Insider Journey Through Egypt

(17 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, Alexandria, Siwa Oasis, luxury Nile River cruise, Aswan & Abu Simbel

On this in-depth private tour of Egypt, cruise the Nile River, stay at an atmospheric eco-lodge in the remote Siwa Oasis, and enjoy private touring of Cairo, the Pyramids, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel with your own top Egyptologist guide.

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.

Continue to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, which was founded by Alexander the Great and is today Egypt's second-largest city. Explore the hidden charms of this fascinating city during touring with your private guide and driver. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina—a striking, state-of-the-art library and museum of antiquities—as well as various ancient monuments, catacombs and the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Perhaps also browse the antiques district, see beautiful mosques, and relax at waterfront cafes.

En route to Siwa Oasis, learn about the World War II history of North Africa at the War Museum and war cemeteries in El Alamein.

Continue through the desert to enchanting Siwa Oasis, a traditional village of mudbrick buildings among palm groves, freshwater springs and salt lakes. Experience the area's unique calm while staying at a kasbah-style eco-lodge built with traditional materials that blend into the surroundings. During touring, venture into the nearby sand dunes, explore the remains of the 13th-century Shali Fortress, see an ancient necropolis known as the Mountain of the Dead, and relax in natural springs.

Return to Cairo for an overnight before flying 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.

The tour concludes with one night in Cairo.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world