Name: 21 Day Cairo & Alexandria & Nile Crise and Bahariya Oasis
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Exploring the 21-Day Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Crisis & Bahariya Oasis Tour: A Comprehensive Guide

Egypt, a land steeped in history and culture, offers an array of fascinating destinations for travelers. Among these, Cairo, Alexandria, the Nile River, and Bahariya Oasis stand out as must-visit sites. A 21-day tour exploring these locations provides an immersive experience into Egypt’s ancient wonders, vibrant cities, and natural landscapes. This guide highlights the key attractions, historical significance, and travel tips for a memorable Egyptian adventure.

Discovering Cairo: The Heart of Ancient and Modern Egypt

Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital, is a city where history and modernity collide. Over several days, visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx, symbols of Egypt’s ancient civilization. The Egyptian Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Strolling through the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar offers a glimpse into local life and traditional Egyptian crafts.

Cairo’s rich history extends beyond the pyramids. The Coptic Cairo area features ancient churches, including the Hanging Church, and the Islamic Cairo district boasts stunning mosques like the Al-Azhar Mosque and Sultan Hassan Mosque. Sampling authentic Egyptian cuisine in local restaurants completes the cultural immersion.

Alexandria: The Pearl of the Mediterranean

A few hours’ drive from Cairo, Alexandria boasts a unique blend of Mediterranean charm and historical significance. The city’s Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern marvel, pays homage to the ancient Library of Alexandria, once the intellectual hub of the ancient world. Visitors can also explore the Qaitbay Citadel, built on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Alexandria’s Roman Amphitheatre and Pompey’s Pillar offer insights into its Greco-Roman past. The city’s waterfront promenade is perfect for leisurely walks, enjoying fresh seafood, and experiencing the lively coastal atmosphere. A visit to Alexandria provides a refreshing contrast to Cairo’s bustling city life.

The Nile River: Lifeline of Egypt

No trip to Egypt is complete without experiencing the Nile River. A cruise along the Nile offers stunning views of lush riverbanks, ancient temples, and traditional villages. A 21-day tour often includes a luxurious cruise from Luxor to Aswan, stopping at key archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Philae Temple.

Cruising the Nile provides a relaxing way to connect with Egypt’s history while enjoying modern comforts. Many cruises offer guided tours, onboard entertainment, and cultural excursions. The river not only shaped Egypt’s history but also remains vital to its economy and culture today.

Bahariya Oasis: An Exotic Desert Retreat

Venturing into the Western Desert, the Bahariya Oasis offers a stark contrast to Egypt’s urban centers. Known as the “Black Desert” due to its volcanic black rocks, Bahariya is famous for its lush palm groves, mineral springs, and ancient ruins. It is a gateway for exploring the Black Desert, White Desert, and the Golden Valley.

Highlights include the Temple of Alexander the Great, the English House (a colonial-era villa), and the Crystal Mountain. Desert safaris, hot springs, and stargazing are popular activities in Bahariya. Visiting this oasis provides a unique opportunity to experience Egypt’s natural beauty and Bedouin culture.

Practical Travel Tips for a 21-Day Egypt Tour

Best Time to Visit: October to April offers cooler weather suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Travel Arrangements: Book guided tours and cruises in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, dress modestly, and be mindful of religious sites.
Health & Safety: Stay updated on travel advisories and carry necessary vaccinations.

Conclusion

A 21-day tour of Cairo, Alexandria, the Nile, and Bahariya Oasis offers an unparalleled journey through Egypt’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From exploring ancient pyramids and temples to relaxing on the Nile and discovering desert oases, travelers can immerse themselves in the true essence of Egypt. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, adventure seeker, or culture lover, this comprehensive itinerary promises an unforgettable Egyptian experience.

Overview

The Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum are two of the most iconic landmarks in Egypt, both holding significant cultural and historical importance.

Giza Pyramids: Located on the Giza Plateau, just outside Cairo, the Giza Pyramids are among the most famous and recognizable structures in the world. Built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, around 2580–2560 BC, these pyramids were constructed as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu (also known as Cheops), Khafre, and Menkaure. The largest and most well-known of these pyramids is the Great Pyramid of Giza, attributed to Khufu. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. The Giza complex also includes the Great Sphinx, a massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre.
Egyptian Museum (Egyptian Museum of Antiquities): Situated in Cairo, the Egyptian Museum is one of the most comprehensive and important museums of ancient Egyptian history and artifacts in the world. It houses a vast collection of antiquities, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, such as his famous golden mask and sarcophagi, as well as artifacts from various periods of ancient Egyptian civilization. The museum was founded in 1902 and has since undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing collection. It serves as a central hub for understanding Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing artifacts ranging from small everyday items to colossal statues and monumental pieces of architecture.

Both the Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum attract millions of visitors each year, offering insights into the ancient civilization of Egypt and its remarkable achievements in architecture, art, and culture. They are essential destinations for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt.

If you are looking for an exciting trip full of real desert adventures, you must head to the extraordinary Bahariya Oasis or El-Wahat el-Bahariya which was declared as a protected area around the year 2010 AD. It is one of the best-known oases in the Western Desert of Egypt and is located near the city of Cairo at around 370 kilometers, and thus it attracts a large number of visitors who wish to have a peaceful and relaxing time in the quietness of the desert. Safari trips are always organized in this area to explore the desert, therefore, do not miss such an interesting activity. The oasis is also filled with several natural springs and sites that you can stop by such as the Black Desert: Volcanic rocks, stark contrast. White Desert: Chalk formations, surreal beauty, golden sands.

An Alexandria tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library paying homage to the ancient Library of Alexandria, and the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a remarkable underground burial site blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences, provide insight into Alexandria’s multicultural past. Strolling along the Corniche, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the sea and vibrant street life. The city also boasts historic sites like Pompey’s Pillar and the Roman Amphitheater, offering glimpses into its Greco-Roman past. With its blend of ancient wonders and contemporary charm, an Alexandria tour promises an enriching experience for travelers interested in Egypt’s diverse history and culture.

Highlights

Includes

Excludes

Giza Plateau, 9 Pyramids
Sphinx, Valley temple
Saqqaras, Memphis
Citadel, Egyptian Museum
Old Cairo, Khan Elkhalili
civilization musuem
Black Desert
White Desert
Qaitbay Citadel
Catacombs, Pompay’s Pillar
Alexandria Library
Hurghada

Meet and greet service by our representatives at airports
Assistance of our guest relations during your stay
All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation in Cairo for 5 nights including bed and breakfast
Accommodation in Alexandria for 2 nights including bed and breakfast
3-nights’ accommodation on board the Nile cruises based on full board basis.
Accommodation 3 nights in desert camping
Accommodation in Hurghada for 6 nights including All inclusive
Domestic flights Cairo – Aswan / Hurghada– Cairo.
All sightseeing tours are strictly private tours
Private speaking guide
Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the above itinerary
Bottled water during the trips
Portage when needed
All service charges and taxes

International Airfare & visa
Any optional tours
Personal expenses and beverages
Tipping

Itinerary

Day 1:Welcome to Egypt

Welcome to Egypt. Our airport transfer team is available 24/7. As soon as you get out of the exit gate of the Terminal, you will find Ancient Egypt Tours representative, holding a sign, waiting to meet and greet you. He will escort you to your private A/C vehicle. You will be transferred to the hotel and the reception manager will assist you in check-in procedures as smooth as possible. Ancient Egypt Tours agent will contact you to agree on a meeting time with you

Transfer from/to the airport is included in your tour package
Check-in in all hotels is at 14:00
Check-out is at 12:00

In case you arrive early then check-in limit you can enjoy waiting in the hotel until check-in time or you can ask your operator to book you a pre-tour extra night and get checked in immediately

Optional Tour:

2-hour open buffet dinner Nile cruise including a belly dancer, local band and skirt rotation performer if your tour starts in Cairo

Sound and Light show if available

Overnight in Cairo

Day 2: Giza Pyramids - Saqqara Pyramids and Tomps - Memphis

After breakfast at your hotel in Cairo and then met your personal guide who will accompany you to Giza Plateau to visit one of the seven wonders of the ancient world The Great Pyramid of Khufu’s (Cheops), 3small pyramids You will continue to explore the rest of Giza plateau including the sight of Khafre’s (kaphren) pyramid – Khufu‘s son, the second-largest pyramid on Giza site,, the remains of the funeral temple, the pyramid of Mankawra ( Mykerinus) and 3 small pyramids. Then proceed to visit the Great Sphinx, the head of a pharaoh with a lion’s body, which dates from the time of Chephren; the tour also includes a visit to the Valley Temple, which belongs to the pyramids of chefren This temple served definitely two functions: First, it was used for the purification of the mummy of the king before its burial. Second, it was used for making the Mummification process of the king. After visiting the pyramids, you’ll then continue across the plateau for a photo opportunity of the three pyramids rising from the sands, with the Cairo skyline in the background.

Proceed to have your lunch at local restaurant.

Then Move to visit the Step Pyramid of Zoser, the world’s oldest major stone structure. It was built in the 3rd Dynasty (around 2630 BC) for King Djoser, the museum of Imhotep, the tomb of a high official, the pyramid of king titi, the pyramid of king Unas, and see the pyramids of Dahshur from a distance.

After that transfer to Memphis, which was founded by King Menes, and was the capital of Old Egypt during the Old Kingdom, it was considered to be a center of rule and culture for over 3000 years the first capital of Egypt, the city reached a peak of prestige under the 6th dynasty as a center for the worship of Ptah, the god of creation and artworks. The alabaster sphinx that guards the Temple of Ptah serves as a memorial of the city’s former power and prestige. The Memphis triad, consisting of the creator god Ptah, his consort Sekhmet, and their son Nefertem, formed the main focus of worship in the city. Memphis declined briefly after the 18th dynasty with the rise of Thebes and the New Kingdom and was revived under the Persians before falling firmly into second place following the foundation of Alexandria and see the Statue of Ramses II-16 meters high, the alabaster sphinx you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3:Egyptian Museum - Old Cairo - Citadel of Salah El-Din

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be escorted by your private guide to visit the ever-famous Egyptian Museum, which features artifacts from different period of Egyptian history. The museum displays a rare collection of 5000 years of art which is considered the largest most precious collection in the world. Over 250,000 overwhelming artifacts are presented.

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 Coptic Cairo to visit Babylon Fortress and the Hanging Church, Church of St. Barbara, Church of St. Sergius and Ben Ezra synagogue.

Enrich you tour with a visit to Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque which is the very first mosque built in Egypt.

Moving to visit 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.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4:Cairo - Bahariya Oasis

07:00 your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo and transfer you to BahariyaOasis, 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.

Overnight in Bahariya Oasis

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:Black Desert - White Desert - Camping

After breakfast, continue driving to visit the Black Desert and the natural hot spring of Valley of El Haize, then drive to see the quartz crystal atCrystal Mountain, and the rocky formations in the Valley of Agabat. Continue driving to the White Desert National Park the most well-known desert destination in Egypt – and for a good reason. The quantity of unearthly and beautiful wind-carved rock formations shaped in the form of giant mushrooms or pebbles is unequalled in any desert in the world. Then transfer back to the campsite at Al Haiz for overnight stay.

overnight in campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:Cairo - Bahariya Oasis

Breakfast at the campsite with a fascinating sunrise view, then you will be driven back to Cairo.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7:El-Alamein - Alexandria

Breakfast at your hotel and check out, and then you will meet your tour guide to start your day tour Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo. We will Arrival El-Alamein then Start your day tour with El-Alamein War Museum and the War Cemetery that known as The Commonwealth Cemetery that Contains the Graves Of Soldiers from different Countries Whom Killed during the War El-Alamein Was One Of The Most Important Spots In The Second World War, So In this trip you will able to know more about the second World War and all historical events by our expert tour guide After You Finish we start driving back to your hotel in Alexandria

Overnight in Alexandria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8:Alexandria Sightseeing

Enjoy your Alexandria Day Tour. Our Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up from your hotel 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.

Overnight in Alexandria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9:Roman theatre - National Museum - Alexandria library

Ancient Egypt Tours representative pick you up from your hotel in Alexandria, start one of our Alexandria hotel. transferred to discover The Roman theatre we see today at Alexandria city is a typical form Roman theatres, consisting of audience section made of marble, granite columns, five compartments and based on thick limestone walls. The theatre used to host huge ceremonies and events with a capacity of 600 spectators. The audience section consisted of 13 rows made of white marble and the supported columns were made of granite exported from Aswan city south Egypt. The five compartments on the top of the audience section probably were used to host some royals or public figures during performances and was covered by ceilings in the shape of domes supported by granite columns to protect the audience from the sun and rain. In the 6th century A.D, an earthquake hit Alexandria and destroyed most of these structures leaving only some ruins that still stands until today, reflecting the beautiful and magnificent architectural skills that Romans had.

Then you drive to visit the Alexandria National Museum, considered one of Egypt’s finest museum, the Alexandria National Museum is located in a restored palace and contains about 1,800 artifacts that narrate the history of Alexandria throughout the ages, including the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras. Then you drive along the Cornish to see the whole city passing over bridge of Stanley landmark of modern Alexandria.

Then, moved to Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Alexandria library, which presented knowledge for over 600 years until it was burned in the third century. It had a religious purpose for once. It was mainly designed as a temple that held many rare manuscripts. The new library of Alexandria renovation was in 2002 coasted about 200 million $, designed by a Norwegian architect. back to hotel in Cairo.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

day 10:Cairo - Free Day

After Breakfast, This day is a free day. You can choose optional tour or rest at the hotel.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11:Fly to Aswan - Aswan Sightseeing - Nile Cruise

reakfast at hotel. Check out. Our representative will meet you at the hotel to transfer you to Cairo airport to take your flight to Aswan. Ancient Egypt Tours representative will meet and greet you at the provided pick-up location within Aswan city. Check-in is not before 14:00 so you will make use of the excess time by going on an amazing tour to:

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.

Embark the cruise ship by lunch time
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12:Abu Simbel Temples - Sail to Kom Ombo

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

Sail by lunch time 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.

Embark the cruise ship by lunch time
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13:Sail To Edfu - East Bank

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.

Visit Luxor and Karnak Temple if the cruise arrives early enough to Luxor or will be added to the next day’s visits

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 the cruise ship by lunch time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14:Luxor Tour & Transfer to Hurghada

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.

After completing the tour, transfer by private car to Hurghada where you will be met and assisted by our Hurghada representative. where you will check into your hotel. You will the rest of the day free, and will stay in Sharm El Sheikh overnight.

Overnight in Hurghada

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner