Immersive Egypt

The famed pyramids will be the first stop on today’s privately guided tour. The tour includes a visit to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only surviving one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, continue to see the enigmatic Sphinx and tour the fabulous collection at the Grand Egyptian Museum, where you’ll see the incredible golden treasures of the boy Pharaoh Tutankhamen.

Explore Islamic Cairo, one of the Middle East’s most vibrant destinations. The first stop will be the imposing Cairo Citadel, a fortification built by Saladin. Next, visit the magnificent Sultan Hassan Mosque. Then, embark on a guided walk along historic Al Muizz Street. Here, you’ll explore the labyrinthine cobbled lanes of the Khan el Khalili Bazaar and admire many of the quarter’s grand Islamic monuments. This afternoon, drive across the desert to the rural Fayoum oasis.

A 4WD desert safari this morning will reveal the stunning scenery and geology that lies just beyond the Fayoum oasis and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales (Wadi el Hitan). Next, embark on a walking tour through Tunis village, an artists’ colony that produces some of Egypt’s finest ceramics. Then, drive to Cairo Airport from where you will fly to Luxor. On arrival, transfer to your characterful hotel located on the city’s rural West Bank.

A morning at leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel’s facilities and grounds. This afternoon, tour Luxor’s East Bank with a private Egyptologist guide. Sightseeing will include the stunning temple complex of Amon-Ra at Karnak, a stroll through Luxor Bazaar, and an evening visit to the imposing Temple of Luxor when it is floodlit. Dinner will be at a popular local Egyptian restaurant overlooking the Nile.

Continue your Luxor sightseeing with a visit to the beautifully painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu, and Deir El Medina (Tombs of the Artists). After lunch at a historic restaurant, the afternoon is dedicated to exploring the arts scene on Luxor’s West Bank, where you will meet some of the highly skilled artisans creating the carved stone, woven textiles, and pottery – all crafts that have their roots in ancient Egypt.

Drive south to Esna and board your floating home for the next four days – the Safiya Dahabiya. Then, set off on a walking tour that includes the Temple of Khnum and a stroll through Esna market to experience some local life. After casting off from her moorings, the Safiya will begin its gentle journey upriver toward El Hegz Island. On arrival, you will walk through lush sugarcane fields to the home of a local family. Overnight: El Hegz Island.

Breakfast will be served aboard your dahabiya as you sail towards El Kab. On arrival, walk through the small fisherman’s village and visit the seldom-explored ancient site of Nekheb, with its early 18th-dynasty tombs. After returning to the Safiya Dahabiya, continue upriver towards Edfu to explore the temple of the falcon-headed god Horus, one of the most complete buildings surviving from ancient times. Then, sail on to a nearby Nile island. This evening, enjoy a special BBQ dinner under the stars. Overnight: Nile island.

Stepping ashore at Bassaw Island this morning, you’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through the village and its surrounding farmland. This is a special opportunity to meet local families, learn the traditional art of baking “sun bread” in their home ovens, and observe the local fishermen. Continue your Nile journey to Gebel El Silsila, where you will take a short stroll parallel to the Nile to visit shrines and a massive quarry. After your visit, continue sailing upriver until it is time for an atmospheric BBQ dinner by moonlight. Overnight: Nile island.

After breakfast on board your dahabiya, visit Kom Ombo temple and the Crocodile Museum with your resident Egyptologist guide. The next stop on your Nile journey is the nearby town of Daraw, where you will learn how to shop like a local at the market, visit a barn to meet camels, learn about the camel trade, and visit a Nubian town. As your dahabiya draws closer to Aswan, there will be an opportunity to swim or kayak.

Discover Aswan this morning, one of the most beautiful spots in Egypt. Sightseeing will include the Aswan High Dam, the Quarries of the Pharaohs, and the stunning Temple of Isis on Philae Island, which was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Fly to Cairo on completion of your sightseeing. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for the night.

After check-out, a Corinthian Travel representative will transfer you to Cairo International Airport. Assistance will be provided when checking in for your onward flight.