Riddles of the Nile

9 Days Tour

Riddles of the Nile

9 Days Tour

This tour is designed to give ample time to explore the different sites with your private guide and driver. There are exciting visits to many sites from Cairo heading all the way south to Aswan. Your guide and driver are also available for specific excursions that you may wish to take. Discuss with your experienced tour designer any additions that interest you and they can carry out the necessary bookings for you.

There is no Nile cruise in this itinerary. Most of your travel will be with flights or with a private car.

Itinerary Highlights

Cairo: Get ready for an awe-inspiring start as you explore the legendary Giza plateau, home to the iconic Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx. Experience the timeless wonder that has captivated visitors for centuries. Immerse yourself in ancient history at the renowned Cairo Museum, where artifacts dating back 4,600 years unveil the fascinating dynasties that once ruled Egypt. In the evening, wander through the vibrant streets of Cairo or set sail on a tranquil Nile Felucca, all with the guidance of your private guide.

Luxor: Fly to Luxor and prepare to be enchanted by the remarkable Temple of Luxor, gracefully standing on the eastern bank of the Nile. Discover the breathtaking grandeur of the Karnak Complex, a testament to the devotion of ancient civilizations over thousands of years. Embrace the serene beauty of the Nile as you embark on a spectacular Felucca journey. In Luxor, venture into the captivating Valley of the Kings, where 62 extraordinary tombs reveal rich variations in style and size. Marvel at the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning architectural masterpiece against a backdrop of majestic mountains.

Edfu: Journey to Edfu and be transported to the past as you explore the atmospheric Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient monuments. Guarded by imposing granite statues, this temple is a testament to the falcon god Horus of Behdet. Continue your adventure to Kom Ombo, where you’ll encounter the extraordinary double temples of Sobek and Haroeris, each duplicated for two sets of gods. Prepare for a breathtaking drive to Aswan, where the picturesque Philae Temple complex awaits. Experience the tranquility of the Nile on a traditional Felucca ride, basking in the mystique of the world’s longest river.

Aswan: Embark on an unforgettable day as you journey to the renowned Abu Simbel complex, featuring the awe-inspiring temples of Ramesses II and Nefertiti. Marvel at the colossal statues of Pharaoh Ramesses II and witness the mystical alignment of sunlight illuminating the inner sanctuary on specific dates.

Suggested Detailed Itinerary

Day 1/9

Cairo: Your private guide and driver will pick you up at the time your flight arrives. You will then be taken to your hotel for check-in. This is an opportunity to discuss additional excursions that may interest you, seek advice about clothing or health consideration, and ask for help in things you may need. You will then be left to rest from your flight.

Day 2/9

Cairo: Hoping you had a good rest; you will be off this morning to the Giza plateau to explore the only remaining wonder of the old seven wonders of the world. Feast your senses on the Great Pyramids of Giza and their eternal companion, Sphinx, who have graced these lands for thousands of years. Their breathtaking view will stir your mind as it did for millions and millions of visitors over the centuries.

The three Great Pyramids are part of 118 Egyptian pyramids still with us today. There are other pyramids in the area which you can discuss with your guide about the best times to visit them.

After your visit here, you will head to the famous Cairo Museum where you will get a chance to visit artifacts as old as 4600 years. The antiquities of the Egyptian museum are a rare opportunity to get familiar with the history of the dynasties that ruled Egypt. You will even be exposed to Roman, Greek, and Persian influences during the times they ruled Egypt.

In the evening, you may wish to explore the streets of Cairo on your own or hire one of the Nile Feluccas. This is a discussion you should have with your private guide.

Day 3/9

Luxor: This morning you will fly to Luxor. Once you checked into your hotel, your guide will take you to the beautiful temple of Luxor. This temple stands glamorously on the eastern bank of the Nile.

From there you will head to another majestic site as you visit the dazzling structures at The Karnak Complex of temples. Several of the ancient gods were worshiped here. The construction of the temple complex started around 4,000 years ago and continues until the Romans conquered Egypt some 2,000 years ago. Imagine a consistent human effort for over two thousand years to glorify the old Egyptian gods.

You will then board one of the spectacular Nile Felucca famously known for their allure and relaxation. Note that your Felucca experience here will be different from the one you may have taken in the bustling Cairo.

Day 4/9

Luxor: In the morning, you will travel to the spectacular structures and tombs of the captivating Valley of the Kings. Also, known in Arabic as, Wadi Al-Muluk, this area was a part of the ancient prominent city of Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt. Mesmerizingly, it contains 62 known tombs that exhibit rich differences in style and size. Those were the ones discovered so far. New ones are found on regular intervals.

While in the Valley of the Kings you will step next door to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a marvel in colonnaded structures. This temple offers a striking widely open amphitheatre against the backdrop of the mountains.

Hatshepsut came to rule on 1471 BCE and was known to be an innovator and powerful ruler. Certainly, her history is worthy of exploring at greater depth.

Day 5/9

Luxor: This morning you will travel by car to Edfu. There, you will get to visit one of the most atmospheric of ancient buildings, the Temple of Horus. Built between 237 and 57 BCE, it is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt. It was built as a dedication to the falcon god Horus of Behdet. The entrance is guarded by two huge but splendid granite statues of Horus as a falcon. Worth visiting.

After lunch you will be driven to Kom Ombo located on a promontory at a bend in the Nile. Here you will be able to visit the double temples of Sobek and Haroeris. From the design it seems that the two temples contained courts, halls, sanctuaries, and rooms duplicated for two sets of gods.

Once you complete your visit, you will be driven to Aswan.

Day 6/9

Aswan: This morning, you will get the opportunity to visit one of the most picturesque temple complexes in Egypt: The ancient Egyptian temple complex of Philae. This structure was dismantled and relocated on Agilkia island after the being flooded by the old Aswan dam constructed in 1902. The temple is a testament to the prominence of Philae during the Ptolemaic Dynasty and served as a centre for the cult of the goddess, Isis.

When you are back, you may wish to take a traditional Felucca ride on the Nile. Experience the calmness of this magnificent and historic river. Being the longest river in the world, its sources deep in Africa, remained a mystery for millennia.

Day 7/9

Aswan: This is going to be a special day. You will get to travel to the most famous temple of all, the Abu Simbel complex. The temples here belonged to Ramesses II and his wife Nefertiti. As such, the rock-cut massive structure is comprised of two temples. It is one of the most recognized temples in the world.

The structure is defined by four massive statues of the Pharaoh Ramesses II. Ancient Egyptians are suspected in positioning the axis of the temple in a way that twice a year on October 22^nd and February 22^nd, the rays of the sun can shine in the inner sanctuary illuminating the sculptures on the back wall. Those two days are believed to be the dates of birth and coronation of Ramesses II.

This evening you will fly back to Cairo.

Day 8/9

Cairo: Once you are checked in at your hotel, your guide will take you on a tour of old Cairo, where you will visit several attractions. To start, you will visit the castle of Salah Al-Din and the Mosque of Mohamed Ali. Strategically located on a promontory beneath the Mokattam Mountain it was resolutely difficult to attack.

You will then take a tour through the famous Khan Al-Khalili bazaar with its thousand-year-old labyrinth of alleys. You will see crafts designed and molded in wood, alabaster, stones, ivory, and precious metals. Remarkably, they were designed and handcrafted by artist who inherited their skills generation after generation that go back hundreds of years.

Day 9/9

Cairo: Your tour will end after breakfast today; however, your private driver will take you to the airport after your check-out from your hotel.

What clients said about this tour

I had an amazing time exploring Egypt! The trip started with a warm welcome from my guide and driver in Cairo. They were so helpful and knowledgeable, making sure I had everything I needed. The highlight was definitely the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Cairo Museum, where I got to see incredible artifacts. Don't miss the chance to sail on a Nile Felucca at sunset. Such a magical experience!

Traveling to Luxor was a journey through history. The temples of Luxor and the Karnak Complex were awe-inspiring. We also had the chance to visit the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, both filled with fascinating stories. The highlight was the Temple of Horus in Edfu, perfectly preserved. Egypt's ancient wonders left us in awe!

Aswan was a dream! The Philae temple complex was absolutely picturesque, and I learned so much about the cult of Isis. The traditional Felucca ride on the Nile was so peaceful and allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the river. And of course, the Abu Simbel complex was a true marvel. The intricate carvings and the alignment with the sun's rays were breathtaking. We definitely will come back.

Egypt exceeded all our expectations! The tour of old Cairo was fantastic, especially the castle of Salah Al-Din and the Mosque of Mohamed Ali. Exploring the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar was like stepping back in time, with its vibrant atmosphere and unique crafts. The trip ended smoothly with a seamless check-out and airport transfer. I highly recommend Egypt for a remarkable travel experience!

Some of the sites that you will see during this itinerary

Frontal view of the temple created by the Pharaoh Sobek in Kom Ombo, Egypt.

The newly renovated Avenue of Sphinxes at Luxor temple in the evening

Some of the wooden decorated boxes sold the amazing Khan El-Khalili market in Cairo

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Riddles of the Nile

9 Days Tour