16-Day Egypt Tour , Nile Cruise, Culture, Oases & Dahabiya

Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy your first impressions of Cairo, the vibrant capital on the Nile.

Overnight: Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah

Today you will visit the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world. Discover the magnificent treasures of the pharaohs, including colossal statues, beautifully decorated sarcophagi, and priceless funerary artifacts. Your Egyptologist guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of Ancient Egypt.

In the evening, explore the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Wander through its narrow alleys, browse traditional handicrafts and oriental spices, and experience the unique atmosphere of one of the oldest markets in the Middle East.

Overnight: Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
Meals: Breakfast

Today you will discover the origins of ancient Egyptian monumental architecture. At Saqqara, visit the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser, the world’s oldest monumental stone structure.

Continue to Memphis, the first capital of unified Egypt, where you will see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx.

Your day concludes at Dahshur, home to the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. Both monuments represent a decisive step in the development of the classic pyramid and are masterpieces of King Sneferu’s reign.

Overnight: Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
Meals: Breakfast

Today you will visit one of Egypt’s greatest highlights: the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Admire the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, along with the mysterious Great Sphinx, which has guarded the necropolis for over 4,500 years.

Afterward, travel west to Bahariya Oasis, the gateway to Egypt’s Western Desert. Upon arrival, visit the Salt Lake and the natural springs of Bir El-Ghaba. At sunset, enjoy breathtaking views from English Mountain before ending the day around a campfire with traditional Bedouin music.

Overnight: Aliyah Eco-Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, begin your 4x4 safari through the remarkable Black Desert, where volcanic hills rise dramatically above the golden sands.

Visit Al-Haiz Oasis before continuing to Crystal Mountain, famous for its sparkling quartz formations, one of Egypt’s most extraordinary natural landmarks.

In the evening, arrive at your desert camp near Farafra. Enjoy a traditional dinner beneath one of the clearest star-filled skies in the Sahara.

Overnight: Desert Camp (Tent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today you will explore the breathtaking White Desert National Park, one of Egypt’s most spectacular natural wonders. Over millions of years, wind and sand have sculpted incredible white limestone formations resembling mushrooms, animals, and giant sculptures.

Enjoy the peaceful silence of the desert before spending another unforgettable night beneath the stars.

Overnight: Desert Camp (Tent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy one final morning in the magical White Desert before continuing your journey across the Libyan Desert to the lush Dakhla Oasis.

After lunch, visit the historic village of El Qasr, where remarkably preserved mudbrick houses, winding alleyways, and medieval mosques offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional oasis life.

Overnight: Shanda Desert Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Travel to Kharga Oasis, the largest oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert.

Visit the Temple of Hibis, the oasis’ most important temple, built during the Persian Period and later expanded by the Ptolemies and Romans. Dedicated to Amun, it is renowned for its remarkably preserved reliefs and inscriptions.

Continue to El Bagawat, one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved early Christian cemeteries, famous for its domed tombs and exceptional wall paintings. A walk through Kharga town offers an authentic impression of everyday oasis life.

Overnight: Rowad Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, leave Kharga Oasis and return to the fertile Nile Valley. The drive to Luxor takes approximately 3.5–4 hours and offers a striking contrast between the endless desert landscape and the lush green banks of the Nile.

Upon arrival in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and former capital of the New Kingdom, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight: Jolie Ville Hotel & Spa Kings Island Luxor
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today you will explore the magnificent West Bank of ancient Thebes.

Optional: Early morning hot air balloon flight over Luxor.

Visit the Valley of the Kings, burial place of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom, before continuing to the spectacular Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.

Next, discover Deir el-Medina, the village of the royal craftsmen, and visit the beautifully preserved tombs of Sennedjem and Inherkhau.

Continue to the noble tombs of Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, whose vivid scenes depict daily life, religious ceremonies, and ancient Egyptian funerary traditions.

End the day at the impressive Colossi of Memnon, the monumental statues of Amenhotep III.

Overnight: Jolie Ville Hotel & Spa Kings Island Luxor
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious complex ever built in Ancient Egypt. Highlights include the Great Hypostyle Hall, Queen Hatshepsut’s obelisks, and the Sacred Lake.

Continue to Luxor Temple, beautifully situated in the heart of modern Luxor and once connected to Karnak by the famous Avenue of Sphinxes.

Later, transfer to Esna and board your elegant Dahabiya sailing boat. After settling into your comfortable cabin, begin your relaxing Nile voyage toward Aswan. During the afternoon, stop at a peaceful Nile island and enjoy a walk before watching the sunset away from the crowds.

Overnight: Dahabiya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel by traditional horse-drawn carriage through Edfu to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, the best-preserved temple in Ancient Egypt. Your guide will explain the fascinating mythology of Horus and the remarkable temple reliefs.

Continue sailing to the peaceful Besaou Island, where you will experience authentic rural Upper Egypt. Walk through the village, meet local residents, and enjoy tea by the Nile while watching the sunset.

Overnight: Dahabiya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Visit Gebel el-Silsila, the ancient sandstone quarries that supplied stone for many of Egypt’s greatest temples. Explore rock-cut shrines, inscriptions, and small temples carved into the cliffs.

Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Highlights include ancient medical reliefs and the nearby Crocodile Museum.

Enjoy dinner aboard while your Dahabiya is peacefully anchored along the Nile.

Overnight: Dahabiya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Arrive in the beautiful city of Aswan.

Visit the magnificent Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO rescue campaign.

Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, where you will gain fascinating insight into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques.

Finish the day at the Aswan High Dam, one of the twentieth century’s greatest engineering achievements and the creator of Lake Nasser.

After the tour, check in to the Obelisk Nile Hotel Aswan.

Overnight: Obelisk Nile Hotel Aswan
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After an early breakfast, travel to Abu Simbel.

The magnificent rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari are among Ancient Egypt’s greatest monuments and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about their fascinating history and the extraordinary relocation project that saved them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Return to Aswan in the afternoon.

Later, enjoy a traditional felucca sailing trip at sunset. Glide peacefully past granite islands, the Botanical Garden, and the scenic Nile landscape before checking into your hotel.

Overnight: Obelisk Nile Hotel Aswan
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo and your onward international departure.

Leave Egypt with unforgettable memories of its timeless monuments, extraordinary landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.