Best of Egypt

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, luxury Nile River cruise, Aswan & Abu Simbel, Sharm El-Sheikh

This tour combines the highlights of Egypt with ample time to relax at a top resort in Sharm El-Sheikh, Artisans of Leisure travelers are escorted throughout Egypt by one of the country's top private Egyptologist guides (including on the luxury Nile River cruise) and have their own private drivers in each location.

First, experience Cairo as an insider—our tours offer the most in-depth, sophisticated Cairo touring available. Visit the most interesting cultural attractions in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Hanging Church. Tour our favorite neighborhoods, which are filled with beautiful Fatimid, Islamic, Mameluk, Ottoman, Coptic and Art Deco architecture. See well-preserved medieval residences formerly occupied by wealthy merchants. Walk through fascinating markets such as the renowned Khan al-Khalili bazaar. Also visit smaller and lesser-known museums dedicated to Islamic art, applied arts and Egyptian culture. If desired, we can also arrange visits to Cairo's top boutiques and reservations at the best restaurants in town.

One day, take a private excursion to even older pyramids of Dahshur and Saqqara. If desired, venture inside the Bent Pyramid or Step Pyramid to discover some of their secrets. Another day, tour the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO-listed necropolis of pyramids, tombs, temples and other monuments. See the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. Enjoy lunch with a view of the pyramids and if desired, venture inside the Great Pyramid. Also visit the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange VIP experiences such as exclusive access to well-preserved tombs that are not open to the public, private tours of conservation labs, visits with local artisans at the Ramses Wissa Wassef Arts Center and after-hours private tours of major sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

Next, fly to Luxor, a bustling town built on the site of the ancient capital city of Thebes, and embark on a four-night luxury Nile River cruise. Throughout the cruise, Artisans of Leisure will arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide. During private touring in Luxor, visit Luxor Temple and the Karnak complex, Medinet Habu, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, including the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and tombs of King Tut and Seti I.

During your cruise, tour extraordinary archaeological sites such as the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo.

In Aswan, which is considered Egypt's loveliest city, learn about Nubian life, history and crafts at the excellent Nubian Museum. Also visit highlights such as the stunning Temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. One day, fly to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and two spectacular monumental temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II and carved into sandstone cliffs.

Depending on your travel dates, this cruise is also available in reverse, from Aswan to Luxor.

Fly to Sharm El-Sheikh and discover the incredible natural beauty of the Sinai peninsula and the Red Sea coast. During leisure time, relax at your luxurious resort and explore the sea's brilliantly colored coral reefs and abundant marine life.

The tour concludes with one night in Cairo.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Cairo VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 4 nights Day 2 Cairo & the older pyramids Full-day private excursion to Dahshur and Saqqara, including the Step Pyramid and exclusive access to a tomb Day 3 Cairo Full-day private city tour Day 4 Cairo & the Pyramids of Giza Full-day private excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum Day 5 Cairo – Luxor Private transfer to airport for flight to Luxor. Private touring on arrival of the Luxor and Karnak temples. Embark on Nile River cruise for 4 nights Day 6 Luxor – Esna Morning private tour of Valley of the Kings and Queens, including the tombs of King Tut and Seti I. Sail to Esna for overnight Day 7 Esna – Edfu – Kom Ombo Sail to Edfu for private tour of the Temple of Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo for private tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo and overnight Day 8 Kom Ombo – Aswan Sail to Aswan for private touring of the High Dam, Temple of Philae and other sights around Aswan Day 9 Aswan & Abu Simbel Disembark cruise. Private transfer to airport for roundtrip flights to Abu Simbel. Private touring of Abu Simbel temples. Return to Aswan for overnight at hotel. Sunset private motorboat or felucca ride Day 10 Aswan – Cairo – Sharm El-Sheikh Private transfer to airport for flights to Sharm El-Sheikh, via Cairo. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 11 Sharm El-Sheikh Day at leisure Day 12 Sharm El-Sheikh Day at leisure Day 13 Sharm El-Sheikh – Cairo Private transfer to airport for flight to Cairo. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private tour Day 14 Depart Cairo Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Cairo: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or The St. Regis Cairo Nile River cruise: The Oberoi Philae or The Oberoi Zahra Aswan: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Sharm El-Sheikh: Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

Cost

Upon request