12-Day Egypt Discovery Tour – Overland

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Location: Egypt – Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Abydos, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel
Tour type: Private, Small Group
Pickup: Cairo International Airport
Availability: Daily
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Tourists exploring the Pyramids of Giza with the Great Sphinx in the background.

Egypt’s Wonders, Unforgettable

Discover Egypt on a 12-day private tour. Start in Cairo with the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Walk through the Egyptian Museum to see treasures from King Tut and other pharaohs.

Next, go to Alexandria. See the Qaitbay Citadel and the Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs. Stop at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library inspired by the ancient one.

In Luxor, visit the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple. See the Karnak and Luxor Temples. You will also see Abydos and Dendera.

Travel to Edfu and Kom Ombo to see their temples. End in Aswan. See the High Dam, sail to Philae Temple, and tour Abu Simbel.

Stay in comfortable hotels. Travel in private vehicles. Expert Egyptologist guides share history and stories at every site.

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Why You’ll Love This Tour

Explore Egypt’s Legendary Landmarks

Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the magnificent temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel. Witness thousands of years of history come alive in some of the world’s most iconic sites.

Insightful Egyptologist Guides

Benefit from private, expert-led tours that uncover the fascinating stories, hidden secrets, and historical significance behind every monument, offering a deep understanding of Egypt’s ancient civilization.

Luxury & Comfort Throughout

Travel seamlessly with private transfers, stay in carefully selected luxury accommodations, and enjoy a thoughtfully curated itinerary that combines comfort, convenience, and style.

Immersive Cultural Experiences

Engage with Egypt’s vibrant culture through visits to local markets, Nubian villages, and authentic historical sites, while experiencing the art, music, and traditions that have shaped this timeless land.

Fully Tailored for You

Enjoy a fully personalized journey designed around your interests, pace, and group, ensuring every moment is meaningful, memorable, and uniquely yours.

Tour Highlights

Cairo & Giza

Marvel at the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, standing as timeless symbols of ancient Egyptian ingenuity. Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to King Tutankhamun’s treasures and thousands of ancient artifacts, providing a deep dive into Egypt’s history. Visit the Egyptian Museum to see its extraordinary collection of relics and antiquities.

Alexandria

Discover the majestic Qaitbay Citadel, a fortress perched on the Mediterranean coastline. Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a fascinating Roman-era necropolis blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural influences. Explore the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a stunning tribute to Egypt’s ancient legacy of knowledge and learning.

Luxor & West Bank

Wander through the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs’ tombs reveal intricate wall paintings and hidden treasures. Visit the mortuary Hatshepsut Temple, an architectural masterpiece honoring one of Egypt’s most powerful female rulers. Walk through the vast Karnak Temple complex, the largest religious site in Egypt, and admire Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at night.

Abydos & Dendera

Explore the sacred Temple of Osiris at Abydos, one of Egypt’s most venerated spiritual sites. Discover the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, renowned for its celestial ceilings, intricate carvings, and exceptional preservation.

Edfu & Kom Ombo

Admire the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu, a testament to Ptolemaic craftsmanship. Visit the twin temples of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris, uniquely built on a shared axis.

Aswan & Abu Simbel

See the monumental Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel of modern Egypt. Sail to the magical Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and enjoy its island setting. Experience the awe-inspiring twin temples of Abu Simbel, carved into the mountainside by Ramses II, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture.

Luxury & Comfort

Travel in style with private transfers and seamless logistics. Stay in top-rated hotels and a luxurious Nile cruise for a truly comfortable experience. Benefit from the knowledge and insights of expert Egyptologist guides, ensuring an immersive and enriching journey through Egypt’s most iconic sites.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Arrive at Cairo International Airport and meet your representative for assistance with transfers. In the afternoon, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) to explore King Tutankhamun’s treasures and thousands of ancient artifacts, gaining insight into Egypt’s rich history.

🛏 Overnight: Cairo
🍽 Meals: None

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza – Memphis & Sakkara

Visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple. Continue to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, then explore Memphis with its impressive ancient statues.

🛏 Overnight: Cairo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Camel ride at the Pyramids, Sound & Light Show at Giza

Day 3: Egyptian Museum – Citadel – Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Explore the Egyptian Museum, home to countless ancient artifacts, then visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din. Conclude the day at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar for shopping and local experiences. Afterward, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor.

🛏 Overnight: Luxor
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Flight to Luxor – West & East Bank

Start your day early in Luxor and explore the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of ancient pharaohs reveal intricate wall paintings. Visit the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon, tour the vast Karnak Temple complex and Luxor Temple to admire their architectural grandeur.

🛏 Overnight: Luxor
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Abydos & Dendera Temples

Start early in the morning and tour the Temple of Seti I in Abydos, one of Egypt’s most sacred sites. Continue to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, renowned for its beautifully preserved celestial ceiling and intricate carvings.

🛏 Overnight: Luxor
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Luxor – Habu Temple & Valley of Queens

Explore Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III, followed by Deir el-Medina, the Valley of the Workers, and the Valley of the Queens. Conclude your day with a visit to the Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum to deepen your understanding of ancient Egyptian life and burial practices.

🛏 Overnight: Luxor
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Traditional felucca ride on the Nile at sunset

Day 7: Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo – Arrival in Aswan

Early morning drive to Edfu to explore the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Continue to Kom Ombo to visit the unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, then proceed to Aswan.

🛏 Overnight: Hotel in Aswan
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: High Dam – Unfinished Obelisk – Philae Temple

Explore the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, then take a traditional felucca ride to Philae Temple, beautifully situated on its island sanctuary. Visit a Nubian village to experience local culture and traditions.

🛏 Overnight: Hotel in Aswan
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Felucca ride around Elephantine Island, Nubian village visit

Day 9: Abu Simbel – Flight to Cairo

Take an early morning excursion to Abu Simbel to marvel at the twin temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. After the visit, return to Aswan and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo.

🛏 Overnight: Cairo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Explore local markets in Aswan before your flight

Day 10: Alexandria Day Tour

Drive to Alexandria to explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Roman Amphitheater, Pompey’s Pillar, and admire Qaitbay Citadel overlooking the Mediterranean. Return to Cairo in the evening.

🛏 Overnight: Cairo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Islamic & Coptic Cairo

Visit the Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque, the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, and El Refa’i Mosque. Explore Coptic Cairo, including the Hanging Church, Church of St. Sergius, and Ben Ezra Synagogue.

🛏 Overnight: Cairo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Departure from Cairo

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight.

🛏 Overnight: –
🍽 Meals: Breakfast

What’s included

accommodations with breakfast as per itinerary

Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing

Guided tours with a private Egyptologist

Entrance fees to all listed sites

Meet-and-assist service at airports

Bottled water daily

What’s not included

International and domestic flights to and from Egypt
Egypt entry visa
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
Additional services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Suggestions

  • ✈️ Flights: Book international and domestic flights early for the best fares.
  • 🏛️ Cultural Sites: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring temples, pyramids, and museums.
  • 📸 Photography: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture stunning ancient monuments.
  • 💧 Stay Hydrated: Carry bottled water, especially during excursions in Luxor and Aswan.
  • 👕 Dress Code: Light, breathable clothing and modest attire for religious sites are recommended.
  • 🛍️ Shopping: Allow time for local markets and souvenirs, especially in Cairo and Luxor.
  • 💊 Health & Safety: Pack basic medication and sunscreen for daytime excursions.
  • 💰 Currency & Tips: Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are used; tipping is customary at sites and hotels.

Tour Pricing

Upon Request – Personalized Services

Enhance your Egypt journey with tailored experiences, including private photography sessions, cultural activities, special celebrations, private dining, flexible sightseeing, and VIP transfers. Our team can customize your itinerary to make every detail of your trip truly unforgettable.

Kids Policy

0-5 years old
Free of charge (must sit on parents’ lap; separate seats may require extra payment).
6-11 years old
50% of the adult price.
12 years old
Full adult price applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical Travel Advices

Visa & Entry Requirements +
Transportation & Getting Around +
Currency, Payments & Money Exchange +
Health, Safety & Security Tips +
Communication, SIM Cards & Internet Access +
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What is Egypt’s time zone and typical business hours? +
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