Egypt’s evocative attractions are scattered across the desert and range from famous pyramids to forgotten temples, ancient dynasties to 6th-century cities and desert oases. This two-week vacation will explore them all with private Egyptologist guides and incorporate the both the icons and the hidden wonders. Intimate and individualized, this itinerary includes a boutique five-star cruise, excellent hotels, mesmeric history, and a seductive charm that will surprise you in Egypt. Find more...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Luxor – Beauty of the River Nile
A local representative will greet you from your international flight and assist with customs and immigration, and then get you transferred onto your domestic flight bound for Luxor. Touch down there, and it will be a short transfer to your five-star hotel peacefully located along the riverbank. Your deluxe suite will have views of the unrivaled Nile as the temples rise above the city, local life is seen on the banks and boats sail along the shores. The evening will be at your leisure, and there are stunning sunset views from your rooftop along with some decadent cocktails and aperitifs. Our Egypt tour specialists will ensure that you settle in comfortably.
What's Included:
Day 2
Luxor – Immersed in the Majestic Scale of History
Day 3
Luxor – Private Tour to Luxor’s Hidden Sights
Day 4
Nile Cruise – The Magnificent Valley of the Kings
Day 5
Nile Cruise – Temples and Tranquility of a Five-Star Nile Cruise
Day 6
Nile Cruise – Cruising Around the Nile on a Traditional Felucca
Day 7
Aswan – Day Trip by Air to Magnificent Abu Simbel
Day 8
Cairo – Exploring a Traditional Nubian Village
Day 9
Cairo – A Full Day Amongst the Great Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara
Day 10
Cairo – Expert Egyptologist Tour to Memphis and More
Day 11
Cairo – Wonders of Old Cairo and the Egyptian Museum
Day 12
Cairo – Discovering the Iconic Desert Oasis of Al Fayoum
Day 13
Alexandria – Another Sublime Ancient City in Upper Egypt
Day 14
Cairo – Relaxed Shopping and Departure Flight
Trip Highlights
- Cruise up the Nile on a five-star vessel that provides an intimacy with the ancient river
- Explore the famous sights of Luxor, including the Temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, and then uncover some of the city’s hidden wonders
- Discover the secrets of Cairo with an Egyptologist guide and explore mesmerizing calligraphy, 6th-century churches, atmospheric markets and the sprawling wonder of the Egyptian Museum
- Stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza and then admire their predecessor, the stepped pyramid of Saqqara
- Fly across the desert to Abu Simbel, where towering sculptures guard the entrance to an ancient masterpiece
- Spend an afternoon sailing around the gardens of the Nile in a traditional felucca sailboat and combine sightseeing with serenity
- Visit Egypt’s forgotten wonders, like the desert oasis of Al Fayoum and the sights of Alexandria
- Spend relaxed evenings at some of Egypt’s finest five-star hotels, including expressive hotels that stand on the banks of the Nile
Detailed Description
Egypt is full of icons and includes the Great Pyramids of Giza, King Tutankhamen’s Tomb, Valley of the Kings and the endless sights found in and around Luxor. Egypt is also a country of forgotten highlights and experiences that take you far beyond the standard tour as you can wander through the labyrinth of Coptic Cairo, explore the desert oasis of Al Fayoum, cruise by felucca sailboat to a Nubian village and take in temples that are rarely visited. This two-week tour will combine the best of both in celebrating both the famous and the unknown sights of both Upper and Lower Egypt. Five-star hotels and boutique vessels provide relaxing evenings and a journey into the country’s charm. Your tours will be private and with renowned Egyptologist guides who can unravel the subtleties of Egypt’s history.
You will begin in Luxor, enveloped by the world’s greatest open-air museum. There is a compelling scale of history as you visit the temples of Karnak and Luxor, and your guide will skillfully avoid the tour groups so you can really celebrate the atmosphere of ancient history. Mostly forgotten sites around Dendera and Abydos will be your focus one day, before the Valley of the Kings and Luxor’s West Bank fills the next. You will set off on a River Nile cruise on the afternoon of the following day on the boutique Star Goddess, which will enable you to get closer to the banks and the highlights of the Nile.
Travel next upriver to stop at various temples, and then explore the waters of Aswan the next day. This ambient town marries desert heritage with Arabic beauty and often provides the enduring memory of visitors who explore all of Upper and Lower Egypt. You will spend two nights and cruise around on a felucca sailing boat, visit an eclectic array of sights, see a traditional Nubian village, and take a day trip by plane to the temples of Abu Simbel. Fly to Cairo the following day, and the Kempinski Nile will be your base for the next several nights. Hidden away, the property takes you into an enchanting world that contradicts any stereotypes held of this chaotic, modern city.
One of the country’s most celebrated guides will lead your discovery, and Sabry Khaled will be your gateway into the fabulous tales of Egypt’s history. Spend a day with the pyramids at Giza and Saqqara, another day exploring Memphis and Dahshur, and then an unique day amongst the legends of Old Cairo. Finish as you explore the remote desert oasis of Al Fayoum. As all of your tours are privately guided, a high degree of customization is available, and the tour will unfold at your pace. Complete your itinerary with a night in Alexandria, a beautiful coastal town that showcases so much forgotten history. Traveling back to Cairo the next day with plenty of time to shop in local markets before your departing flight.
Starting Price
$5,500 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 453 reviews.
I loved my trip to Egypt and Jordan, planned by Zicasso's tour company! The tours were well run, the guides were fantastic, and the history and scenery were absolutely breathtaking. Every day brought something beautiful and unforgettable. Highly recommend!
Reviewed By Toni W.
Zicasso's tour operator took care of everything. All we had to do was show up. Our tour guides in Cairo and Luxor were great and very knowledgeable. They took very good care of us. I would definitely recommend this company. We saw everything we hoped for in four short days.
Reviewed By Onika W.
Everything from the airport meet in Cairo to the airport departure from Cairo was perfect. Each guide was an expert, engaging, and excited to discuss and describe our various sightseeing adventures. The hotels were also fabulous. We could not have expected any more.
Reviewed By douglas M.
Through no fault of Zicasso's tour company, we were not able to do the Jordan portion of our trip due to the outbreak of hostilities between Israel, Iran, and then the US. When learning Jordanian airspace was closed, the company jumped into action to provide us with immediate alternatives to the Jordan portion of the trip, including a full refund for that portion if so desired. But because they had done such a fabulous job on the Egypt portion of the trip, we decided to extend our Egypt trip and spend several days in Alexandria and out in the desert at an oasis.
My wife and I cannot say enough good things about the job Zicasso's travel company did for us. We received first-class service, travel, and accommodations, with help, from the moment we deplaned in Cairo until we went back to the airport to leave Egypt 15 days later.
My wife and I travel each summer to Europe and beyond, and most often do our trips entirely on our own. However, Egypt and Jordan are places I believe American tourists need help with at most stages of the journey ,and our travel company provided that help in an extraordinary way. I would personally recommend this company to all of my traveling friends, as well as anyone else interested in my opinion.
Reviewed By James L.
Our journey through Turkey and Egypt in May 2025 with Zicasso's travel company was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we landed until our final departure, every detail was thoughtfully arranged, making the experience seamless, immersive, and truly unforgettable.
What set this trip apart was our exceptional tour guides. In both countries, the guides were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also passionate, warm, and attentive. They brought the rich histories of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Cairo, Luxor, and beyond vividly to life. Whether we were exploring ancient ruins or navigating vibrant bazaars, our guides made every moment engaging and meaningful.
A special mention must go to our tour organizer. His behind-the-scenes coordination, quick responsiveness, and personal care were evident throughout. He ensured every transition was smooth, every need was anticipated, and every traveler felt individually looked after. His dedication and professionalism elevated the entire experience.
We returned home with a deeper appreciation of these remarkable destinations, lasting memories, and a strong desire to travel again with our travel company. We highly recommended them for anyone seeking a thoughtfully curated, high-touch travel experience.
— Dr. Vishnu P.
Reviewed By Vishnu P.
This trip was a trip of a lifetime, and Zicasso's travel company made sure we did everything on our bucket list, from going inside a pyramid to a Nile cruise, the Valley of the Kings, and a couple of days of relaxing at a resort on the Red Sea. They stayed within our budget by listening to us and tweaking the trip (over and over and over, they were so patient with me). I have already referred them to two friends and I can't say enough good things about this travel company. Thanks, Zicasso, for always vetting the best companies!
Reviewed By Tracie C.