Overview
The 5,000-year-long story of Egypt is an epic and extraordinary one, from the colossal Great Pyramids on the Giza Plateau to the monumental temples along the legendary Nile, lifeblood of Egypt, where temples, tombs, and hieroglyphs continue to entrance visitors, as they have for thousands of years. On this Private Journey with your Egyptologist guide, explore the Pyramids and feast your eyes on the glorious artifacts from King Tutankhamen’s tomb, then set off on a deluxe Nile cruise, gliding in the wake of Cleopatra and the pharaohs as you discover their mysterious world from Aswan to Luxor. For a pre- or post-trip extension, visit ancient Alexandria on the Mediterranean or explore Jordan’s lost city of Petra and T. E. Lawrence’s Wadi Rum, a legendary mountain-and-desert landscape.
The itinerary and accommodations were perfect and our guides were the simply the best! Each one was very personable and had the unique ability to weave a vivid and memorable story of the region's past and present. We look forward to our next trip with WT!
— Jo F., Orlando, FL
Please note: Because of the boat schedule, Day 1 of this itinerary must be a Wednesday.
Days 1-2
Cairo and The Great Pyramids
Experience the wonder of the monumental pyramids of the great pharaohs, a colossal testament to mankind’s quest for immortality. Nothing quite prepares one for the first sight of the three pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus, and the enigmatic Sphinx. Explore the treasures of the renowned Egyptian Museum, including the stunning golden artifacts unearthed from the tomb of young King Tut, all in the company of your own Egyptologist guide.
Cairo and The Great Pyramids - Days 1-2
Mena House
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Cairo, EgyptOriginally built as a royal hunting lodge for Khedive Ismail, ruler of Egypt from 1863 to 1879, the Mena House was bought and converted into a hotel in the 1880s. People love this place for a compelling reason—it’s literally right across from the pyramids—and we always reserve pyramid view rooms. Location aside, the century-old Mena House is a fine hotel in its own right, with a historic wing with an opulent Arabesque interior, several modern wings, restaurants, two tennis courts, a lushly landscaped garden, and a huge swimming pool with views of the Great Pyramids. The Mena House has hosted sultans, pashas, royals, and statesmen during more than a century of service as one of the world’s grand hotels. This is where Roosevelt and Churchill initiated the D-Day plan and where the discussions of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel began.
Days 3-5
Ancient Monuments and Luxurious Nile Cruise
A cruise on the storied Nile is the ultimate experience of this epic land of history. After visiting the Aswan High Dam, board a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise boat and discover the temples, tombs, and hieroglyphs that have entranced travelers for thousands of years. Explore the romantic and majestic temple complex of Isis at Philae, an exquisite blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman architecture, and the striking Temple of Kom Ombo, standing on a promontory at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank. Among the many sites you visit is the extraordinary Temple of Horus, the most completely preserved Pharaonic temple in Egypt. On arrival in Luxor, discover the Valley of the Kings and Queens, home to magnificent tombs including that of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female pharaoh, the monumental temple of Karnak, and Luxor, a strikingly graceful piece of temple architecture on the banks of the Nile.
Days 6-7
Eternal Cairo
Enjoy free time to roam the twisting passageways of the ancient Khan El Khalili bazaar, little changed since the 14th century, or explore Coptic Cairo, with its ancient Christian churches. Depart on Day 7.
Eternal Cairo - Days 6-7
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence
Day 6 (1 night), Cairo, EgyptIdeally located in Cairo’s central Giza district on the west bank of the Nile, this hotel is a welcoming oasis with a top-notch staff and spacious, tastefully decorated rooms offering distant views of the Great Pyramids above the treetops of the Zoological Gardens. Facilities include three restaurants, two bars, and a gym, pool, and spa.
Egypt Private Journey
