Egypt Itinerary 16 Days: Cairo, Nile Cruise, Hurghada, Siwa Oasis

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 Egypt itinerary 16 days to Cair, Nile cruise, Hurghada and Siwa Oasis. 

Your actual 16-day Egypt 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 humanity, 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 1^st 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.

You will spend the next four days of your Egypt itinerary 16 days onboard a River Nile cruise. So, we will transfer you to Cairo Airport to fly to Aswan to begin your 3-night 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 Nile cruise ship. Overnight in Aswan.

Optional tour: Tour to the Nubian Village in Aswan 

Enjoy a free morning on board your cruise ship or join us on an optional tour to the phenomenal temples of Abu Simbel.
Your Nile cruise ship will set sail to Kom Ombo around the lunchtime. Disembark at Kom Ombo to visit the twin Temple of Horus and Sobek. It 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 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, followed by Luxor West Bank tour. 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 few days of your Egypt itinerary 16 days of relaxation in Hurghada before flying back to Cairo.

Optional tour: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon over Luxor

Free day. Our Hurghada 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 another chapter of your Egypt itinerary 16 days to Cairo, Nile cruise, Hurghada and Siwa Oasis. Transfer from Cairo Airport to your hotel.

Travel from Cairo to Alexandria for another wonderful segment of this 16-day Egypt itinerary. After exploring the bustling streets and ancient landmarks of Cairo, Alexandria offers a refreshing contrast with its Mediterranean ambiance. Here, you’ll delve into the historic Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Stroll along the seafront, where the ancient Library of Alexandria once stood. Ascend the magnificent Qaitbay Citadel with fabulous Mediterranean views. Proceed to Pompey’s Pillar, which now stands as the sole remnant atop the site of the once-great Serapeum Temple.

Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then head to your hotel. The blend of Greco-Roman history and modern coastal charm in Alexandria adds a unique layer to your Egyptian adventure, making the journey from Cairo even more rewarding.

Today, your Egypt itinerary 16 days takes you the serene Siwa Oasis. Siwa Oasis is a remote and tranquil haven in Egypt, renowned for its pristine salt lakes and lush palm groves. This serene oasis is also rich in history, with ancient ruins and a unique culture that offer a truly authentic experience. Enjoy camping for a night in the desert.

Today, you will unwind and rejuvenate in Siwa’s natural wonders! Today’s adventure begins with a dip in the Cleopatra Baths, legendary hot springs said to have been frequented by the famed queen herself. Let the warm, mineral-rich waters soothe your muscles and transport you to a bygone era.

Step back in time at the Temple of Amun, built by the legendary Alexander the Great. This majestic structure, dedicated to the Egyptian god Amun, stands as a testament to the fusion of Greek and Egyptian cultures. Marvel at its imposing architecture and imagine the rituals and ceremonies that once took place within its walls.

Next, immerse yourself in the cool waters of Bir Wahid. This freshwater lake, a shimmering jewel at the edge of the Great Sand Sea, offers a refreshing respite from the desert heat. Swim, relax on the shore, or simply absorb the beauty of this natural oasis

Hold onto your adventurous spirit! Today’s exploration of your siwa oasis tour takes you back in time and deep into the desert’s embrace. First, step into the shadows of the 13th-century Shali Fortress. Climb its weathered walls, once a powerful stronghold guarding the oasis. Imagine the lives and stories woven into its crumbling bricks, whispering tales of pharaohs and caravans.

Enjoy some swimming in Siwa’s Salt Lakes. Siwa’s salt lakes shimmer like jewels in the desert, offering a surreal landscape that captivates the imagination. Transfer back to your hotel to enjoy your dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then begin your scenic drive back to Cairo with lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the final night of your Egypt itinerary 16 days to Cairo, Nile cruise, Hurghada and Siwa Oasis in Cairo.

Wrap your Egypt itinerary 16 days 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.