Ultimate Egypt Grand Tour – 10 Days
Discover Egypt's most legendary ancient wonders and cultural treasures on this immersive 10-day private journey through Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the iconic Nile River. Beginning with the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the world-class Grand Egyptian Museum, this tour continues through monumental temple complexes, a luxury Nile cruise, and the magnificent rock-carved temples of Abu Simbel.
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Tour Overview
This Ultimate Egypt Grand Tour showcases the rich arc of ancient Egyptian civilization — from the timeless pyramids and pharaonic tombs to grand temple complexes and tranquil Nile views. In Cairo, stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the elegant limestone guardian statue of the Sphinx. Experience the vast artifact collections of the Grand Egyptian Museum, featuring royal treasures that illuminate the country's millennia-old history.
Fly to Luxor — the heart of ancient Thebes — where colossal pillars, towering obelisks, and sacred precincts at Karnak and Luxor Temples reveal the spiritual epicenter of pharaonic Egypt. On the Nile's west bank, visit the Valley of the Kings, where richly decorated royal tombs await, and explore the elegant mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Cruise the Nile in comfort with stops at the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu and the dual sanctuary of Kom Ombo, and visit the graceful island sanctuary of Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. A highlight of this journey is the dramatic Abu Simbel temples, relocated above Lake Nasser's waters and celebrated as pinnacles of ancient engineering.
Detailed Itinerary
1Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, your dedicated Egyptologist will greet you for a seamless private transfer to your carefully selected accommodation. Take this time to settle in and acclimate to Egypt's unique energy. As evening falls over the sprawling capital, you might glimpse the distant pyramids on the horizon—a first taste of the ancient wonders awaiting you. Rest well tonight in preparation for the extraordinary journey ahead.
2Day 2: Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
Begin your exploration at the iconic Giza Plateau, where the Great Pyramid of Khufu—sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—rises majestically from the desert sands. Walk in the shadow of these 4,500-year-old monuments, stand before the enigmatic Sphinx, and learn how massive limestone blocks were precisely placed to create structures that have endured millennia. Continue to the stunning Grand Egyptian Museum, home to over 100,000 artifacts including Tutankhamun's complete burial treasures. Your private guide brings context to each gallery, revealing the sophisticated artistry, religious beliefs, and daily life of ancient Egypt's most powerful dynasties.
3Day 3: Saqqara & Memphis
Journey south to Saqqara, Egypt's sprawling necropolis that predates Giza by centuries. Here stands the Step Pyramid of Djoser—the world's oldest monumental stone structure—designed by the legendary architect Imhotep around 2650 BCE. Wander through elaborate tomb complexes adorned with vivid hieroglyphic inscriptions and reliefs that depict scenes of harvest, hunting, and offerings to the gods. Continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of unified Egypt, where a magnificent fallen statue of Ramesses II and the alabaster Sphinx evoke the grandeur of a city that once commanded the entire Nile Valley. This quieter, less-visited site offers an intimate encounter with Egypt's Old Kingdom heritage.
4Day 4: Fly to Luxor; Karnak & Luxor Temples
Board your morning flight to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and religious heart of pharaonic Egypt. Upon arrival, embark on your private luxury Nile cruise vessel, where attentive service and panoramic river views await. After settling into your elegant cabin, visit the breathtaking Karnak Temple Complex—a vast sacred precinct built over 2,000 years by successive pharaohs. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, where 134 towering columns create a forest of stone, each surface carved with prayers and royal proclamations. As afternoon light softens, continue to Luxor Temple, perfectly positioned along the Nile's east bank and dramatically illuminated after sunset, revealing its colonnades, statues, and obelisks in golden splendor.
5Day 5: Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut Temple
Cross the Nile to the west bank, where the sun sets over the Theban necropolis—a realm dedicated to Egypt's departed royalty. Descend into the Valley of the Kings, where New Kingdom pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborately painted tombs carved deep into the limestone cliffs. Marvel at vivid wall paintings depicting the journey through the afterlife, intricate scenes from the Book of the Dead, and celestial maps guiding the deceased pharaoh to eternal life. Visit the architectural masterpiece of Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple, a three-tiered sanctuary rising elegantly against sheer rock faces. This female pharaoh's monument celebrates her divine birth, successful trade expeditions, and powerful reign—a testament to one of ancient Egypt's most remarkable rulers.
6Day 6: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
As your cruise sails gently southward, the Nile reveals timeless rural landscapes—palm groves, fertile fields, and villages seemingly unchanged for centuries. Disembark at Edfu to explore the Temple of Horus, the best-preserved ancient temple in all of Egypt. Its towering pylons, grand courtyard, and hypostyle hall remain remarkably intact, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the ceremonial spaces where priests once performed sacred rituals. Continue to Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two deities: Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the falcon god. This dual sanctuary features symmetrical halls, fascinating medical instrument carvings, and a small crocodile mummy museum. Watch the sun set over the Nile from the temple terrace, a moment of profound tranquility.
7Day 7: Aswan – Philae Temple
Arrive in Aswan, Egypt's southernmost city, where Nubian culture blends seamlessly with pharaonic heritage. Board a small boat to Agilkia Island, home to the exquisite Philae Temple—dedicated to Isis, goddess of magic and motherhood. This romantic sanctuary, meticulously relocated to save it from Lake Nasser's rising waters, showcases Ptolemaic architecture with elegant colonnades, hypostyle halls, and relief carvings celebrating Isis and Osiris. Later, drift peacefully aboard a traditional felucca sailboat, the white canvas catching the breeze as you glide past granite boulders and Nubian villages. The golden hour light transforms the Nile into liquid amber—a perfect moment to reflect on your journey through ancient Egypt.
8Day 8: Abu Simbel Temples
Rise early for the journey to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most awe-inspiring monuments. As you approach, four colossal 20-meter-high statues of Ramesses II emerge from the desert landscape, carved directly into the mountainside over 3,200 years ago. Enter the Great Temple's interior, where massive pillared halls adorned with battle scenes and divine offerings lead to the inner sanctum—precisely aligned so that twice yearly, sunlight illuminates the statues of the gods within. Next door, the smaller but equally magnificent Temple of Hathor celebrates Ramesses' beloved queen Nefertari. The entire temple complex was heroically relocated in the 1960s to save it from Lake Nasser's waters, a modern engineering feat rivaling the ancient achievement itself.
9Day 9: Return to Aswan
Savor a leisurely day in Aswan, where the rhythm slows and the Nile's beauty reveals itself in quieter moments. Stroll through the vibrant Aswan Souk, where colorful spices, handwoven textiles, and Nubian handicrafts fill the narrow lanes with sensory delights. Consider an optional visit to the Nubian Museum to deepen your understanding of this distinct culture, or simply relax aboard your cruise vessel, enjoying the gentle Nile breeze and reflecting on the monumental sites you've experienced. This unhurried day allows you to absorb Egypt at your own pace, whether through exploration, shopping for authentic souvenirs, or quiet contemplation along the riverbank.
10Day 10: Departure
As your unforgettable journey through Egypt draws to a close, enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Nile before your private transfer to the airport. Depart with a wealth of memories—pyramids rising from desert sands, temple columns soaring toward the sky, royal tombs revealing ancient mysteries, and the timeless flow of the Nile connecting it all. Egypt's ancient wonders will remain with you long after you return home, perhaps inspiring a future return to explore even more of this extraordinary civilization.
What's Included
- Private airport meet-and-assist
- Licensed Egyptologist guide throughout
- Domestic flights where applicable
- 4-night luxury Nile cruise cabin
- Entrance fees to all listed sites
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- Bottled water during tours
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Egypt entry visa
- Gratuities & personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed above
Why Choose This Tour
Comprehensive Egypt Highlights
Cover all major sites from the pyramids and temples to tombs and Nile culture in one expertly planned journey.
Expert Egyptologist Guides
Learn from licensed guides who bring ancient history to life with compelling stories and insights.
Comfortable Logistics
Travel in comfort with private transportation, domestic flights, and luxury cruise accommodations.
Iconic Sites & Storied History
Experience Egypt's most celebrated monuments from Giza to Abu Simbel with expert interpretation.
Ready to Explore Egypt?
Book your Ultimate Egypt Grand Tour today and discover the wonders of ancient civilization.
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