EgyptSignature: Egypt's Cairo, Luxor & the Nile Valley
Welcome to Egypt. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Cairo, a city where the desert winds carry the echoes of five thousand years of history. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Take a moment to absorb the energy of the capital — a metropolis of a thousand minarets where modern life buzzes against a backdrop of antiquity. In the evening, meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome reception and dinner with the group.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Arrival Day
The adventure begins tomorrow. Feel free to explore on your own before your welcome meeting on the morning of day two. Check for the meeting time in the welcome note at the hotel. There will be an included dinner this evening at the hotel.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Nile Ritz Carlton
Stand in the colossal shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, feeling the heat radiating from the ancient limestone blocks that have watched over the desert for millennia. Leave the plateau for the fertile countryside to experience the G Adventures-supported Nawaya project. Share a warm, farm-to-table lunch in a verdant garden, prepared by local women reclaiming Egypt’s agricultural heritage. Discuss their vital work empowering women in rural communities before traveling to the necropolis of Şaqqārah. Here, explore the step pyramid of Djoser and the intricate, life-like carvings of the Mereruka Tomb, a masterpiece of the Old Kingdom that reveals daily life in ancient Egypt.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour
Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your Expedition Leader has all the facts about these massive structures.
Your G for Good Moment: Nawaya Project Visit
Nawaya is a community project dedicated to empowering females and preserving the deep heritage of small-scale farming families across Egypt, while fostering sustainable development, cultivation, and cooking practices. The project works with women, providing a safe space to gain independence while working to sustain the community. The project also works closely with local farmers and village youths, teaching them how to encourage the exchange of knowledge between those who visit Cairo and those who have always called this place home. Upon arrival, the group will meet with the local women who run and manage the kitchen, and enjoy a true farm-to-table meal amid the friendly hospitality of these local women as you swap stories and share laughter together.
Şaqqārah Visit
Travel through desert and farm lands to visit Şaqqārah, the necropolis of the old kingdom of Ancient Egypt. The main attraction here is the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the very first constructed in human history. It dates back to 2750 BC! Delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most important archeological sites.
Accommodation
Nile Ritz Carlton
Depart early and fly to Aswan. On arrival, board a small ferry to Philae Temple, a sacred complex dedicated to Isis — the goddess of magic, motherhood, healing, and kingship — that was famously relocated to save it from rising waters after the dam was built. After exploring the colonnades, transfer to your elegant ship and settle into your cabin. In the afternoon, board a traditional wooden felucca for a sail to Elephantine Island. Wander through a vibrant village to a local home for tea and authentic interaction with a family, gaining a personal perspective on enduring Nubian culture. Return to the ship to freshen up before a delicious dinner as the lights of Aswan begin to shimmer across the Nile.
Philae Temple Visit
Sail across the Nile to the beautiful island of Agilkia and explore the Greco Roman history of the Temple of Philae, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis. This temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after the flooding of Lake Nasser, the word "philae" meaning "the end" in reference to this island's placement on what was once the southernmost border of Egypt.
Plane
Fly from Cairo to Aswan this morning as the adventure continues.
Motorboat
Climb in and move swiftly through the water to the next stop.
Your Local Living Moment: Nubian Village Felucca Ride Visit & Tea
Board a felucca and float along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village, where you will learn about Nubian people, their culture, and their own distinct language. A language that actually can not be learned as it does not have an alphabet. Visit a local family for mint tea and a chat about their lives and history.
Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Create unforgettable memories during your Nile cruise experience over the next three nights. Sail along the magical Nile and witness life along the shore up close. From Aswan to Luxor, you'll see a lot of history and culture along the way.
Accommodation
Steigenberger Resort Achti Luxor
Fly to the edge of the Sahara to visit Abu Simbel, a magnificent architectural masterpiece carved into a mountain by Ramses II. Stand before the four giant statues of the Pharaoh himself and learn about the temple’s unique solar alignment. Then, return to Aswan and board your ship to begin sailing toward Kom Ombo. Along the way, attend a fascinating presentation detailing the history of the sites ahead. Upon arrival, explore the dual temple dedicated to Sobek — the ancient Egyptian crocodile god — and Haroeris, then visit the onsite museum to see ancient mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship for dinner as you begin an overnight sail to Edfu.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Temple of Abu Simbel Visit
Visit Abu Simbel temple. Abu Simbel is special due to its statues, and its unique solar alignment. The temples were carved into a mountain side along the Nile by Pharaoh Ramses II to reflect his power, it features four giant statues of him. Each year, sunlight illuminates the inner sanctuary twice, on February 22nd and October 22nd. The Temple had to be moved in the 1960 to be saved from the flooding caused by the building of the dam. Part historic monument and part modern marvel, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s grandest temples.
Plane
Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the short flight between Abu Simbel and Aswān.
Kom Ombo Temple & Museum Visit
Enjoy a visit to Kom Ombo Temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago at the museum.
Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Create unforgettable memories during your Nile cruise experience over the next three nights. Sail along the magical Nile and witness life along the shore up close. From Aswan to Luxor, you'll see a lot of history and culture along the way.
Accommodation
Jaz River Cruise Boat
Experience the temple in near-silence at dawn with a private access pre-opening visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This Ptolemaic masterpiece features a grand pylon and intricate reliefs; wander the hypostyle hall before the crowds arrive to absorb the spiritual atmosphere. Return to the ship for a delicious breakfast as you sail toward Luxor. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on deck watching life along the Nile, spotting birds and more as you sail. Later, attend a presentation allowing for a deeper discussion on the day's discoveries. Enjoy dinner as the ship docks in Luxor.
Private Opening of Edfu Temple
Enjoy an early morning pre-opening visit to Edfu Temple. Dating back to the Ptolemaic period, Edfu Temple is one of Egypt's best-preserved temples. Dedicated to Horus, it features a gran pylon, courtyard, hypostyle hall, and inner sanctuary with well-preserved reliefs depicting rituals and mythology. Learn more about this beautiful structure from your Expedition Leader.
Expedition Expert-Led Presentation & Free Time Aboard Nile Cruise
Spend a free afternoon aboard the cruise vessel on the Nile Attend a pre-dinner cocktail hour with a Q&A session lead by your Expedition Leader and Expert.
Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Create unforgettable memories during your Nile cruise experience over the next three nights. Sail along the magical Nile and witness life along the shore up close. From Aswan to Luxor, you'll see a lot of history and culture along the way.
Accommodation
Jaz River Cruise Boat
Explore Luxor’s West Bank, starting at a G for Good project that empowers local youth through tourism training. Choose to cycle through the village or engage with students at the centre. Then, continue to the magnificent Habu Temple at the foot of the Theban Hills, and the striking Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel built into sheer cliffs. After a light lunch, cross to the East Bank to explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex — a monumental labyrinth of towering columns, sacred lakes, and awe-inspiring temples built by generations of pharaohs over 4,000 years. Check into your hotel and enjoy an optional evening visit to Luxor Temple when the columns are beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Dinner is served at your leisure at the hotel.
Funtasia Project Visit
After breakfast the group will travel to the West Bank to meet our student-guide on a visit to the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Funtasia is a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. They work with youth in after school programs that teach art, communication, and social skills. Afterwards, the group will bike through the village. If unable you may remain at the centre to speak further with the student guides about life in the village.
Habu Temple Visit
Visit Habu Temple, a magnificent complex built by Ramses III, famed for its well-preserved carvings and vivid depictions of ancient battles. The group will spend an hour here exploring before moving on to the next site.
Hatshepsut Temple Visit
Visit the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, honoring Egypt’s remarkable female pharaoh.
Karnak Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.
Optional Activities - Day 6Show
Accommodation
Jaz River Cruise Boat
Return to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings — a UNESCO-listed site recognised for its immense historical and cultural value. Descend into the earth to witness the vibrant colours and preserved hieroglyphics within the royal tombs, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun. After lunch, fly back to Cairo and check into your beautiful hotel overlooking the Nile River. The travel day concludes with an elegant rooftop lounge experience. Enjoy a dinner of sophisticated tapas and drinks as the sun sets over the Nile, providing a panoramic view of the bustling city skyline below — the perfect transition from the quiet southern temples back to the energy of the capital.
Valley of the Kings Visit
Cross the Nile to the west bank, passing through farmers fields on your way to the Valley of the Kings. Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead. The group will visit King Tut’s tomb along with three others.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Evening Rooftop Experience
Gather at the rooftop lounge of your hotel in Cairo tonight. Enjoy a cocktail and tapas dinner with panoramic views of the Nile and city. The perfect end to a travel day featuring elegant bites.
Accommodation
Jaz River Cruise Boat
Begin at the Saladin Citadel and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, then descend into Old Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. Wander through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar before you enjoy an atmospheric lunch with local music. The evening then features a private, after-hours access to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Here, visit the Royal Mummies gallery for a presentation on the science behind mummification. This intimate encounter provides a powerful perspective on ancient beliefs and practices. The evening is yours to do as you choose with dinner on your own.
The History & Sites of Old Cairo
Enjoy the historic sites of Old Cairo today as you become acquainted with the city. Begin after breakfast with a visit to Saladin Citadel of Cairo. Then stop by Mohamed Ali Mosque. From there the group will visit the Hanging Church, St Sergej Church and Synagogue Ben Ezra.After the mosque visit in the moring, this is a walking tour with short distances between the churches and synagogue. As you go, gain a deeper appreciation for the overlapping of three major world religions in one city.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Visit & Lunch
Visit the narrow alleyways of Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Rummage through the stalls and check out the fine brassware, copper, perfumes, leather, silver, gold, and antiques it is famous for. Lunch will be had nearby.
Free Time
Spend the evening at your leisure.
Signature Moment: Visit to the Royal Mummies Museum After-hours
Enter the Royal Mummies Museum after-hours and in the quiet of the evening attend a presentation by your Expedition Expert on the whole science behind mummification. This intimate encounter provides a powerful perspective on ancient beliefs surrounded by history itself.
Accommodation
Nile Ritz Carlton
Kick off the day experiencing the sheer scale of the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to the world’s largest collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. In the afternoon after lunch, you may choose to remain at the museum or return to the hotel to rest and enjoy free time. Gather with your Expedition Leader in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner. Set at a venue overlooking the eternal Nile, toast the memories of your Egyptian odyssey and the timeless wonders witnessed with your fellow travellers.
Grand Egyptian Museum Visit
Visit The Grand Egyptian Museum, explore the greatest treasures of Egypt after a guided visit of some of the main artifacts, enjoy time to explore on your own and make sure to gaze at the treasures of King Tut.
Free Time
After lunch on your own in the afternoon, you can choose to stay at the GEM and explore more, or return to the hotel for some time to walk around Cairo, or rest. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening.
Accommodation
Nile Ritz Carlton
Your expedition to Egypt concludes today. After breakfast, individual transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Departure Transfer
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
