Introduction to Egypt
(9 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, luxury Nile River cruise, Abu Simbel
This tour provides comprehensive private touring of Egypt’s most popular destinations. Artisans of Leisure travelers are escorted throughout Egypt by one of the country’s top private Egyptologist guides (including on the luxury Nile River cruise) and have their own private drivers in each location.
First, experience Cairo as an insider—our tours offer the most in-depth, sophisticated Cairo touring available. Visit the most interesting cultural attractions in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Hanging Church. Tour our favorite neighborhoods, which are filled with beautiful Fatimid, Islamic, Mameluk, Ottoman, Coptic and Art Deco architecture. See well-preserved medieval residences formerly occupied by wealthy merchants. Walk through fascinating markets such as the renowned Khan al-Khalili bazaar. Also visit smaller and lesser-known museums dedicated to Islamic art, applied arts and Egyptian culture. If desired, we can also arrange visits to Cairo’s top boutiques and reservations at the best restaurants in town.
One day, take a private excursion to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO-listed necropolis of pyramids, tombs, temples and other monuments. See the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. Enjoy lunch with a view of the pyramids and if desired, venture inside the Great Pyramid. Also visit the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange VIP experiences such as exclusive access to well-preserved tombs that are not open to the public, private tours of conservation labs, visits with local artisans at the Ramses Wissa Wassef Arts Center and after-hours private tours of major sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.
Next, fly to Luxor, a bustling town built on the site of the ancient capital city of Thebes, and embark on a four-night luxury Nile River cruise. Throughout the cruise, Artisans of Leisure will arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide. During private touring in Luxor, visit Luxor Temple and the Karnak complex, Medinet Habu, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, including the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and tombs of King Tut and Seti I.
During your cruise, tour extraordinary archaeological sites such as the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo.
In Aswan, which is considered Egypt’s loveliest city, learn about Nubian life, history and crafts at the excellent Nubian Museum. Also visit highlights such as the stunning Temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. One day, fly to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and two spectacular monumental temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II and carved into sandstone cliffs.
Depending on your travel dates, this cruise is also available in reverse, from Aswan to Luxor.
The tour concludes with one night in Cairo.
| Itinerary Overview |
| Day 1Arrive Cairo VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nightsDay 2Cairo & the Pyramids of GizaFull-day private excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian MuseumDay 3Cairo Full-day private city tourDay 4Cairo – LuxorPrivate transfer to airport for flight to Luxor. Private touring on arrival of the Luxor and Karnak temples. Embark on Nile River cruise for 4 nightsDay 5Luxor – EsnaMorning private tour of Valley of the Kings and Queens, including the tombs of King Tut and Seti I. Sail to Esna for overnightDay 6Esna – Edfu – Kom OmboSail to Edfu for private tour of the Temple of Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo for private tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo and overnightDay 7Kom Ombo – AswanSail to Aswan for private touring of the High Dam, Temple of Philae and other sights around Aswan. Sunset private motorboat or felucca rideDay 8Aswan & Abu Simbel – CairoDisembark cruise. Private transfer to airport for roundtrip flights to Abu Simbel. Private touring of Abu Simbel temples. Return to Aswan to connect to flight to Cairo. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 nightDay 9Depart CairoPrivate airport transfer. VIP departure assistance |
| Hotels |
| Cairo:Four Seasons Nile Plaza or The St. Regis CairoNile River Cruise:The Oberoi Philae or The Oberoi Zahra |
| Cost |
| Upon request |
Booking Information >
All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.
The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:
- Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
- Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
- Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
- Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
- Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
- A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
- Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
- Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world