Discover the Wonders of Egypt: 18 Days Tour to Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Cruise, and Desert Safari
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure through Egypt’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes? An 18-day tour exploring Cairo, Alexandria, the majestic Nile River via cruise, and the exhilarating desert safari offers a perfect blend of ancient marvels and modern attractions. This comprehensive journey provides travelers with a deep dive into Egypt’s heritage, scenic beauty, and thrilling desert experiences, making it an ideal vacation for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and culture lovers alike.
Your Egyptian adventure begins in Cairo, the bustling capital renowned for its iconic monuments and vibrant street life. Spend several days exploring the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, symbols of Egypt’s ancient civilization. Visit the Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of artifacts including the treasures of Tutankhamun, to immerse yourself in Egypt’s royal history.
Stroll through the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can shop for traditional crafts, spices, and jewelry. Don’t miss the chance to experience authentic Egyptian cuisine in local restaurants, offering dishes like koshari and falafel. Cairo’s vibrant street life and historical sites make it a city that truly encapsulates Egypt’s timeless charm.
After exploring Cairo’s ancient wonders, a short journey westward takes you to Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city and a Mediterranean port with a rich history influenced by Greek, Roman, and Islamic civilizations. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern marvel inspired by the ancient Library of Alexandria, symbolizing knowledge and learning.
Explore the Qaitbay Citadel, a 15th-century fortress located on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Walk along the scenic Corniche promenade, enjoy fresh seafood by the sea, and relax on the city’s beautiful beaches. Alexandria offers a unique blend of history, seaside charm, and modern Egyptian culture.
One of the highlights of this tour is cruising along the legendary Nile River. Embark on a luxurious Nile cruise that takes you from Luxor to Aswan, passing through some of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites. This journey offers a relaxing way to see iconic monuments like the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Karnak Temple.
Enjoy onboard amenities, delicious Egyptian cuisine, and nightly entertainment as you sail through the heart of Egypt’s ancient lands. The Nile cruise provides a unique perspective on Egypt’s history, allowing you to soak in the scenic beauty of the riverbanks dotted with historic temples and villages.
No Egyptian tour is complete without experiencing the thrill of a desert safari. Venture into the vast, golden sands of the Sahara Desert, where you can ride quad bikes, enjoy camel treks, and witness breathtaking desert sunsets. Many safari tours also include visits to Bedouin villages, offering insights into traditional desert life.
For an extra touch of excitement, some safaris include overnight camping under the star-studded desert sky, giving you a rare opportunity to connect with Egypt’s natural landscape and ancient desert traditions.
This comprehensive 18-day Egypt tour combines the best of ancient history, coastal beauty, river cruising, and desert adventures. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded experience that covers Egypt’s most iconic sites and hidden gems. The itinerary ensures a blend of cultural exploration, relaxation, and adventure, making it suitable for all types of travelers.
Embark on this extraordinary journey through Egypt’s timeless landscapes and vibrant cities. Whether marveling at the pyramids, cruising the Nile, or exploring the desert, this tour promises memories that will last a lifetime. Contact your travel provider today and start planning your unforgettable 18-day Egypt adventure!
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you leave to the airport for your flight back home. Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up and transfer you to the airport.
If your flight is early before breakfast time you can make arrangements with the hotel to prepare a breakfast box for you to take it on your way to the airport
Ancient Egypt Tours had a great time with you and hope you have enjoyed your time and was satisfied with the services you were offered
Overnight in Cairo
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be escorted by your private guide to Egyptian Civilization, located near Old Cairo, at the archaeological site of Fustat which was the Egyptian capital about 1400 years ago, also known as the NEMEC Museum and overlooks Lake Ain Al-Sira. And very close to most of the Islamic and Coptic monuments in Cairo, it also displays collectibles from the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, Islamic and modern civilizations. The main exhibition hall displays the four main crafts that shaped the Egyptian civilization: pottery, wood, textiles and ornaments, and you can see there The oldest artificial finger worldwide, the skeleton of a man dating back 30,000 years, the Kiswa of the Kaaba which was last made in Egypt during the era of President Nasser and the Mahmal which carried the covering from Egypt to Saudi Arabia every year. In a large presentation, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is considered the first museum in the world that presents a comprehensive view of Egyptian civilization throughout history, from prehistoric times to modern history. A large part of the museum is the hall where the mummies are now displayed, not only that, wander the royal mummies hall, and see the golden sarcophagi and the remains of the pharaohs of the past. Find out more about famous rulers such as King Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut
Before extending your trip, you will be served with a warm delightful lunch meal at a high-quality restaurant.
After lunch, you will move on to visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din, where you will see the view of all Cairo, as you will visit Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque which is considered the largest to be built in the beginning of the 19th century the ruler of Egypt (1805-1849) who ruled Egypt over 45 years & it is built in Baruk style.
If there is enough time, you will take a walk in Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the most Historically famous and oldest Market in the Middle East. Back to your hotel
After Breakfast, Enjoy your Alexandria Day Tour. Our Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up from your Train Station in Cairo to enjoy a day tour in the amazing city Alexandria. First visit Pompay’s Pillar. It was constructed in honor of the Emperor Diocletian at the end of the 4th century. Originally from the temple of the Serapis, it was once a magnificent structure rivaling the Soma and the Caesarean. Then you drive to visit the Catacombs which are the largest Roman Cemetery consisting of three levels cut in the rock. Lunch at local restaurant in Alexandria.
Proceed to have your lunch at local restaurant in Alexandria.
then we proceed to see the Qaitbay Citadel which was built on the site of the ancient pharaohs (Light House) of Alexandria then to Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Finally, you will drive back to Cairo.
Get ready for an exciting adventure! Our friendly Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up from your hotel in alexandria at around 6:00 AM. We’ll start our journey by driving to the historically significant Al Alamein, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. At Al Alamein, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the site of a significant battle during World War II. Immerse yourself in history as you visit the WW II Museum and the Cemetery. Next, we’ll continue our drive to the breathtaking City of Marsa Matrouh on the stunning Mediterranean Coast. After about 4 hours on the road, we’ll make a stop in Matrouh for a delicious lunch. Finally, we’ll reach our destination, Siwa Oasis, after a scenic 4-hour drive. Enjoy a delightful dinner at your hotel and spend the night in Siwa.
Overnight in Siwa.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
After a refreshing breakfast at the hotel, get ready for an unforgettable day of exploration. Our first stop is the majestic Dakrour Mountains, where you’ll be captivated by the stunning views. Then, prepare for a unique swimming experience at the Salt Lake, followed by a visit to Cleopatra Spring (Ein Guba), where legend has it that Queen Cleopatra herself swam. Afterward, return to your hotel for some well-deserved rest before we head to the Old City of Siwa (Shali) to witness a breathtaking sunset. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at your hotel.
Overnight in Siwa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Today, we’ll delve into Siwa’s rich history. Our first stop is the Temple of the Oracle, also known as the Alexander Temple. Explore this historical site and learn about its intriguing past. Afterward, get ready for some relaxation at Bir Wahed, a rejuvenating hot spring. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters, which combine both salt and fresh water. Feel your muscles unwind and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Return to the hotel for a scrumptious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Overnight in Siwa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before bidding farewell to the enchanting Siwa Oasis. and transfer you to Bahariya Oasis, about 350 km east Cairo, this journey takes about 4 hours, lunch will be served at local restaurant in Bahariya oasis. Then visit the Mummies Museum, that is a huge burial site at Bahariya Oasis in the Western Desert of Egypt and the Tomb of Bannantiu in the Bahariya Oasis. Overnight in Bahariya Oasis.
Enjoy breakfast before embarking on an excellent adventure excursion to the visit the Old Covered City, with its oil press, school, courthouse and dwelling chambers, Visit Muzzawaka (external), Deir El-Haggar, then transfer to your hotel, check in, dinner and overnight.
After Breakfast Start visit to Karnak temple; Karnak is an extraordinary complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the Theban triad but also to the greater glory of pharaohs. The site covers more than 2 sq km; it’s large enough to contain about 10 cathedrals. At its heart is the Temple of Amun, the earthly ‘home’ of the local god. Built, added to, dismantled, restored, enlarged and decorated over nearly 1500 years, Karnak was the most important place of worship in Egypt during the New Kingdom.
Luxor Temple; Largely built by the New Kingdom pharaohs Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BC) and Ramses II (1279–1213 BC), this temple is a strikingly graceful monument in the heart of the modern town. Also known as the Southern Sanctuary, its main function was during the annual Opet celebrations, when the statues of Amun, Mut and Khonsu were brought from Karnak, along the Avenue of Sphinxes, and reunited here during the inundation.
Embark by lunch time
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Disembark and visit Valley of the kings; The west bank of Luxor had been the site of royal burials since around 2100 BC, but it was the pharaohs of the New Kingdom period (1550–1069 BC) who chose this isolated valley dominated by the pyramid-shaped mountain peak of Al Qurn (The Horn). Once called the Great Necropolis of Millions of Years of Pharaoh, or the Place of Truth, the Valley of the Kings has 63 magnificent royal tombs.
Queen Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple; At Deir Al Bahri, the eyes first focus on the dramatic rugged limestone cliffs that rise nearly 300m above the desert plain, only to realize that at the foot of all this immense beauty lies a monument even more extraordinary, the dazzling Temple of Hatshepsut. The almost-modern-looking temple blends in beautifully with the cliffs from which it is partly cut – a marriage made in heaven. Most of what you see has been painstakingly reconstructed.
Colossi of Memnon; The two faceless Colossi of Memnon, originally representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III, rising majestically about 18m from the plain, are the first monuments tourists see when they visit the west bank. These magnificent colossi, each cut from a single block of stone and weighing 1000 tonnes, sat at the eastern entrance to the funerary temple of Amenophis III, the largest on the west bank. Egyptologists are currently excavating the temple and their discoveries can be seen behind the colossi.
Sail By lunch time towards Edfu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrival at Edfu and visit Edfu Temple; This Ptolemaic temple, built between 237 and 57 BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Preserved by desert sand, which filled the place after the pagan cult was banned, the temple is dedicated to Horus, the avenging son of Isis and Osiris. With its roof intact, it is also one of the most atmospheric of ancient buildings.
Sail to Kom Ombo.
Upon arrival, visit the temple of Kom Ombo; Standing on a promontory at a bend in the Nile, where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank, is the Temple of Kom Ombo, one of the Nile Valley’s most beautifully sited temples. Unique in Egypt, it is dedicated to two gods; the local crocodile god Sobek, and Haroeris (from har-wer), meaning Horus the Elder. Sail to Aswan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Philae Temple; Built to honor the goddess Isis, this was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style. Construction began around 690 BC, and it was one of the last outposts where the goddess was worshipped. The cult of Isis continued here until at least AD 550. The boat leaves you near the Kiosk of Nectanebo, the oldest part, and the entrance to the temple is marked by the 18m-high first pylon with reliefs of Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos smiting enemies.
The Unfinished Obelisk; Aswan was the source of ancient Egypt’s finest granite, used to make statues and embellish temples, pyramids and obelisks. The large unfinished obelisk in the Northern Quarries has provided valuable insight into how these monuments were created, although the full construction process is still not entirely clear. Three sides of the shaft, nearly 42m long, were completed except for the inscriptions. At 1168 tonnes, the completed obelisk would have been the single heaviest piece of stone the Egyptians ever fashioned.
High Dam; Egypt’s modern example of construction on a monumental scale, the controversial Aswan High Dam, 13km south of Aswan, contains 18 times the amount of material used in the Great Pyramid of Khufu and created Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. Transfer back to the cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembarkation, Enjoy your Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan. Our Ancient Egypt Tours Representative will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan by a PRIVATE air-conditioned vehicle. It is about 03 hours and half, one way driving from Aswan to Abu Simbel. You will enjoy Abu Simbel area with its main attraction “the great sun temple of Ramses II” and the temple of queen Nefertari. Both temples were discovered in 1813 it was almost completely covered with sand. Then both temples were moved in 1960 by the help of Egyptian government and UNESCO to avoid the rising water of the Nile. Ramses II built the temple mostly to honour himself as inside there is a mural depicting his famous victory at Kadesh battle where his army defeated his enemies. On the north of Ramses temple, the Nefertari Temple which was built by Ramses II to his favourite wife Queen Nefertari among other 200 wives and concubines. After finishing the visit you will be escorted back to your Nile Cruise in Aswan by your private air-conditioned vehicle back to airport
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After Breakfast, This day is a free day. You can choose optional tour or rest at the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you leave to the airport for your flight back home. Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up and transfer you to the airport.
If your flight is early before breakfast time you can make arrangements with the hotel to prepare a breakfast box for you to take it on your way to the airport
Ancient Egypt Tours had a great time with you and hope you have enjoyed your time and was satisfied with the services you were offered
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 3500 $ |
| Twin Room | 2500 $ |
| Triple Room | 2150 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 2700 $ |
| Twin Room | 1870 $ |
| Triple Room | 1550 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 3100 $ |
| Twin Room | 2250 $ |
| Triple Room | 1950 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 2225 $ |
| Twin Room | 1800 $ |
| Triple Room | 1500 $ |
Price quotes are in USD per person per tour except for celebration. Please inquire for the prices of New Year, Christmas and Easter.
Tipping for a job well done is customary and highly expected in Egypt though it is not obligatory. Please feel welcomed but not obliged to offer a tip to your service provider
Notes:
Children policy is applied to children who share rooms with their parents (Maximum 1 OR 2 Child under 5 years old sharing parent’s room)
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 20% to secure your space on the tour including hotel room, cruise cabin, domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services and 30% during Christmas, New Year and Easter Holidays. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, your booking will be a risk-free investment.
In case you cancel your trip, the following charges will be applied:
At any time after your booking is confirmed, Ancient Egypt Tours holds a 20% non-refundable deposit
7 days or less before departure, we will retain the 50% payment you have paid in relation to your booking.
We advise all clients to purchase travel insurance in the event that travel is unexpectedly interrupted due to illness. To confirm the booking, the client must pay a deposit of 20% of the total tour price.
Should the reservation be canceled, customers will be charged a fee depending on how far beyond the departure date the cancellation is made. To cancel, the Customer must notify the Tour Organizer in writing.
Full payment forfeiture in case of no show
All Transportation tickets are nonrefundable and there’s also a 5% transaction fee on refunds.
Here, at Ancient Egypt Tours, we prioritize your well-being and safety above all else and for that reason, we have adapted our cancellation policy to reflect our values. We offer a very flexible cancellation policy in case the government or the airline issues a NOT TO TRAVEL warning to the designated destination. In the event of this happening, we will refund you the amount paid according to cancellation policy, unless you prefer to keep your payment available for future travel credit and travel voucher that can be used towards any of the destinations, we operate tours in. You have the flexibility to apply this amount towards new travel services booked. Reservations will be adjusted to reflect these travel credits automatically.
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
