Overview
Experience Egypt from its legendary ancient monuments to the beautiful Red Sea on this 16-Day Egypt Adventure: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Hurghada. This private itinerary combines the highlights of Cairo and Giza with a relaxing Nile Cruise through southern Egypt, the spectacular temples of Luxor and Aswan, and several days of adventure and relaxation in Hurghada.
Begin your journey in Cairo, where you will discover the iconic Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx with a professional Egyptologist guide. Continue to Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur to explore the fascinating development of ancient Egyptian pyramid architecture.
Discover the Grand Egyptian Museum and explore the historic side of Cairo, including the Citadel of Saladin and Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Your adventure then continues south to Aswan, where you will visit the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and beautiful Philae Temple. Board a 5-star Nile Cruise and sail through the Nile Valley toward Luxor, stopping to explore the impressive temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu.
In Luxor, discover the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Optional experiences such as Abu Simbel and a sunrise hot-air-balloon flight can be added for an even more memorable journey.
After exploring Egypt’s ancient treasures, travel to Hurghada for a change of pace. Relax on the Red Sea beaches, enjoy your resort or choose from exciting activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, private boat trips, island excursions and desert safaris.
With private transportation, licensed Egyptologist guides, comfortable accommodation and a flexible schedule, this 16-day adventure offers an excellent combination of history, culture, Nile scenery, desert landscapes and Red Sea relaxation.
Explore the Pyramids. Sail the Nile. Discover ancient temples. Adventure in the desert. Relax on the Red Sea.
Highlights
- Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx
- Discover Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur
- Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum
- Explore Historic Cairo and Khan El Khalili
- Fly to Aswan and visit Philae Temple
- Enjoy a 5-star Nile Cruise
- Explore Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples
- Discover the Valley of the Kings in Luxor
- Visit Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
- Enjoy optional Abu Simbel and hot-air-balloon experiences
- Relax on the Red Sea beaches of Hurghada
- Add optional snorkeling, diving, boat trips and desert safaris
- Travel with private transportation and professional Egyptologist guides
- Enjoy a flexible itinerary suitable for couples, families and private groups
Reviews
Itinerary Description
Experience the best of Egypt on this 16-Day Egypt Adventure: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Hurghada, a private journey combining ancient monuments, fascinating history, Nile landscapes, desert adventures and relaxing days on the Red Sea.
Your adventure begins in Cairo, Egypt's vibrant capital. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo or Giza. After checking in, enjoy some time to relax before beginning your Egyptian adventure.
Your first major sightseeing experience takes you to the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, the Great Sphinx and Valley Temple. With your professional Egyptologist guide, learn about the pharaohs, ancient Egyptian beliefs and the remarkable engineering behind these monumental structures. An optional camel ride can also be arranged for memorable desert views and photographs.
Continue beyond Giza to Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur, where you can discover the fascinating evolution of pyramid construction. At Saqqara, explore the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser and the surrounding ancient necropolis. Continue to Memphis, the former capital of ancient Egypt, before visiting the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid at Dahshur.
Back in Cairo, discover the Grand Egyptian Museum and its impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Continue to Historic Cairo and visit the Citadel of Saladin and Mosque of Muhammad Ali, followed by the atmospheric streets of Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
The adventure then continues south to Aswan, one of the most scenic cities on the Nile. Visit the Aswan High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk before taking a motorboat to Philae Temple, beautifully situated on an island in the Nile.
After your Aswan sightseeing, board your 5-star Nile Cruise and begin sailing toward Luxor. Relax onboard while enjoying the changing scenery of the Nile Valley, with green farmland, palm trees, traditional villages and desert landscapes along the riverbanks.
During the cruise, visit Kom Ombo Temple, a unique double temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. Continue to Edfu to explore the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples from ancient Egypt.
Travelers who want to explore even farther south can add an optional Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan, featuring the spectacular temples built during the reign of Ramses II.
Continue to Luxor, the heart of ancient Thebes and one of Egypt's greatest archaeological destinations. On the West Bank, explore the Valley of the Kings, where many New Kingdom pharaohs were buried. Continue to the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
On the East Bank, discover the enormous Karnak Temple Complex, filled with monumental columns, pylons and ancient inscriptions. Continue to Luxor Temple, where you can admire its statues, columns and fascinating history.
For an unforgettable optional experience, take a sunrise hot-air-balloon flight over Luxor and enjoy spectacular views of the Nile Valley, agricultural fields and ancient monuments from above.
After completing your archaeological adventure, travel through the Eastern Desert toward Hurghada, one of Egypt's most popular Red Sea destinations. Check into your resort and enjoy a well-deserved break after your days of sightseeing.
Hurghada offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Spend time on the beach, relax beside the pool or enjoy your resort's facilities. If you want more action, choose optional activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, private boat trips, island excursions and water sports.
You can also explore the dramatic landscapes of the Eastern Desert on an optional desert safari. Depending on the experience selected, enjoy quad biking, camel riding and a visit to a Bedouin-style village. Some excursions can include a desert sunset, traditional dinner and cultural entertainment.
This 16-day private adventure is designed to provide a balanced Egyptian vacation. The first part focuses on ancient history and culture, the Nile Cruise provides a relaxing way to travel through southern Egypt, and the final days offer time for Red Sea relaxation and adventure.
With private transportation, professional licensed Egyptologist guides, comfortable accommodation and a flexible itinerary, the tour is suitable for couples, families, honeymooners and private groups.
From standing before the Pyramids of Giza to sailing the Nile, exploring the temples of Luxor and swimming in the Red Sea, this itinerary gives you the opportunity to experience the many different sides of Egypt in one unforgettable journey.
Discover the ancient wonders. Sail the Nile. Explore the desert. Relax on the Red Sea. Make your 16-day Egypt adventure unforgettable.
Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representative will meet you, assist with airport formalities and luggage, and transfer you by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: None
After breakfast, begin your adventure at the Giza Plateau.
Visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, Pyramid of Menkaure, Great Sphinx and Valley Temple. Enjoy time for photographs and an optional camel ride around the pyramids.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, travel to Saqqara to explore the Step Pyramid of King Djoser and the ancient necropolis.
Continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, then visit Dahshur to see the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid.
Return to Cairo and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum and explore its remarkable collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Continue to the Citadel of Saladin and Mosque of Muhammad Ali. End your day at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can explore the traditional market and historic streets.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Aswan.
Upon arrival, meet your Egyptologist guide and visit the Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple.
Take a motorboat to Philae Island before boarding your 5-star Nile Cruise.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast onboard and some time to relax.
Optional: Take an excursion to Abu Simbel to explore the magnificent temples of Ramses II.
Return to Aswan and continue your Nile Cruise journey.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast while sailing along the Nile.
Visit Kom Ombo Temple, the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
Return to the cruise and enjoy the rest of the day sailing through the Nile Valley.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit the impressive Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
Return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Luxor while enjoying the scenery and onboard facilities.
Overnight: Nile Cruise / Luxor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Explore the West Bank of Luxor.
Visit the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon.
Optional: Start the day with a spectacular sunrise hot-air-balloon flight over Luxor.
Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, explore the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex.
Continue to Luxor Temple and discover its impressive columns, statues and ancient inscriptions.
Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle through the Eastern Desert to Hurghada.
Check into your Red Sea resort and spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the beach or beside the pool.
Overnight: Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxing day at your resort.
Swim, enjoy the beach or use the resort's facilities.
Optional activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, boat trips and island excursions.
Overnight: Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy an optional Red Sea boat adventure.
Cruise to beautiful snorkeling locations, swim in the clear waters and discover colorful coral reefs and marine life.
Return to your resort and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Experience the Eastern Desert on an optional desert safari.
Depending on the selected experience, enjoy quad biking, camel riding and a visit to a Bedouin-style village.
Some safari options can include a desert sunset, traditional dinner and entertainment.
Overnight: Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy your final full day on the Red Sea.
Relax at the resort or choose another optional activity such as snorkeling, diving, a private boat trip or water sports.
Overnight: Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast at the resort.
According to your international flight schedule, transfer by private vehicle to Hurghada Airport for departure, or arrange a transfer to Cairo for your international flight.
Our team will assist you with your departure arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Meet and assist service at Cairo International Airport
- Private airport transfers
- All transportation in a private, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan
- Accommodation in selected 4-star or 5-star hotels
- Accommodation in Hurghada at a selected Red Sea resort
- 5-star Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard the Nile Cruise
- Selected lunches during sightseeing tours
- Professional licensed Egyptologist guides
- Private sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to the included sightseeing sites, according to the selected package
- Motorboat transfers to Philae Temple
- All transfers between airports, hotels, cruise and sightseeing locations
- All applicable taxes and service charges
- Assistance from our local tour team throughout your trip
- Free time to relax in Hurghada
- Drinks during meals
- Tipping for guides, drivers, cruise staff and hotel staff
- Entrance tickets not specifically
- Entry inside the Great Pyramid
- Camel ride at the Giza Pyramids
- Abu Simbel excursion
Excludes
- International flights
- Egyptian entry visa
- Personal expenses
- Luxor hot-air-balloon flight
- Snorkeling and scuba-diving excursions
- Private yacht or boat trips in Hurghada unless selected
- Island excursions and water sports
- Desert safari and quad biking unless selected
- Laundry and hotel services
- Additional nights or accommodation upgrades not specified
- Any services not mentioned under Includes
More Info
Experience the incredible diversity of Egypt on this 16-Day Egypt Adventure, a private journey combining ancient monuments, fascinating history, Nile landscapes, desert scenery and relaxing days beside the Red Sea.
This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Egypt’s most important attractions while also having enough time to relax and enjoy the journey. From the legendary Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor, from sailing the Nile to snorkeling in the Red Sea, the tour brings together the highlights of Egypt in one unforgettable vacation.
Begin Your Adventure in Cairo
Your journey starts in Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital and the gateway to some of the world’s most famous archaeological treasures.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at Cairo International Airport and transferred by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.
Having private transportation throughout the tour means you can travel comfortably and avoid the inconvenience of joining large groups. Your schedule can also be adjusted where possible according to your interests and energy levels.
Cairo is a city where ancient history and modern life exist side by side. During your stay, you will experience both the monumental heritage of ancient Egypt and the vibrant atmosphere of the modern capital.
The Great Pyramids of Giza
One of the biggest highlights of the tour is a private visit to the Giza Plateau.
Explore the three famous pyramids of ancient Egypt: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the only surviving wonder of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Standing beside this enormous monument gives you a unique opportunity to appreciate the scale and engineering achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Your professional Egyptologist will explain the history of the pyramids, their connection with the pharaohs and ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife.
You will also visit the Great Sphinx, one of the world’s most recognizable monuments.
For travelers looking for an additional experience, a camel ride can be arranged around the pyramids. This provides excellent opportunities for photographs against the desert landscape.
Discover Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur
The story of Egypt’s pyramids continues beyond Giza.
At Saqqara, explore the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, one of the earliest monumental stone structures in the world.
The surrounding necropolis contains ancient tombs decorated with detailed reliefs showing scenes of farming, hunting, crafts and daily life.
Continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. Memphis was an important political and religious center for thousands of years.
Your journey continues to Dahshur, where you can see the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid.
These monuments are particularly important because they demonstrate the experimentation and development of pyramid construction that eventually led to the great pyramids of Giza.
Visiting these sites together gives you a much deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Grand Egyptian Museum
Your Cairo adventure also includes the Grand Egyptian Museum.
The museum provides a modern environment for discovering ancient Egyptian treasures and understanding the civilization behind the monuments you have visited.
Your guide can help explain the significance of the artifacts and provide historical context as you explore the museum’s collections.
Historic Cairo and Khan El Khalili
Egypt’s history extends far beyond the pharaohs.
Explore Historic Cairo, including the Citadel of Saladin and the impressive Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
Continue to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of Cairo’s best-known traditional markets.
Its narrow streets are filled with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, spices, jewelry and traditional products.
Walking through Khan El Khalili gives you the opportunity to experience another side of Cairo and interact with the city’s modern culture.
Travel South to Aswan
After exploring Cairo, fly south to Aswan, one of the most beautiful cities along the Nile.
Aswan has a more relaxed atmosphere than Cairo and is surrounded by palm trees, islands, desert landscapes and the Nile River.
Your sightseeing includes the Aswan High Dam, an important modern engineering project, and the Unfinished Obelisk, which demonstrates how ancient Egyptians worked enormous stone blocks.
You will also visit Philae Temple, one of southern Egypt’s most beautiful temples.
The temple is located on an island and is reached by motorboat, creating a memorable experience before you even begin exploring the monument.
Sail the Nile on a 5-Star Cruise
After exploring Aswan, board your 5-star Nile Cruise and begin sailing toward Luxor.
A Nile Cruise offers a comfortable and relaxing way to discover southern Egypt.
Instead of spending long hours traveling between destinations by road, you can relax onboard while the ship carries you along the Nile.
Enjoy your meals, relax on the deck and watch the changing scenery.
The landscape alternates between fertile agricultural land, palm trees, traditional villages and dramatic desert scenery.
The cruise is not only transportation; it is an important part of the Egyptian travel experience.
Kom Ombo Temple
One of the cruise’s major stops is Kom Ombo Temple.
This fascinating temple is unusual because it was dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god.
The symmetrical layout and detailed reliefs make the temple particularly interesting.
Your Egyptologist will explain the mythology, religious traditions and historical importance of the site.
After exploring the temple, return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Edfu.
Edfu Temple
At Edfu, explore the impressive Temple of Horus.
The temple is among the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples and provides an excellent example of traditional Egyptian religious architecture.
Its massive entrance, columns and detailed inscriptions demonstrate the scale and sophistication of ancient Egyptian temple construction.
After the visit, return to the cruise and continue toward Luxor.
Explore Luxor
Luxor is one of the greatest archaeological destinations in Egypt.
The city stands on the site of ancient Thebes, which was once one of the most important capitals of ancient Egypt.
On the West Bank, explore the famous Valley of the Kings.
Many New Kingdom pharaohs were buried in the valley, and the tombs contain colorful paintings and inscriptions connected with ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.
Continue to the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, built against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
You will also see the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues that once stood at the entrance to a monumental temple.
Karnak and Luxor Temples
On the East Bank, discover the enormous Karnak Temple Complex.
Karnak was expanded by generations of pharaohs and contains monumental pylons, columns, obelisks and sacred areas.
One of the most impressive sections is the Great Hypostyle Hall, where enormous columns dominate the space.
Continue to Luxor Temple, another magnificent monument in the heart of the modern city.
The temple’s statues, columns and inscriptions provide an impressive insight into ancient Egyptian religion and royal history.
Optional Hot-Air Balloon Experience
For travelers seeking a unique perspective of Luxor, a sunrise hot-air-balloon flight can be added.
As the sun rises over the Nile Valley, you can see ancient monuments, agricultural fields, villages and desert landscapes from above.
This optional experience is especially popular with couples and photographers.
From Luxor to Hurghada
After your archaeological adventure, travel through the Eastern Desert to Hurghada.
The journey marks a major change in the atmosphere of your vacation.
After several days exploring temples and tombs, you can slow down and enjoy the beach, resort facilities and warm Red Sea waters.
Hurghada is an ideal place to finish your Egypt adventure because it offers both relaxation and plenty of optional activities.
Relax on the Red Sea
Spend your time in Hurghada however you prefer.
You can simply relax at your resort, enjoy the beach, swim in the pool or explore the local area.
For travelers who want adventure, the Red Sea offers excellent opportunities for:
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Private boat trips
- Island excursions
- Water sports
- Fishing
- Glass-bottom boat tours
- Dolphin experiences
The clear water and coral reefs make the region particularly popular with snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Hurghada Desert Safari
The adventure does not stop at the coast.
The Eastern Desert surrounding Hurghada offers a completely different landscape.
An optional desert safari can include quad biking, camel riding and a visit to a Bedouin-style village.
Depending on the selected experience, you may also enjoy traditional tea, a desert sunset, dinner and cultural entertainment.
The desert excursion provides an excellent contrast to the beaches and ancient monuments visited earlier in the tour.
Private Transportation and Flexible Touring
One of the main advantages of this itinerary is that it is designed as a private Egypt tour.
You will travel by private air-conditioned vehicle during road transfers and sightseeing.
This provides greater comfort and flexibility than traveling with a large group.
Your Egyptologist guide can explain the history of each attraction, answer your questions and help you make the most of your time at each site.
The itinerary can also be adjusted where possible according to your group’s preferences.
Comfortable Accommodation
The tour can be arranged with comfortable 4-star or 5-star hotels, a 5-star Nile Cruise and a quality resort in Hurghada.
Travelers who prefer additional comfort can request hotel upgrades or specific room categories.
Extra nights can also be added before or after the main itinerary.
Meals During the Tour
Breakfast is included at the hotels.
Selected sightseeing days include lunch, allowing you to enjoy local Egyptian cuisine during your travels.
The Nile Cruise generally includes breakfast, lunch and dinner according to the selected cruise package.
If you have dietary requirements, these can be discussed before your arrival so suitable arrangements can be considered.
Suitable for Different Types of Travelers
This 16-day itinerary works well for a wide variety of travelers.
Couples and honeymooners can enjoy private sightseeing, comfortable accommodation and romantic Red Sea experiences.
Families benefit from private transportation and a flexible schedule that can be adapted to children’s needs.
Friends and private groups can enjoy the convenience of traveling together without being combined with strangers.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive archaeological sightseeing, while travelers looking for relaxation will enjoy the final days in Hurghada.
Customize Your Egypt Adventure
The itinerary provides a strong foundation, but you can customize it according to your interests.
Optional experiences include:
- Abu Simbel
- Entry inside the Great Pyramid
- Camel rides at Giza
- Luxor hot-air balloon
- Private Red Sea boat trips
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Island excursions
- Desert safari
- Quad biking
- Additional hotel nights
- Hotel upgrades
This flexibility allows you to create a trip that balances sightseeing, adventure and relaxation exactly as you prefer.
Why Choose This 16-Day Egypt Adventure?
Sixteen days gives you enough time to explore Egypt without turning the entire vacation into a race.
You will have time to appreciate the Pyramids of Giza, discover the ancient necropolises around Cairo, sail the Nile, explore the temples and tombs of Luxor and enjoy several days on the Red Sea.
The itinerary combines:
Cairo + Pyramids + Ancient Egypt + Nile Cruise + Luxor + Desert + Red Sea
It is a complete Egyptian experience that combines history, culture, nature, adventure and relaxation.
Start Your Egyptian Adventure
The 16-Day Egypt Adventure: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Hurghada is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the country’s most famous attractions while also enjoying time to relax.
Stand before the Pyramids, explore ancient temples, sail along the legendary Nile, discover the Valley of the Kings and finish your journey beside the Red Sea.
With private transportation, professional guides, comfortable accommodation and a range of optional experiences, this itinerary gives you the freedom to experience Egypt at your own pace.
Explore the Pyramids. Sail the Nile. Discover ancient Egypt. Adventure in the desert. Relax on the Red Sea. Make your 16-day Egypt adventure unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour combines Cairo and Giza, Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur, Aswan, a 5-star Nile Cruise, Luxor and several days in Hurghada. The selected package can include accommodation, private transportation, guides, meals and entrance fees.
Yes. This is designed as a private Egypt tour, with private transportation and professional licensed Egyptologist guides.
The itinerary includes Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Memphis, Dahshur, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor and Hurghada.
Yes. You will visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, Pyramid of Menkaure, Great Sphinx and Valley Temple.
Yes. Entry inside the Great Pyramid can be added as an optional ticket, subject to availability
Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, subject to its opening schedule and ticket availability.
Yes. You will visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara and the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid at Dahshur.
Yes. The itinerary includes a 5-star Nile Cruise from Aswan toward Luxor.
The cruise itinerary includes Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple, followed by the major attractions of Luxor
Abu Simbel is available as an optional excursion from Aswan and can be added to your itinerary.
