Start your unforgettable day with a warm welcome from your expert Egyptologist guide, who will meet you at your hotel and accompany you in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Your adventure begins at the world-renowned Pyramids of Giza, where you’ll stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Khufu—the last remaining wonder of the ancient world—alongside the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Explore these monumental tombs and learn the secrets behind their construction and astronomical alignment. Take in panoramic views from the Giza Plateau and visit the iconic Great Sphinx, the legendary guardian of the necropolis, believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre himself.

After your exploration, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant with views of the pyramids before continuing to the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)—a spectacular new home for Egypt’s most treasured artifacts. Step inside this state-of-the-art museum near the base of the pyramids and discover a breathtaking collection, including the full exhibition of King Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed together for the first time. Marvel at colossal statues, glittering jewelry, and perfectly preserved relics that paint a vivid picture of life—and the afterlife—in ancient Egypt. Your guide will provide insights and stories that bring the museum’s treasures to life.

As the sun begins to lower over Giza, return to your hotel with unforgettable memories of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks—past and present—etched in your heart.

Start your day with a guided exploration of Coptic Cairo, a serene and sacred district filled with some of Egypt’s oldest Christian landmarks. Walk through narrow cobbled lanes to visit the Hanging Church, one of the oldest places of Christian worship in Egypt, built above a Roman gatehouse. Discover the Cave Church of St. Sergius, believed to be a shelter for the Holy Family, and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of ancient chapels and monasteries that whisper centuries of devotion.

Continue to the Citadel of Saladin, an imposing fortress that once protected medieval Cairo and offers sweeping views of the city skyline. Within its walls, step into the grandeur of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque. With its soaring domes and Ottoman architecture, it stands as one of Cairo’s most striking Islamic monuments.

After your tour, enjoy a delicious local lunch at a traditional restaurant, soaking up flavors that reflect Egypt’s diverse heritage.

Guests may choose to continue the adventure with an optional evening tour to Wekalet El-Ghouri, a restored caravanserai in the heart of Old Cairo that now hosts mesmerizing cultural performances, including the famed Sufi Whirling Dervishes. A truly magical way to end the day.

In the morning, your On Trip Egypt representative will escort you to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, another friendly team member will be waiting to greet you and assist with your private transfer to your Nile cruise ship. After check-in, settle into your cabin and enjoy a relaxing lunch on board as you begin your journey along the legendary river.

In the afternoon, step into history with guided visits to two of Egypt’s most iconic sites: the Karnak Temple Complex, a vast open-air museum of towering columns, sacred lakes, and obelisks dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, and the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple, once linked to Karnak by the grand Avenue of Sphinxes. After soaking in the grandeur of ancient Thebes, return to the cruise ship for a delicious dinner and an evening at leisure on the Nile.

Early in the morning, guests who opt for the unforgettable hot air balloon ride over Luxor will be transferred before dawn to the launch site. As the sun rises, drift gently above the Nile and the timeless landscapes of the West Bank, witnessing the temples, tombs, and fields bathed in golden light—a truly magical way to see ancient Thebes from above.

After breakfast on board, embark on a guided visit to the West Bank of Luxor, home to some of Egypt’s most iconic ancient treasures. Explore the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs. Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a dramatic, terraced monument nestled at the base of towering cliffs, and then stop at the colossal statues of Amenhotep III—the Colossi of Memnon.

Following your enriching journey through the land of the afterlife, return to the ship to enjoy lunch and prepare for the afternoon sailing to Esna, letting the gentle rhythm of the Nile carry you onward through history.Enjoty your afternoon and evening on board . 

After breakfast on board, set out on a fascinating morning excursion to Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. Travel by traditional horse-drawn carriage through the town to reach the temple’s monumental gateway. Once inside, explore towering columns, intricate hieroglyphs, and sanctuaries that reveal tales of divine battles and royal rituals. Your guide will share the myths of Horus and Set, bringing the temple’s symbolic reliefs to life.

After your visit, return to the ship and continue cruising along the Nile as you enjoy a leisurely lunch on deck, taking in the tranquil riverside scenery. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Kom Ombo, a unique double temple devoted to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. Perched dramatically at the water’s edge, this temple offers remarkable symmetry and beautifully carved walls that depict ancient surgical tools, medical practices, and scenes of offering. Don’t miss the nearby Crocodile Museum, home to a remarkable collection of mummified crocodiles and artifacts from the temple’s heyday.

As evening approaches, return to the cruise ship and set sail toward Aswan. Enjoy dinner on board under the stars as the Nile gently guides you southward, with the promise of more wonders still to come.

After breakfast, your On Trip Egypt guide will meet you for one final adventure before your journey home—a visit to the enchanting Philae Temples, nestled on an island in the Nile and dedicated to the goddess Isis. Reach the site by a short boat ride, where you’ll explore its elegant colonnades, hieroglyph-covered walls, and sacred sanctuaries that once echoed with ancient prayers. Following this captivating experience, you’ll be transferred to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo, where you’ll connect with your international departure—carrying with you unforgettable memories of Egypt’s timeless beauty and spirit.