16-Day Private Egypt Tour: Pyramids, Nile Cruise & Abu Simbel

More Info

Discover Egypt on an unforgettable 16-day private tour combining the country’s most iconic archaeological sites, the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the spectacular temples of Abu Simbel, a relaxing Nile Cruise, the ancient wonders of Luxor, and the beautiful Red Sea coast of Hurghada.

Designed for travelers who want to experience Egypt in depth without rushing from one attraction to another, this itinerary combines history, culture, adventure and relaxation. With private transportation, professional Egyptologist guides, comfortable accommodation and flexible optional experiences, you can enjoy Egypt at your own pace.

Discover the Pyramids of Giza

Your journey begins in Cairo and Giza, home to one of the world’s most recognizable archaeological landscapes.

Explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Your Egyptologist guide will explain the history and significance of these extraordinary monuments and the civilization that built them.

You will also visit the Great Sphinx, one of the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt. The enormous limestone statue, with the body of a lion and a human head, has stood beside the pyramids for thousands of years.

For an additional experience, you can enjoy a camel ride around the Giza Plateau, providing spectacular views of the pyramids and the surrounding desert.

The private format gives you greater flexibility to spend more time at the sites that interest you most and take photographs without being tied to a large group schedule.

Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur

The history of Egyptian pyramid construction extends far beyond Giza.

At Saqqara, discover the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, one of the earliest major stone monuments in Egypt. The surrounding necropolis contains tombs, temples and beautifully decorated reliefs that provide insight into ancient Egyptian life and beliefs.

Continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. Once one of the most important political and religious centers in the country, Memphis contains important archaeological remains and monumental statues.

At Dahshur, explore the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid. These structures demonstrate the development of pyramid architecture and help explain how ancient Egyptian builders eventually achieved the monumental pyramids of Giza.

Together, Giza, Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur create an excellent introduction to the development of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Grand Egyptian Museum and Historic Cairo

Your Cairo experience also includes the Grand Egyptian Museum, where you can explore a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.

The museum provides a different perspective on the civilization you encounter at the archaeological sites, allowing you to see objects, statues and treasures in a modern museum environment.

Continue to Historic Cairo and discover some of the city’s most important landmarks.

Depending on the final schedule, you can visit the Citadel of Saladin and Mosque of Muhammad Ali, explore Coptic Cairo and visit historic churches.

End your Cairo sightseeing at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the city’s most famous traditional marketplaces. Walk through its narrow streets, browse local handicrafts and souvenirs, and experience the atmosphere of historic Cairo.

Fly to Aswan

After exploring Cairo, travel south to Aswan, one of the most scenic destinations along the Nile.

Aswan offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with beautiful views of the river, islands, palm trees and surrounding desert.

Visit the Aswan High Dam, an important modern engineering project that changed the landscape and economy of the Nile Valley.

Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous granite monument that provides insight into the techniques ancient Egyptian craftsmen used to quarry and shape stone.

You will also visit Philae Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in southern Egypt. The temple is located on an island and is reached by motorboat, making the visit especially memorable.

Abu Simbel: A Highlight of Southern Egypt

One of the major highlights of this itinerary is the visit to Abu Simbel.

Located in southern Egypt near the border with Sudan, the temples of Abu Simbel were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II.

The monumental entrance is dominated by enormous statues of Ramesses II. Inside, beautifully preserved reliefs and inscriptions tell stories of ancient Egyptian religion and royal power.

The nearby temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari is equally impressive, with its elegant façade and detailed interior decorations.

The Abu Simbel excursion adds a spectacular experience to your Egypt journey and is particularly rewarding for travelers interested in ancient history and monumental architecture.

Experience a Nile Cruise

After exploring Aswan, board a comfortable 5-star Nile Cruise and begin sailing toward Luxor.

A Nile Cruise is one of the best ways to experience southern Egypt because it combines transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and relaxation.

While sailing, enjoy views of traditional villages, green agricultural land, palm trees and desert landscapes.

Between excursions, relax on the ship’s sun deck, enjoy meals onboard or simply watch the changing scenery along the river.

The slower pace of the cruise provides a welcome contrast to the busy sightseeing days in Cairo.

Kom Ombo Temple

One of the cruise stops is Kom Ombo Temple, an unusual double temple dedicated to two different deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god.

The temple’s symmetrical design is one of its most interesting features.

Your Egyptologist guide will explain the religious significance of the complex and the importance of the Nile and crocodiles in ancient Egyptian culture.

After the visit, return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Edfu.

Edfu Temple

At Edfu, visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.

The temple’s enormous pylons, columns, courtyards and detailed inscriptions provide an excellent example of ancient Egyptian religious architecture.

Traveling by cruise between these temples allows you to experience the Nile Valley in a way that is difficult to appreciate on a conventional road trip.

Luxor and the Valley of the Kings

Arrive in Luxor, one of Egypt’s most important archaeological destinations.

Often described as one of the world’s greatest open-air museums, Luxor contains an extraordinary concentration of temples, tombs and monuments.

On the West Bank, explore the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in decorated rock-cut tombs.

The tombs contain colorful scenes, religious texts and representations of the ancient Egyptian journey into the afterlife.

Continue to the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut, built against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

You will also visit the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues that once stood at the entrance to the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

For travelers looking for a unique experience, an optional sunrise hot-air-balloon flight can provide spectacular views over Luxor and the Nile Valley.

Karnak and Luxor Temples

On the East Bank, explore the enormous Karnak Temple Complex.

Karnak was developed over many centuries and contains monumental pylons, columns, obelisks and sacred areas dedicated to the gods of ancient Egypt.

The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its enormous columns, is one of the most impressive features of the complex.

Continue to Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the modern city.

The temple’s columns, statues and ancient avenues provide an impressive conclusion to your exploration of Luxor.

From Ancient Egypt to the Red Sea

After your time in Luxor, travel through the Eastern Desert to Hurghada.

This part of the itinerary changes the atmosphere completely.

After days of exploring ancient temples and archaeological sites, you can spend several days relaxing at a beachfront Red Sea resort.

Hurghada is known for its warm climate, sandy beaches, clear waters and colorful coral reefs.

Relax on the Red Sea

Your Hurghada stay is designed to give you time to relax.

Spend a day beside the swimming pool, enjoy the beach or simply take a break from sightseeing.

If you prefer more active experiences, there are numerous optional activities available.

Popular choices include:

• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Boat trips
• Island excursions
• Water sports
• Dolphin experiences
• Private boat tours

The flexibility of the itinerary means you can choose how much activity you want during your Red Sea stay.

Snorkeling and Diving

The Red Sea is famous for its underwater environment.

A snorkeling excursion allows you to swim above colorful coral reefs and observe tropical fish and other marine life.

Certified divers can arrange diving trips to selected sites around Hurghada.

If you are traveling with family members who do not want to dive, boat excursions can still provide an enjoyable way to experience the Red Sea.

Hurghada Desert Safari

Hurghada also provides access to the dramatic landscapes of the Eastern Desert.

An optional desert safari can combine quad biking, camel riding and a visit to a Bedouin-style village.

Depending on the selected excursion, you may enjoy traditional tea, a desert sunset, dinner and cultural entertainment.

The experience provides a fascinating contrast to the ancient monuments and Nile landscapes visited earlier in your trip.

Private Transportation and Flexible Travel

Private transportation is provided for the major road transfers and sightseeing days.

Traveling privately gives you more control over your schedule and allows you to enjoy a more personalized experience.

Your transportation is arranged in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles suitable for the different journeys included in the itinerary.

The domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan saves valuable travel time, while the Nile Cruise provides a relaxing way to travel between Aswan and Luxor.

Professional Egyptologist Guides

Throughout your sightseeing experiences, professional licensed Egyptologist guides provide historical and cultural explanations.

Rather than simply visiting monuments, you will learn why they were built, who built them and how they were connected to ancient Egyptian religion, politics and daily life.

Because the tour is private, you can ask questions and spend more time at the attractions that interest you.

Accommodation and Nile Cruise

Accommodation can be arranged according to your preferred level of comfort and budget.

Choose from 4-star or 5-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, together with a comfortable 5-star Nile Cruise.

In Hurghada, you can stay at a beachfront resort with access to swimming pools, restaurants and Red Sea activities.

Upgrades can be arranged for travelers looking for a more luxurious experience.

Meals

Breakfast is included at the hotels.

Selected sightseeing days include lunch at local restaurants, allowing you to sample Egyptian cuisine during your travels.

The Nile Cruise generally includes breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard.

Special dietary requirements can be discussed before the trip so suitable arrangements can be made.

Customize Your 16-Day Egypt Tour

Because this is a private itinerary, it can be adjusted according to your interests.

You can add or modify experiences such as:

• Abu Simbel
• Great Pyramid interior visit
• Camel ride at Giza
• Luxor hot-air balloon
• Red Sea snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Private boat trips
• Hurghada desert safari
• Additional Cairo sightseeing
• Extra hotel nights
• Luxury accommodation upgrades

Families, couples and private groups can all request adjustments to the schedule.

Who Is This Tour For?

This 16-day itinerary is ideal for:

• First-time visitors to Egypt
• Couples and honeymooners
• Families
• Private groups
• History enthusiasts
• Archaeology lovers
• Luxury travelers
• Adventure travelers
• Beach lovers
• Travelers who want to see Abu Simbel and the major Nile Valley sites

Why Choose a 16-Day Egypt Tour?

Sixteen days gives you enough time to explore Egypt without making every day feel rushed.

You can experience Cairo and the Pyramids, travel south to Aswan and Abu Simbel, sail the Nile to Luxor, and finish your journey with relaxing days in Hurghada.

The result is a balanced Egyptian vacation combining:

Ancient History + Pyramids + Abu Simbel + Nile Cruise + Temples + Red Sea + Relaxation

Whether you are interested in pharaohs and archaeology, looking for a romantic getaway, traveling with family or simply want to experience Egypt’s most important destinations, this private itinerary can be adapted to your needs.

Book Your Private Egypt Adventure

From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the monumental temples of Abu Simbel, from the tranquil waters of the Nile to the colorful reefs of the Red Sea, this 16-Day Private Egypt Tour offers an unforgettable journey through Egypt.

Explore ancient cities, walk through royal tombs, sail the Nile, discover spectacular temples and relax beside the Red Sea.

With private transportation, professional guides, comfortable accommodation and flexible optional activities, you can experience Egypt at your own pace.

Explore the Pyramids. Discover Abu Simbel. Sail the Nile. Experience Luxor. Relax on the Red Sea.