Egypt... sit back and let your thoughts wander.

Once the ship reaches the town of Edfu the ship's crew will throw out the anchor and you'll visit the best preserved cult temple in Egypt. The monumental Horus Temple, built in honour of the God with the falcon's head, is easily as impressive as the world famous temple of Karnak in Luxor. After visiting the temple you'll continue on to the town of Wadi El Shat where you'll walk through the tropical gardens and countryside. As night draws in, you'll spend the night on the Dahabiya.

Day 12: Sailing to Kom Ombo

After a breakfast the Dahabiya will set sail along the Nile again. You'll reach the excavation site 'Gebel El Silsila' and the temple of the Pharaoh Horemheb. You can also visit an ancient stone quarry where colossal stones were cut out for the temple of Karnak.

After lunch on board you'll sail on to one of the highlights of this complete Egypt itinerary, the majestic temples of Haroeris and Sobek at Kom Ombo. During recent years many temples have been moved stone by stone to higher locations to protect them from the rising waters of the Nile. However the temples at Kom Ombo are still at their original locations along the Nile.

At the end of the afternoon the Dahabiya will dock at one of the Nile islands. The ship's cook will treat you to an elaborate meal this evening. Candles will be lit and you'll have your own candlelight dinner on an island in the middle of the Nile...

Complete Egypt itinerary - Cruising on the Nile

Complete Egypt itinerary - Traditional sail boat

Day 13: Daraw - Sailing to El Koubania

No temple visits planned for today. After breakfast it's time to hoist the sails and sail towards the town of Daraw. Stroll through the town's dusty streets that lead to the colourful and lively souks. When travelling in Egypt, you don't want to miss out on a visit to a souk. This is where you'll taste, smell and experience Egypt as it's meant to be. A souk is a muddle of shops that all offer the same type of product. There's a vegetable and fruit souk, a meat souk, a fish souk, an iron souk and the most popular souk in Daraw, the weekly camel souk on Tuesdays and sometimes also on Sunday and Monday.

Naturally the ship's cook will also visit the souks and he'll prepare a savoury lunch for you with the tasty foods he buys there. As the ship sails on you'll be treated to a tasty selection of local foods. The ship will continue on towards Aswan, the land of the Nubians who came to Egypt from Somalia a long, long time ago. You'll see that people here have more African facial characteristics than Arabian. The ship will dock at the village of El Koubania so that you can get to meet the Nubians and find out more about their way of life. At the end of the day you'll spend the night in the Dahabiya.

Day 14: Arrival in Aswan

There's only a short distance left to sail until the ship reaches Aswan. Once you step back onto the shore you'll say goodbye to the ship captain, the cook and the rest of the crew. Our local representative will be waiting to greet you in Aswan and will take you to your hotel. You'll stay at a lovely mid-class hotel in a beautiful location directly on the Nile riverbank. The hotel is decorated in a somewhat outdated style, however the hotel is well-maintained, tidy and the staff is friendly and sincere. You'll have your own air-conditioned bungalow in a lush green garden. Temperatures in Aswan can be stifling, especially between May and August. Many travellers avoid visiting Aswan during this time of year due to the heat. Luckily however there's always the swimming pool to dive into when you'd like to cool off a bit. You can also sit beneath a parasol on the terrace where you can enjoy a cold drink as well as the view of sailboats gliding along the Nile. There are no other activities planned for today, so spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Complete Egypt itinerary - Sunset on the Nile

Complete Egypt itinerary - Riverside ruins

Day 15: Aswan - Philae & Kalabsha temples

Today we've only planned an excursion for half a day, so you'll have the rest of the day to head out on your own. After breakfast you'll be collected by our English-speaking guide. He/ she will drive you to the harbour where you'll board a wooden boat to Philae Island. One of the most beautiful temples in the area is located on the island, the temple honouring the Mother Goddess Isis. The rising waters of the Nile once threatened the survival of the temple and so the temple was relocated stone by stone to higher ground by UNESCO. It's hard to imagine how such a colossal structure could be moved, especially as you walk through it and see for yourself how big the temple is.

Our guide will take you back in time to when only holy priests dressed in long white robes were allowed to enter the temple by sharing temple stories with you. The temple also features a night-time sound & light show; it may sound like the tourist thing to do, but it's actually quite spectacular to see the temple at night. The temple is bathed in lovely coloured lights, while the history of the temple is told during a play of sorts. Night-time sound & light shows are common at most cultural attractions in Egypt. However we believe this show on Philae is one of the most fascinating ones we've ever seen. After visiting the temple of Isis you'll sail back to the mainland where you'll visit the temple of Kalabsha at Lake Nasser. This temple was once one of the largest temples of the Egyptian Nubian civilisation. In an attempt to protect the temple from the Nile, it too was moved 50km to its current location along the Nile. You'll return to your hotel around lunchtime, where you'll say goodbye to your guide. Have lunch at the hotel or choose from one of the restaurants in Market Street and spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Day 16: Abu Simbel

Today you'll visit the world famous temple of Abu Simbel. The entrance of this grand temple is made up of four enormous statues of Pharaoh Ramses who built this entrance in an effort to command respect from the Nubians. Similar to the temples on Philae and Kalabsha, Abu Simbel was also relocated by UNESCO to its current location in an effort to protect it from the rising waters of the Nile caused by the construction of a large dam.

Abu Simbel tours are certainly worth while, however the trip to get there is a long one. You can choose to leave your hotel in a convoy at 4:00 in the morning and arrive at the temple at around 7:00 in the morning. You'll have three hours to spend in the temple and then you'll return to Aswan, where you'll arrive at around 13:00. The second option is head out at 11:00 in the morning and return to Aswan at 19:00 in the evening.

Complete Egypt itinerary - Temples and monuments

Complete Egypt itinerary - Local children

Day 17: Departure from Aswan - End of your complete Egypt itinerary

Today is your last day in Aswan. You'll be collected from your hotel in the morning and taken to the airport in Aswan where you'll catch an air plane to Cairo and on to the UK. This is the end of this very complete Egypt itinerary through the land of the Pharaohs.