Tour Name: Nefertiti the Perfect One Has Arrived
Locations: Pyramids, Nile, Hurghada
Duration: 15 days, including 3 nights in Cairo, 3 nights in Hurghada, and 1 night train Cairo to Luxor.
Overview
Nefertiti the Perfect One Has Arrived (15 Days)
This 15-day tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Start in Cairo, where you’ll visit the pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and take a sleeper train to Luxor. From there, embark on a week-long Nile cruise to explore Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with the option to visit Abu Simbel. Then, head to the beautiful beaches of Hurghada for three days of relaxation and water activities on the Red Sea. Finally, return to Cairo for visits to the Citadel, Coptic Quarter, and Khan El Khalili Bazaar before your departure.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be warmly welcomed and assisted through the entry formalities. Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital, also known as "Oum al-Dounia" or the "Mother of the World," is a city that blends modern vibrancy with ancient charm. Despite its slightly worn appearance, it quickly captivates visitors with its history, culture, and the warmth of its people. After completing the formalities, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
After breakfast, you will set off to explore the Giza Plateau, home to the Pyramids of Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure, some of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Cheops (constructed around 2650 BC) is the largest and the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still stands today. The second pyramid, Khafre, appears taller due to its steeper angle and elevated ground, but is actually slightly smaller than Cheops. The third pyramid, Menkaure, is much smaller than the other two at just 66 meters high. At the foot of the pyramids stands the Great Sphinx, a majestic lion-bodied figure with the head of a pharaoh, thought to represent Khafre.
Later, you will stop at a Papyrus Institute, where you will witness the traditional method of making papyrus, a technique dating back thousands of years. The papyrus plant is peeled, sliced, soaked, and then pressed into sheets to create a durable and flexible writing surface.Following this, you'll visit the Egyptian Museum, one of the largest and most significant museums in the world. The museum houses over 250,000 artifacts, spanning from the pre-dynastic period to Roman times. Among the most famous treasures are those of Tutankhamun, including his legendary golden mask. After the museum tour, you'll transfer to Cairo train station to board an overnight sleeper train to Luxor. Dinner will be served aboard the train.
In the morning, you'll arrive in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, and transfer to your cruise ship for embarkation. Once settled onboard, you will cross the Nile to visit the Theban Necropolis, where the tombs of Egypt's great pharaohs lie hidden in the rock-cut Valley of the Kings. Here, you will explore two royal tombs as well as the tomb of a queen. The pharaohs of the New Kingdom (from the 18th dynasty onward) chose to be buried in these hidden tombs to protect their treasures from looters. Your tour will also include a stop at the impressive Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that once stood guard at the entrance to the now-lost mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.After lunch onboard, you'll have the option to visit the Temple of Medinet Habu, the grand funerary temple of Ramses III, or the Luxor Temple, which was built to honor the god Amun-Re and served as the setting for the annual festival celebrating his marriage to the goddess Mut. Dinner and overnight will be onboard the ship.
After breakfast, you will have some free time onboard as the ship sails towards Edfu. Lunch will be served onboard, and upon arrival in Edfu, you will visit the magnificent Temple of Horus. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this temple is one of the largest and best-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt. The temple’s construction began in 237 BC and was completed 180 years later in 57 BC. It is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, and son of Isis and Osiris. The grand pylons at the entrance are adorned with giant reliefs of the king and gods, while two massive black granite falcons guard the entrance.In the evening, you will continue your cruise to Kom Ombo. Dinner and overnight will be onboard.
In the morning, after breakfast, you'll visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique structure in that it honors two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The temple, built during the Ptolemaic period, stands on a hill overlooking the Nile and offers striking views. Its most distinctive feature is its duality, with two sanctuaries, two entrances, and symmetrically aligned rooms reflecting the worship of two different gods. Outside, you can see the remnants of brightly colored decorations on the temple’s columns, and inside the small Crocodile Museum, you will find mummified crocodiles that were once sacred to Sobek.After lunch onboard, the cruise will continue to Aswan, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night onboard.
After breakfast, you will have the morning free to explore Aswan or relax on the ship. You may choose to take an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive monuments in Egypt, located 260 kilometers south of Aswan. These massive rock-cut temples, built by Ramses II, were relocated by UNESCO in the 1960s to prevent their submersion after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The larger temple is dedicated to the god Amun-Re and the smaller temple to Hathor.
Alternatively, you can embark on a mini cruise aboard a traditional felucca to explore Kitchener Island, a beautiful botanical garden, or visit Elephantine Island, both of which are peaceful oases in the middle of the Nile.
Dinner and overnight will be onboard.
After breakfast, you'll visit the Temple of Philae, located on the island of Agilkia, known as the "Pearl of the Nile." This temple was originally built on the nearby island of Philae, but was relocated to Agilkia following the construction of the Aswan High Dam to protect it from flooding. The temple, dedicated to Isis, is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved temples of Egypt, with its grand columns and intricate reliefs depicting various myths and legends associated with Isis. You’ll also have a chance to stop at a local jewelry shop, where you'll find a wide selection of traditional Egyptian jewelry made from gold, silver, and semi-precious stones.Lunch will be served onboard, and the ship will sail back towards Edfu. You’ll have the afternoon free to enjoy the relaxing cruise. Dinner and overnight will be onboard.
After breakfast, you will have a leisurely day as the cruise sails towards Esna. You can relax onboard, taking in the views of the Nile and the surrounding landscapes. All meals will be served on the ship, and you can enjoy the entertainment provided in the evening. Dinner and overnight will be onboard.
After breakfast, you’ll dock in Luxor, where you will visit the Karnak Temple, a colossal complex that served as the religious center for the worship of Amun-Re. Spanning over 2,000 years, Karnak is the largest temple complex in Egypt and a remarkable feat of engineering and devotion. After exploring its vast courtyards, towering columns, and intricate reliefs, you’ll have the option to visit a local alabaster workshop, where you can see artisans creating delicate alabaster sculptures.Later, you’ll have the option to visit the Temple of Luxor, built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II. The temple was designed to celebrate the annual Opet Festival, during which the statue of Amun was transported from Karnak to Luxor by boat. Two obelisks once stood at the entrance, one of which now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Dinner and overnight will be onboard.
In the morning, after breakfast, you’ll transfer to Hurghada, located on the shores of the Red Sea. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy lunch. The rest of the afternoon will be spent relaxing on the beach, where you can explore the crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
For the next two days, you’ll have the chance to take part in a range of activities, including snorkeling and dolphin watching, where you can swim alongside dolphins in their natural habitat, or a desert safari by 4x4, complete with a camel ride and traditional Bedouin dinner. You’ll also have the option to go scuba diving or take a day trip to the stunning Mahmya Island, known for its pristine beaches and colorful marine life.
All meals and accommodations will be provided at the hotel in Hurghada.
After breakfast, you’ll leave Hurghada and begin the journey back to Cairo. Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch and have the chance to shop at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo's vibrant market that dates back to the 14th century. Here, you’ll find a wide array of traditional crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. Upon arrival in Cairo, you’ll check into your hotel for the night.
After breakfast, you’ll visit the Citadel of Salah El Din, a grand fortress that once protected the city from invading forces. Inside the Citadel, you’ll explore the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, due to its gleaming white stone exterior. The mosque’s stunning domes and minarets offer sweeping views of Cairo’s skyline.
Next, you’ll visit the Coptic Quarter, where you’ll explore some of the oldest churches in Egypt, including Saint Sergius Church and the Hanging Church. These beautiful churches, built in the early centuries of Christianity, are important religious and historical landmarks. The tour will also include a stop at the Ben-Ezra Synagogue, a beautiful synagogue with rich historical significance.
Lunch will be served during the tour, and you’ll return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, according to your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure. Assistance with check-in and security formalities will be provided to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey home.
Inclusions
- Transfers by minibus or coach depending on the number of participants.
- Full board from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 15.
- All-inclusive stay in Hurghada.
- All tours and excursions mentioned in the program.
- Land transportation by a modern, air-conditioned vehicle suited to the group's size.
- Organized entertainment onboard the cruise ship.
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- A French-speaking Egyptologist guide for the entire stay.
- Assistance at the airports and hotels.
- Hotel taxes and service charges.
Exclusions
- Visa and tips (€85 per person payable upon arrival).
- Personal expenses and beverages.
- Optional excursions and activities.
- Travel insurance.
FAQs
The tours include all domestic flights, accommodations (cruise and hotels), full board meals during the Nile cruise, guided tours and excursions as mentioned in the program, transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, local Egyptologist guides, and airport assistance. Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations are included on the cruises.
Exclusions typically cover international flights, visa fees, personal expenses, optional excursions (like the visit to Abu Simbel), insurance, and tips for guides and drivers. Specific fees, such as visa service fees (between €70-€105), will need to be paid upon arrival in Egypt.
Yes, the itineraries can often be adjusted or extended to meet your preferences. You can opt to add more days in Cairo, Luxor, or extend your stay in Hurghada for more beach time.
Yes, these tours are family-friendly and offer a mix of educational and relaxing activities. Children can enjoy the historical sites as well as the beach time in Hurghada. However, some excursions, like Abu Simbel, may involve long travel times.
Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Egypt. The visa fee ranges between €70-€105 per person, depending on the tour, and can be paid in cash at the airport.
Optional excursions include visits to Abu Simbel, mini Nile cruises in Aswan, camel rides, snorkeling, and desert safaris in Hurghada. These can be arranged at an additional cost.
Transportation between cities is primarily by domestic flights (Cairo to Luxor/Aswan). Within each destination, air-conditioned vehicles or buses suited to the group size will be provided for transfers and excursions.
All meals are included during the Nile cruise, and breakfast is typically included with hotel stays in Cairo and Hurghada. Some packages also include lunch during excursions or free days.
The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), but euros and US dollars are widely accepted. It’s a good idea to have local currency for smaller purchases, tips, and personal expenses. ATMs are also available in major cities.
Most hotels in Cairo and Hurghada offer free Wi-Fi, but coverage may be limited or slower on the Nile cruise. It’s recommended to purchase a local SIM card for better connectivity if needed.