Cairo to the Cape: Egypt & South Africa

(17 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, Abu Simbel, Nile Cruise, Cape Town, Sabi Sand Reserve

Experience the best of Egypt and South Africa on this private luxury journey. 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 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, the Great Sphinx and the even older pyramids of Dahshur and Saqqara. Time permitting, enjoy lunch with a view of the pyramids. If desired, also venture inside the Great Pyramid, Bent Pyramid or Step Pyramid to discover some of their secrets. We can also arrange a visit to the entrance hall of the 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 and after-hours private tours of major sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

Next, fly to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and two spectacular monumental temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II and carved into sandstone cliffs.

Next, enjoy a four-night luxury Nile River cruise. Tour extraordinary archaeological sites such as the stunning Temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo. Around 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 tombs of King Tut and Ramses VI. We will also arrange access to the spectacular tombs of Seti I and Queen Nefertari. Throughout the cruise, Artisans of Leisure will arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide.

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

Spend one night in Cairo, then fly overnight to Cape Town, one of Africa's premier cultural destinations, for four nights at one of our favorite luxury properties. Enjoy comprehensive private touring with one of Cape Town's most knowledgeable guides. Learn about the city's fascinating history and architecture; take a cable car to the top of the iconic Table Mountain; experience local markets, boutiques, museums, and noted African art galleries; and enjoy Cape Town's incredible food and wine scene, including reservations at top restaurants. Depending on your interests, enjoy other highlights, such as Bo Kaap (the Cape Malay Quarter), and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. One day, take a private excursion along the scenic coastal road to the Cape Peninsula and visit the Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and quaint seaside towns. Another day, venture to the beautiful Cape Winelands for personalized wine tastings at some of South Africa's premier vineyards and a visit to the charming and historic town of Stellenbosch, with its high-end artisan boutiques and acclaimed restaurants. Private yacht cruises, an excursion to Robben Island, scenic helicopter flights, adventure activities, philanthropic touring of nearby townships and day trips to Hermanus can also be arranged, upon request.

Conclude your tour with a three-night luxury safari in the Sabi Sand Reserve, a private reserve that borders Kruger National Park. This area is renowned for its diverse wildlife—including the Big Five—and is particularly known for leopard sightings. Stay at an ultra-luxurious safari lodge and enjoy morning and afternoon game drives and guided bush walks during your stay. If desired, a visit to a local community can be arranged. There will also be time to indulge in spa treatments and enjoy elaborate gourmet meals paired with South Africa's best wines. Fly to Johannesburg, where you will be assisted to your international flight.

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