Unforgettable 14 Days from Cairo to Siwa with a Luxurious Nile Cruise

Welcome to Egypt, the timeless land of the Pharaohs!
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind — relax by the pool or, if you arrive in the morning, join our fascinating Backstreets of Cairo Tour (departing 10am).

This optional experience takes you beyond the usual sights, uncovering the hidden gems of Egypt’s vibrant capital. Stroll through Downtown Cairo, explore the stunning mosques and monuments of El Moez Street in Islamic Cairo, witness daily life in Garbage City, and marvel at the remarkable Cave Church of St. Simon.

Optional Excursion: Backstreets Cairo Tour – approx. $45 per person
Overnight Stay: Cairo

After breakfast, your day begins with a guided visit to the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum — home to the priceless treasures of King Tutankhamun and countless other ancient wonders.

Next, journey to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, where history comes alive in the Royal Mummies Hall. Here, you’ll come face-to-face with 20 remarkably preserved mummies, including the legendary King Ramses II and the powerful Queen Hatshepsut.

Following this unforgettable experience, return to your hotel in Cairo and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure — perhaps relaxing by the pool or unwinding in the city.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast and check-out, get ready for one of the highlights of your journey — a guided tour of the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx.
Stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Cheops, once the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years and the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World. For the adventurous, there’s the option to step inside one of the pyramids and uncover its mysterious chambers. The tour also includes a visit to the Valley Temple, facing the mighty Sphinx.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading south to the Saqqara Necropolis, where you’ll explore the iconic Step Pyramid of King Zhoser, dating back to 2700 BC. Surrounded by ancient tombs and burial sites, Saqqara offers an incredible glimpse into Egypt’s earliest architectural achievements.

After this unforgettable day of exploration, return to your hotel for the evening.

Optional Excursion: The Pharaonic Village – approx. $45 per person
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Early in the morning at 6:00 am, we set off on a scenic drive from Cairo toward the Mediterranean coast. After around four hours, with a short rest stop along the way, we’ll arrive in the charming city of Marsa Matrouh. Here, enjoy a relaxing breakfast while admiring the picturesque views along the Corniche.

Afterward, the journey continues for another four hours, with a break at a rest house en route, until we reach the beautiful Fontas Island. Unwind with a cup of tea as you watch the magical sunset over the Mediterranean horizon, a perfect pause before completing our trip to Siwa.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax after the long but rewarding drive.

Overnight Stay: Siwa – Shali Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Begin your Siwa exploration with a visit to the historic Shali Fortress — a centuries-old mud-brick town built on a hill and once home to the oasis community. Its maze of narrow alleys and ancient structures reveals the ingenuity and resilience of those who lived here for nearly 800 years.

Next, step into legend at the Temple of the Oracle of Amun in Aghurmi. Famous for its connection to Alexander the Great, who came here seeking confirmation of his divine lineage, this sacred site offers fascinating stories that bridge ancient Egypt and Greek mythology.

Continue your journey with a refreshing dip in one of Siwa’s stunning salt lakes. With their high salt concentration, you’ll float effortlessly on the surface — a truly unique and healing experience. Just be sure to avoid getting water in your eyes, and rinse off afterward to fully enjoy its restorative benefits.

Then, dive into the crystal-clear waters of Cleopatra’s Pool — a natural spring where legend says the queen herself once bathed. Surrounded by palm trees and beauty, it’s the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate before savoring a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, get ready for adventure in the Great Sand Sea. Hop into a 4×4 Jeep for an exhilarating desert safari, complete with dune bashing, sandboarding, and a magical sunset. As the day ends, sip on traditional Siwan tea with local snacks while watching the golden sands glow under the setting sun.

Overnight Stay: Siwa – Shali Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Siwan Traditions, a fascinating place that brings Siwa’s unique culture to life. Here, you’ll discover artifacts, clothing, tools, and exhibits that reflect the everyday lives, customs, and traditions of the Siwan people — offering a deeper appreciation of their heritage.

Continue to the remarkable Bir Waheed Hot and Cold Springs, a natural wonder where hot and cold water sources exist side by side. Relax in the soothing hot spring, then cool off with a refreshing dip in the nearby cold spring — the perfect balance of rejuvenation and nature’s beauty.

Next, explore the Mountain of the Dead (Gebel Al Mawta), an extraordinary site just north of Shali. This conical hill is home to ancient tombs from the Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, and Roman eras. Admire the intricate rock-cut tombs, especially the famous Tomb of Si Amun, renowned for its artistic beauty and historical significance.

In the afternoon, experience the unique traditions of Dakrur Mountain. Known for its cultural gatherings and healing practices, this site is famous for sand-burial therapy, where visitors are immersed in hot sands as a natural treatment for ailments like arthritis, gout, and joint pain. This therapeutic ritual, practiced between June and September, offers both cultural immersion and potential healing benefits.

As evening falls, head out to the desert for an unforgettable night under the stars. Enjoy the serenity of the Sahara with an overnight stay at a desert camp.

Overnight Stay: Desert Camp – Siwa
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, set out on an exciting excursion to the Black Mountains. These striking volcanic hills, blanketed with layers of dark rock and powder, give the desert a dramatic appearance. The black stones, formed from volcanic jasper created by ancient eruptions, make this landscape both unique and captivating.

Continue your journey to the breathtaking Crystal Mountains, a natural wonder unlike anywhere else in the world. Sparkling with rare crystal formations that shimmer under the desert sun, this extraordinary site is a true geological treasure and an unforgettable highlight of your adventure.

As the day winds down, settle into your desert camp, where the stillness of the Sahara and a sky filled with stars create the perfect atmosphere for a magical overnight stay.

Overnight Stay: Desert Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day with a visit to El Qasr Village, a remarkable settlement where history lives on through its multi-story mud-brick houses dating back to the Ottoman and Mamluk eras. Many of these structures were built upon stone blocks engraved with hieroglyphic inscriptions, originally taken from the nearby Temple of Thoth in Al-Amhadah (Trimethis City). Walking through its narrow lanes feels like stepping back in time.

Next, explore the ancient Temple of Deir El Hagar, a stunning Roman-era monument. Its walls bear the cartouches of four emperors, along with contributions from other Roman rulers. The temple’s most recent inscription dates to the 3rd century AD, and the entire complex is still enclosed by a remarkably well-preserved mud-brick wall, adding to its grandeur.

Continue your adventure in the mesmerizing Yellow Desert, famous for its dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations. Here, you’ll encounter the Camel Rock and the intriguing Painted Rock, natural wonders shaped by time and desert winds.

As the sun sets, return to your desert camp for a peaceful overnight stay surrounded by the vast Sahara.

Overnight Stay: Desert Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your morning with a visit to the magnificent Temple of Hibis, the only surviving monument from Egypt’s Persian Sawi era (660–330 BC). This extraordinary temple reflects layers of history, blending influences from the Pharaonic, Persian, and Greco-Roman periods. Dedicated to the Theban Holy Trinity — Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, it stands as a rare and remarkable treasure.

Afterward, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in the oasis, before exploring the historic Christian tombs and the Nadora Fortress area in Kharga’s old town, each offering unique insights into the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

Later in the day, you’ll transfer to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and one of Egypt’s greatest open-air museums.

Overnight Stay: Luxor
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to your luxurious Nile Cruise, your floating hotel for the coming days. Before lunch, begin your exploration of Luxor’s East Bank with a guided visit to the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak.

Walk along the magnificent Avenue of Sphinxes, then step into history at the Unfinished Propylon and the vast Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 towering columns. Marvel at the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III, admire the lotus and papyrus motifs in the Temple of Amun, and don’t miss the Granite Scarab of Amenophis III or the tranquil Sacred Lake.

In the evening, continue to the majestic Luxor Temple, a 3,400-year-old masterpiece dedicated to the Theban Triad — Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Expanded and enhanced by generations of pharaohs, this temple’s towering columns, intricate reliefs, and grand statues tell the story of Egypt’s golden age. Once the setting of the grand Opet Festival, the temple remains one of Egypt’s most iconic sites.

Return to your cruise for afternoon tea, a delicious dinner, and a relaxing night on board in Luxor.

Overnight Stay: 5-Star Nile Cruise – Luxor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast on board, cross to Luxor’s West Bank for a journey deep into ancient history. Begin with the world-famous Valley of the Kings, the eternal resting place of Egypt’s pharaohs. Here, you’ll explore richly decorated tombs carved into the desert cliffs, each telling the story of a powerful dynasty.

Next, stand before the towering Colossi of Memnon — two monumental statues of Amenhotep III, gazing across the Nile for more than 3,000 years. Their sheer size and presence make them one of Luxor’s most iconic landmarks.

Continue to the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari, a masterpiece of ancient architecture dedicated to Egypt’s legendary female pharaoh. Nestled against dramatic cliffs, this temple is both an artistic and historical wonder, offering breathtaking views of the valley.

Return to your cruise for a delightful lunch as the ship begins sailing towards Esna, where your Nile adventure continues.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor – approx. $120 per person
Overnight Stay: 5-Star Nile Cruise – Edfu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast on board before visiting the awe-inspiring Temple of Horus in Edfu. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus of Behedet, this is one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt and a shining example of Ptolemaic architecture. Measuring over 140 meters in length and covering around 7,000 square meters, its towering pylons, detailed reliefs, and sacred chambers make it an unforgettable highlight of your Nile journey.

After enjoying a delicious lunch back on the cruise, continue your adventure with a visit to the unique Temple of Kom Ombo. This extraordinary double temple is dedicated to two gods — Sobek, the crocodile deity, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Its perfectly symmetrical design features twin entrances, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries, symbolizing the divine balance between the two gods.

Return to your ship for a relaxing afternoon tea, followed by dinner on board as you continue sailing the Nile under the starlit sky.

Overnight Stay: 5-Star Nile Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast on board before heading out to explore the magical Temple of Philae, dedicated to the beloved goddess Isis. This breathtaking sanctuary, saved from the rising waters by UNESCO, was carefully relocated to its current island setting — a place designed to mirror its original home. Surrounded by tranquil waters and lush scenery, Philae Temple offers an enchanting glimpse into ancient Egyptian devotion and artistry.

After returning to the cruise for a delightful lunch, enjoy a peaceful felucca ride on the Nile, gliding past Kitchener’s Island with its exotic gardens and the elegant Aga Khan Mausoleum on the riverbank.

Later in the day, visit the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that transformed Egypt’s landscape. Built between 1960 and 1968, and officially inaugurated in 1971, this massive dam created the vast Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes.

Conclude your day with afternoon tea, followed by a delightful dinner on board as you soak in the serene atmosphere of Aswan.

Overnight Stay: 5-Star Nile Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying your final breakfast on board, it’s time to bid farewell to the magical Nile. Our representative will assist you with a smooth transfer to your chosen destination in Aswan — whether it’s the airport, train station, or your hotel.

This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Egypt, filled with timeless memories of ancient wonders and modern comforts.

Meals Included: Breakfast