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Highlights of Egypt, Nubia & Red Sea
Cairo to Hurghada — 12 days, 11 nights
Pyramids, temples, a Nile Dahabiya, Abu Simbel and the Red Sea — Egypt’s full story in one journey. From Saqqara’s Step Pyramid to a moonlit barbeque on the river, then west to Hurghada’s reefs before a final walk through medieval Cairo.
12
6
4
€1,195
Saqqara, Dahshur & Giza
Visit Saqqara, including the Step Pyramid and the Nobles’ tombs, then Dahshur to see the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. After lunch, head to Giza for the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, the Khafra and Menkaura pyramids, and the tomb of priest Kar. Tour duration 9–10 hours. Overnight in Cairo.
- Camel ride in Giza
- Going inside the Great Pyramid
- Giza sound and light show in the evening
Grand Egyptian Museum & Coptic Cairo
Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, including the Tutankhamun collection. After lunch, explore Coptic / Old Cairo, including the Hanging Church and Abu Serga Church. Tour duration 9–10 hours. Overnight in Cairo.
Fly to Aswan — High Dam, Philae & felucca
Transfer to Cairo airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Aswan. Visit the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk. After lunch, take an afternoon felucca ride on the Nile past the Nobles’ tombs, the Agha Khan Mausoleum, Plantation Island and the Old Cataract Hotel. Dressing code: normal. Overnight in Aswan.
- Elephantine archaeological site · The Nubian Village · The Nubian Museum
- Camel ride to Saint Simon Monastery · Plantation Island
- Motor boat ride through the Nile Cataract · Philae sound and light show
Abu Simbel & boarding the Dahabiya
Early morning drive to Abu Simbel (3–4 hours each way) to see the temples of Ramses and Nefertari, then drive back to Aswan. Tour duration 9–10 hours. At noon, check into the Dahabiya for lunch and sailing. Dinner and overnight on board in Daraw.
Daraw market, Kom Ombo & moonlit barbeque
Breakfast on board. In Daraw, shop like a local at the market, visit a barn to meet camels and learn about the camel trade, and visit a Nubian town. Visit Kom Ombo Temple, then lunch on board while sailing to El Selsela, an ancient sandstone quarry with riverside shrines. Special barbeque dinner by moonlight; overnight near Bisaw.
Bisaw Island & the Temple of Horus
Breakfast in a local home or on board. Explore Bisaw Island on foot through the farms, meet villagers, and join local fishermen on their boats to experience Nile fishing. Sail to Edfu and ride to the Temple of Horus. Lunch on board; dinner and overnight in El Hegz.
Esna, Karnak & Luxor by sunset
Breakfast on board, sail to Esna and check out of the Dahabiya. Visit Esna Temple, the restored caravanserai and the market, then drive about an hour to Luxor and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple by sunset. Tour duration 3–4 hours. Overnight in Luxor.
- Walk the Alley of the Sphinx between Karnak and Luxor temples
- Horse carriage ride · Felucca ride · Luxor Museum · Karnak sound and light show
Valley of the Kings & a local farmer's home
Optionally start with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride (~50 minutes flight, ~2 hours with transfers). After breakfast, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, then explore the Valley of the Kings — your guide leads you to 3 of the more than 10 currently open tombs. After snacks, visit Hatshepsut Temple and the Ancient Workmen’s Village (Deir el-Medina), finishing with a late lunch or dinner at a local farmer’s house. Tour duration 7–8 hours. Dressing code: conservative, for the family visit. Overnight in Luxor.
- Tutankhamun tomb · Ramses VI tomb · Seti I tomb (Nefertari’s tomb currently closed)
- Horse carriage ride · Felucca ride · Luxor Museum · Karnak sound and light show
Transfer to Hurghada
Check out and transfer overland to the Red Sea (about 4 hours). Arrive in Hurghada and check into the hotel, followed by a half-day city tour in the afternoon. Overnight in Hurghada.
Free day in Hurghada
A free day to relax, with a range of optional activities available — book 24–48 hours ahead.
- Private sailboat snorkelling tour (6–7 hrs) · Group snorkelling tour by yacht with lunch
- Paradise Island day (group, 6–7 hrs, lunch included) · Desert safari by quad bike with Bedouin dinner & folk show
- Swim with dolphins (group boat day) · Scuba diving, including intro dives for non-licensed divers
Return to Cairo
Check out and transfer overland to Cairo (about 6 hours; domestic flights available on request, ~1 hour). Overnight in Cairo.
The Citadel & medieval Cairo
Visit the Citadel, including the Mohamed Ali Mosque, then lunch at Al-Azhar Park, a hilltop park overlooking the city. Take a walking tour through Al-Muizz Street in medieval Cairo, among its mosques, historic houses and markets, before browsing Khan el-Khalili market. Tour duration 7–8 hours.
- Folk show at Al-Ghouri Caravansary (Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays)
Ready to book this journey?
Secure your spot now — departures fill up months in advance.
Quick facts
Duration: 12 days · 11 nights
Route: Cairo → Aswan → Abu Simbel → Dahabiya → Luxor → Hurghada → Cairo
Group size: 4 nights, double cabin
Guide: English (others on request)
Meals: As mentioned per day
Flights: Cairo–Aswan included
Pricing (per person, EUR)
€1,195
Per person
Tours, transfers, guide fees, meals as mentioned, 4 nights on the Dahabiya in a private double cabin, boat rides, bottled water & entry fees (€198).
+ Accommodation
3 nights Cairo · 2 nights Luxor · 1 night Aswan · 2 nights Hurghada, breakfast & taxes included. High season supplement €103pp.
€846
Per person, double room
Grand total (group of 6)
Single supplement €1,025. Domestic flights, drinks with meals, optional tours and tipping not included.
€2,238
Land + accommodation, per person