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      Classic Egypt
      Price guide
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        Classic Egypt

        Duration11 days
        Ideal time to visitOctober–April
        Price guide
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        Travel back in time as you discover Egypt's ancient beginnings, from the pyramids to magnificent temples. Your adventure begins with a few days getting to know Cairo and taking in some of the most popular sights, including Saqqara and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Then it’s on to Luxor where you’ll board your luxury Nile cruise for four nights. After a return flight to Abu Simbel, you then return to Cairo for three final nights.

        Trip highlights

        • Spend a day exploring ancient pyramids at Saqqara and Giza
        • Visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple in Luxor
        • Cruise along the Nile to the towering temple of Edfu
        • Marvel at the temples at Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II
        • Immerse yourself in the captivating Nubian community
        • Venture to a jazz club or belle-époque cafe in Cairo by night
        Marvelling at Abu Simbel
        Up close at the temple of Edfu
        Aboard the Oberoi Zahra
        archaeological complex of Great Egyptian Pyramids is located on the Giza plateau, in the Libyan desert, on the left bank of the Nile. Pyramids of Cheops Khufu. Cairo, Egypt.
        Sunset over the pyramids of Giza
        Majestic temple remains at Karnak

        Our bespoke trips include

        We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

        • Luxury accommodation throughout
        • Privately guided tours
        • Private transfers
        • Meticulously selected experiences
        • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
        Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance

        Itinerary in detail

        Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

        Days 1–4

        Explore the wonders of Cairo

        Set on the banks of the Nile, Egypt’s capital Cairo is steeped in history. Its astonishing heritage sites and diverse neighbourhoods, both modern and traditional, enthral. Known as the ‘city of a thousand minarets’ due to its concentration of Islamic architecture, Cairo is a vibrant multicultural hub. Take some time to wander the streets of Old Cairo to witness the rich tapestry of the three major monotheistic religions that have left their mark on this extraordinary place and spend a whole day visiting Saqqara and the Great Pyramid of Giza.

        Explore Cairo

        Ancient knowledge

        Old Cairo

        Sightseeing

        An expert briefing

        Meet with an expert academic Egyptologist for a private meeting that will help you to understand the fascinating history of this incredible part of the world. You will gain a basic understanding of ancient Egyptian sacred art and hieroglyphics, the fundamental principles around tombs and the afterlife.

        Explore Old Cairo

        Step back in time and delve into the captivating history of Old Cairo (Fustat), a city that emerged in 641 as the seat of power for Egypt’s first Muslim rulers. Flourishing for centuries, it experienced a tragic turn of events in 1168 when its young ruler, King Athid, set it ablaze to prevent its capture by the Crusaders. Today, amidst ongoing restoration efforts, it remains an extraordinary place.

        Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation

        Embark on an extraordinary journey through time at the magnificent National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). Opened in 2021, this meticulously designed museum invites you to step into a world of wonder” a vast collection of 50,000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric eras to the present.

        Discover the pyramids

        Giza and Saqqara

        Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only one remains today: The Great Pyramid of Giza. Before you visit Giza though, you’ll visit the more ancient pyramid site of Saqqara, where you’ll learn about the history and evolution of these pyramid structures. You’ll then head to Giza which served as a way for kings to journey to the next world and emerge as gods. The Great Sphinx with its head of a man and body of a lion, gazes imposingly across the valley.

        Days 4–5

        Cruise the Nile from Luxor to Aswan

        You will spend the next four nights onboard the Oberoi Zahra, relaxing in luxury as you sail along the waters of the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Luxor was once the ancient city of Thebes, renowned for its captivating ruins, and here you will bask in the magnificence of the temple of Karnak, before heading to Luxor temple when evening falls to see it light up the night sky like a beacon. Conclude your time in Luxor with an exploration of the Valley of Kings and the mystical West Bank, where you’ll encounter remarkably preserved burial chambers and delve into the intriguing legends of the Pharaohs.

        On your route down the Nile, you’ll make stops at notable sites like the towering temple of Edfu, adorned with inscriptions depicting ancient battles. At the charming temple of Kom Ombo, you’ll learn about ancient Egyptian medicine and hygiene practices, while the adjacent museum will fascinate you with its preserved crocodile mummies.

        Nile highlights

        Karnak

        Luxor

        The West Bank

        Edfu

        Kom Ombo

        The great columns at the Karnak Temple in Luxor Thebes Egypt

        Karnak Temple

        Karnak reigns as the pinnacle of Luxor’s sacred landscape. As the earthly abode of the sun god Amun-Re, Karnak held immense significance in the spiritual tapestry of ancient Egypt, showcasing a breathtaking ensemble of shrines, obelisks, and temples.

        Luxor Temple

        Revel in the atmosphere and cooler temperatures on an evening visit to Luxor temple. These statues and the obelisk were signs of fertility and prosperity. The temple of Luxor dates to 1400 BCE and was intended for priests rather than the general public. This is also the site where kings were crowned. Alexander the Great claimed to have been crowned at Luxor, but in fact it is unlikely he travelled this far south.

        In the Valley of Kings

        The mystical West Bank of Luxor, once the renowned necropolis of Thebes, is symbolically positioned where the sun bids its farewell.  This ethereal city of the departed embodies the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Admire the miraculously preserved burial chambers, like Queen Nefertari’s, and delve into legend as you witness the world-renowned discovery of Howard Carter – the complete tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun.

        Edfu Temple

        The towering temple of Edfu, also known as the temple of Horus, is extremely well preserved and dedicated to the falcon god, Horus. It’s believed to have been constructed during Ptolemaic times, about 200 BCE, later than many of Egypt’s key monuments. Today, the entire structure of the sanctuary – walls, floor and ceiling – remain intact.

        The Crocodile Temple

        The enchanting temple of Kom Ombo lies midway between Luxor and Aswan.It’s dedicated to both Horus, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, who represents earthly instincts and was revered out of fear. This unique double temple embodies the idea that good and bad reside within each of us. To honour Sobek, priests once selected living crocodiles to reside in this sacred space. Today, preserved crocodile mummies can be seen at the adjacent museum.

        Days 7–8

        Aswan and a detour to Abu Simbel

        As your journey nears its end, a detour will take you to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel where you’ll marvel at the monumental temples built by Ramses II to demonstrate the might and glory of Egypt – and stand in awe before the colossal twin statues carved into the mountainside. You’ll return to your boat by air, for a visit to a Nubian village along the banks of the Nile, a tour of Aswan Dam and the remarkable temple of Philae, and your final night on the water.

        Local highlights

        Temples

        Nubian culture

        The Aswan dam

        Exploring Abu Simbel

        The remarkable temples Abu Simbel feature 20m tall twin statues of Ramses II carved into the mountainside. Knee high to Ramses, you’ll see his wife Queen Nefertari and his children, their diminutive form indicative of their lower status. The rescue story of these monuments from the rising waters of Lake Nasser is also remarkable – the monuments were cut into blocks and then moved, stone by stone, to more elevated land.

        Experience Nubian hospitality

        In Aswan, you can meet the Nubian community of Egypt. The Nubians, an ethnic group hailing from Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt, have been an integral part of the Nile region for centuries, renowned for their expertise in trading. Your tour will take you beyond the surface, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of the Nubian people, led by villagers themselves.

        Visiting Lake Nasser

        Much of what you see in Aswan is in some way connected with the momentous damming of the Nile here during the 1960s to control the annual flooding and create Lake Nasser. The ambitious project took decades to complete. The scale of the engineering works is impressive and standing at the top of the dam you will enjoy sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding arid desert scenery.

        Days 8–11

        Return to Cairo for three final nights

        Finally, your trip draws slowly to a close with three nights back in Cairo where you’ll get to discover more about modern day Egypt and how this city specifically has been shaped by the past. Enjoy a night on the town in Downtown Cairo, discover the best of Egypt’s contemporary art and design scene, and visit the Adly Street Synagogue.

        Exploring the city

        Current affairs

        Cairo by night

        Contemporary culture

        Synagogue

        Expert insight

        Step away from the ruins of the past and explore the Egypt of today as you meet with an expert speaker for an approximately hour long briefing. Your guide for this fascinating talk will be either a journalist, writer, risk analyst and think tank professional who will be able to explain the current state of affairs in Egypt today. Topics covered will include the Arab Spring and how the country has been shaped since then. You will discuss the main opportunities and challenges in Egyptian politics, society and economy, along with an explanation on the role of the military and much more.

        View of Nile river with El Gezira, zamalek, cairo tower

        Explore Cairo with a local guide

        Embark on an evening exploration of the vibrant city alongside a knowledgeable local resident, well-versed in the captivating food and drink scene. Together, you’ll venture into the wide promenades of Downtown Cairo to discover the bustling shopping scene, diverse culinary delights and elegant belle-époque cafes before the evening ends atop a rooftop bar.

        A curated cultural tour

        Enjoy a journey through one of Cairo’s most luxurious neighbourhoods, where modernity meets Egyptian art and design in a harmonious blend. You’ll visit four unique venues, each showcasing the best of Egypt’s contemporary art and design scene including Egypt’s premier modern bookstore, contemporary fabrics, Egyptian jewellery and a photographic art gallery.

        Cairo synagogue visit

        This immersive experience is a must for those passionate about Jewish history and heritage. Explore Elephantine Island, where the earliest recorded Jewish presence dates back to Jewish mercenaries. Learn about the renowned Medieval Jewish community of Cairo, home to influential figures like Maimonides. Delve into the 19th-century influx of Jewish immigrants from the Ottoman Empire, Italy and Greece. And witness how the Jewish community became deeply integrated into Cairo’s society, leaving an indelible mark on trade, art, culture, newspapers, and cinema.

        Why book with Jacada

        Personalised design illustration image

        We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

        Authentic experiences illustration image

        Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

        Positive Impact illustration image

        We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

        Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline