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Itinerary

Main Tour (12 Nights / 13 Days)
February 9–21, 2025 

Day 1: Sunday, Feb. 9
Arrival in Cairo

  • Arrive in Cairo
  • A local representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel
  • Welcome dinner. Hotel: Marriott Mena House or Ritz-Carlton or similar hotel

Welcome to Cairo, a city of amazing discoveries! After customs, you will be met and assisted by our representative at Cairo International Airport and then escorted to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure and join the group for a welcome dinner with your certified tour director and Egyptologist tour guide. 

Day 2: Monday, Feb. 10
Egyptian Museum (Old Cairo Museum), Coptic Cairo, Sultan Hassan Mosque, GE Museum

  • Egyptian Museum – King Tut collection and other significant artifacts
  • Sultan Hassan Mosque, Crypt Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue
  • GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Hotel: Marriott Mena House Pyramids-view rooms or Ritz-Carlton or similar hotel

Today, you will explore the Egyptian Museum, including the King Tut collection with its golden mask and coffins. Our Egyptologist guide will take you on an exploration of these fascinating ancient treasures. Later, you will visit the Sultan Hassan Mosque, which was built in the 13th century and is considered one of the wonders of the Islamic world. Then you will wander in Coptic Cairo, visiting sites that may have sheltered the Holy Family in their flight to Egypt. You will see the Crypt Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Later we will drive to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Currently, the GEM Complex is offering limited tours to assess site readiness and the visitor experience before its official opening. During this limited access, visitors can explore the Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, commercial area, and exterior gardens. The GEM will be the largest archaeological museum complex globally, showcasing over 100,000 artifacts. For the first time, King Tut’s entire treasure collection will be on display. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Tuesday, Feb. 11

Saqqara Steps’ Pyramid/Giza Pyramids, Sphinx

  • Step Pyramid of Saqqara
  • Giza Pyramids and Sphinx
  • Carpet tapestry school & shopping
  • Traditional Egyptian barbeque dinner
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Hotel: Marriott Mena House Pyramids-view rooms or Ritz-Carlton

Optional Additions:

  • Entry to walk inside Cheops’ Pyramid: $30 USD
  • Camel ride at the Pyramids for 20 Minutes: $ 20 USD
  • Underground corridors of Zoser Pyramid: $20 USD

Today, you will drive south through the rural area of Cairo to explore the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, built in the 27th century BC, and one of the oldest stone pyramids in the world. You will also stop at a carpet tapestry school to learn about handmade carpet production and have an opportunity to shop if you wish. After a countryside lunch, you'll visit one of the world's most spectacular sights: the Giza Pyramids, the largest tombs on earth and the last remaining ancient wonders. Adjacent to the pyramids, you'll encounter the imposing Sphinx. Later, enjoy a traditional Egyptian barbecue dinner. Return to the hotel for rest. The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 4: Wednesday, Feb. 12
Cairo/Luxor: Karnak Temple

  • Fly to Luxor
  • Karnak Temple
  • Christian Science Testimony Meeting
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Hotel: 5 stars, Al Moudira (moudira.com/en) or Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor or similar

Catch an early morning flight to Luxor, one of the ancient Egyptian capitals. With its vast array of temples and monuments, Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum. You will explore the famous site of the east bank of the Nile, wandering among the massive 134 pillars of the Temple of Karnak. The temple complex's modern name "Karnak" comes from the nearby village of El-Karnak, which means "fortified village." It is believed to be the second most visited historical site in Egypt. After lunch, we will check into our hotel. Later in the afternoon we will gather for a Wednesday testimony meeting and enjoy group dinner at the Hotel. Overnight.

Note:  This will likely be a very early morning flight, and therefore a long day. 

Day 5: Thursday, Feb. 13
Dandara (Hathor Temple), Luxor Temple

  • Dendera Temple
  • Luxor Temple
  • Jewelry Store
  • Hotel: 5 stars Al-Moudira (moudira.com/en) or Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner   Note: Late Lunch or Lunch Box

Optional Addition: Morning hot air balloon ride: $150 USD

Optional Addition: Calesh (horse-drawn carriage) ride around local Luxor: $25 USD

Today, you'll have the chance to take a balloon ride over Luxor's west bank. After breakfast, we'll head to Dendera. In about two hours, we'll marvel at the well-preserved Dendera Temple dedicated to Goddess Hathor. Built in the second century BC, it features unique Hathoric columns, reliefs, the Dendera zodiac and underground crypts. We will also have a chance to walk on the temple's roof—an amazing experience. Drive back to Luxor after lunch and visit Luxor Temple known as House of the South and sheltered Goddess Mut (earth goddess spouse of Amon Ra). You'll have the option to explore the world of Lapis and Turquoise, as well as other precious stones, during a visit to a jewelry shop. You might even choose to have your name written in Hieroglyphics on an Egyptian gold cartouche. Finally, consider joining our optional extra excursion—a Calash Ride (horse-drawn carriage) for 75 minutes around Luxor’s rural and local market areas, offering a great way to experience local culture and see people. Enjoy a rural-side Egyptian dinner before returning to the hotel for the night.

A hot air balloon ride in the early morning is a breathtaking way to see Luxor. Enjoy the world’s largest open-air museum from the sky as the rising sun hits the magnificent temples and lights up the green of the Nile banks. Early pick up from your hotel will take you to the balloon to cruise the Egypt sky for 45 to 60 minutes

Day 6: Friday, Feb. 14
West Bank Tour, Dahabiya Boat

  • Valley of the Kings – enter up to three tombs
  • Special visit to Tomb of Seti First (the best in the valley)
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
  • Alabaster workshop
  • Sailing on the Nile
  • Hotel: Dahabiya
  • Meals: Breakfast, Late Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will explore the vast burial city known as the Necropolis of Thebes. You'll visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari and the Valley of the Kings, where you can enter up to three tombs to admire the remarkably preserved interior wall paintings depicting life and death in ancient Egypt. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to visit Seti I's tomb, also known as "Belzoni's tomb" or "the Tomb of Apis." This tomb, one of the most decorated and largest in the valley, was uncovered by Italian archaeologist Giovanni Battista Belzoni in 1817. Afterwards, you'll visit an Alabaster workshop to learn about the ancient Egyptian techniques for crafting statues and have the option to shop. Then, you'll drive to Esna City to board our private boat (Dahabiya). A buffet lunch will be served onboard as you begin sailing on the Nile. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sundeck, observing the varied local life along the river and its banks. Afternoon tea will be served on the sundeck.

Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a passenger boat used on the River Nile in Egypt. The term is normally used to describe a shallow-bottomed, barge-like vessel with two or more sails. The vessels have been around in one form or another for thousands of years, with similar craft being depicted on the walls of the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. Indeed, the name is thought to derive from the Arabic word for "gold” owing to similar gilded state barges used by the Muslim rulers of Egypt in the Middle Ages. During the 1920-1940’s it was commonly used during those elegant days of the monarchy when aristocrats, pashas, emirs, sultans, and sophisticated travelers loved to cruise the Nile in style. Before the introduction of steamboats, the Dahabiya was the most normal way for travelers to ascend the Nile and even after that they remained somewhat popular amongst the wealthy. It took from two to three months to travel upriver under wind power and another month-and-a-half to float back downstream, stopping at the great temples along the way.

The Dahabiyas were popular amongst those who wished to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace, to drink in the landscapes and peruse the monuments and villages on the riverbanks. Those elegant days are revived with Semi Luxury modern comforts and conveniences. A skilled river captain and his crew are always on board. Meals will be taken on deck while you watch the timeless way of life along the banks of the Nile. The temptation to spend at least one night gazing at the stars and sleeping on deck may be irresistible! Our Private Semi-Luxury Dahabiya will accommodate us for 4 nights up the longest river in the world towards the city of Aswan.  Our meals start with lunch, a mixture of delicious local and international dishes and cuisines served onboard. There are three stops at Silsila Mountain & Kom-Ombo Plus Edfu. Do not miss the Egyptian Night Party (Galabiya Party where everyone onboard including the staff will dress in traditional costumes).

Day 7: Saturday, Feb. 15
Sailing, Edfu 

  • Edfu, temple of Horus
  • Hotel: Dahabiya
  • Egyptian costume dinner party
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will sail up the Nile until you reach the city of Edfu. Here, you will visit the house of the great God of the horizon, Horus, at the most intact ancient Egyptian temple on the Nile. You will learn the story/myth of the goddess Isis and Osiris and their son Horus as a good human against the evil Seth. Enjoy a Galabeya party, where everyone dresses up in traditional Egyptian costumes for dinner on an island with local entertainment.

Day 8: Sunday, Feb. 16
Visit Local Village/Sailing/Silsila

  • Besaw Island (Fisherman/Farmers Island), Silsila Mountain
  • Hotel: Dahabiya
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will explore a local island where fishermen and farmers live, by taking a leisurely walk and experiencing the traditional Egyptian countryside life. After lunch, we will stop at Silsila Mountain, an ancient site where sandstone and limestone were once quarried.

Day 9: Monday, Feb. 17 
Sailing, Kom Ombo, Aswan  

  • Kom Ombo Temple
  • Hotel: Dahabiya
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will walk to Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Ra Hr Akhty, known as Horus the falcon god, who was revered as a healer. The Temple of Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple. It was constructed during the Ptolemaic dynasty, 180–47 BC, but some additions were later made during the Roman period. After a quick visit to the temple, you'll conclude our sailing journey by docking in Aswan for the night.

Day 10: Tuesday, Feb. 18
Boat Disembarking, Aswan

  • Aswan High Dam
  • Philae Temple
  • Perfumery and essential oil shop
  • Hotel: 5 stars (Sofitel Old Cataract Legend or Movenpick Island Aswan or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will disembark from our boat and begin exploring Aswan's famous sites—the High Dam and later Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. After a Nubian lunch, we will check in at our hotel, the Old Cataract. Built in 1899 by Thomas Cook, it originally opened as the Cataract Hotel. In 1961, the hotel expanded with the addition of a new tower wing, serving as the budget wing of the hotel. From 2008 to 2011, the hotel underwent a complete restoration and reopened in October 2011 as the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Hotel. Enjoy your time at the hotel and dinner.

Day11: Wednesday, Feb. 19
Aswan, Elephantine Island, Nubian Village Tour (Abu Simbel by flight is optional)

  • Elephantine Island
  • Nubian village
  • Hotel: 5 stars (Sofitel Old Cataract Legend or Movenpick Island Aswan similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Note: Abu Simbel Members will have Lunch Box

Optional Addition: Abu Simbel by flight: $350 USD (Should be booked in advance)

Enjoy a free morning in Aswan or take our optional extra tour to Abu Simbel. Later in the afternoon, we'll explore Elephantine Island and visit a Nubian village. We'll cruise the river in a simple motorboat to reach the charming village, where villagers will warmly welcome you with singing and dancing. As we journey along the Nile, you'll have the chance to admire the scenic beauty and observe nesting migrating birds from Europe and Africa. Experience the allure of the Sahara Desert before visiting one of the Nubian houses, where you'll meet a local family, learn about their culture and traditions, and gain insights into their way of life. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Abu Simbel Temple; a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colossal statues of Pharaoh Ramesses II. It is the most spectacular temple in Egypt. Carved into the rock face, this ancient temple is a testament to the grandeur and architectural mastery of ancient Egypt. It is a 45-minute flight from Aswan.

Day 12: Thursday, Feb. 20
Aswan, Cairo (Airport Hotel), Islamic Cairo (Grand Bazaar)

  • Fly to Cairo
  • Grand Bazaar (Khan El Khalili) Islamic Cairo and Farewell Dinner
  • Hotel: 5 stars near airport
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Note: long day

Enjoy a free morning before boarding a flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, we will drive to the Grand Bazaar/Souk (Khan El Khalili) in the heart of Islamic Cairo, which was founded in 969 CE. Trading in the souk dates from the 14th century, its elaborately carved monumental gates and grid-like alleyways were constructed in the 16th century under Egypt's last powerful Mamluk ruler. The market is an incredible place to walk through and experience the craziness of daily life in Cairo. Most stalls are open from around 9 a.m. until well after nightfall. The souk is also home to a few restaurants, street food vendors, and small but very traditional coffeehouses called “Maqha” in Arabic. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, here you can sit down and enjoy an Arabic coffee—often brewed with spices like cardamom—or a karkade, a sweet hibiscus tea, or the famous Egyptian mint tea. 

Later, we will check into our airport hotel before enjoying a farewell dinner and overnight.

Day 13: Friday, Feb. 21
Cairo, Final Departure or Sinai Extension

  • Departure flight
  • Meals: Breakfast

Say farewell to Egypt as you are escorted to the airport to board your international flight.

OR extend your tour with an extension to Sinai and Sharm El Sheik

Sinai Extension (3 Nights/4 Days)
February 21– 24

Day 13: Friday, Feb. 21
Cairo, Sinai, Bedouin Dinner  

  • Drive the Exodus route – Wilderness of Shur, Marah, Wilderness of Sin, Oasis of Feiran
  • Special dinner in a Bedouin tent
  • Hotel: 4 stars (best available in Sinai, Morgenland Village or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box, Dinner

Today, depart the hotel heading to Sinai via the Cairo/Suez highway and follow the southwestern route of the Exodus through the Wilderness of Shur. You will learn of the terrain and the history of this region en-route, view Marah (Springs of Moses), the Wilderness of Sin, and the Oasis of Feiran. In the evening, you will enjoy a special Bedouin dinner.

Note: This will be a long driving day (7 a.m–4 p.m. with only a few stops).

Sinai is a region where diverse landscapes converge, from rocky terrain meeting coral reefs to golden beaches framed by majestic granite formations. Steeped in history and religious significance, it has been associated with tales of ancient Egyptian mythology, pharaonic wealth, and biblical events like Moses encountering the Burning Bush. This region serves as a crossroads of three major religions, at the intersection of Africa and Asia, offering both natural beauty and spiritual exploration. In recent years, Sinai has also become renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, making it a premier destination for diving enthusiasts eager to explore its rich marine biodiversity.

Day 14: Saturday, Feb. 22
Horeb Mountain, Sharm El Sheik   

  • Morning hike up the mountain for sunrise
  • Free afternoon in Sharm El Sheik
  • Hotel: 5 stars (Four Season Sharm or Rixos Sharm or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Addition: Camel ride up the mountain: $50 USD

In the early hours of the morning (just after midnight), those who wish and are physically capable can embark on a memorable hike up the mountain. Whether you opt to ride a camel part of the way, pause at one of the stations to admire the scenery during the ascent, or proceed directly to the summit (750 steps), you will witness a sunrise that will stay with you forever. Following breakfast, you will journey to Sharm El Sheikh for an afternoon and evening of leisure, where you can delight in the stunning beauty of the Red Sea. 

Day 15: Sunday, Feb. 23
Sharm El Sheik 

  • Free day
  • Hotel: 5 stars (Four Season Sharm or Rixos Sharm adults only or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Addition: Enjoy snorkeling, diving, glass bottom boat, parasailing, etc. – at an additional cost.

Here, you will experience a free day at your leisure. Extra options abound, with introductory or advanced diving courses or a snorkeling trip to one of the world's best diving sites: Ras Mohamed or Tiran Island. Enjoy night-time stargazing in the desert or the lively nightlife of Sharm. All activities are at your own cost. 

Day 16: Monday, Feb. 24
Sharm El Sheik, Cairo, Final Departure

  • Fly to Cairo
  • Departure flight
  • Meals: Breakfast Box

Early morning check out and drive to Sharm International Airport to board your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival to Cairo Airport, you are escorted to the international hall to board your international flight..

Extra night available at Le Meridien Airport Hotel upon request but not included in cost of tour.

Alexandria Pre-Tour (2 Nights/3 Days)
February 7–9

Alexandria is the second major city in Egypt, where history comes alive amidst a blend of ancient wonders and modern allure. You will have a chance to explore the ancient Roman Theatre and Catacombs, marvel at the iconic Pompey's Pillar, and visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. See the majestic Qaitbay Citadel and you may want to unwind in the serene gardens of Montaza Palace. Alexandria offers a captivating journey through time, inviting visitors to embrace its rich heritage and vibrant culture in an unforgettable adventure. 

Pre-Tour Day 1: Friday, Feb. 7
Arrival in Cairo

  • Arrive in Cairo
  • You will be met by a local representative who will transfer you to your hotel
  • Hotel: Mena House or Hayatt Regency Cairo West

Welcome to Cairo, a city of amazing discoveries! After customs, you will be met and assisted by our representative at Cairo International Airport and escorted to your hotel. Enjoy the free day. Hotel Overnight.

Pre-Tour Day 2: Saturday, Feb. 8
Cairo, Alexandria

  • Drive to Alexandria
  • Roman Theatre, Catacomb, and Pompey’s Pillar
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Hotel: Helen Palestine Hotel or Steigenberger Cecil Hotel

After breakfast, we will drive to Alexandria, approximately three hours with one stop along the way. Alexandria, known as the house of both Alexander the Great and Cleopatra, the last Egyptian Queen of the first century BC. Upon arrival, we will visit the Roman Theatre, Roman Catacombs, and Pompey's Pillar. Later, we will check in at one of the colonial Hotels of Alexandria, either the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel or the Helnan Royal Hotel–both of which offer rich historical significance and unique charm. The Steigenberger Cecil Hotel, a four-star establishment, was built in 1929 by the French-Egyptian Jewish Metzger family and captivates guests with its excellent location directly on the harbour. Alternatively, the Helnan Royal Hotel, part of the Historic Hotels of Egypt's collection, was constructed in 1964 to accommodate Arab kings and heads of states participating in the Second Arab Summit in Alexandria. Its location overlooks the quiet Mediterranean shore, with ample gardens nearby at Montaza Royal Palace. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Pre-Tour Day 3: Sunday, Feb. 9 (Day 1 For Main Tour Group Arrival)
Alexandria, Cairo (Join main tour and group)

  • Alexandria Library
  • Drive back to Cairo
  • Meals: Breakfast, Seafood Lunch, Dinner
  • Hotel: Mariott Mena House Pyramids-view rooms or Ritz-Carlton

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and explore the Alexandria Library (if open or if visitors are allowed), one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. The library was part of a larger research institution called the Mouseion, dedicated to the nine goddesses of the arts. Built by Ptolemy II, it contained thousands of manuscripts that made Alexandria the capital of knowledge and learning.  Following this, we will explore St. Mark the Evangelist Church. Following that, we will view the Islamic fort built over the ruins of the famous lighthouse (photo stop only). Before driving back to Cairo, we will enjoy a seafood lunch. Upon arrival in Cairo, we will check in at the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure and join the group for a welcome dinner with your Certified Tour Director and Egyptologist Tour Guide.

Included with Main Tour: 11 Nights/12 Days

  • Cairo: 3 Nights first stay at 5-star hotel standard room (Marriott Mena House Pyramids-view rooms or Ritz-Carlton)
  • Luxor: 2 Night at 5-star hotel standard room (Al Moudira or Sofitel Winter Palace)
  • Private Nile Dahabiya Cruise: 4 nights onboard (private & semi-luxury boat)
  • Aswan: 2 Night at 5-star hotel (Standard Room) (Sofitel Old cataract legend or Movenpick Island Aswan similar)
  • Cairo: 1 Night at 5-star hotel second stay (standard room) Airport/around Airport  
  • Domestic Flights economy class (Cairo/Luxor & Aswan/Cairo)
  • Meals as mentioned on the itinerary: 12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • Arrival & Departure Transfers
  • Meet & Assist at Airports
  • Transportation for all excursions with air-conditioned tourist bus Recent Model 50 Seats Bus (Mercedes Benz)
  • Entrance Fees to the above-mentioned sights
  • Excursions as listed on the itinerary
  • Qualified expert English speaking Egyptologist/Tour Director escorting the tour from beginning to end
  • Lectures and discussions with Principia Trip Scholar, Madelon Maupin
  • Two bottles of water daily
  • Entry Visa only for American citizens (Canadians must obtain 21 days pre-arrival Visa)
  • Tipping for Dahabiya Crew, service providers, agency Reps, drivers
  • Grand Egyptian Museum Visit
  • King Tut & Seti tomb at Valley of the Kings
  • Authentic Egyptian barbeque dinner
  • Taxes & local permits
  • Porterage
  • Shopping opportunities

Included with Sinai Post-Tour

  • Sinai St. Catherine: 1 Night at 4-star hotel standard room (best available)
  • Sharm El Sheik: 2 Nights at 5-star luxury resort standard room 
  • Flight Sharm/Cairo (economy class)
  • Transportation in air-conditioned tourist bus (depending on group size), recent model
  • Meals as mentioned: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • Special Bedouin dinner at Saint Catherine City in Sinai
  • Tipping for Drivers & Representatives
  • Two bottles of water daily

Included with Alexandria Pre-Tour

  • Cairo:1 Night at 5-star hotel (Standard Room) Marriott Mena House or Hayatt Regency
  • Alexandria: 1 Night at 5-star Standard Room (Helen Palestine or Steigenberger Cecil) 
  • Transportation in Air-conditioned tourist bus (depend on group size), recent model.
  • Meals as mentioned: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
  • All excursion as mentioned on the itinerary & entrance fees
  • Tipping for drivers and representatives
  • Two bottles of water daily

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Single room charges
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Additions or changes to the standard program (Extra excursions not listed on the itinerary)
  • Cost to obtain a valid passport
  • Camel Ride at the Pyramids or Mountain Sinai
  • Bedouin Guide Tipping at Sinai
  • Any meals and drinks along the tour and not specified on the itinerary
  • Personal items & tipping: laundry, phone calls, internet, shopping, restaurants gratuity, toilets fees/attendance, Temples’ Guard coffee and drinks; excess baggage, etc.
  • PCR tests and medical requirements or expenses
  • Any increase in taxes and fees that may occur between printing of this brochure and issuing of airline tickets. Price is based on the exchange rate at the time of printing and may be subject to change.
  • Additional charge to pay by credit card
  • Departure tax if applicable