Private Land Tour of Egypt

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, Aswan & Abu Simbel, Luxor

This private Egypt tour is perfect for travelers wanting to see the highlights of the country—including the Pyramids and the top archaeological sites along the Nile River—without taking a cruise. Artisans of Leisure travelers are escorted throughout Egypt by one of the country’s top private Egyptologist guides and have their own private drivers in each location.

Begin in Cairo with a private excursion to 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).

Next, fly to Aswan, considered Egypt's loveliest city. During private touring with your Egyptologist guide, 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.

Continue along the Nile River with your private Egyptologist guide and driver, stopping en route to visit extraordinary archaeological sites such as the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus (Edfu).

Next, explore Luxor, a bustling town built on the site of the ancient capital city of Thebes. During private touring, 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.

Return to Cairo and experience the city 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 evening, enjoy a fun dinner cruise on the Nile.

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.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Cairo VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Cairo & the Pyramids of Giza Full-day private excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum Day 3 Cairo – Aswan Morning private airport transfer and flight to Aswan. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private tour of High Dam, Temple of Philae and other sights around Aswan Day 4 Aswan & Abu Simbel Private transfer to airport for roundtrip flights to Abu Simbel for touring of Abu Simbel temples. Return to Aswan. Sunset motorboat or felucca ride Day 5 Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu – Luxor Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring of Temple of Kom Ombo and Temple of Horus (Edfu) en route Day 6 Luxor Private touring of Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, including the tombs of King Tut and Seti I, as well as the Luxor and Karnak temples Day 7 Luxor – Cairo Private airport transfer and flight to Cairo. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city tour. Dinner cruise on the Nile Day 8 Cairo Full-day private city tour Day 9 Depart Cairo Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Cairo: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or The St. Regis Cairo Luxor: Al Moudira Aswan: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan

Cost

Upon request