11-Days Historical Egypt Vacation

Enjoy an amazing breakfast at your hotel in Cairo before your private tour guide comes to pick you up to start your incredible tour of Giza and witness its exquisite landmarks. 

First, you will visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu. On the first day of touring Egypt’s attractions, you will see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, standing at a height of 138.5 meters. This pyramid is truly spectacular. While there are many other pyramids in Giza, this one is special due to its magnificent size, unique construction method, and other factors that make it the most visited destination in Egypt. It was built in 2570 BC by the great king Khufu, who completed what his father Sneferu started. Here, the real history of Egypt comes alive. 

Next, you will see the astonishing Great Sphinx, built during the reign of King Khafre, who wanted to create a guardian for the Giza Pyramids Complex, giving the Sphinx a lion’s body and the facial features of the king himself. The enduring statue holds the Dream Stele of Thutmose IV, placed between its legs in 1401 BC. 

Then, you will visit the Valley Temple, where the ancient Egyptians performed the mummification and purification processes of the bodies of their kings and queens, following their beliefs regarding the afterlife. 

Next, you will marvel at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a majestic billion-dollar state-of-the-art establishment aligned with the glorious Pyramids of Giza and spanning nearly 490,000 square meters. It serves as a gateway to 5,000 years of history, bridging ancient Egypt and modern innovation through advanced architecture, artistic expression, and immersive storytelling. GEM houses one of the biggest conservation centers in the Middle East, with research labs and educational facilities dedicated to preserving Egypt’s heritage. You can admire treasures such as the Hanging Obelisk, the 11-meter Colossus of Ramses II, and the complete collection of over 5,000 artifacts from Tutankhamun. 

Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a fabulous Egyptian restaurant, then join your tour guide once more to visit the Saqqara Step Pyramid, the first and most distinguishable pyramid, constructed between 2670 and 2650 BC by the legendary Imhotep for King Djoser. It was designed to be more than a normal mastaba by building one over the other until it took the shape of a stepped pyramid. 

Finally, we will transfer you back to your 5* hotel for the overnight.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Cairo Hotel 

In the morning, enjoy your breakfast, and we will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo to start an exciting tour to Alexandria. Upon your arrival, you will head with your tour guide to visit Qaitbay Citadel. This magnificent citadel is considered one of the most essential defensive strongholds along the Mediterranean Sea coast. It was built between 1477 and 1479 AD and was a very important site in Alexandria during the 15th century. In fact, it was constructed on the same location as the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was destroyed and replaced by Qaitbay Citadel. 

Next, you will visit the Alexandria Library. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is one of the most interesting and captivating tourist sites in Alexandria, providing a wide space for knowledge seekers. Since its opening in 2002, it has held over 8 million books. You will find the Main Library plus six other specialized libraries, including the Arts and Multimedia Library, the Taha Hussein Library, the Children’s Library, the Young People’s Library, the Exchange and Archive Section, and the Rare Books Section. 

Next, enjoy your lunch in an outstanding restaurant in Alexandria, and then continue your day with a special visit to Pompey’s Pillar. This Roman Triumphal Column was built between 298 and 302 AD and is considered the largest of its type, standing at 28 meters. It was constructed outside the imperial capitals of Rome and Constantinople and is one of the largest ancient monoliths ever erected. 

Finally, you will visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. You will be amazed to learn that this site was discovered accidentally in 1900 because of a donkey. It is the largest-known Roman burial site in Egypt, built between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD and originally dedicated to a single family. Inside the catacombs, you will find three tiers of tombs and chambers cut into the bedrock to a depth of 35 meters. 

And then after finishing your tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel in Cairo overnight.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Cairo Hotel

In the morning, you will have your breakfast at your hotel, and then you will check out so that we can transfer you to Cairo International Airport to catch your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you will join your private tour guide to visit some of the top Aswan tourist attractions, starting with the Aswan High Dam. This amazing modern construction, completed in the mid-1970s, plays a vital role in the economic, social, and political life of Egypt. It produces a significant amount of electricity and transformed the way of life across the country. 

Next, you will visit the Unfinished Obelisk, one of the most fascinating obelisks in ancient Egypt, erected during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. She intended it to be one of the largest obelisks, complementing the Lateran Obelisk in Karnak, but its upper part cracked, so the builders were ordered to stop construction and leave it as it is. The obelisk stands at a total height of 42 meters, weighs around 1,000 tons, and showcases the extraordinary skill of ancient Egyptian builders. 

Then, you will move to Philae Temple, one of the most visited sites in Aswan, dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and beauty. Philae Temple was a highly important religious site in ancient Egypt, and due to its significance, the government relocated it to Agilkia Island to save it from destruction. Today, it is safe and visited by thousands of tourists. 

Finally, we will transfer you to a wonderful restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch. 

You will be transferred to check in at your hotel in Aswan and spend the overnight. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Flight: From Cairo to Aswan

Overnight: Aswan Hotel

In the early morning, you will receive your breakfast boxes before being picked up to start your adventure to Abu Simbel. Upon arrival, your private tour guide will take you to explore the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, where you will admire the Great Temple, built by Ramses II to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh and the world’s first peace treaty, as well as the smaller temple dedicated to his beloved Queen Nefertari. 

You will discover how these incredible temples were relocated in 1968 by UNESCO to save them from the waters of Lake Nasser, and you will learn about the fascinating Sun Festival, when sunlight perfectly illuminates the statues of Ptah, Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ramses the Great. 

After exploring these ancient wonders, you will be transferred back to Aswan to enjoy a delicious lunch at a top-quality Egyptian restaurant. 

After finishing, we will transfer you back to your hotel overnight.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Aswan Hotel

After enjoying your breakfast and checking out from your hotel in Aswan, you will be transferred to Aswan Train Station to catch your first-class train to Luxor. Upon arrival, your private tour guide will take you on an exciting journey to explore some of Luxor’s top attractions on the East Bank of the Nile, starting with the magnificent Karnak Temple. As the largest religious temple in the world, Karnak will make you feel like an explorer, uncovering the hidden treasures of the ancient Pharaohs. Built from the Middle Kingdom until 30 BC, it served as the main religious capital of Thebes. Inside the Karnak Temple Complex, you will explore three major temples dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, and marvel at the Hypostyle Hall, a breathtaking masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture. 

After this fascinating visit, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a top-quality Egyptian restaurant, followed by a smooth check-in at your 5-star hotel to relax and refresh. In the evening, your tour continues with a visit to the mesmerizing Luxor Temple on the East Bank of the Nile. Known as the southern sanctuary, this temple, built around 1400 BC, honored Amenhotep III, Ramses the Great, and Alexander the Great, and was dedicated not only to the gods but also to the rejuvenation of kingship, making it one of the most remarkable monuments of ancient Egypt. 

Finally, we will drive you back to your hotel in Luxor overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Luxor Hotel 

Enjoy your breakfast at your 5-star hotel before setting out with your tour guide on an incredible journey to the West Bank of Luxor, home to some of ancient Egypt’s most legendary sites. The Valley of the Kings is a mythical underground paradise carved into the hills, containing 63 tombs of pharaohs from the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties of the New Kingdom (1570–1050 BC). Here, you will explore the tombs of Seti I, Tutankhamun, Ramses VI, and many others, learning about the ancient Egyptian burial rituals and preparations for the journey into the afterlife. 

Nearby, the magnificent Hatshepsut Temple rises from the golden cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, built in 1479 BC to immortalize the reign of the incomparable Queen Hatshepsut and honor Amun. The Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues of King Amenhotep III, stand as the last remnants of his mortuary temple, which once stretched across this sacred landscape. These 18-meter-high (60 ft) figures continue to inspire awe with their grandeur and the legends surrounding them. 

The adventure concludes with a delicious lunch at a carefully selected Egyptian restaurant, offering a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage. 

Finally we will transfer you back to your hotel in Luxor for the overnight.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Luxor Hotel

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking with your private tour guide to explore more of Luxor’s breathtaking landmarks, renowned worldwide for their grandeur and historical significance. On the West Bank, the majestic Valley of the Queens reveals 91 tombs of Pharaohs and Queens from the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties, including the famous tomb of Queen Nefertari, known as The Place of Beauty. Dedicated to the goddess Hathor, the valley preserves some of the most exquisite artistic decorations of ancient Egypt. 

Nearby, the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu stands as a remarkable testament to New Kingdom architecture and history, best known for its intricate reliefs depicting the arrival and defeat of the Sea Peoples. After soaking in the history and grandeur, a delightful lunch at a wonderful Luxor restaurant awaits you. 

The journey continues to the ancient village of Deir el-Medina, also called The Place of Truth, where the artisans, servants, and builders who worked on the tombs of the Valley of the Kings once lived. This unique site showcases the most organized and productive community life of ancient Egypt, offering a rare glimpse into the daily lives of those who shaped the Pharaohs’ eternal resting places. 

Finally, enjoy a private transfer back to your hotel to spend the rest of the day.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Luxor Hotel

On the morning of this special day, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before joining your private tour guide to explore some of Luxor’s most fascinating attractions. The majestic Dendera Temple spans over 40,000 square meters and has roots dating back to prehistory. Built by Pharaoh Pepi I, the temple complex includes the Hathor Temple, Isis Temple, Sacred Lake, Sanatorium, the Roman Kiosk, and many other remarkable features, offering endless discoveries into Egypt’s rich and captivating history. 

The journey continues to the golden Temple of Abydos, which took its current form during the New Kingdom but traces back to the Old Kingdom. Dedicated to Seti I, this extraordinary archaeological site holds treasures from the reigns of Ahmose, Ramses the Great, Seti I, and others. Famous for the mysterious “helicopter” symbols, Abydos is also believed to be the burial place of Osiris, making it a significant cult center for Isis. 

The experience concludes with a delightful lunch at a terrific restaurant, allowing you to savor the flavors of authentic Egyptian cuisine. 

Then we will drive you back to your hotel in Luxor for overnight.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 Overnight: Luxor Hotel

After enjoying breakfast and checking out from your hotel, you will be transferred to Luxor Airport to catch your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, your Egyptologist tour guide will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic and fascinating landmarks. The legendary Egyptian Museum, home to countless treasures, statues, and antiques, will captivate you with artifacts dating back thousands of years, offering a magical glimpse into Egypt’s incredible history since its opening in 1901. 

Lunch at a wonderful restaurant gives you a chance to savor authentic Egyptian cuisine before continuing to the enchanting Hanging Church, built in the 5th century AD atop the southern gate of the Roman Fortress of Babylon, and once the residence of the Coptic Patriarch from the 7th to the 13th centuries. Then, you will visit Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, the first mosque in Africa, established in 641 AD in Fustat, Egypt’s first Islamic capital, still vibrant with a devout congregation and open to visitors. 

Nearby, the fascinating Ben Ezra Synagogue reveals its unique history, having originally been a Christian church before being sold to the Jewish community in 882 AD, with the current structure dating back to 1892 after several restorations. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) showcases over 5,000 years of Egyptian history through more than 50,000 artifacts, including the breathtaking Golden Hall of Mummies, where 28 royal mummies are on display. 

A stroll along the magical Al-Muizz Street introduces you to a labyrinth of Islamic art and architecture, from the Fatimid era through centuries of Cairo’s rich history, passing house museums, art galleries, and charming cafes. Finally, no visit to Cairo is complete without exploring the vibrant Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, the largest and most iconic shopping center in Egypt, built during the Mamluk period (1382–1389 AD), where you can find unique souvenirs, local crafts, and treasures to take home at remarkable prices. 

And finally, after finishing your tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel for the overnight.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Flight: From Luxor to Cairo 

Overnight: Cairo Hotel

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Cairo, you will check out and be transferred to Cairo Airport, where our representative will assist you with all the final arrangements for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable 11-day historical journey through Egypt. 

Meals: Breakfast