Hot air ballon over Nile river in Egypt

Classic Egypt Itinerary for First Timers

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Egypt

Places Visited

Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan...

See all

Suggested Duration

10 Days

On this 10-day tour of Egypt you will escape into antiquity and celebrate the country’s icons. From the pyramids to Tutankhamen’s tomb, the bustling old lanes of Cairo to Abu Simbel temples, you will explore all of Egypt’s classic old sites. History comes alive as you are immersed in the remarkable world of the pharaohs. Private travel to Egypt will...

Customizable Itinerary

Expand All

Trip Highlights

  • Celebrate the legends of history with a day at the Great Pyramids of Giza and ancient Memphis
  • Discover the mesmerizing history of Luxor, an afternoon at the temples of the East Bank followed by a morning in the Valley of the Kings
  • Escape into the beauty of the River Nile on a luxury cruise, watching the world go by from your boutique suite
  • Enjoy a hot air balloon ride above ancient Thebes, a serene introduction to what has become the world’s greatest open-air museum
  • Wander through the narrow lanes of old Cairo, as you admire the millennia-old atmosphere and some of fine early Christian and Islamic architecture
  • Spend a day relaxing in the remote desert oasis of Aswan, which includes a private felucca sailing trip that visits the islands of the Nile
  • Fly to the remarkable rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, another of the seductive icons of Ancient Egypt
  • Soak up the knowledge of superb Egyptologist guides as their insight adds another dimension to your walks through history

Detailed Description

Ancient Egypt will compel and confound you in equal measure. The experience immerses you in history as you will be surrounded by a forest of pillars in Karnak Temple, watch shards of light dance through Abu Simbel, and stand alone in a lavishly decorated tomb. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, Egypt’s ancient world is unparalleled. The history feels alive and the ambiance is as old as the pharaohs. Yet, there is something more recent that makes Egypt even more compelling. It is the serenity. Luxury travel to Egypt has an escapist element that is epitomized by a cruise up the River Nile. While there are many sights, the pace can be slow, which ensures that you will feel what the monuments mean to our planet.

This luxury tour will take a classic route through the country, as it will incorporate all the famous sites and experiences in ten days of travel. Most excursions will be privately led by skilled Egyptologist guides, who will plan your arrival to avoid congregations of tour buses. Hotels will be superbly located as you gaze out over the history, such as a boutique Giza hotel with a view of the pyramids. Guides will greet you at every airport and most days will be customized depending on your interests that day. Over ten days you will settle into the tranquil rhythm of Ancient Egypt, rather than be overwhelmed by the pace of the modern day, which will allow you to fully appreciate the wonders of antiquity.

You will start in Cairo where the pyramids are a timeless introduction to Ancient Egypt. Then, spend a day in the old lanes of Coptic Cairo before you will take a guided visit to the Egyptian Museum. The next day, you will fly to Luxor to explore where the sun rises on the eastern bank, home to two fabled temples. Afterward, you will take a hot air balloon above the Valley of the Kings at sunrise, then wander through an astonishing open-air museum. You will then start your two-day cruise to Aswan, your journey punctuated by ancient temples along the Nile’s banks. In Aswan you will have a day to discover the sights and a day dedicated to the atmosphere of the oasis. The next day you will fly to the Abu Simbel temples before you return to Cairo, where your hotel stands opulently above the River Nile.

Starting Price

$3,115 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.89 stars based on 419 reviews.

Egypt Luxury Tour Review: Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Giza...
"I couldn't be happier with the time I had in Egypt. Our...

Reviewed By Linda G.

Egypt Luxury Vacation Review: Cairo, Giza, Dahshur, Aswan,...
"My overall comments on our trip and Zicasso's travel company...

Reviewed By Robert H.

Egypt Luxury Vacation Review: Luxor, Aswan, Cairo, Giza,...
"Zicasso's travel partner made our dreams come true on an...

Reviewed By Anna M.

Egypt Family Vacation Review: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Nile...
"I would highly recommend our travel team. We could not...

Reviewed By Rachael W.

Egypt Travel Review: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Abu Simbel, Giza...
"There are few experiences that are completely and absolutely...

Reviewed By Esther C.

Egypt Sisters' Trip Review: Cairo, Luxor, Abu Simbel, Temples,...
"Mary planned a terrific trip for my sister and myself."

Reviewed By Marsha K.

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

  1. 1

    Describe your dream trip

  2. 2

    Get matched with top travel specialists

  3. 3

    Book the trip

Free service - no credit card required