10 Days of Pharaohs, Nile & Sahara
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Overview
- Duration:10 days 9 nights
- Travelers:1 - 24 guests
- Tour Type:Package tour
- Language:English, French, Spanish
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the timeless wonders and breathtaking landscapes of Egypt with Gem Explore Egypt. This extraordinary itinerary brings together Cairo’s legendary monuments, the majestic temples of Upper Egypt, a luxurious 4-night 5-star Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, and the dramatic natural beauty of the Western Desert.
Discover the iconic Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx, explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, and uncover the ancient necropolis of Saqqara. Sail along the Nile while exploring world-famous temples and tombs across Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, followed by an excursion to the colossal rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel.
Your adventure then takes you into the magical Bahariya Oasis and the Sahara’s most striking landscapes—from the volcanic Black Desert and sparkling Crystal Mountain to the majestic Agabat Valley and the surreal, chalk formations of the White Desert.
With private transportation, premium accommodations, expert Egyptologist guides, and seamlessly organized tours, this journey provides the ultimate fusion of history, culture, luxury, and desert exploration.
Highlights
- Giza Pyramids Complex:
- Great Pyramid of King Khufu: Explore the largest and oldest pyramid on the Giza Plateau, an ancient engineering masterpiece and the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
- Great Sphinx: Stand before the iconic limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, guarding the Giza Plateau.
- Valley Temple of Khafre: Visit the ancient structure used for royal purification and mummification rites beside the Great Sphinx.
- Grand Egyptian Museum: Discover thousands of ancient artifacts, priceless treasures, and magnificent statues in one of the world's largest archaeological museums.
- 4-night 5-star Nile River Cruise from Luxor to Aswan: Sail along the Nile in luxury while visiting Egypt's most iconic historical sites along the riverbanks.
- Karnak Temple: Explore the vast open-air complex of monumental pillars, obelisks, and sanctuaries dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.
- Luxor Temple: Admire the magnificent temple located in the heart of Luxor, beautifully preserved and anciently connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.
- Valley of the Kings: Enter the ancient royal burial site containing the magnificent, brightly painted rock-cut tombs of Egypt's pharaohs.
- Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Marvel at the dramatic terraced mortuary temple built into the steep cliff face of Deir el-Bahari.
- Colossi of Memnon: See the two giant stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III standing tall on the West Bank of Luxor.
- Edfu Temple: Visit the remarkably preserved temple dedicated to the falcon god Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt.
- Kom Ombo Temple: Explore the unique double temple dedicated equally to two deities: Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the Elder.
- Abu Simbel Temples: Marvel at the colossal rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, carved directly into the mountainside.
- Philae Temple: Take a scenic boat trip to the picturesque island sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis.
- Aswan High Dam: Discover modern Egypt's impressive engineering achievement built to control the annual flooding of the Nile.
- Unfinished Obelisk: View the largest known ancient obelisk, lying in its original granite quarry, offering insight into ancient stone-carving techniques.
- Bahariya Oasis: Experience a serene desert oasis known for its lush palm groves, natural hot springs, and rich history.
- Black Desert: Drive through a surreal landscape filled with dark, volcanic-topped hills and black stones scatterings across the sands.
- Crystal Mountain: Stop at a unique geological formation featuring shimmering quartz crystals emerging naturally from the desert landscape.
- Agabat Valley: Marvel at the breathtaking desert valley defined by striking limestone formations, golden sand dunes, and scenic rock pillars.
- White Desert: Explore a otherworldly national park filled with chalk-white mushroom formations carved by wind over thousands of years.
- Desert safari by 4×4 vehicle: Enjoy an exciting dune-bashing adventure across the rolling sands of the Western Desert.
- Bedouin-style desert experience: Relax around a campfire under the stars and enjoy authentic traditional Bedouin food and hospitality.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Egypt: Arrival in Cairo
Welcome to Egypt, the timeless land of the Pharaohs!
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, a representative from Gem Explore Egypt will warmly greet you, providing full assistance with arrival procedures and luggage handling. Transfer comfortably in a modern, private air-conditioned vehicle to your 5-star Cairo hotel for a smooth check-in and leisure time to relax.
In the evening, embark on a scenic Nile River Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner accompanied by live Egyptian music, traditional folklore performances, and captivating cultural entertainment as you sail along the iconic Nile.
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Meals: Dinner
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Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel in Cairo
Day 2 – Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx & Grand Egyptian Museum
After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide to begin an extraordinary tour of Egypt's most legendary ancient monuments.
Giza Pyramids Complex & Great Sphinx
Explore the world-famous Giza Plateau, home to the great pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu—the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World—and capture panoramic views across the desert sands. Continue to the Valley Temple of Khafre, crafted from massive limestone and granite blocks, before coming face-to-face with the Great Sphinx, the iconic ancient guardian carved directly from bedrock.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Journey into the grand hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum, located right beside the Giza Pyramids. Walk through world-class galleries showcasing over 5,000 years of pharaonic civilization, including the complete, breathtaking treasure collection of King Tutankhamun.
Conclude your sightseeing with a delicious lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel in Cairo
Day 3 – Fly to Luxor & Explore the East Bank
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor.
Upon arrival, meet your expert Egyptologist guide to begin exploring the magnificent monuments of Luxor’s East Bank.
Karnak Temple Complex
Step into the largest ancient religious site ever constructed. Walk through monumental pylons, marvel at towering obelisks, and stand amidst the 134 colossal columns of the majestic Great Hypostyle Hall.
Following your tour, board your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship and settle in over a delicious onboard lunch.
Luxor Temple by Night
In the evening, visit the grand Luxor Temple as it lights up against the night sky. Built during the New Kingdom to celebrate royal rejuvenation, this architectural masterpiece was historically connected to Karnak by the famous Avenue of Sphinxes.
Return to your cruise ship for dinner and an overnight stay in Luxor.
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Flight: Cairo to Luxor
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: 5-Star Nile Cruise
Day 4 – Luxor West Bank & Sailing on the Nile
Enjoy breakfast onboard before setting out to explore the legendary West Bank of Luxor.
Valley of the Kings
Journey into the royal necropolis of the New Kingdom pharaohs. Descend into beautifully decorated rock-cut tombs to admire vivid wall reliefs, intricate hieroglyphs, and ancient burial rituals preserved for millennia.
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Discover the iconic mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh. Seamlessly built into the soaring limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, this architectural masterpiece features grand terraces, statues, and historical reliefs.
Colossi of Memnon
Stop for photos before the towering 60-foot twin stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, iconic guardians that have stood watch over the West Bank plain for centuries.
Return to your cruise ship as it begins sailing south along the Nile. Relax on the sun deck, enjoy delicious onboard meals, and watch the timeless landscapes of the Nile Valley pass by.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: 5-Star Nile Cruise
Day 5 – Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
Enjoy breakfast onboard before setting out to discover two of Upper Egypt's most remarkable riverfront temples.
Temple of Horus at Edfu
Arrive at Edfu via a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride and explore the remarkably preserved sanctuary of the falcon-headed god Horus. Walk through soaring entry pylons, colonnaded courtyards, and hypostyle halls covered in exquisite hieroglyphic inscriptions.
Return to the cruise ship for lunch while enjoying a peaceful afternoon sailing toward Kom Ombo.
Kom Ombo Temple
Disembark at Kom Ombo to visit the unique double temple built right along the riverbank. Dedicated symmetrically to two deities—Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the elder—this rare dual sanctuary features remarkable carvings of ancient surgical tools, calendar systems, and intricate pharaonic reliefs.
Return onboard as your cruise continues south toward Aswan, enjoying dinner and evening entertainment as you sail.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: 5-Star Nile Cruise
Day 6 – Abu Simbel Temples by Private Vehicle
Depart early in the morning by private air-conditioned vehicle for an unforgettable journey across the desert to Abu Simbel.
The Abu Simbel Temples
Explore the monumental rock-cut temples of King Ramses II and his beloved Queen Nefertari. Marvel at the four colossal 60-foot seated statues guarding the main entrance, intricate battle reliefs, and royal sanctuaries carved directly into the mountain side. Discover the fascinating UNESCO rescue operation that painstakingly relocated the entire temple complex block by block to protect it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Following your tour, return to Aswan and rejoin your cruise ship. Spend a relaxing afternoon onboard with lunch, dinner, and your final evening along the Nile.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: 5-Star Nile Cruise
Day 7 – Aswan Sightseeing & Flight Back to Cairo
After breakfast, check out from your Nile cruise and set out to explore the ancient and modern highlights of Aswan.
Aswan High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk
Begin at the Aswan High Dam, a monumental 20th-century engineering feat that regulates the annual flooding of the Nile and creates Lake Nasser. Next, visit the ancient granite quarries to see the colossal Unfinished Obelisk, offering rare insight into how pharaonic stonemasons carved and shaped giant monuments directly from bedrock.
Philae Temple
Take a short motorboat ride across the waters of the Nile to Agilkia Island, home to the breathtaking Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this romantic island sanctuary features grand colonnades and intricate reliefs that were meticulously relocated block-by-block under a famous UNESCO rescue mission.
After your sightseeing, enjoy a delicious lunch at a quality local restaurant before transferring to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, transfer to your hotel for check-in and dinner.
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Flight: Aswan to Cairo
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel in Cairo
Day 8 – Bahariya Oasis & Egyptian Sahara Adventure
After breakfast, begin your journey by private vehicle toward the spectacular Bahariya Oasis in Egypt’s
Western Desert.
Upon arrival, continue your desert adventure by 4×4 vehicle.
Explore:
Black Desert
Discover a dramatic desert landscape covered with dark volcanic stones and black-capped mountains.
El Hez Village & Natural Spring
Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the desert and enjoy a refreshing stop at a natural spring.
Crystal Mountain
Admire the sparkling quartz crystals and extraordinary geological formations of this unique desert
landmark.
Agabat Valley
Continue into the spectacular Agabat area, known for its dramatic white limestone formations and
golden sand dunes.
Enjoy an exciting desert safari and try sandboarding across the dunes.
Continue through the breathtaking landscapes of the Old White Desert, with its remarkable rock
formations and surreal shapes.
Enjoy lunch in Bahariya Oasis before settling into your desert camp.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style experience with:
* Bedouin tea
* Barbecue dinner
* Desert atmosphere
* Stargazing
* Traditional entertainment
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Desert Camp
Day 9 – Sunrise in the Desert & Return to Cairo
Wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert.
After breakfast, visit a soothing natural hot spring and take in the serene desert landscape of Bahariya Oasis before setting out on your return journey to Cairo.
Upon arrival, check into your 5-star hotel for a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel in Cairo
Day 10 – Final Departure from Cairo
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Your private representative will accompany you by modern air-conditioned vehicle to Cairo International Airport for your flight home, ensuring a smooth checkout and departure process.
As your journey through the wonders of ancient Egypt comes to a close, take home memories of timeless landscapes, historic treasures, and warm Egyptian hospitality.
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Meals: Breakfast
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
from$2,200.00 /person
Why booking with GEM Explore Egypt?
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