Egyptian gems: Siwa, Nile cruise & desert

It's time to unearth the secrets of Ancient Egypt and get to know the vibrant culture of Egypt's most emblematic cities. Arrive at your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Cairo.* Night on board.*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.Please note: Timings may change slightly due to factors like internal flights, cruises, traffic, or other logistical reasons. The order of excursions and visits may also vary. However, all planned activities will be carried out, and we’ll do our best to keep everything on track. Your guide will keep you updated along the way.You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Touch down in Cairo and transfer to the hotel. Once you've settled in, the remainder of the day is free for you to get to know the sights and sounds of Cairo, in the shadow of the Great Pyramids! Go shopping at the local souk or sample the national cuisine. Overnight stay in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, leave early for Alexandria, the second largest city in Egypt, also known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”. Founded around 331 B.C. by Alexander the Great, it was an important cultural center during the Hellenistic, Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. It was home to the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria and the famous Library of Alexandria.Upon arrival, take a panoramic tour of the Qaitbey Fortress and the Corniche, with visits to the main city highlights, such as the Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, and the New Library of Alexandria.After lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean, you’ll have free time to explore. Then transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Alexandria.Distance covered today: 205 miles, approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head toward El Alamein, the site of intense battles fought between October 23 and November 4, 1942. El Alamein marked the turning point of the North African campaign during World War II. Here, the German and the Italian armies suffered a major defeat, abandoning tanks, vehicles, weapons, and even uniforms, many of which are now preserved in a unique museum.After visiting the museum, continue to the Siwa Oasis. Arriving in the afternoon, you’ll visit Shali, a remarkable village made up of mud-brick houses, offering a fascinating glimpse into desert life. As you stroll through its streets, you can discover Berber handicraft shops and local textiles.Transfer to the hotel for check-in and dinner. Overnight stay in Siwa.

Breakfast at the hotel. The desert adventure begins! During the tour through the Siwa Oasis, you’ll experience everyday scenes of local life, such as the harvesting of dates and olives. Visit the Cleopatra Pool, one of the many natural springs in the area. Legend has it that the famous queen bathed here to preserve her incomparable beauty.Next, you’ll head to the famous salt lakes, where you can enjoy the unique experience of floating in their crystal-clear saline waters.In the afternoon, set off in 4x4 vehicles into the desert sands. The driver will take you deep into the Western Desert, driving between dunes for breathtaking views of the Sahara Desert. Stop to see marine fossils, remnants of life that existed here millions of years ago when the region lay beneath the sea.You’ll also enjoy a cup of traditional Bedouin tea prepared over an open fire and have the chance to try sandboarding (sliding down the dunes on special boards similar to snowboards) before returning to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Siwa.

Breakfast at the hotel. In ancient times, the Siwa Oasis was home to the Oracle of Amun (Zeus Amun), renowned in Herodotus's era and consulted by Alexander the Great. Visit the ruins of the temple, which preserve inscriptions dating back to the 4th century B.C., as well as the nearby Temple of Umm Beda (or Um Ebeida).Afterward, begin your return journey from Siwa to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cairo.Distance covered today: 460 miles, approximately 12 hours. Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip!

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the Egyptian capital today with a guided tour of Cairo's most iconic sights. Start at the Giza Plateau, home to the legendary Great Pyramids—constructed over 4,500 years ago and recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World! Explore these architectural marvels and uncover their fascinating history as you walk in the footsteps of the pharaohs. Continue to the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple to reveal more secrets of Ancient Egypt. In the afternoon, visit the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, which houses the largest collection of jewels, relics, and statues from the golden age of the pharaohs. Afterwards, take a stroll through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili neighborhood, home to the city's largest and most famous bazaar*. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. We recommend ending the day with an optional evening tour of Cairo, complete with dinner**. Overnight stay in Cairo. Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip! *Depending on the day of arrival at the destination, the bazaar activity may need to be rescheduled for another time. Please note: as of 07/01/2027, the El Khalili Bazaar and the Old Museum will no longer be included in the travel itinerary. **Optional Cairo by Night: Take a scenic walk through some of Cairo’s most beautiful spots, including Tahrir Square, Zamalek, Cairo Tower, and the Opera House, before heading to a traditional Egyptian restaurant for a delicious dinner. Finish the evening with a visit to the famous Mirror Café. Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the Egyptian capital today with a guided tour of Cairo's most iconic sights. Start at the Giza Plateau, home to the legendary Great Pyramids—constructed over 4,500 years ago and recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World! Explore these architectural marvels and uncover their fascinating history as you walk in the footsteps of the pharaohs. Continue to the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple to reveal more secrets of Ancient Egypt. In the afternoon, visit the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, which houses the largest collection of jewels, relics, and statues from the golden age of the pharaohs. Afterwards, take a stroll through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili neighborhood, home to the city's largest and most famous bazaar*. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. We recommend ending the day with an optional evening tour of Cairo, complete with dinner**. Overnight stay in Cairo. Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip! *Depending on the day of arrival at the destination, the bazaar activity may need to be rescheduled for another time. Please note: as of 07/01/2027, the El Khalili Bazaar and the Old Museum will no longer be included in the travel itinerary. **Optional Cairo by Night: Take a scenic walk through some of Cairo’s most beautiful spots, including Tahrir Square, Zamalek, Cairo Tower, and the Opera House, before heading to a traditional Egyptian restaurant for a delicious dinner. Finish the evening with a visit to the famous Mirror Café. Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the Egyptian capital today with a guided tour of Cairo's most iconic sights. Start at the Giza Plateau, home to the legendary Great Pyramids—constructed over 4,500 years ago and recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World! Explore these architectural marvels and uncover their fascinating history as you walk in the footsteps of the pharaohs. Continue to the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple to reveal more secrets of Ancient Egypt. In the afternoon, visit the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, which houses the largest collection of jewels, relics, and statues from the golden age of the pharaohs. Afterwards, take a stroll through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili neighborhood, home to the city's largest and most famous bazaar*. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. We recommend ending the day with an optional evening tour of Cairo, complete with dinner**. Overnight stay in Cairo.Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip! *Depending on the day of arrival at the destination, the bazaar activity may need to be rescheduled for another time. Please note: as of 07/01/2027, the El Khalili Bazaar and the Old Museum will no longer be included in the travel itinerary. **Optional Cairo by Night: Take a scenic walk through some of Cairo’s most beautiful spots, including Tahrir Square, Zamalek, Cairo Tower, and the Opera House, before heading to a traditional Egyptian restaurant for a delicious dinner. Finish the evening with a visit to the famous Mirror Café.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, transfer to the airport for an early short flight to Aswan, a city on the Nile River renowned for its importance in Ancient Egyptian history. Upon arrival, embark on a guided city tour starting with the Aswan Dam. Continue to the Granite Quarry, home to the famous unfinished obelisk, and then visit the impressive High Dam of Aswan. Next, transfer to the port to board your Nile cruise ship, your home for the next three nights. Settle into your cabin and take in the stunning river views. Enjoy lunch on board, and in the afternoon, embark on a relaxing cruise aboard a traditional felucca to admire the scenic beauty of the Nile and its famous cataracts. Watch life unfold along the riverbanks as you sail. Dinner and overnight on board.Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, transfer to the airport for an early short flight to Aswan, a city on the Nile River renowned for its importance in Ancient Egyptian history. Upon arrival, embark on a guided city tour starting with the Aswan Dam. Continue to the Granite Quarry, home to the famous unfinished obelisk, and then visit the impressive High Dam of Aswan. Next, transfer to the port to board your Nile cruise ship, your home for the next three nights. Settle into your cabin and take in the stunning river views. Enjoy lunch on board, and in the afternoon, embark on a relaxing cruise aboard a traditional felucca to admire the scenic beauty of the Nile and its famous cataracts. Watch life unfold along the riverbanks as you sail. Dinner and overnight on board.

Full board on board. Today, if you're an early riser, you have the chance to enjoy an optional excursion to Abu Simbel*, home to many rock-carved temples. Afterwards, we recommend to take the chance to book an optional visit to the Island of Philae.** A river island in the Nile where the ancient temple of the goddess Isis is located. Afterwards, navigate northwards towards Kom Ombo. Upon arrival explore the twin Temples of Haroeris and Sobek and see the amazing Nilometer, used to measure the rising and falling levels of the Nile, an important life source in Egypt. Later, visit a unique Crocodile Mummy museum, home to a number of mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship and enjoy relaxing on board. Overnight on board.*Optional excursion to Abu Simbel: Visit these amazing temples, carved on the western cliff of the desert by Ramses II in the Xl century BC. See the iconic 20-metre high statues, dedicated to the god Amon Ra, and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor.Please note: If you take the optional excursion to Abu Simbel, you will depart from the ship at approximately 3 a.m. to make the most of the coolest and quietest part of the day. This way, you can fully experience Abu Simbel without the crowds and avoid sightseeing in high temperatures.**Optional Island of Philae excursion: Discover the historic island of Philae, in the reservoir of the Old Aswan Dam. It is home to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Isis and offers a fascinating insight into life and beliefs in Ancient Egypt.

Full board on board. Transfer to the Temple of Edfu and take time to explore this magnificent site, dedicated to the Egyptian god Horus. It is one of the best-preserved monuments in Egypt, its grand structure having been protected for centuries by desert sands. Return to the ship and continue your journey to Luxor, where the ancient heart of Thebes awaits. Discover the breathtaking Temple of Luxor, built by the great pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Return to the ship. Overnight stay on board.Full board on board. Transfer to the Temple of Edfu and take time to explore this magnificent site, dedicated to the Egyptian god Horus. It is one of the best-preserved monuments in Egypt, its grand structure having been protected for centuries by desert sands. Return to the ship and continue your journey to Luxor, where the ancient heart of Thebes awaits. Discover the breathtaking Temple of Luxor, built by the great pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Return to the ship. Overnight stay on board.

Breakfast on board. Continue your discovery of the ancient city of Thebes today as you head to the world-famous Valley of the Kings*, where the tomb of Tutankhamon was discovered, revealing the riches of the ancient pharaohs. It is here that the most powerful and influential kings of Ancient Egypt were buried. After exploring the site, continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an imposing terraced structure, located below towering cliffs. Bid farewell to this world of ancient kings and queens as you cross the river into modern-day Luxor. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend an optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show.** Overnight stay in Luxor.*Please note: The excursion to the Valley of the Kings includes visits to three tombs. Entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun is not included but, if you are interested in visiting, you can buy a ticket to see this tomb at the site during your visit.**Optional Karnak Temple sound and light show: Visit the largest open-air museum in Egypt, the Karnak Temple in Luxor. Discover the secrets behind the temple's ancient name, Thebes, and explore its significant monuments. As you wander through the ruins of this once great complex, you will be guided by the voices of the pharaohs who built this site to honor their god Amon. Watch as the temples and statues come to life with the clever use of special effects , relive the times of the ancient pharaohs with their customs and rituals as they recount the dramatic history of ancient Thebes.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early in the morning to visit the Karnak Temple Complex, home to a vast array of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other ancient buildings. Explore the ruins as you soak up the unique atmosphere and let your imagination run wild as you learn about life in Ancient Egypt. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Cairo.Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional excursion to the Saladin Citadel.* If you wish to dive even deeper into the fascinating Egyptian culture, don't miss our optional visit to the spectacular new Grand Egyptian Museum.* An unforgettable experience that will connect you with the treasures of an ancient civilization.** Overnight stay in Cairo.*Optional excursion to Saladin Citadel: Visit the Alabaster Mosque and medieval fortification of Saladin Citadel, perched atop a hill in central Cairo and dating back to the 12th-century. Learn about the importance of the site to Egypt's Islamic heritage before walking through the Coptic Neighborhood, home to various churches.**Optional visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum: Discover the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which houses over 50,000 artifacts spanning 7,000 years of history. With breathtaking views of the Pyramids, it features highlights such as the Hanging Obelisk and the impressive Grand Gallery, making it a truly unforgettable experience.Please note: these activities overlap. If you book the activity packages or the Saladin Citadel visit, you won't be able to book the New Grand Egyptian Museum. In the same way, if you book the New Grand Egyptian Museum, you won't be able to book the activity packages or the Saladin Citadel visit.

Breakfast at the hotel. Early pickup in Cairo to depart for Al-Fayoum, where you’ll spend the day on a 4x4 desert safari adventure. Visit Whale Valley in Wadi Hitan, a UNESCO-listed site famous for its well-preserved fossils of early whales. Then drive through the Western Desert, stopping at Wadi Rayan to see picturesque waterfalls and enjoy lunch by the shore of Qarun Lake. Before wrapping up the tour with a visit to Tunis Village to see a fascinating pottery exhibition by local artists, you’ll have time for sandboarding.Transfer to your hotel and check in. Overnight stay in Al-Fayoum.Distance covered today: 50 miles (Approx. 1hr 30mins)Please note: All visits to the desert are subject to police permission, which can be withdrawn at any time. All 4x4 journeys are subject to change if the operator deems that any part of the tour cannot be safely operated in the vehicles provided.

Breakfast at the hotel. Early pickup to depart for Bahariya Oasis, a major oasis in Egypt’s vast Western Desert, surrounded by palm groves. When you arrive, visit the Museum of the Golden Mummies, home to a collection of well-preserved mummies. Then explore the tombs of Bannuti, ancient burial sites carved into the rock, and visit Qasr Selim, an ancient fortress.Afterward, transfer to your hotel for check-in and some time to rest and refresh. In the afternoon, head out on a local cultural tour of Bahariya Oasis. Stop in Bawiti Village to experience daily local life, then continue to the Mountain of the English, a storied hilltop named after Captain Williams, a British WWI officer, offering panoramic views over the oasis. Dinner and overnight stay in Bahariya.Distance covered today: 174 miles (Approx. 4hrs)Please note: Accommodation in Bahariya is simple and reflects the remote nature of the region, where hotel infrastructure is limited but offers an authentic local experience.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a full-day 4x4 adventure through dramatic desert landscapes.First, head into the Black Desert, known for its dark volcanic hills made of dolerite rock dating back 180 million years. The striking contrast between black basalt stones and golden dunes makes for an unforgettable view.Next, continue to Crystal Mountain, a small ridge where quartz crystals sparkle in the sunlight. Believed to have formed from a meteorite impact, it’s a geological wonder and a photographer’s dream.Finally, arrive at the spectacular White Desert, where chalk and limestone formations rise from the sand in surreal shapes. With its mix of white calcium and orange tones, the area is a natural masterpiece.After sunset, return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Bahariya.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll say goodbye to the magnificent Bahariya Oasis and head back to Cairo. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your leisure or relax at the hotel. Overnight stay in Cairo. Distance covered today: 205 miles (Approx. 4 hrs 30 mins)

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada. Arrive in Canada** and end your extraordinary trip.*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.**Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in Canada the following day.