Luxury Grand Tour of Egypt

Duration 13 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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Discover the wonders of Egypt on a 15 day trip, starting in the capital of Cairo where you'll admire the ancient pyramid site of Saqqara. You’ll then head to Alexandria and visit all three of the pyramids at Giza along with the imposing Great Sphinx, before exploring the temples in Abu Simbel and immersing yourself in the captivating Nubian community of Aswan. You'll then sail along the same waters once governed by the pharaohs: the Nile is the gateway to many enchanting temples within Egypt, such as the peaceful Khnum Temple. After a stay in Luxor, during which you'll explore the mystical Valley of Kings, it will be time to enjoy a few days at leisure by the Red Sea, where snorkelling and quad-bike adventures await. Your Egyptian trip will conclude back in Cairo; marvel at the artefacts within the numerous museums or delve into art scenes and holy sites.

Highlights

  • Unravel the mysteries of Dam Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk
  • Embark on a magical evening visit to Luxor Temple
  • Witness ancient treasures at the Egyptian Museum
  • Marvel at the magnificent Pyramids

Bespoke trips with Jacada

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
  • Days 1–2 Cairo
  • Days 3–4 Alexandria
  • Days 5 Aswan & Abu Simbel
  • Days 6–8 Nile
  • Days 9 Luxor
  • Days 10–11 Red Sea
  • Days 12–15 Cairo
Luxury Grand Tour of Egypt
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–2 Cairo
  • Days 3–4 Alexandria
  • Days 5 Aswan & Abu Simbel
  • Days 6–8 Nile
  • Days 9 Luxor
  • Days 10–11 Red Sea
  • Days 12–15 Cairo

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 1–2

Two days in Cairo

Set on the banks of the NileEgypt’s capital Cairo is steeped in history. Its astonishing heritage sites and diverse neighbourhoods, both modern and traditional, enthral.  Just outside rests the Great Sphinx of Giza, the Pyramids of Giza rising extraordinarily from the sand behind.

Discover the traditional crafts and souvenirs made by Egyptian artisans within Khan el-Khalili, the Middle East’s largest bazaar, or enjoy delectable cuisine in the memorable dining spots of neighbourhoods like Zamalek, Downtown Cairo and Maadi.

Expert Briefing: Ancient Egypt

Meet with an expert academic Egyptologist today for a meeting that will help you to understand the fascinating history of this incredible part of the world. This briefing will help you to put into context the ancient Egyptian sites you will see, or have already seen, while on your adventure. You will also gain a basic understanding of ancient Egyptian sacred art and hieroglyphics, the fundamental principles around tombs and the afterlife and begin to grasp what was the concept of the afterlife, who got there, and how?

Saqqara and Dashur

Visit the ancient pyramid site of Saqqara where you’ll learn more about the history and evolution of these pyramid structures. At Saqqara, you will discover how the ancient Egyptians experimented with stepped pyramids, including the famous step pyramid of Djoser which is the oldest stone building complex in the world.

Astonishingly you will also learn how at Saqqara the Egyptians tried to rebuild entire worlds for use in the afterlife. If you would like to enter a pyramid you might consider doing so at Saqqara where it is less busy than Giza and some of the pyramids have inscriptions inside. You may also view the bent pyramid of Dashur. 

Days 3–4

Two days in Alexandria

Located on Egypt’s shores on the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria is a city with timeless allure and a captivating blend of history and culture. This coastal gem invites you to immerse yourself in a tapestry of ancient wonders, where legendary landmarks and architectural marvels stand as testaments to its rich heritage.

Historical highlights

Pyramids

Catacombs, towers and more

Sphinx carving in front of Egyptian pyramid with tourists below

Pyramids and Sphinx, half day tour

Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only one remains today: The Great Pyramid of Giza. These massive structures served as a way for kings to journey to the next world You will visit all three of the pyramids at Giza, and also get to see their collective grandeur from a panoramic view point. You will have a chance to enter a pyramid should you want to.

Proceed to the Great Sphinx with its head of a man and body of a lion, gazing imposingly across the valley and try to unravel some of the mysteries behind this monument together with your guide.

The past of Alexandria

For many years Alexandria was one of the most important cities in the world, its great library the repository of a world of scientific knowledge and literary achievement. The historic remains of the city include the fascinating catacombs which demonstrate the merging of Hellenic and Egyptian cultures and religions. Pompey’s Pillar towers more than 25 metres high and provides access to an ancient library.

You’ll also discover the Roman amphitheatre of Kom El Dekka, along with the impressive Citadel of Qaitbay which stands on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.

You can even visit the present-day great library of Alexandria which stands on the site of its famous antique predecessor which Caesar destroyed. 

Days 5

A brief stay in Aswan and Abu Simbel

Located along the majestic Nile River, Aswan and Abu Simbel offer a fascinating historical escape and picturesque landscapes. Explore the remarkable ancient temples that bear witness to a storied past, or embark on a leisurely cruise along the Nile.

Abu Simbel

Marvel at the temples at Abu Simbel which were built by Ramses II to demonstrate the might and glory of Egypt to the nearby Nabatean tribes. There are 20m tall twin statues of Ramses II carved into the mountainside as well as images of the king bearing the double crown of lower and upper Egypt. The great temple of Abu Simbel was dedicated to the sun god Amun, the god Ra-Horakhty and the god Ptah, and to the deified form of Ramses himself. 

Nubian Experience and Hospitality

Embark on a fascinating journey to Aswan, where you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating 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 precious goods such as gold and spices.

This tour takes you beyond the surface, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of the Nubian people. Interact with the locals, step inside their homes and discover their unique infrastructure. Accompanied by the villagers themselves, you can embark on a village tour, encountering remarkable ancient remnants that deviate from the typical tourist routes.

Days 6–8

Two days on a luxury Nile cruiser

Step back in time as you sail along the same waters once governed by the pharaohs. The Nile served as a vital highway, facilitating trade, transportation and communication between the bustling cities of Ancient Egypt.

The Oberoi Zahra is a great way to discover the magnificent temples and culture along the banks of the Nile and beyond. Perhaps you’ll visit the Gebel El Silsila, the narrowest site of the Nile, and explore the ancient quarries where Egyptians used to source materials.

Aswan: Dam, temple and unfinished obelisk

Much of what you will 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. Standing at the top of the dam you will enjoy sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding arid desert scenery. Perhaps you’ll continue to the temple of Philae, an outstanding temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis and dating back to the Ptolemaic age of about 690 BCE, that is accessed by motorboat.

Next you will visit the unfinished obelisk which was ordered by Pharaoh Hatshepsut (1508–1458 BC), and had it been finished it would have been the largest obelisk around at over 40 metres. Today it gives fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian engineering and stone cutting techniques.

Temples galore

The crocodile temple

The temple of horus

Esna's temple

Kom Ombo

Visit the enchanting temple of Kom Ombo, nestled on the picturesque banks of the Nile River, midway between Luxor and Aswan. This magnificent temple traces its origins back to the Ptolemaic dynasty around 200 BCE and holds a captivating tale of dual deities. Dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God symbolising keen vision and the love of the people, and Sobek, the crocodile god representing earthly instincts and revered out of fear, this unique double temple embodies the profound notion that within each of us reside both good and bad.

Edfu Temple

Today you will get the chance to explore the iconic, towering temple of Edfu, also known as the temple of Horus. Extremely well preserved and dedicated to the falcon god, Horus, this huge structure lies on the west bank of the river Nile.

Temple of Khnum

Venture south of Luxor today to the town of Esna to explore its famous temple dedicated to the god Khnum, as well as his consorts and son, and the goddess Neith. Khnum temple is often peaceful and, with less tourists visiting, you should get to experience an exclusive and meaningful visit here. A tour of the temple will reveal stunning remains as well as centuries of sand and dirt debris that still shroud around half of the ruins – creating a dramatic juxtaposition.

Days 9

A brief stay in Luxor

Luxor is known today as the world’s window into the history of Ancient Egypt. It was once the ancient city of Thebes and is home to archaeological sites including the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, and the majestic temple complex of Karnak.

Here you can also enjoy a private visit to the stunning tomb of Queen Nefertari, where the hieroglyphs and illustrations that adorn the walls are still so vibrant it’s hard to even comprehend their long history.

Make it mine

Royal Tombs

Night adventures

Temple complex

Valley of the Kings and the West Bank

Explore the mystical West Bank of Luxor, once the renowned necropolis of Thebes. 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, where vivid colors defy the passage of millennia. Delve into legend as you witness the world-renowned discovery of Howard Carter—the complete tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun, adorned with treasures and provisions for his celestial transition. 

Luxor Temple Evening Visit

Revel in the atmosphere, glowing light and cooler temperatures on your evening visit to Luxor temple.  These statues and the obelisk were signs of fertility and prosperity and were capped with precious metals to capture the light so everyone could find their way to the temples. This is also the site where kings were crowned.

Karnak Temple

Experience the awe-inspiring marvel that is the Karnak Temple, situated in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. It comes as no surprise that Luxor and its surroundings boast an unparalleled concentration of temples, tombs, and monuments, with Karnak reigning as the pinnacle of this 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.

Days 10–11

Two days at leisure at the Red Sea

Enjoy the beautiful beach destination of the Red Sea – a place for true relaxation or fun activities, the choice is yours. Whether relaxing by the pool, sipping a refreshing drink, or taking a boat for a scuba diving adventure beneath the warm waters there’s something for everyone. The waters here are known to have some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world.

For those looking to explore the region away from the beach there’s plenty of interesting things to do such as visiting fishing villages, UNESCO heritage sites and scaling majestic sand dunes for quad biking adventures.

Days 12–15

Four days in Cairo

You’ll spend the last leg of your trip in Cairo. Perhaps you’ll embark on an extraordinary journey through time at the magnificent National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), with its collection of over 50,000 artefacts, or explore the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world at the Egyptian Museum.

You might wish to step away from the ruins of the past and explore the Egypt of today as you meet with an expert speaker. Your guide for this fascinating talk will be either a journalist, writer, risk analyst or think tank professional who will be able to explain the current state of affairs in Egypt today.

Highlights of Cairo

Holy sites

Jewish history

Art scenes

Night explorations

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.

Today, amidst ongoing restoration efforts, you can witness the rich tapestry of the three major monotheistic religions that have left their indelible mark on this extraordinary place. Embark on a journey where the echoes of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism resound harmoniously. Explore the revered holy sites, subject to restoration works, that stand as testament to the religious and cultural diversity of the region.

Cairo Synagogue Visit

Discover the enthralling history of Jews in Egypt, from ancient times to the present. 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, drawn by the Suez Canal’s trading opportunities. Witness how the Jewish community became deeply integrated into Cairo’s society, leaving an indelible mark on trade, art, culture, newspapers and cinema.

Curated Cairo

Departing from the ancient wonders, you will delve into the realm of successful female entrepreneurs, exploring their inspiring stories and the exceptional establishments they have created. This curated tour offers an exclusive collection of four unique venues, each showcasing the best of Egypt’s contemporary art and design scene including Egypt’s premier modern bookstore.

You will also get to delight in the finest craftsmanship of the region, as traditional artisan techniques are intertwined with contemporary designs, resulting in luxurious fabricss that embody both elegance and heritage. 

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

Cairo by Night

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 Downtown Cairo, a charming district that has retained its character since its establishment in the 1860s.

Discover the bustling shopping scene and diverse culinary offerings ranging from authentic eateries to elegant belle-époque cafes. You’ll visit various stops, including a place renowned for serving Egypt’s national dish, Koshary, and culminate the evening with a refreshing beer atop a rooftop bar in a vintage hotel. 

Historical highlights of Cairo

 Citadel & Mohammed Ali Mosque

Explore the iconic Cairo Citadel, a historic fortress initially built in 1183 CE by Salah El Din, the esteemed Arab conqueror and leader. Discover the captivating history of the Arab, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods, delving into the rise of Mohammed Ali and the final dynasties of Egypt.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Byzantine Ottoman architecture as you visit the remarkable Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali. If you have a particular interest in Islamic architecture, please inform your guide, and if time permits, we will endeavour to include a visit to the nearby and awe-inspiring Sultan Hassan Mosque as well.

Manshiyat Nasser discovery with visit to the Cave Church

Meet Adham, a well-known character in Cairo, who appears in feature length documentary film; Garbage Dreams. During your time with him you will gain first-hand insight into life in Manshiyat Nasser, also known as ‘Garbage City’.

The population in this part of the city supports themselves by collecting the garbage from Cairo’s 20 million residents, sorting through it and creating an impressive recycling system. During your tour you will spend your time at the incredible St Saaman’s cave church which has arena style seating for 15,000 people and is the largest church in the Middle East.

Why book with Jacada

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Personalised design

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

Authentic experiences

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

Positive impact

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