12 Days in Egypt: Cairo & Upper Egypt Journey including abu simbel

In the morning, enjoy a lovely breakfast at your hotel before your private air-conditioned vehicle picks you up to begin your 12-day Cairo & Upper Egypt tour. Your first adventure takes you to the must-see attractions of Giza and Cairo. 

Explore the Pyramids of Giza, also known as the Giza Necropolis, built during the 4th Dynasty. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest and largest pyramid on the Giza Plateau, constructed around 2570 BC using over 2.3 million stone blocks. Standing 147 meters tall, it is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

Admire the Great Sphinx, the majestic guardian of the plateau with a lion’s body and Pharaoh Khafre’s head, enhanced in 1401 BC by Thutmose IV’s Dream Stele. Discover the Valley Temple, where ancient Egyptians performed the sacred Opening of the Mouth ceremony and mummification rituals. 

Next, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), aligned with the Pyramids and spanning nearly 490,000 square meters. GEM bridges ancient Egypt and modern innovation, featuring advanced conservation labs, research facilities, and immersive storytelling. Here, you will marvel at treasures such as the Hanging Obelisk, the 11-meter Colossus of Ramses II, and over 5,000 artifacts from Tutankhamun. 

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a quality restaurant, then continue to Saqqara Step Pyramid, the magnificent creation of King Djoser (2670–2650 BC), designed by his brilliant architect Imhotep. Rising 63 meters in six steps, it transformed pyramid construction and features a remarkable open courtyard, laying the foundation for future pyramids. 

At the end of the day, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cairo. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 Overnight: Cairo Hotel  

In the morning, enjoy your breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, join one of our expert Egyptologists to explore the city’s most famous sites. 

Begin with the Aswan High Dam, a modern marvel built in 1960 with UNESCO’s assistance. This impressive structure protects Egypt from destructive floods and generates vast amounts of water and electricity. 

Next, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest obelisk ever built in ancient Egypt, commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut (1508–1458 BC). This massive monument offers a fascinating insight into how the ancient Egyptians crafted colossal obelisks, revealing the tools and techniques of the New Kingdom craftsmen. 

Enjoy lunch at a Nile-view restaurant, then continue to Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, the goddess of beauty and love. Constructed during the Ptolemaic era (380–362 BC) and relocated to Agilkia Island by UNESCO to save it from the High Dam floods, the temple’s exquisite artwork tells the epic tale of Osiris, the ruler of the Underworld. 

Your tour guide will transfer you to the 5* hotel in Aswan to check in and spend the night.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Flight: From Cairo to Aswan 

Overnight: Aswan Hotel 

Early in the morning, receive your breakfast boxes before being picked up in a modern air-conditioned car for a guided day trip to one of the highlights of your 12-day Cairo & Upper Egypt tour: the Abu Simbel Temples

These incredible temples, carved into solid rock in 1264 BC during the reign of King Ramses II (1279–1213 BC), consist of two magnificent structures. The Great Temple celebrates Ramses II and his victory at the Battle of Kadesh (1274 BC), while the second temple honors his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. Twice a year, during the Sun Festival on February 22 and October 22, the sunlight perfectly illuminates the statues of the gods Amun, Ptah, and Ra-Horakhty, creating a truly magical spectacle. 

After exploring these extraordinary monuments, return to Aswan for lunch at a reputable restaurant, then continue your journey. 

After that, transfer you to your hotel in Aswan to spend the night.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Aswan Hotel 

In the morning, you will be transferred to catch a 1st class train to Luxor. Upon arrival, your professional tour guide will meet you at the train station and take you in a modern air-conditioned car to explore the most famous highlights of Luxor’s East Bank. 

Begin with the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, one of the largest and most impressive temples ever built, covering 247 acres and constructed between 1971 BC and 20 BC. This monumental complex features three main temples dedicated to the Theban Triad: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, along with numerous other ancient Egyptian deities. Marvel at the extraordinary art, hieroglyphics, and architectural wonders that celebrate the greatness of the Pharaohs across different dynasties. 

Enjoy lunch at a Nile-view restaurant in Luxor, then transfer to your 5-star hotel to relax and unwind. 

In the evening, continue your adventure with a visit to Luxor Temple by night, where the temple’s magical illumination brings its grandeur to life. Built around 1400 BC, this temple was the heart of the famous Opet Festival and symbolized the rejuvenation of kingship, hosting the coronation rituals of rulers including Amenhotep III and Ramses II. 

After that we will drive you back to your hotel in Luxor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Luxor Hotel

After breakfast at your hotel, begin a guided day trip to explore the West Bank’s monumental highlights of Luxor. 

Start with the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial ground of Egypt’s rulers from the 18th to the 20th dynasties. This remarkably preserved site contains over 60 royal tombs, including the famous tombs of Ramses II and King Tutankhamun, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rituals, art, and history of Egypt’s ancient royalty. 

Next, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, an exquisitely decorated mortuary temple built to honor Queen Hatshepsut (1508–1458 BC) and immortalize her remarkable achievements. Explore the intricate decorations, which depict the notable conflicts, triumphs, and accomplishments of her reign, including her relationship with her stepson Thutmose III. 

Enjoy lunch at a quality Egyptian restaurant, then continue to the Colossi of Memnon. These two towering statues, erected by Amenhotep III (1386–1350 BC), stand 18 meters tall and were believed to guard the king. The statues feature over 100 Roman-era inscriptions and carvings, revealing fascinating details about Amenhotep III’s life, beliefs, and legacy. 

After that, you will return to your hotel for the overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Luxor Hotel   

After breakfast, your fluent tour guide will take you in a modern air-conditioned car to visit some of Luxor’s most remarkable historical attractions. 

Begin with  Dendera Temple, a must-see site built between 2250 BC and 43 BC. This temple is unique because it reflects the glorious achievements of three eras of Egyptian history: the Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman periods. Explore the Temple of Hathor, the Birthing Temple, and the Temple of Isis, along with a sacred pool, all showcasing extraordinary art and architecture. 

Next, visit the Abydos Temple, constructed by Seti I (1290–1279 BC) and completed by his son Ramses II. This magnificent temple houses seven shrines dedicated to gods including Seti I, Isis, Osiris, Amun-Ra, Horus, Ptah, and Ra-Horakhty. Admire the well-preserved painted reliefs from the 18th Dynasty and the King’s List, which records the chronological names of Pharaohs from Menes to Ramses I. 

After exploring these treasures, return to Luxor for a delicious lunch at a quality restaurant before continuing your journey. 

Finally, we will transfer you back to your hotel to spend the rest of the day and overnight.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Luxor Hotel 

After breakfast, catch your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, meet your fluent Egyptologist tour guide to continue your 12-day Cairo & Upper Egypt tour by exploring some of Cairo’s most iconic highlights. 

Start with the Egyptian Museum, located in the heart of downtown Cairo. Built in 1901, this magnificent museum showcases the rich treasures of ancient Egypt, including statues, mummies, and artifacts spanning over 5,000 years of history. 

Next, visit the Salah El Din Citadel, an impressive Islamic fortress constructed in 1176 AD to protect Cairo from Crusader invasions. Stroll through its grand gates and towering walls, and admire the museums and architecture that celebrate Egypt’s Islamic heritage. 

Explore the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as The Alabaster Mosque, built between 1830 and 1848. With its stunning Ottoman architecture and walls made of pure alabaster, it dominates the Cairo skyline and offers a magical visual experience. 

Enjoy lunch at a quality restaurant, then continue to the Hanging Church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Built above the Babylon Fortress gatehouse in the 3rd century AD, this Coptic marvel features a unique elevated design and captivating interior artwork. 

Next, visit the Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque, the oldest mosque in Africa, constructed in 641 AD in the ancient capital of Fustat. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt and expanded, showcasing some of the finest Islamic architecture in Egypt. 

Discover the Ben Ezra Synagogue, located where baby Moses was believed to have been found. Originally a church converted into a synagogue in 882 AD, it now houses a fascinating collection of Jewish artifacts and documents. 

Continue to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), inaugurated in 2020, which showcases 7,000 years of Egyptian history. Explore 50,000 artifacts and 20 royal mummies in its modern and interactive halls. 

Stroll along the historic Al Muizz Street, a preserved open-air museum of Islamic art and architecture from the Fatimid era (10th century AD), lined with art exhibits, traditional houses, and charming cafes. 

End your day with a visit to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the oldest market in Africa, built during the Mamluk period (1382–1389 AD). Here, you can shop for souvenirs, perfumes, clothes, and more to remember your journey. 

Finally, transfer to your 5-star hotel in Cairo for check-in and an overnight stay. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Cairo Hotel 

Flight: luxor- cairo

After breakfast at your hotel in Cairo, your tour guide will take you in a private air-conditioned car for a full-day excursion to Alexandria, one of Egypt’s most historic and cosmopolitan cities. 

Begin your tour with the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a fascinating Roman-era underground necropolis that beautifully blends Egyptian and Roman art, culture, and architecture. Built between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD, this site served as the final resting place for a single family and contains invaluable artifacts from the Pharaonic funeral tradition. 

Next, visit Pompey’s Pillar, a monumental granite column erected to honor Emperor Diocletian, who freed the besieged city. Constructed between 298–302 AD, it stands near the Serapeum of Alexandria and is believed by many to mark the remains of Pompey at its top. 

Continue to the Qaitbay Citadel, an impressive fortress built in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbey to defend the city against Ottoman attacks along the Mediterranean coast. The citadel was constructed on the historic site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, whose remains were incorporated into the fortress after earthquakes destroyed the lighthouse in the 11th century. 

Enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant, then visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a tribute to the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria. Opened in 2002, it houses copies of books in all languages, hosts unique exhibitions, and stands as a beacon of knowledge and culture. 

At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Cairo for check-in and an overnight stay. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Cairo Hotel

In the early morning, we will transfer you to Bahariya Oasis (385 km / approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in Al-Bawaiti city before starting your desert adventure in a Toyota Land Cruiser. 

Begin your exploration with the Black Desert, famous for its volcanic hills and unique black rocks. Then, visit the Bedouin Village of El Hez Shower to experience the traditional life and culture of the local people. 

Continue your journey to the Crystal Mountain, known for its stunning natural rock formations, and then head to the Agabat Area, also called “The Wonders Area”, where you can try sandboarding on the golden dunes. 

Finally, explore the Old White Desert, marveling at the surreal landscapes including the Mushroom Rocks, Tants Valley, Panorama of the Old White Desert, and Flower Stone. 

As the day winds down, enjoy Bedouin shows with traditional tea, a barbecue dinner under the stars, and spend the night camping in the heart of the desert, surrounded by magical scenery. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Overnight: Camping in the Desert

Wake up early to capture unforgettable photos during sunrise over the desert landscapes. Afterward, enjoy breakfast and visit the hot springs to relax and soak in the natural warmth. 

Later, we will drive you back to Cairo, where you will check in at your 5-star hotel for an overnight stay, resting after your magical Bahariya Oasis adventure. 

Meals: Breakfast 

Overnight: Cairo Hotel

Your final day in Cairo & Upper Egypt during this 12-day Cairo & Upper Egypt adventure begins with breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. You will then be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight back home. 

Meals: Breakfast