Your Egyptian adventure begins at Cairo International Airport. Upon landing, a representative will meet you before passport control to assist with your visa and luggage, ensuring a smooth entry. You will then transfer by a private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel.

• Activity: Check-in and relax.
• Evening Recommendation: If you arrive early, book a dinner cruise on the Nile to enjoy folklore music and belly dancing while the city lights glimmer on the water.

After a rich breakfast, your guide will take you to the Giza Plateau. You will stand at the base of the Great Pyramid of Cheops, marveling at its massive limestone blocks. You will have time to visit the panoramic viewpoint—perfect for that iconic photo of all three pyramids aligned—and see the Great Sphinx, the legendary guardian with a lion's body and a king's head.

In the afternoon, you will drive south to the palm-filled countryside of Saqqara. Here, you will visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest major stone structure. The area also features beautifully decorated tombs of nobles that offer a glimpse into daily life in ancient Egypt. Return to your hotel in Cairo for the evening.

Today, you dive into the heart of Cairo. Start at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square (or the Grand Egyptian Museum, if fully open), home to the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world, including the golden treasures of Tutankhamun.

Next, drive up to the Saladin Citadel, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city. Inside, visit the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. End your day at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a 14th-century market maze filled with the scent of spices and the sound of coppersmiths. Enjoy a cup of mint tea at the famous El Fishawy Café before returning to your hotel.

Check out early and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you will visit the High Dam, an engineering marvel that controls the Nile's annual flood. You will then take a scenic motorboat ride to the Temple of Philae, located on an island and dedicated to the goddess Isis.

Check into your hotel in Aswan. In the late afternoon, enjoy a relaxing ride on a Felucca (traditional sailboat) around the botanical gardens of Kitchener’s Island, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the Nile.

Start the day with an early morning drive (approx. 3.5 hours) to Abu Simbel. These two massive rock-cut temples, built by Ramses II to intimidate his enemies and honor his wife Nefertari, are considered the most impressive sights in southern Egypt.

Return to Aswan around lunchtime to embark on your 5-Star Nile Cruise. Enjoy lunch on board as you settle into your cabin. The ship will remain docked in Aswan or begin a short sail depending on the schedule. Dinner and overnight on board.

Wake up to the stunning views of the Nile. As the ship sails north, you will stop at Kom Ombo to walk to the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus (the falcon god). Visit the nearby Crocodile Museum to see mummified crocodiles.

Back on board, enjoy lunch and tea on the sundeck as you sail toward Edfu. Upon arrival, take a horse carriage to the Temple of Edfu, the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt. In the evening, the ship sails toward Luxor via the Esna Lock. Enjoy a "Galabeya Party" (Egyptian costume night) and dinner on board.

Arrive in Luxor, the open-air museum of the world. After breakfast on board, cross the Nile to the West Bank. You will explore the Valley of the Kings, entering the deep, colorful tombs of the Pharaohs (ticket includes three tombs).

Next, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning architectural wonder built into the limestone cliffs, and stop for photos at the massive Colossi of Memnon. Return to the cruise for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring Luxor’s local market. Overnight on board in Luxor.

After breakfast, disembark from the cruise. Your final historical stop is the East Bank, where you will visit the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, spanning over 200 acres. You will also visit Luxor Temple in the city center.

In the afternoon, a private air-conditioned vehicle will drive you to Hurghada on the Red Sea coast (approx. 4 hours). Check into your resort and shift gears from "exploration" to "vacation."

Today is a free day to enjoy the Red Sea. The water here is crystal clear and warm year-round. Relax on the beach, swim in the turquoise water, or enjoy the amenities of your resort.

• Meal Plan: Soft All-Inclusive (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Soft Drinks).

After breakfast, join a boat trip to Giftun Island (often visiting Orange Bay or Paradise Island). The Red Sea is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life. You will have the chance to snorkel in protected areas and relax on the white sandy beaches of the island. Lunch is served on the boat. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a final morning swim. Around midday, transfer to Hurghada Airport for your 1-hour flight back to Cairo.

• Arrival: Transfer to your hotel in Cairo.
• Evening: Free time for last-minute shopping or a farewell dinner in the city.

Your 12-day journey through history and nature concludes today. After breakfast, your representative will transfer you to Cairo International Airport for your final departure flight. Safe travels!