CAIRO, THE PYRAMIDS, NILE CRUISE, KARNAK, LUXOR, PETRA & THE DEAD SEA
Intrigued by the mystery of mummies? Then you’re sure to be thrilled by this award-winning exploration of Egypt’s enigmatic architecture and astounding antiquities. Come marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the world’s Seven Wonders. We’ll indulge our inner pharaoh or queen on a Nile cruise. Experience Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum. In Jordan, we’ll see the beautiful rose-city of Petra, and have the chance to relax with a rejuvenating swim in the Dead Sea! With help from our knowledgeable guide and expert Egyptologist, we’ll unravel history’s mysteries and discover how the cradle of civilization continues to influence our lives today.
Shorten Your Trip! Enjoy our Splendors of Egypt tour visiting Egypt’s highlights from Cairo to Luxor.
Itinerary at a Glance
2024 Tour Itinerary:
- 2 nights in Cairo
- 1 night in Aswan
- 3-night Nile Cruise
- 2 nights in Luxor
- 1 night in Cairo
- 2 nights in Petra
- 2 nights at the Dead Sea
- 1 night in Cairo
Tour Highlights
- Great Pyramids of Giza
- Sphinx of Giza
- Nubian Village to meet with family
- Philae’s Temple of Isis
- Ptolemaic Temple for Horus and Sobek
- Temples of Karnak & Luxor
- Valley of the Kings
- Valley of the Queens and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Alabaster Workshop Visit
- Egyptian Museum of Antiquities or Grand Egyptian Museum
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar District
- Madaba & Mount Nebo
- Petra & Little Petra
- Jordanian Farmer's Life Experience
- Bethany Beyond Jordan (Baptism Site)
- Float in the Dead Sea
Your Tour Includes
- Optional round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Ground transportation in an air-conditioned motorcoach
- Accommodations at deluxe hotels
- 3-night Nile River cruise
- 28 meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 10 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
- Experienced, English-speaking Tour Directors throughout (specialized Egyptologist Tour Director in Egypt on days 2-10)
- Jordan Visa Fee (Egypt visa fee is not included)
Note: Flights may not be available on all departures.
You may have to book your own flights to the tour destination. If so, you are responsible for making your own way to the tour starting point, where you will meet your Tour Director. This is normally the first hotel in your itinerary.
You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.
Welcome to Egypt’s capital and largest city. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will be met at Cairo International Airport, and assisted through customs and formalities before transferring to your hotel. Take some time to relax and get settled before joining fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Accommodations: Cairo Marriott Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
Our destination today: the wondrous Pyramids of Giza. Built during the Third and Fourth Dynasties, these monuments stand as testimony to the skill and strength of their builders. We’ll get up close to study the Great Pyramid, as well as see the Pyramids of Khefren and Mycerinus in the distance. Nearby, we’ll gaze at the mythical Sphinx of Giza, which famously combines a reclining lion with the head of an Egyptian king. After these amazing sights, we’ll lunch like the Egyptians do at a local Cairo restaurant.
Accommodations: Cairo Marriott Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you’ll be picked up at your hotel and we’ll fly from Cairo to Aswan. Upon arrival you can either hop on another short flight for an optional tour to the Abu Simbel Temples or head to the hotel and start exploring Aswan at your leisure. Later we will all join together to sail on the Nile by a motorboat to the Nubian Village that is located on the West Bank of the River Nile. This fantastic tour to the Nubian Village lets you meet a Nubian family, have a drink in their home, while learning about their lifestyle, culture, and traditions.
Accommodations: Movenpick Aswan or similar
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, visit a modern-day architectural wonder, the Aswan High Dam, as well as Philae’s Temple of Isis, which was nearly lost to rising water in the 1960s until the dam was built. Afterwards, you’ll board your Nile cruise ship to depart on a three-night journey from Upper to Lower Egypt.
Accommodations: Movenpick Royal Lily or Steigenberger Minerva
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll cruise to Kom Ombo to visit an unusual double temple, built in the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-head god Horus. After exploring Kom Ombo, we’ll sail on to Edfu, an Egyptian city on the west bank of the Nile River. Our day continues with a tour of the immense, well-preserved Temple of Edfu, built between 237 and 57 B.C. and also dedicated to Horus. Legend says that this was the site where Horus avenged his father’s murder by his uncle, the god Seth. Back on board our ship, we’ll sail past Esna to Luxor.
Accommodations: Movenpick Royal Lily
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Often considered the most extraordinary open-air museum in the world, Luxor boasts an imposing array of ruins and monuments. The modern name for Thebes (the “city of palaces”), Luxor is also the inspiration for the word luxury, and we’ll see quite a bit of architectural extravagance today. The graceful Temple of Luxor was built over several centuries by Amenhopis III, Tutankhamun, Ramses II and Alexander the Great and features an avenue of sphinxes. We’ll also tour the ancient temple complex of Karnak. The immense wealth of Thebes was spent embellishing and building temples in honor of Amun-Ra, the most important and powerful of ancient Egyptian gods. The balance of the day is at your leisure.
Accommodations: Movenpick Royal Lily
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll say farewell to our ship and continue our exploration of Luxor and the Nile’s west bank. We’ll visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s second confirmed female Pharaoh and regarded as one of its most successful rulers, as well as royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The afternoon is free to relax or investigate exhibits at the Luxor Museum.
Accommodations: Sonesta St. George Luxor or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy this free day at leisure in Luxor to explore further or relax by the pool.
Accommodations: Sonesta St. George Luxor or similar
Meals: Breakfast
A morning flight takes us back to Cairo and our last hotel. Today, we’ll explore the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which houses the world’s largest collection of artifacts from the era of the pharaohs, including some belonging to King Tut. Afterward, we’ll wander through the bustling, colorful Khan El Khalili Bazaar. We’ll end the day by sharing memories of our amazing travels through Egypt at dinner before we leave for Jordan tomorrow.
Accommodations: Cairo Marriott or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we'll depart Egypt by plane for Jordan. After we arrive in Jordan, we'll visit Madaba, "the City of Mosaics", where we'll see the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, known for housing the Madaba Map. This map is a floor mosaic depicting Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Afterward, we'll travel ten minutes west to Mount Nebo—the presumed site of Moses' death and burial place. After our visit, we'll continue to Petra where we'll check in at our hotel and enjoy dinner.
Accommodations: Petra Canyon Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Prepare for an extraordinary day! After breakfast today, we'll drive to Petra where we'll take a tour of the breathtaking "rose-red" city (by horseback and foot), which begins at the "Siq", a winding canyon road. At the end of the passage, we'll see Petra's most beautiful monument—the Treasury—carved out of the solid rock from the side of the mountain. Beyond the Treasury, we'll discover soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a theatre, burial chambers, and water channels. Next, we'll drive to Little Petra, the suburb of Petra in ancient time. Here, we'll see more awe-inspiring ruins on our short walk.
Note: This day may be more taxing as this is a full day of walking on uneven surfaces.
Accommodations: Petra Canyon Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we'll get a glimpse into the life of a Jordanian farmer and her family. We'll learn how to bake whole wheat Saj bread, pick free-range eggs, feed a baby goat, and more before we sample fresh food from the farm under a 400-year-old oak tree. Next, we'll visit the site of John the Baptist's settlement at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, believed to be the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ. Located on the east bank of the Jordan River in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, it is being systematically surveyed, excavated, and restored to receive pilgrims and visitors. The Bethany area sites form part of the early Christian pilgrimage route between Jerusalem, the Jordan River, and Mount Nebo. After our visit, we'll continue to our hotel on the Dead Sea.
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Jordan - Dead Sea Resort & Spa or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast at our hotel, we can enjoy a relaxing day at the Dead Sea, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. At your leisure, float in the clear blue, mineral-rich water, soak up some sun, and even try the invigorating full-body mud mask that cleanses the skin. We may also consider an optional tour of Amman, the capital of Jordan (see optional tours for more details).
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Jordan - Dead Sea Resort & Spa or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we'll leave Jordan behind as we fly back to Cairo. This evening, we'll share a farewell dinner with our fellow travelers.
Accommodations: Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive program will transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S. early this morning (a boxed breakfast will be provided for our early morning flight. For tour-only travelers, the tour comes to an end after breakfast at our hotel.
Meals: Box Breakfast
There are no dates available for 2025. For available dates see
2025
Featured Accommodations
Your home base in Cairo is a historic palatial property with lush gardens and 5-star accommodations. Pool, casino, spa, on-site dining.
16 Saray El Gezira Street • Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt 11211
Website
Elphantine Island
Aswan Governorate 81111, Egypt
Website
For Tuesday arrivals
Travel in style on this flagship cruiser, which features 56 spacious cabins. The MS Royal Lily also features a spa, restaurant on the Main Deck and the Salon Deck, where you can enjoy expansive views with afternoon tea.
Website
For Friday arrivals
Cruise the Nile in comfort aboard the Steigenberger Minerva, a 77-cabin cruise ship. The ship also features a restaurant, lounge and bar, extensive sun deck, pool with pool bar, fitness gym, and beauty salon.
Website
Set on the banks of the Nile, this luxurious contemporary hotel welcomes you with a spa, array of fine dining choices and superb level of amenities. Don’t miss the outdoor terrace with majestic Nile views.
Corniche El Nile Street • Luxor, Egypt
Website
Abbas Al Akkad Corridor, Mirage City, New Cairo,
Cairo, Egypt, 11757
Website
Pre- & Post- Night Stays
Slow the pace of your tour with a pre- and/or post-night stay so you can arrive refreshed, acclimate to the time zone if needed, and depart leisurely, ensuring a seamless transition into and out of your journey.
- From $159 per person based on double occupancy
Start our tour off on the right foot! Arrive a day early and enjoy more time to recover from travel, adjust to any time differences, and feel well-rested and relaxed on our first day of touring.
- From $159 per person based on double occupancy
Extend your stay by one night at the end of our tour to make the most of additional free time for exploring our final city, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or dining at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Or, use this extra day to relax before beginning the journey home or to your next destination.
Optional Tours
Enhance your trip with these optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Day 2 Afternoon Tour
Visit Sakkara, the Step Pyramid on which Imhotep experimented with the design of his stone tomb, beginning with a standard mastaba like those built in mud-brick at Abydos and Saqqara by the 1st and 2nd dynasty Kings. The Sakkara Step Pyramid, constructed 4,700 years ago, is said to be the oldest monumental masonry structure in the world.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 4 Morning Tour
Be amazed by the magnificent UNESCO-listed Abu-Simbel Temples. Threatened by the waters of Lake Nasser, these gigantic landmarks were famously saved, dismantled and relocated in the 1960s. The larger temple is dedicated to Ramses II, while the smaller was built for his favorite wife, Nefertiti.
Note: This excursion involves walking on uneven terrain. Travelers take an EgyptAir shuttle flight from Aswan Airport to Abu Simbel Airport (approx. 45 min) where a shuttle service is used to bring travelers to the site and back at scheduled times. Depending on flight schedules, luggage is kept at the Aswan Airport and received once the group returns from Abu Simbel.
MUST BE PRE-BOOKED!
This tour must be pre-booked prior to final payment as it is not available to book in-destination.
Day 7 Morning Tour
Just before sunrise you cross the Nile to the West Bank where you lift off from in front of Hatshepsut temple. As you rise up over the mountains of the Necropolis you will have a spectacular view over the many tombs, temples, fields and villages. Your flight will last approximately 45 minutes and will have you back to your hotel in time for breakfast.
Note: Participants must be of reasonable fitness and not appropriate for women who are pregnant or people with osteoporosis, etc.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 7 Afternoon Tour
This wonderful little museum is located on the Corniche about halfway between the Luxor and Karnak Temples, and is home to a small but well-chosen collection of relics from the Theban temples and necropolis. Displays of pottery, jewelry, furniture and statues were created by the Brooklyn Museum of New York.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 8 Afternoon Tour
On this optional tour, enjoy sailing on the Nile River past beautiful scenery and the communities that reside along the banks.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 13 Morning Tour
On this optional tour, explore the capital of Jordan. We'll visit the old city of Amman, exploring the Citadel and the Roman Theater, two of the city's most popular archeological sites.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Itinerary at a Glance
2025 Tour Itinerary:
- 2 nights in Cairo
- 1 night in Aswan
- 3-night Nile Cruise
- 1 night in Luxor
- 2 nights in Cairo
- 2 nights in Petra
- 2 nights at the Dead Sea
- 1 night in Cairo
Tour Highlights
- Great Pyramids of Giza
- Sphinx of Giza
- Nubian Village to meet with family
- Philae’s Temple of Isis
- Ptolemaic Temple for Horus and Sobek
- Temples of Karnak & Luxor
- Valley of the Kings
- Valley of the Queens and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Alabaster Workshop Visit
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- King Tut's Treasures (Museum of Antiquities in Cairo)
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar District
- Madaba & Mount Nebo
- Petra & Little Petra
- Jordanian Farmer's Life Experience
- Bethany Beyond Jordan (Baptism Site)
- Float in the Dead Sea
Your Tour Includes
- All intra-tour flights and transfers
- Ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodations at deluxe hotels and cruise ship
- 3-night cruise on the Nile River
- 28 meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 10 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees
- Experienced, English-speaking Tour Directors throughout (specialized Egyptologist Tour Director in Egypt on days 2-10)
- Jordan Visa Fee
Note: Flights may not be available on all departures.
You may have to book your own flights to the tour destination. If so, you are responsible for making your own way to the tour starting point, where you will meet your Tour Director. This is normally the first hotel in your itinerary.
You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.
Welcome to Egypt’s capital and largest city, where ancient wonders blend seamlessly with modern life. Take some time to relax and get settled before joining our fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Accommodations: Cairo Marriott Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
Our destination today: the wondrous Pyramids of Giza. Built during the Third and Fourth Dynasties, these monuments stand as testimony to the skill and strength of their builders. We'll get up close to study the Great Pyramid, as well as see the Pyramids of Khefren and Mycerinus in the distance. Nearby, we’ll gaze at the mythical Sphinx of Giza, which famously combines a reclining lion with the head of an Egyptian king. After these amazing sights, we'll lunch like the Egyptians do at a local Cairo restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we'll travel to the airport for our flight from Cairo to Aswan. Upon arrival, either hop on another short flight for an optional tour to the Abu Simbel Temples or head to the hotel to start exploring Aswan at leisure. Later, we'll join together to sail on the Nile by motorboat to a Nubian Village located on the West Bank of the Nile River. This fantastic visit to the Nubian Village lets us meet a Nubian family, have a drink in their home, and learn about their lifestyle, culture, and traditions.
Accommodations: Mövenpick Aswan or similar
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we'll visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern-day architectural wonder and a testament to human ingenuity. Next, we'll visit Philae's Temple of Isis with its intricate carvings. We'll learn about its dramatic relocation to higher ground after it was nearly lost to rising water in the 1960s. Afterward, we'll board our Nile cruise ship for our three-night journey from Upper to Lower Egypt.
Accommodations: MS Mövenpick Royal Lily or MS Steigenberger Minerva
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll cruise to Kom Ombo to visit an unusual double temple, built in the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-head god Horus. After exploring Kom Ombo, we'll sail on to Edfu, an Egyptian city on the west bank of the Nile River. Our day continues with a tour of the immense, well-preserved Temple of Edfu, built between 237 and 57 B.C. and also dedicated to Horus. Legend says that this was the site where Horus avenged his father’s murder by his uncle, the god Seth. Back on board our ship, we'll sail past Esna to Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Often considered the most extraordinary open-air museum in the world, Luxor boasts an imposing array of ruins and monuments. The modern name for Thebes (the “city of palaces”), Luxor is also the inspiration for the word luxury, and we'll see quite a bit of architectural extravagance today. The graceful Temple of Luxor was built over several centuries by Amenhopis III, Tutankhamun, Ramses II and Alexander the Great and features an avenue of sphinxes. We’ll also tour the ancient temple complex of Karnak. The immense wealth of Thebes was spent embellishing and building temples in honor of Amun-Ra, the most important and powerful of ancient Egyptian gods. The balance of the day is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll say farewell to our ship and continue our exploration of Luxor and the Nile’s west bank. We’ll visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s second confirmed female Pharaoh and regarded as one of its most successful rulers, as well as royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The afternoon is free to relax or investigate exhibits at the Luxor Museum.
Accommodations: Sonesta St. George Luxor
Meals: Breakfast
A morning flight takes us back to Cairo. Back in Egypt's capital city, we’ll wander through the bustling, colorful Khan El Khalili Bazaar. We'll also visit the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) with its 12 Main Galleries which showcase over 15,000 artifacts.
Note: King Tut's treasures remain at the Museum of Antiquities with plans to move them to the GEM. To ensure travelers view these artifacts, our tour will visit both museums. Once King Tut's treasures have been moved to the GEM, our tour will visit only the GEM, allowing for our travelers ample time to enjoy the 12 Main Galleries in addition to King Tut's Treasures.
Accommodations: Cairo Marriott Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy this free day at leisure in Cairo to explore further. We’ll end the day by enjoying dinner with our fellow travelers.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we'll depart Egypt by plane for Jordan. After we arrive in Jordan, we'll visit Madaba, "the City of Mosaics", where we'll see the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, known for housing the Madaba Map. This map is a floor mosaic depicting Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Afterward, we'll travel ten minutes west to Mount Nebo—the presumed site of Moses' death and burial place. After our visit, we'll continue to Petra where we'll check in at our hotel and enjoy dinner.
Accommodations: Petra Canyon Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Prepare for an extraordinary day! After breakfast today, we'll drive to Petra where we'll take a tour of the breathtaking "rose-red" city (by horseback and foot), which begins at the "Siq", a winding canyon road. At the end of the passage, we'll see Petra's most beautiful monument—the Treasury—carved out of the solid rock from the side of the mountain. Beyond the Treasury, we'll discover soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a theatre, burial chambers, and water channels. Next, we'll drive to Little Petra, the suburb of Petra in ancient time. Here, we'll see more awe-inspiring ruins on our short walk.
Note: This day may be more taxing as this is a full day of walking on uneven surfaces.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we'll get a glimpse into the life of a Jordanian farmer and her family. We'll learn how to bake whole wheat Saj bread, pick free-range eggs, feed a baby goat, and more before we sample fresh food from the farm under a 400-year-old oak tree. Next, we'll visit the site of John the Baptist's settlement at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, believed to be the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ. Located on the east bank of the Jordan River in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, it is being systematically surveyed, excavated, and restored to receive pilgrims and visitors. The Bethany area sites form part of the early Christian pilgrimage route between Jerusalem, the Jordan River, and Mount Nebo. After our visit, we'll continue to our hotel on the Dead Sea.
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Jordan - Dead Sea Resort & Spa or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast at our hotel, we can enjoy a relaxing day at the Dead Sea, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. At your leisure, float in the clear blue, mineral-rich water, soak up some sun, and even try the invigorating full-body mud mask that cleanses the skin. We may also consider an optional tour of Amman, the capital of Jordan (see optional tours for more details).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we'll leave Jordan behind as we fly back to Cairo. This evening, we'll share a farewell dinner with our fellow travelers.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Cairo - Citystars or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today.
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Last Minute Deals and our Book Early & Save offers below!
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Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made online or by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $300 per person. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Featured Accommodations
Your home base in Cairo is a historic palatial property with lush gardens and 5-star accommodations. Pool, casino, spa, on-site dining.
16 Saray El Gezira Street • Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt 11211
Website
Elphantine Island
Aswan Governorate 81111, Egypt
Website
For Tuesday arrivals
Travel in style on this flagship cruiser, which features 56 spacious cabins. The MS Royal Lily also features a spa, restaurant on the Main Deck and the Salon Deck, where you can enjoy expansive views with afternoon tea.
Website
For Friday arrivals
Cruise the Nile in comfort aboard the Steigenberger Minerva, a 77-cabin cruise ship. The ship also features a restaurant, lounge and bar, extensive sun deck, pool with pool bar, fitness gym, and beauty salon.
Website
Set on the banks of the Nile, this luxurious contemporary hotel welcomes you with a spa, array of fine dining choices and superb level of amenities. Don’t miss the outdoor terrace with majestic Nile views.
Corniche El Nile Street • Luxor, Egypt
Website
Ali Rashed Street Cairo, 11757 Egypt
Website
Optional Tours
Enhance your trip with these optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Day 2 Afternoon Tour
Visit Sakkara, the Step Pyramid on which Imhotep experimented with the design of his stone tomb, beginning with a standard mastaba like those built in mud-brick at Abydos and Saqqara by the 1st and 2nd dynasty Kings. The Sakkara Step Pyramid, constructed 4,700 years ago, is said to be the oldest monumental masonry structure in the world.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 4 Morning Tour
Be amazed by the magnificent UNESCO-listed Abu-Simbel Temples. Threatened by the waters of Lake Nasser, these gigantic landmarks were famously saved, dismantled and relocated in the 1960s. The larger temple is dedicated to Ramses II, while the smaller was built for his favorite wife, Nefertiti.
Note: This excursion involves walking on uneven terrain. Travelers take an EgyptAir shuttle flight from Aswan Airport to Abu Simbel Airport (approx. 45 min) where a shuttle service is used to bring travelers to the site and back at scheduled times. Depending on flight schedules, luggage is kept at the Aswan Airport and received once the group returns from Abu Simbel.
MUST BE PRE-BOOKED!
This tour must be pre-booked prior to final payment as it is not available to book in-destination.
Day 7 Morning Tour
Just before sunrise you cross the Nile to the West Bank where you lift off from in front of Hatshepsut temple. As you rise up over the mountains of the Necropolis you will have a spectacular view over the many tombs, temples, fields and villages. Your flight will last approximately 45 minutes and will have you back to your hotel in time for breakfast.
Note: Participants must be of reasonable fitness and not appropriate for women who are pregnant or people with osteoporosis, etc.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 7 Afternoon Tour
This wonderful little museum is located on the Corniche about halfway between the Luxor and Karnak Temples, and is home to a small but well-chosen collection of relics from the Theban temples and necropolis. Displays of pottery, jewelry, furniture and statues were created by the Brooklyn Museum of New York.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 8 Afternoon Tour
On this optional tour, enjoy sailing on the Nile River past beautiful scenery and the communities that reside along the banks.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 9 Morning Tour
This morning, we'll discover Old City Cairo beginning with one of the oldest and most beautiful Christian places of worship in Egypt: Al-Muallawa (Hanging Church). The church was built on top of one of the old fortress gatehouess with its nave suspended over the passage. We'll continue to The Church of Saint Sergius, also known as Abu Serga, which was built upon an ancient Roman fort in Old Cairo. The Church of Saint Sergius was named after renowned 4th century saints, Sergius and Bacchus, both of whom were martyred at al-Resafa in Syra for their Christian beliefs. Our last visit will be to the oldest synagogue in Egypt, Ben Ezra Synagogue, where we'll learn about its history.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 13 Morning Tour
On this optional tour, explore the capital of Jordan. We'll visit the old city of Amman, exploring the Citadel and the Roman Theater, two of the city's most popular archeological sites.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
What to Expect
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 2
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 4 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day). Included touring may feature light hiking, and/or stairs on some hilly and/or uneven terrain. Learn More
Pacing Level: Moderate
Expect full-day tours most days with some limited free time at specific sites, for meals, and/or in the evenings. You can expect several early mornings and/or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 2+ nights (with limited 1-night stays). Learn More
Additional Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. There are entry requirements for U.S. passport holders. Please visit our Passports & Visas page to learn more about any required actions, next steps, and additional costs.
There are stairs and walks with uneven surfaces during the visit to the Pyramids and most of the off-shore excursions that take place during the Nile Cruise portion of the program. The Petra excursion is a full day of walking on uneven surfaces.
Ramadan is March 1–30th, 2025. Visting Egypt during Ramadan is an eriching experience and Egypt has a unique atmosphere with vibrant street decorations and night markets. Tourist attractions may adjust operating hours which does not disrupt the sightseeing on our program.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.