8 days
Cairo, Aswan, LuxorTrip Itinerary
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Blending a classic Cairo tour with an enchanting Nile River cruise, this trip to Egypt captures the country in all its glory.
If you are short on time or would like to spend a week on the scenic Red Sea Coast, this 8-day itinerary captures all that you don't want to miss of historic Egypt. Beginning amid the iconic landmarks of Cairo, each day on this journey is packed with cultural insight and fascinating tours.
Start at the wondrous Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx as your local guide familiarises you with the bewildering tales which are interwoven into Egypt's past. Continue onward to begin your magical cruise along the Nile River, where each corner turned seems to introduce another jaw-dropping relic. See the legendary Philae Temple Complex, the twin temples of Kom Ombo, the mystifying tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and much more. Spend each evening on-board lapping up the luxuries of the Gaia Dahabiya, rising each morning to your sleek, stylish cabin and a colourful buffet breakfast.
What's Included:
- All accommodation fees
- All activities and tours included in the itinerary and mentioned meals and drink
- Domestic flights
- All private transfers
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Cairo
Begin your adventure with VIP airport assistance and a private transfer to your hotel. Relax and settle in at the luxurious Marriott Mena House, renowned for its stunning views of the Pyramids of Giza. This historic hotel has hosted royals and dignitaries since the 19th century and offers the perfect mix of comfort and heritage. Spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the excitement of the journey ahead.
Day 2 - The Wonder of Giza and Cairo's Soul
Today, step back in time to explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza, built for Pharaohs Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus. Marvel at the Great Pyramid, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, and the Sphinx, whose stoic gaze has watched over the desert for millennia. Visit the Valley Temple, where pharaohs were mummified, and immerse yourself in the legends surrounding these timeless monuments.
In the afternoon, discover the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, including Tutankhamun’s golden mask and ancient royal artifacts. Evening brings a stroll through Al-Moez Street, a living testament to Cairo’s Islamic history, and the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar. End the day with a traditional dinner at Naguib Mahfouz restaurant, steeped in charm and ambiance.
Day 3 - Aswan on the Nile
Fly to Aswan, where you’ll board your luxury Nile cruise. After a delightful onboard lunch, sail the Nile on a felucca, the traditional wooden sailboat, as you drift past palm-fringed islands and serene waters. Return to the cruise for a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner featuring local flavors. The evening comes alive with a Nubian folkloric show, showcasing the vibrant music and dance of this unique culture. Rest in your elegantly appointed cabin, ready to embrace the treasures of Aswan.
Day 4 - Iconic Aswan Tour
Begin the day at the impressive Aswan High Dam, a feat of 20th-century engineering that changed Egypt’s landscape by taming the Nile. Travel by motorboat to the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island to preserve it from rising waters. Explore the ancient Granite Quarries, home to the unfinished obelisk, a massive monument abandoned due to flaws in the stone. Return to the cruise for lunch, then savor an enchanting candlelit dinner on Al Hirbiab Island, surrounded by the tranquil Nile and starlit skies.
Day 5 - Kom Ombo & Gebel El-Silsila
Sail to Kom Ombo to explore its unique twin temples, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and falcon-headed Horus. Learn about ancient medicine in the temple’s fascinating reliefs and see mummified crocodiles in its museum. Continue to Gebel El-Silsila, a quarry that supplied stone for Egypt’s greatest monuments. Wander through ancient inscriptions, shrines, and the remnants of worker settlements. The stunning desert landscapes make this a photographer’s dream. Return to the cruise for dinner under the stars, enjoying the serene rhythm of the Nile.
Day 6 - Edfu and Esna Temples
Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved monuments, where towering columns and vivid carvings tell tales of pharaohs and gods. Marvel at the grandeur of the hypostyle hall and sacred sanctuaries. Continue to Esna, where the Temple of Khnum lies 10 metres below ground level due to centuries of silt build-up. Explore its exquisite carvings of gods and rituals, including astrological scenes. Return to the cruise for dinner, accompanied by the haunting melodies of a Rabab performance, blending tradition and elegance.
Day 7 - The Majesty of Luxor
Discover Luxor’s iconic West Bank, beginning at the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were buried in hidden tombs adorned with vibrant murals. Optionally, visit the tomb of Tutankhamun or enjoy a private opening of Seti I’s intricately decorated tomb. Admire the grandeur of Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple, a tribute to Egypt’s only female pharaoh, set dramatically against towering cliffs. Pause at the Colossi of Memnon, giant statues that once guarded a great temple. After lunch, explore Luxor Temple and the illuminated Avenue of Sphinxes, a 3-kilometre procession linking Luxor to Karnak. End the day with a sumptuous dinner aboard your cruise.
Day 8 - Farewell in Luxor & Departure Home
On your final morning, visit Karnak Temple, a colossal complex spanning over 2,000 years of history. Marvel at the Hypostyle Hall’s towering columns, intricately carved obelisks, and the Sacred Lake where priests once performed rituals. Let the grandeur of Karnak inspire your final moments in Egypt before your transfer to Luxor Airport marks the end of your unforgettable journey.
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Enquire OnlineWhy Wayfairer
This wonderful one-week Egypt tour reveals the country's fascinating cultural heritage in a way that is respectful, insightful and exciting. Egyptian culture and history is spotlighted each day on the cruise, while the admission fees which are included in the tour contribute to the preservation of each relic and ruin.
The Gaia Dahabiyah oozes with class whilst offering a journey that is infused with sustainability each step of the way. The boat is structured with recycled materials and there is minimal use of single-use plastic on-board. As water is a precious resourced in Egypt, it is treated with care on the vessel and re-used where possible. Meanwhile, all of the delicious meals you will eat on-board are prepared using local ingredients, supporting regional farmers.
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