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Classic Egypt
Example Itinerary
Overview
Steeped in a history that stretches back across countless millennia, Egypt is home to some of the world's most iconic monuments. This classic overland journey takes you along the fertile ribbon of the Nile Valley and into the very heart of ancient Egypt. The journey begins in Cairo, home to the great Pyramids of Giza, the last of the great wonders of antiquity. You’ll have an opportunity to visit the famous pyramids atGiza as well as the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which ...
Steeped in a history that stretches back across countless millennia, Egypt is home to some of the world's most iconic monuments. This classic overland journey takes you along the fertile ribbon of the Nile Valley and into the very heart of ancient Egypt. The journey begins in Cairo, home to the great Pyramids of Giza, the last of the great wonders of antiquity. You’ll have an opportunity to visit the famous pyramids atGiza as well as the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which include the remarkable horde of artefacts taken from the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. You then head along the timeless landscapes of the Nile Valley to Luxor, site of the ancient capital of Thebes. Here you will have a chance to explore the spectacular remains of Karnak and Luxor Temples and the vast mortuary temples of the Valley of the Kings, some of the greatest creations of the Pharaohs of the Eighteenth Dynasty. Drive on to Aswan, where you can visit the beautiful temple of Isis on the island of Philae and take to the Nile in a traditional felucca sailboat.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Cairo
On arrival at Cairo airport you will be met and transferred to your city centre hotel.
Day 2 Cairo: Great Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum
Today you will have the opportunity to see the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of Giza, the royal burial ground for the ancient capital of Memphis. View the three pyramids of Cheops, Khafre and Menkaure from a panoramic view point before you walk amongst the pyramids and, if you wish, go inside one of the tombs. Continue down to the Sphinx, the large carved portrayal of Khafre with the body of a lion guarding the Giza Plateau. After lunch you will visit the huge Grand Egyptian Museum, decades in the planning and building, the museum now houses an enormous collection of artefacts from Ancient Egypt.
Day 3 Cairo: Old Cairo & Cookery Class
Cairo is a city with many layers of history with various civilisations making the city their home. Islamic Cairo dates to the 10th century and is crowned by the 12th century citadel, built by Salahdin. For centuries it was the seat of the Egyptian government and now sits amongst the Mamluk buildings which make up so much of Old Cairo’s heritage. Enjoy a wonder through the Citadel’s mosques and enjoy the views out over the city before you had to Coptic Cairo where ancient walls guard not just historic churches but mosques and synagogues. Take a look around the Egyptian Museum of Civilisations to learn about the history you are surrounded by. This evening take part in a cookery class where you will learn some authentic Egyptian recipes after shopping for the ingredients in the market.
Day 4 Cairo – Luxor: Day Train
Board the train this morning for the journey south following the Nile Valley. Passing through farmland and villages you’ll get glimpses into Egyptian life as well as having the opportunity to meet fellow passengers. Your destination today is Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and one of the capitals of Ancient Egypt.
Day 5 Luxor: Valleys of the Kings, Queens, Workers & Nobles
Today you will visit some of Aswan’s main sites, including the beautiful Philae Temple, passing the Nile Dam, an engineering miracle built in the 1960s to regulate the flow of the Nile. The Temple of Philae is a well-preserved monument and was the centre of the cult of Isis. Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, a gigantic obelisk weighing 200 tonnes dating from the new kingdom era that lies in an ancient granite quarry. This afternoon visit the Nubian Museum, established in association with UNESCO to preserve the ancient Nubian culture. Then end the day with a visit to Aswan’s souq, a treasure trove of all kinds of different goods, from spices and peanuts to henna powder and flowers, as well as carpets, talismans, and much more.
Day 6 Luxor: Karnak & Luxor Temples
Begin your dawn exploration at the Karnak Temple Complex, where 134 colossal columns rise like a stone forest in the Hypostyle Hall. As you head further into the temple your guide will reveal hieroglyphs and ancient rituals honouring Amun-Ra. Enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure before moving on to the magnificent Luxor temple later in the afternoon. Marvel at Ramses II's colossal statues and the winter solstice alignment that showcases Egyptian astronomical genius. The afternoon light creates magical shadows across ancient walls, as the stones appear to glow. This evening turn your attention to modern Egypt with a visit to a local family for dinner.
Day 7 Luxor - Aswan: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
Set off by road for Aswan today, first visiting Edfu, a remarkably well-preserved temple and the largest in the Nile Valley after Karnak. Supposedly built on the site of the final battle between the Gods Horus and Seth, the temple was built in the 3rd century BC and lay buried under sand for centuries before being unearthed by the French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in the 1860s. Continue south enjoying spectacular scenery as it changes from lush greenery to desert. Stop at the riverside temple of Kom Ombo, the only temple in the Nile Valley that is dedicated to two gods - Haroeris and Sobek. You arrive in Aswan late afternoon and can enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 8 Aswan: Philae Temple & the High Dam
A boat journey will take you to the Temple of Philae this morning. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was moved 500m when the High Aswan Dam flooded the area in order to save it from submersion. The temple is home to a beautiful pavillion with large columns and a grand entrance built by Hadrian along with an ancient Nilometre. This morning you will also take in the Unfinished Obelisk and the High Aswan Dam. This evening explore the souk in Aswan, a treasure trove of all kinds of different goods, from spices and peanuts to henna powder and flowers, as well as carpets, talismans and much more.
Day 9 Aswan: Nubian Culture & The Nile
The region of Nubia which stretches south from Aswan was home to some of Africa’s earliest civilisations and the Nubian people still have their own languages, traditions and customs. There are a number of Nubian villages in the Aswan area which welcome visitors with their brightly painted houses and also a Nubian Museum, established in association with UNESCO to preserve the ancient Nubian culture. Spend the morning delving into the Nubian culture before taking to the water this afternoon on a felucca, a traditional sailing boat and sail around the islands in the Nile. Disembark on Kitchener Island and take a stroll around the Botanical Gardens before returning to your hotel.
Day 10 Aswan: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Le Riad Hotel De Charme, Cairo
Located in the centre of charismatic Old Cairo, this charming boutique hotel takes its inspiration from the traditional Ottoman houses and architecture of the area. Le Riad has 16 suites, all of which are decorated in rich, warm colors, Fatimid textiles, and artwork from numerous talented local artists, some also offering a private balcony. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding streets of Old Cairo from the rooftop restaurant, which also offers some delicious local cuisine. Although the location does mean street noise and traffic to get there, this is often balanced with the wonderful feeling of being in the heart of Old Cairo, with easy access to all it has to offer (and the rooms include ear plugs for those light sleepers!).
Steigenberger Resort Achti, Luxor
The Achti Resort benefits from its location on the east bank of the Nile with a number of rooms with balconies overlooking the river, the perfect location from which to watch the sunset. Rooms are all large and well-appointed, others have views to the city and the gardens and some also enjoy a jacuzzi bath. There are plenty of choices available for dining with an international buffet, Italian and Middle Eastern restaurants as well as two pool bars and a cocktail bar. The swimming pool and gardens offer a perfect space to relax and take in the views of the Nile.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.OTHER ITINERARIES IN EGYPT
Check out our group tours in Egypt
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Egypt. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Egypt