Traditions of Egypt

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, Luxor, Nile River dahabiya cruise, Aswan & Abu Simbel

On this in-depth private Egypt tour, cruise the Nile River in a traditional dahabiya sailing barge, and enjoy private touring with your own top Egyptologist guide of fascinating Cairo, the unforgettable Pyramids, and the breathtaking ancient temples in Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel.

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 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. 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.

Next, take a five-night Nile River cruise aboard a traditional dahabiya sailing barge. On this atmospheric boat (also spelled dahabeah), enjoy a leisurely yet in-depth experience of the Nile, including visits to local villages and cultural sites (such as Gebel el-Silsila) not accessible to larger cruise ships. The boat has a more flexible schedule, so you can explore many extraordinary archaeological sites—such as the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo—at times when few other boats and visitors are present. Artisans of Leisure will arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide at most stops on the cruise.

Continue to 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.

The tour concludes with one night in Cairo.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Cairo VIP airport assistance upon arrival. Private transfer to hotel for 3 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 Full-day private city tour Day 4 Cairo – Luxor Private transfer to the airport for flight to Luxor. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private tour of the Luxor and Karnak temples Day 5 Luxor Private touring of Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, including the tombs of King Tut and Seti I Day 6 Luxor – Esna – El Kab Private transfer to Esna to board dahabiya cruise for 5 nights. Private tour of the Temple of Khnum en route to El Kab Day 7 El Kab & Edfu Private tour of the Temple of Nekhbet. Sail to Edfu for private tour of Temple of Horus Day 8 Edfu – Gebel el-Silsila Sail to Gebel el-Silsila with options for swimming and desert walk en route Day 9 Gebel el-Silsila Morning private tour of Temple of Horemheb. Afternoon at leisure to relax with option to swim Day 10 Gebel el-Silsila – Kom Ombo Sail to Kom Ombo for private tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo Day 11 Kom Ombo – Aswan & Abu Simbel Sail to Aswan and disembark cruise. Private transfer to airport for flight to Abu Simbel. Private touring of temples. Private transfer for flight back to Aswan and private transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Sunset felucca ride Day 12 Aswan Private touring of High Dam, Temple of Philae and other sights around Aswan and time at leisure Day 13 Aswan – Cairo Private transfer to the airport flight to Cairo. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private city touring as desired Day 14 Depart Cairo Private airport transfer

Hotels

Cairo: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or The St. Regis Cairo Luxor: Al Moudira Nile River dahabiya cruise: Nour El Nil Aswan: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan

Cost

Upon request