18 Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo, Nile, Lake Nasser & Red Sea

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will meet and assist by our representative of “Egypt Best Vacations” who will help you through the arrival and visa regulations. Then, transfer to your hotel and the beginning of your 18-day Egypt itinerary.

Your 18-day Egyptian adventure awaits! Today’s journey takes you to the Giza Plateau, home to the iconic Great Pyramids. Marvel at the awe-inspiring structures of Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mycerinus), including the Great Sphinx, a mythical creature guarding the plateau. Prepare to be humbled by the only remaining wonder of the ancient world – the Great Pyramid! Descend inside this magnificent monument and stand where pharaohs once tread. (Optional)

Delve into the fascinating history of these pyramids. Learn the secrets of their construction and the purpose behind their creation. Your exploration continues with a visit to the Saqqara necropolis, where the legendary Step Pyramid of King Djoser awaits. This groundbreaking structure is considered the first true pyramid ever built. After a full day of discovery, relax and reflect on your experiences as we transfer you back to your hotel.

Explore the fabulous contents of the historical Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square in Cairo. Thousands of artifacts from all periods of Egyptian history are displayed on the two floors of the museum.

From the museum to the Citadel of the Sunni Muslim leader Saladin, which was built in 1172 to defend Cairo against the Crusaders. The White Mosque of Mohammed Ali Pasha is a prominent feature of the citadel. You will finish your tour today at the historical bazaar of Khan El-Khalili, the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Then, transfer back to your hotel.

Alexandria beckons! Today, you embark on a scenic drive to this captivating city, once the dazzling capital of Egypt during the Greco-Roman era. Upon arrival, prepare to be steeped in history as we explore the fascinating Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a marvel of ancient engineering and artistry.

Next, you’ll stand in awe at Pompey’s Pillar, a towering testament to Alexandria’s rich past. After these immersive experiences, tantalize your taste buds with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the city’s culinary delights. The afternoon concludes with check-in at your hotel, leaving you free to explore Alexandria’s vibrant charm at your own pace this evening.

Fuel up for a day packed with Alexandria’s treasures! After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll embark on a historical odyssey. First up is the majestic Citadel of Qaitbay, a formidable fortress guarding the city’s shores. Immerse yourself in its rich history and captivating views.

Next, you journey to the legendary Library of Alexandria, a modern-day marvel honoring the spirit of its ancient counterpart. Explore its vast collections and rediscover the joy of learning. Your exploration continues at the Roman Amphitheatre of Kom El-Dekka, a hidden gem unearthed from the sands of time. Imagine the roar of the crowds as you visualize gladiatorial contests of the past.

After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savor the lingering flavors of Alexandria as you begin your return travel to Cairo.

Your 18-day Egypt itinerary invites you to embark on a journey of faith and cultural harmony in Cairo! Today’s tour explores the remarkable Community of Religions, a testament to the city’s rich tapestry of beliefs.

• First, you visit the iconic Hanging Church, a magnificent Coptic Orthodox church renowned for its unique architectural style. Prepare to be awestruck by its intricate artistry and historical significance.
• Next, you delve deeper into Christian heritage at the Abu Serga Church, a revered site believed to have offered refuge to the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt.
• Your exploration continues at the Synagogue of Ben Ezra, one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt. This architectural gem reflects the city’s vibrant Jewish community throughout the ages.

Through this tour, gain a deeper appreciation for the peaceful coexistence of religions that has shaped Cairo’s history for centuries.

A magnificent Lake Nasser cruise vacation awaits! You’re going to spend the next four days of your 18-day Egypt itinerary on board a Lake Nasser cruise. So, enjoy your breakfast at the hotel or breakfast box, then transfer to Cairo Airport to fly to Abu Simbel to begin your 3-night Lake Nasser cruise from Abu Simbel to Aswan.

Upon arrival at Abu Simbel Airport you will be met and assisted by our representative of “Egypt Best Vacations”. Transfer to your cruise. Have lunch on board. Visit the phenomenal Temples of Ramses and Nefertari at Abu Simbel.

The temples of Abu Simbel are considered among the most celebrated achievements of ancient Egypt. The two temples were cut in the cliffs about 310 Km south of Aswan. The Great Temple was built for Ramses II (1279-1213 BC), while the Small Temple was built for his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. Due of the rising water of Aswan High Dam, the temples had to be saved and rescued in a magnificent world rescue operation of temples in Lower Nubia.

Overnight in Abu Simbel.

Your Lake Nasser cruise ship will set sail from Abu Simbel to Qasr Ebrim, which you will view from the top deck. The only Nubian monument visible on its original site, Qasr Ebrim once sat on top of a 70m-high cliff, about 60km north of Abu Simbel, but now has water lapping at its edges.

Then set sail to Amada to overnight there.

Today at Amada, you will visit the Temple of Amada. Amada Temple was built during the 18th Dynasty (c. 1550–1295 BC) in the New Kingdom, the temple of Amada is one of the oldest of the ancient Egyptian monuments lying along the shores of Lake Nasser. The reliefs and inscriptions of the temple are very well preserved because they were covered with a layer of plaster when it was converted into a church.

You will also visit the Tomb of the Viceroy of Nubia, Pennut. Then, your Lake Nasser cruise ship will set sail to Wadi Es-Seboua. Here you are visiting the Temple of Wadi Es-Seboua, the Temple of Dakka, and the Temple of Maharaqa. Then set sail to Aswan for overnight.

Disembarkation. Visit the New Kalabsha area which includes the Temple of Kalabsha, the Temple of Beit El-Wali, and the Kiosk of Kertassi. This Temple of Kalabsha is the largest free-standing temple in Lower Nubia. It was built during the reign of Augustus (30 BC–14 AD), the first Roman emperor. Primarily dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis, the gods Isis and her husband Osiris were worshipped here too.

You’re going to spend the next three nights of your 18-day Egypt itinerary onboard a Nile River cruise. So, take a transfer to your Nile River cruise to begin your 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Enjoy your lunch on board. Overnight in Aswan. 

Optional tour: Nubian Village in Aswan 

Explore the highlights of the beautiful City of Aswan. Visit the High Dam, a great engineering feat of 1960s, to generate electricity and to stop floods. Then proceed to the beautiful Temple of Philae. This temple was built during the Greco-Roman era and dedicated to Isis, goddess of Magic and Love in ancient Egypt. End your tour at the granite quarry of the Unfinished Obelisk.

Set sail to Kom Ombo. Disembark at Kom Ombo to visit the twin Temple of gods Horus, and Sobek. Enjoy a short visit to the Crocodile Museum before you go back to your Nile cruise ship to set sail to Edfu. Overnight in Edfu.

Before/after breakfast, you will take a horse and carriage to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. This temple is the most intact temple in Egypt and it was built during the Greco-Roman period. The Temple of Edfu is fully inscribed with reliefs and hieroglyphs on its exterior and interior walls.

Take your carriage back to your cruise ship to set sail to Luxor via the Lock of Esna. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will visit the impressive Temple of Karnak and the majestic Temple of Luxor. Both temples were dedicated to the Theban Triad; Amun, Mut and Khonsu. Overnight in Luxor.

Disembarkation. Visit the impressive Valley of the Kings. The Valley of the Kings is one of the most important highlights not only in Luxor but throughout Egypt. The Ancient Egyptians named it (Ta-Iset-Ma’at), which means “the Place of Truth”. The Valley of the Kings is the necropolis of the great Egyptian pharaohs of the 18th to the 20th Dynasty (1550-1080 BCE). Tuthmosis I was the first pharaoh who was buried at the Valley of the Kings while Ramses XI was the last pharaoh who was buried there.

From the Valley of the Kings to the unique Temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, and then to Colossi of Memnon of Amenhotep III.

Transfer to Hurghada for beach activities and relaxation. Explore the stunning underwater world by your own. You will enjoy four full days of your 18-day Egypt itinerary of relaxation in Hurghada before flying back to Cairo.

Optional tour: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon over Luxor

Enjoy the Red Sea beaches on your own. Hurghada Day Tours such as diving, safari, snorkeling, glass boat, and submarine rides are available upon request. 

Enjoy the Red Sea beaches with your Hurghada vacation. Tours such as diving, safari, snorkeling, glass boat, and submarine rides are available upon request. As well as Hurghada private transfers are available upon your request to go through the city. 

Enjoy the Red Sea beaches with your Red Sea holiday. Tours such as diving, safari, snorkeling, glass boat, and submarine rides are available upon request.

Transfer to Hurghada Airport to fly back to Cairo. Transfer from Cairo Airport to your hotel for final night of your 18-day Egypt itinerary in Cairo, Lake Nasser cruise, Nile cruise and Hurghada.

Wrap up your 18-day Egypt itinerary with a transfer you to Cairo Airport for your final departure. It is really sad to leave, but feel free to contact us about your next adventure in Egypt.