Best 16-day Egypt Explorer itinerary. Imagine yourself standing in the shadow of the magnificent Pyramids of Giza, their ancient stones whispering tales of pharaohs and forgotten civilizations. Then, picture yourself sailing down the Nile River aboard a luxurious Dahabiya, the sun painting the sky with vibrant hues as you glide past verdant fields and charming villages. This 16-day journey through Egypt promises an unforgettable experience, blending historical exploration with opulent relaxation and exhilarating desert excursions.
Begin your adventure in the bustling heart of Cairo, where history comes alive at every turn. Explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza, standing in awe of their sheer size and enduring presence. Wander through the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where spices, handcrafted souvenirs, and local delicacies tempt every sense. Delve into the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, a veritable treasure trove of ancient artifacts and cultural marvels.
Travel along the sun-kissed shores to Alexandria, a city where ancient Greek splendor meets cosmopolitan charm. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural marvel dedicated to knowledge and learning. Explore the remnants of the Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa.
Embark on a tranquil voyage down the majestic Nile River aboard a traditional Dahabiya. Experience unparalleled luxury and serenity as you sail past lush green fields and charming villages. Witness the daily life of local communities unfold and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the river’s embrace.
Venture into the heart of the White Desert, a surreal landscape where stark white rock formations sculpted by wind and time create an otherworldly atmosphere. Explore this unique geological wonder, marveling at its awe-inspiring beauty, and experiencing the magic of sleeping under a canopy of stars.
Escape to the pristine beaches of Hurghada, a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. Sink your toes into the soft golden sand, bask in the warmth of the sun, and feel the cool embrace of the crystal-clear waters. Indulge in exhilarating water sports, explore the vibrant underwater world, or simply unwind and soak up the beauty of this idyllic paradise.
Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey through the heart of Egypt? Book your 16-Day Egypt Explorer: Pyramids, Dahabiya Nile cruise, and Desert Wonders today and let the magic begin!
Arrival at Cairo International Airport. Meet and assist by our representative of “Egypt Best Vacations” who will help you through the arrival and visa regulations. Transfer to your hotel for free time and the beginning of your 16-day Egypt Explorer itinerary.
Your actual 16-day Egypt Explorer itinerary begins when Egypt Best Vacations professional tour guide picks you up from your hotel to commence your tour to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and Saqqara.
Today, you will explore the Giza Plateau. Today’s tour includes the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure with the great Sphinx. The only ancient wonder which still exists (Khufu’s pyramid) awaits you. Are you ready to explore it from the inside? (Optional). Today you will learn about the history of the pyramids, how they were built, and why they were built.
Then on to the first pyramid in history of mankind, the Step Pyramid of King Djoser at Saqqara. Saqqara is one of the most important and richest necropolises in Egypt. It was the cemetery of Memphis, the 1st capital city of United Egypt in 3200 BCE.
Transfer 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.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Today, your 16-day Egypt Explorer tour takes you to the beautiful City of Alexandria, the capital city of Egypt during the Greco-Roman era. Your tour includes the famous Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. The catacombs are huge Egyptian tombs and royal cemeteries with Ptolemaic and Roman influences. The catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa are one the largest Roman burial sites not just in Alexandria but in Egypt. These catacombs started as a private tomb for a wealthy family, then became a public cemetery. The catacombs house more than 300 tombs.
From the catacombs to the Pompey’s Pillar. Many of the ancient historians did not tell us more details about the “Pompey’s Pillar” but about the buildings that stood nearby and have disappeared now. The hill on which the pillar is erected was covered with temples and houses a long time before the Roman era. It was the place of the Citadel of Rhakotis. A temple was dedicated to Osiris-Serapis was built on the mountain.
Then proceed to the Citadel of Qaitbay. The Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria is one of the most important fortifications in Egypt. It was constructed by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay to defend Egypt against the Ottomans/Turks.
End your tour in Alexandria with visiting the Library of Alexandria from the outside. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then travel back to Cairo.
Enjoy a spiritual tour to the Community of Religions in Cairo. This tour includes the famous Coptic Hanging Church. Cairo’s Church of the Saint Virgin Mary was built on the ruins of the Roman Babylon Fortress. Because of its location over the ruins of the fortress, it is known as Al Mo’llaqah Chruch or the “Hanging Chruch.”
Then proceed to the Abu Serga Church. The Church of Abu Serga is located in the modern Old Cairo, in the midst of the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon. The Holy Family drank from a well in the church, so the church is characterized among the other Egyptian Coptic churches.
Then to the Synagogue of Ben Ezra. Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo is one of the most important and largest synagogues in Egypt. The Synagogue is named after the great Jewish Rabbi Ezra the Scribe.
Return back to your hotel.
You will spend the next four days of your 16-day Egypt Explorer itinerary onboard a Dahabiya River Nile cruise. So, we will transfer you to Cairo Airport to fly to Aswan to begin your 3-night Dahabiya Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Meet your guide just outside the arrival terminal at Aswan Airport to commence your tour.
Explore the highlights of the beautiful City of Aswan such as the High Dam, one of the great engineering feats of the 1960s. Then proceed to the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae Island. This temple was built during the Greco-Roman era and, was dedicated to Isis, goddess of Love and Magic in ancient Egypt. You will end your tour at the granite quarry of the Unfinished Obelisk.
Transfer to your Dahabiya Nile cruise. Set sail to Kom Ombo to overnight there.
Visit the twin Temple of Horus and Sobek together with the Crocodile Museum at Kom Ombo. Kom Ombo Temple was built during the Greco-Roman period. It was built over the ruined temple of the New Kingdom. The temple began during the time of Ptolemy V and was completed by the time of Emperor Tiberius. The emperors Domitian, Caracalla, and others added to the temple. So it took about 400 years to finish.
Enjoy a short visit to the Crocodile Museum before you go back to your Dahabiya Nile River cruise to set sail to Edfu to overnight there.
Take a horse and carriage to visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. The Temple of Horus in Edfu is the most intact temple in Egypt and one of the most beautiful temples built during the Greco-Roman period. The temple is very intact, none of its elements are missing but the Sacred Lake and two obelisks. The Temple of Edfu is fully inscribed with reliefs and hieroglyphs on its exterior and interior walls.
Take your carriage back to your Dahabiya River Nile cruise to set sail to the lock of Esna. Go through the lock and continue sailing to Luxor. Overnight in Luxor.
Disembarkation, then visit the magnificent Valley of the Kings. Here, the pharaohs of the New Kingdom period were buried trying to be hidden from the Grave Robbers. There’re 65 tombs were discovered till now while Ramses VIII’s tomb is not found yet. Your guide will recommend the best three open tombs to visit.
From the Valley of the Kings to the unique Temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt for about 20 years as a sole pharaoh. You will end your tour at the Colossi of Memnon, which survived from the Temple of Amenhotep III.
Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the largest temple in the world, Karnak Temple. Then proceed to the great Temple of Luxor. Both temples were dedicated to the Theban Triad; Amun, Mut and Khonsu.
Transfer to Hurghada for some relaxation on the beautiful Red Sea beaches. Explore the stunning underwater world by your own. You will enjoy four free days of your 16-day Egypt Explorer package.
Optional tour: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon over Luxor
Free day. Tours such as diving, glass boat, safari, snorkeling, and submarine rides are available upon request.
Free day. Tours such as diving, glass boat, safari, snorkeling, and submarine rides are available upon request.
Free day. Tours such as diving, glass boat, safari, snorkeling, and submarine rides are available upon request.
Transfer to Hurghada Airport to fly to Cairo for the remaining part of your 16-day Egypt Explorer itinerary. Transfer from Cairo Airport to your hotel.
Depart Cairo early in the morning and transfer towards the Bahariya Oasis. Enjoy your lunch and be ready to begin your adventure. Take a 4×4 Jeep to visit the Black Desert, then to the Hez Village to enjoy the natural cold springs. Continue driving to the Crystal Mountain, after that you will arrive at Aqabat. Aqabat is one of the most beautiful areas in the White Desert National Park. Then drive to your camping area in the White Desert. Enjoy your dinner and spend your night stargazing.
Enjoy one of your lifetime sunrise, then take your breakfast to be ready to take the 4X4 back to Bahariya Oasis. Then travel back to your hotel in Cairo for final night of your 16-day Egypt Explorer itinerary.
Wrap your 16-day Egypt Explorer tour package with a transfer to Cairo Airport for final departure. It is really sad to leave, so ask our guides about your next adventure in Egypt.
