Highlights of Egypt & Morocco

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, luxury Nile River cruise, Abu Simbel, Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh

This exclusive private tour features the highlights of Egypt and Morocco. Experience iconic sites, sophisticated cities, touring with escort guides in both countries, luxury resorts and a luxury Nile River cruise.

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, 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.

Next, fly to Morocco and begin in the Atlas Mountains at Kasbah Tamadot, one of Morocco's most acclaimed luxury resorts. Designed like a traditional Moroccan fort, the hillside resort has beautiful grounds and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. During private touring, enjoy activities such as village visits, hiking, tours of local Berber markets, and visits to local craft cooperatives.

Continue to Marrakesh, a beautiful city of pink buildings, bustling souks (markets), and upscale shops and restaurants. During private touring, explore exquisite Moorish gardens and architectural highlights such as Jardin Majorelle, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace. See important historic monuments and districts, including the Jewish quarter, Koutoubia Mosque, and Ali ben Youssef Mosque and Madrassa. Also visit museums such as Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts, the Palmeraie Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Take an insider tour of the massive souks where shops offer local products such as Berber carpets, lanterns, trays, tilework, argan oil, and Moroccan slippers. Also visit the spice souks, which are stocked with locally harvested saffron, cumin and other ingredients. Also explore Djemaa el-Fna, the city's lively main square. Relax with a glass of Moroccan mint tea at one of our favorite spots, and enjoy reservations at elegant restaurants in restored ryads (guesthouses). If desired, visit the best boutiques and galleries in Gueliz and other parts of Marrakesh.

One evening, enjoy an exclusive excursion into the nearby Agafay Desert for a sunset camel ride, traditional Berber entertainment, and a private candlelit dinner under the stars. There will also be time to enjoy your luxurious resort, one of the most exclusive hotels in Morocco.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Cairo VIP airport assistance. Private arrival 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 airport for flight to Luxor. Private touring on arrival of the Luxor and Karnak temples. Embark on Nile River cruise for 4 nights Day 5 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 6 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 7 Kom Ombo – Aswan Sail to Aswan for private touring of the High Dam, Temple of Philae and other sights around Aswan. Sunset private motorboat or felucca ride Day 8 Aswan & Abu Simbel – Cairo Disembark cruise. Private transfer to airport for roundtrip flights to Abu Simbel. Private touring of Abu Simbel temples. Return to Aswan to connect to flight to Cairo. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 9 Cairo – Casablanca, Morocco – Atlas Mountains Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance (flight to Morocco not included). VIP arrival assistance. Private arrival transfer from airport in Casablanca to resort in the Atlas Mountains for 2 nights Day 10 Atlas Mountains Private touring including visits to villages, scenic highlights, option for hiking, Berber market and time to enjoy the resort Day 11 Atlas Mountains – Marrakesh Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon private tour Day 12 Marrakesh Full-day private tour. Evening private dinner excursion to Desert d'Agafay Day 13 Marrakesh Continue flexible city touring and shopping, with option for Moroccan cooking class Day 14 Depart Morocco Private transfer to airport in Marrakesh or Casablanca. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Cairo: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or The St. Regis Cairo Nile River Cruise: The Oberoi Philae or The Oberoi Zahra Atlas Mountains: Kasbah Tamadot Marrakesh: La Mamounia or Royal Mansour Marrakech

Cost

Upon request