14 Day Egypt Grand Discovery: Pyramids, Siwa Oasis & Nile Cruise

Overview

Fourteen days from the Pyramids and Saqqara to the remote Siwa Oasis and the Great Sand Sea, then a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor and the old quarters of Cairo.

• the Giza Pyramids Complex (Khufu, Sphinx, and Valley Temple), the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara
• Siwa's crystal-clear Salt Lakes and relax in natural hot springs
• the Mountain of the Dead, Shali Old Town (built from salt and mud), and the Temple of the Oracle (associated with Alexander the Great)
• 4x4 Great Sand Sea Safari, try sandboarding, and enjoy a traditional desert dinner under the stars
• the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple before boarding a 5-star Nile cruise
• the Valley of the Kings, the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon
• Karnak Temple Complex
• Coptic Cairo landmarks (the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue), the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (Royal Mummies Hall), and the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar along historic Al-Muizz Street
• Islamic Cairo highlights, including the Citadel of Salah El-Din, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Alabaster Mosque), Sultan Hassan Mosque, and Al-Rifa'i Mosque
• coastal day excursion to Mediterranean Alexandria to see ancient catacombs, historic citadels, and the modern library

1. Day 1

   Arrival in CairoCairo

   Meet and greet at Cairo International Airport. Assistance with arrival procedures and luggage. Transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to a 5-star hotel. Enjoy a Nile cruise with dinner.

   • * Overnight in Cairo. Meals: Dinner Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Cairo

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2. Day 2

   Giza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara Cairo

   * Visit the Giza Pyramids Complex. * Explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple. * Enjoy lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant. * Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. * Explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara. * Transfer to your hotel for overnight.

   • Meals : breakfast & lunch
   • Overnight in Cairo

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3. Day 3

   Journey from Cairo to Siwa OasisSiwa Oasis

   Leave the bustling city behind and travel through Egypt's Western Desert toward the enchanting Siwa Oasis. Upon arrival, check in at your eco-lodge and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote desert destination. Visit Siwa's famous salt lakes, where crystal-clear turquoise waters and brilliant white salt formations create spectacular scenery. Experience the unique sensation of floating in the highly saline water and capture unforgettable photographs. Continue to a natural hot spring, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. End the day with a delicious dinner and experience the authentic charm of Siwa.

   • Meals: Breakfast and dinner
   • Accommodation: Eco-lodge in Siwa.

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4. Day 4

   Siwa's Ancient Heritage & Great Sand Sea SafariSiwa Oasis

   After breakfast, explore the historical and cultural treasures of Siwa Oasis. Visit the Mountain of the Dead, an archaeological site containing ancient rock-cut tombs, and discover Shali Old Town, famous for its traditional architecture built using local salt and mud materials. Continue to the Temple of the Oracle, an ancient sanctuary associated with Alexander the Great. Enjoy lunch at a local lodge before embarking on an exciting 4x4 safari across the magnificent Great Sand Sea. Experience the thrill of driving over golden dunes, try sandboarding, and admire the breathtaking desert landscape. As the sun sets, enjoy a memorable desert dinner beneath the open sky before returning to your eco-lodge.

   • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
   • Accommodation: Eco-lodge in Siwa.

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5. Day 5

   Siwa Old Market & Return to CairoCairo

   Enjoy breakfast at your eco-lodge before spending some free time exploring Siwa's traditional market. Discover local handicrafts, dates, olives, and other regional products while experiencing the authentic atmosphere of the oasis. Afterward, begin your return journey to Cairo. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

   • Meals: Breakfast
   • Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Cairo.

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6. Day 6

   Flight to Aswan & Aswan SightseeingAswan

   Enjoy breakfast and check out of your Cairo hotel. Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin exploring Aswan's principal attractions. * Aswan High Dam: Learn how this major engineering project transformed water management, flood control, and electricity generation in Egypt. * Unfinished Obelisk: Visit the ancient granite quarry and see the enormous obelisk that was abandoned during construction after a crack appeared in the stone. * Philae Temple: Explore the beautiful temple complex dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island to protect it from rising water levels. After sightseeing, board your 5-star deluxe Nile cruise and check in to your cabin. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board while settling in for your cruise vacation.

   • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
   • Accommodation: 5-star Nile cruise.

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7. Day 7

   Kom Ombo Temple Kom Ombo & Edfu

   Enjoy breakfast on board as the cruise continues along the Nile. Visit Kom Ombo Temple, a distinctive double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, a form of Horus. Explore its symmetrical design, impressive columns, ancient reliefs, and fascinating religious history. Return to the cruise ship for lunch and dinner. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the Nile scenery and onboard facilities.

   • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
   • Accommodation: 5-star Nile cruise.

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8. Day 8

   Edfu & Sailing to LuxorLuxor

   Enjoy breakfast on board before meeting your guide for a visit to Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, the temple features monumental gateways, detailed inscriptions, courtyards, and sanctuaries that reveal important aspects of ancient Egyptian religion and mythology. Return to the cruise ship and enjoy lunch while sailing toward Luxor. Arrive later in the day and have dinner on board.

   • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
   • Accommodation: 5-star Nile cruise.

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9. Day 9

   Luxor's East and West Bank – DisembarkationCairo

   After breakfast, check out from the Nile cruise and meet your Egyptologist guide for a full-day tour of Luxor's remarkable ancient monuments. * Valley of the Kings: Explore the royal necropolis where generations of New Kingdom pharaohs were buried in elaborately decorated tombs. * Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Visit the magnificent terraced mortuary temple built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari in honor of one of ancient Egypt's most remarkable female rulers. * Colossi of Memnon: Stop to admire the two enormous statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which once guarded the entrance to his mortuary temple. * Lunch on a Nile island: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on an island, including a boat trip across the Nile. * Karnak Temple Complex: Discover one of Egypt's largest temple complexes, renowned for its monumental gateways, towering columns, obelisks, and the impressive Great Hypostyle Hall. After completing the sightseeing,flight back to Cairo, transfer to your 5-star hotel in Cairo for check-in and overnight.

   • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Nile cruise
   • Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Cairo.

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10. Day 10

    Coptic Cairo & Old Cairo Cairo

    * Visit the Hanging Church, one of Cairo's most famous historic Christian churches. * Explore Ben Ezra Synagogue. * Discover the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and its Royal Mummies Hall. * Walk along Al-Muizz Street to admire historic Islamic architecture. * Explore Khan El Khalili Bazaar for traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local shopping. * Return to the hotel.

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Cairo
    • Overnight in Cairo

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11. Day 11

    Islamic Cairo SightseeingCairo

    * Visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din. * Explore the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known as the Alabaster Mosque. * Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. * Visit Sultan Hassan Mosque. * Explore Al-Rifa'i Mosque and its impressive architecture and royal tombs. * Return to the hotel.

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Cairo
    • Overnight in Cairo

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12. Day 12

    Alexandria Day Trip optional TourAlexandria

    * Travel from Cairo to Alexandria in a private air-conditioned vehicle. * Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. * See Pompey's Pillar. * Explore the historic Qaitbay Citadel on the Mediterranean coast. * Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant. * Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. * Return to Cairo in the evening.

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Cairo
    • Overnight in Cairo

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13. Day 13

    Cairo Royal Palaces Tour: Baron Empain, Abdeen & Manial Palace Optional tourCairo

    After Your Breakfast your day begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Cairo by your professional tour guide. Get ready to discover three of Cairo's most fascinating palaces, each offering a unique glimpse into Egypt's royal history, architectural beauty, and cultural heritage. First Stop: Baron Empain Palace Begin your journey at the magnificent Baron Empain Palace, an extraordinary architectural landmark located in the Heliopolis district. Built by Belgian industrialist Baron Édouard Empain, the palace is famous for its distinctive design inspired by Indian architecture. Discover the fascinating story behind its construction and learn about the visionary man who helped establish Heliopolis, one of Cairo's most remarkable historic districts. Second Stop: Abdeen Palace Continue to Abdeen Palace, one of Egypt's most important royal landmarks. Built during the reign of Khedive Ismail, this magnificent palace became a principal seat of government and royal residence. Admire its elegant architecture, lavish decorations, historical paintings, and impressive collections of antiques and ornate clocks. Explore the palace museum and discover fascinating stories from Egypt's royal era. Third Stop: Manial Palace Museum Your final stop is the enchanting Manial Palace, built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik. This unique royal complex beautifully combines Islamic, Ottoman, Persian, and European architectural influences. Explore its richly decorated halls, intricate woodwork, colorful tiles, peaceful gardens, and remarkable artistic details while learning about the lifestyle and artistic tastes of Egypt's royal family. Throughout the tour, enjoy plenty of opportunities to admire the architecture and capture memorable photographs at these remarkable historic sites. After a fascinating day exploring Cairo's royal heritage, relax as your driver transfers you back to your hotel.

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Cairo
    • Overnight in Cairo

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14. Day 14

    Departure from CairoCairo

    * Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. * Check out and transfer to Cairo International Airport. * Depart Egypt, concluding your 14-day journey.

    • Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Not included

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