Egypt Itinerary 12 Days: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Sharm El-Sheikh
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Egypt with our exclusive Egypt itinerary 12 days. This comprehensive tour will take you on a captivating exploration of Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the enchanting shores of Sharm El-Sheikh.
Begin your adventure in the bustling metropolis of Cairo, where the ancient wonders of the Pyramids and the Sphinx await. Delve deeper into the mysteries of ancient Egypt with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to a treasure trove of artifacts. Venture to Alexandria to explore the magnificent wonders from the Greco-Roman period.
Embark on a leisurely Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, where the timeless beauty of the river unfolds before your eyes. Sail past picturesque villages and fertile fields, stopping to explore magnificent temples such as Philae and Kom Ombo along the way. Journey to the southern reaches of Egypt to discover the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples, dedicated to the pharaoh Ramses II. Marvel at the colossal statues guarding the entrance to these ancient sanctuaries, which have stood the test of time for over 3,000 years.
Conclude your adventure with a well-deserved break on the pristine shores of Sharm El-Sheikh. Relax on sun-kissed beaches, snorkel amidst vibrant coral reefs, or embark on an exhilarating hike up the iconic Mosis Mountain for panoramic views of the Red Sea coastline. Sharm El-Sheikh offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it the ideal destination to cap off your 12-day Egypt tour package.
This Egypt itinerary 12 days offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration, relaxation, and adventure. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the wonders of Egypt – book your tour today
CHILDREN POLICY:
0 - 01.99 Free
2 - 05.99 pay 25% of the tour price
6 - 11.99 pay 50% of the tour price
12 years and over pay the full price of the trip per adult person
Route
A AswanB LuxorC AlexandriaD Giza
Day 1 Arrive in Cairo, Egypt
Arrival at Cairo International Airport will be greeted with a warm welcome from our representative at “bastet travel.” They will provide assistance and guidance through the arrival procedures and visa regulations. Enjoy a transfer to your hotel, where you can relax during your free time, marking the start of your Egypt itinerary 12 days.
Day 2Giza Great Pyramids, Sphinx and Saqqara
Begin your 12-day discovery of Egypt with a captivating visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza, enigmatic Sphinx, and unearthed necropolis of Saqqara.
Today, you will visit the Giza Plateau. Today’s tour includes the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure with the great Sphinx. The only ancient wonder which still remains (Khufu’s pyramid) awaits you. Today you will learn about the history of the pyramids, how they were constructed, and why they were constructed.
Then on to the first pyramid in history of mankind, the Step Pyramid of King Djoser at Saqqara. Saqqara is one of the most important and richest necropolises in Egypt. It was the cemetery of Memphis, the 1st capital city of United Egypt in 3200 BCE.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Day 3Wonders of Alexandria
Today, on your Egypt itinerary 12 days, you will explore the enchanting City of Alexandria, which served as the capital during the Greco-Roman era. Your tour includes the famous Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. The catacombs are huge Egyptian tombs and royal cemeteries with Ptolemaic and Roman influences. The catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa are one the largest Roman burial sites not just in Alexandria but in Egypt. These catacombs started as a private tomb for a wealthy family, then became a public cemetery. The catacombs house more than 300 tombs.
From the catacombs to the Pompey’s Pillar. Many of the ancient historians did not tell us more details about the “Pompey’s Pillar” but about the buildings that stood nearby and have disappeared now. The hill on which the pillar is erected was covered with temples and houses a long time before the Roman era. It was the place of the Citadel of Rhakotis. A temple was dedicated to Osiris-Serapis was built on the mountain.
Then proceed to the Citadel of Qaitbay. The Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria is one of the most important fortifications in Egypt. It was constructed by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay to defend Egypt against the Ottomans/Turks.
End your tour in Alexandria with visiting the Library of Alexandria from the outside. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then travel back to Cairo.
Day 4Egyptian Museum, Saladin Citadel and Khan El-Khalili
Explore the fantastic contents of the historical Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square in Cairo. Hundreds of objects from all periods of Egypt’s past are displayed on the two floors of the museum.
From the museum to the Citadel of the Sunni Muslim leader Saladin, which was built in 1172 to defend Cairo against the Crusaders. The White Mosque of Mohammed Ali Pasha is a prominent feature of the citadel. You will finish your tour today at the historical bazaar of Khan El-Khalili, the largest bazaar in the Middle East.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Day 5Fly to Aswan - Aswan Tour - Nile River cruise
Surrender to the rhythm of the Nile as your home for the next three nights becomes a comfort vessel gliding through ancient landscapes. ️So, you will take a transfer from your hotel to Cairo Airport to fly to Aswan to begin your 3-night Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Meet your guide just outside the arrival terminal at Aswan Airport to commence your tour.
Explore the highlights of the beautiful City of Aswan. Your first stop will be at the High Dam, one of the great engineering feats of the 1960s. Then proceed to the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae Island. The temple was built during the Greco-Roman era and, was dedicated to Isis, goddess of Love and Magic in ancient Egypt. You will end your tour at the granite quarry of the Unfinished Obelisk.
Transfer to your Nile cruise ship. Overnight in Aswan.
Optional tour: Nubian Village Tour in Aswan
Day 6Abu Simbel - Kom Ombo - Edfu
Embark on an early journey (3.5 hours) to Abu Simbel to witness the impressive temples built by Ramses II, featuring colossal statues and intricate carvings.
Return back to your Nile cruise ship to set sail to Kom Ombo around the lunchtime. Disembark at Kom Ombo to visit the twin Temple of Horus and Sobek. It was built during the Greco-Roman period. It was built over the ruined temple of the New Kingdom. The temple began during the time of Ptolemy V and was completed by the time of Emperor Tiberius. The emperors Domitian, Caracalla, and others added to the temple. So it took about 400 years to finish.
Enjoy a short visit to the Crocodile Museum, before you go back to your river cruise to set sail to Edfu. Overnight in Edfu.
Day 7Edfu - Esna - Luxor
Before/after breakfast, you will take a horse and carriage to the temple of Horus in Edfu. This temple is the most intact temple in Egypt and it was built during the Greco-Roman period. The Temple of Edfu is fully inscribed with reliefs and hieroglyphs on its exterior and interior walls.
Take your carriage back to your cruise ship to set sail to Luxor via the Lock of Esna. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will visit the impressive Temple of Karnak and the majestic Temple of Luxor. Both were dedicated to the Theban Triad; Amun, Mut and Khonsu. Overnight in Luxor.
Day 8Luxor West Bank - Sharm El-Sheikh
Disembarkation. Visit the magnificent Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried. Then to the unique Temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, who ruled for about 20 years as a sole pharaoh of Egypt. You will end your tour at the giant Colossi of Memnon of Amenhotep III.
Transfer to Luxor Airport to fly to Sharm El-Sheikh. Enjoy three days of relaxation during the upcoming segment of your Egypt itinerary 12 days. Enjoy some beach activities and explore the magnificent underwater world of the Red Sea.
Optional tour: Sunrise Hot Balloon over Luxor
Day 9Sharm El-Sheikh
Free day. Tours such as diving, glass boat, safari, snorkeling, and submarine rides are available upon request.
Day 10Hiking Moses / Sinai Moutain
Experience the breathtaking beauty of a sunrise hike up Mount Sinai, a sacred peak steeped in history and spirituality. Begin your journey with a comfortable transfer from your hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh to the base of Mount Sinai, where your adventure begins.
As you ascend the rugged slopes of the mountain under the cloak of darkness, guided by a Bedouin guide and the light of the stars above, feel a sense of anticipation building within you. With each step, you draw closer to the summit, where a spectacular vista awaits.
As the first light of dawn begins to paint the sky in hues of pink and gold, find yourself standing at the pinnacle of Mount Sinai, gazing out over a landscape that stretches to the horizon in all directions. Witness the sun as it breaks free from the embrace of the earth, casting its warm glow upon the ancient land below.
Take a moment to reflect on the significance of this sacred site, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments millennia ago. Feel a sense of awe and reverence wash over you as you soak in the serenity of the moment.
After capturing the beauty of the sunrise in your heart and memory, begin your descent back down the mountain, retracing your steps to the base where your transfer awaits. As you journey back to your hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh, carry with you the memories of this unforgettable experience, knowing that you have witnessed the dawn from one of the most revered peaks in the world.
Day 11Fly back to Cairo
Transfer to Sharm El-Sheikh Airport to fly back to Cairo. Transfer from Cairo Airport to your hotel in Cairo for final night of your Egypt itinerary 12 days.
Day 12End of your Egypt itinerary 12 days
Wrap your Egypt itinerary 12 days with a transfer to Cairo Airport for your final departure. It is really sad to leave so ask our guides about your next adventure in Egypt.
Price Includes
Meet & assist service upon arrival and departure
All transfers as per the itinerary by air-conditioned vehicles
5-star standard hotel in Cairo on a Bed and Breakfast basis for 05 nights
5-star standard hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh on an All-inclusive basis for 03 nights
5-star standard Nile cruise ship on a full-board basis for 03 nights
24 meals: 11 breakfasts, 07 lunches, and 06 dinners
Drinks at Sharm El-Sheikh hotel
Alexandria day trip from Cairo
Hotel picks up and drops off
Entrance fees as per the itinerary
Domestic flights as per the itinerary
Licensed Egyptologists tour guides
All service charges and local taxes
Price Excludes
International flights
Arrival visa
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Meals and drinks when not included
Any optional tour
