Egypt with Spike! (Nov. 2027)

Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our staff, who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel located in the vibrant heart of downtown Cairo. After settling in and taking some time to relax, we invite you to join us for a special Welcome Dinner. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and your tour guides, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey ahead. Overnight stay in Cairo.

In the morning, we will embark on an exploration of the Giza Plateau, where you will witness the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the Valley Temple, each a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian civilization. Then after a lunch break, we will continue our adventure with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to an extensive collection of artifacts that illuminate the rich history of Egypt.

Following breakfast, our staff will escort you to the airport for a quick domestic flight to Luxor. Upon landing, we journey to the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in Egypt, renowned for its towering columns, sacred lakes, and grand halls. After the tour, proceed to check in to our accommodations for the next few nights: a Dahabiya! This is a traditional, shallow-bottomed wooden sailing boat used for small-group luxury cruises on the Nile. These boats typically have two masts, 4–12 cabins (often with en-suite bathrooms) and elegant but intimate common areas. It provides a slow, quiet, wind-powered journey with a strong emphasis on comfort, personalized service, and access to smaller, less-visited river stops that large cruise ships cannot reach. After dinner, we may return to experience a special evening visit to Luxor Temple which is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere that vividly brings ancient history to life.

Begin your day with a morning road trip to the magnificent Dendera Temple, renowned as one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and beauty, this site offers a captivating glimpse into ancient Egyptian spirituality. Construction began in 2,250 BCE! After exploring the temple, we may possibly stop at Abydos, one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt. Or we’ll just return to Luxor to embark on your Nile cruise. Settle into your cabin and prepare for four nights of comfort and discovery as you journey along the timeless Nile River.

Following breakfast, we will embark on an exploration of Luxor’s legendary West Bank. Your journey begins at the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of Egypt’s most illustrious pharaohs lie concealed beneath the desert hills. (This is the site that inspired the film “The Mummy.”) As part of this unforgettable experience, you will visit the renowned Tomb of Tutankhamun, the resting place of the enigmatic boy king, rich with mystery and intrigue. Additionally, you will have the rare opportunity to explore the exquisitely preserved Tomb of Ramesses V & VI, celebrated for its vibrant carvings and celestial artwork. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a grand tribute to Egypt’s most powerful female ruler, and conclude the morning at the iconic Colossi of Memnon, the colossal twin statues that have stood for over 3,000 years. After an enriching morning, return to your cruise to relax as your journey along the Nile continues.

Today starts with a visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, on the west bank of the Nile, roughly halfway between Luxor and Aswan. This temple is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. It’s renowned as the best-preserved temple in Egypt after being buried in sand for centuries. Following this, we will visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, a double temple dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus. Reliefs on the walls include detailed medical and surgical instruments created about 100 BCE. Both temples provide a captivating glimpse into the religious life of ancient Egypt

Begin your day with an early morning journey across the desert to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, a must-see highlight. These twin temples, originally hewn from the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, serve as grand monuments to his legacy and that of his queen, Nefertari. In the 1960s, the temples were carefully relocated to an artificial hill to safeguard them from the rising waters. After exploring this remarkable site, return to Aswan for a leisurely afternoon, allowing you to relax or explore at your own pace. For an enriching experience, consider a unique tour to a Nubian Village, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and traditions of the Nubian people.

Today, we disembark from the Nile cruise to explore the captivating city of Aswan. We start at the High Dam, an engineering feat completed in the 1960s to regulate the Nile’s flooding and generate hydroelectric power. Following this, enjoy a boat ride to the enchanting Temple of Isis on Philae Island, a magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, which was meticulously relocated during the High Dam’s construction. You’ll also see the Unfinished Obelisk, located in Aswan, is a colossal obelisk that remains incomplete in its quarry. Had it been finished, it would have been the largest obelisk ever erected, standing at an impressive height. In the afternoon, our representative will escort you to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel.

Old Cairo, also referred to as Historic Cairo (or Masr al-Qadima) is a district within the city that boasts some of the oldest and most historically significant sites in Egypt. This area is renowned for its numerous mosques, churches, and landmarks that reflect various periods of Egyptian history. Immerse yourself in Egypt’s rich heritage at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, renowned for its Royal Mummies Hall. This contemporary museum offers a comprehensive journey through time, from prehistoric eras to modern-day Egypt, showcasing artifacts that highlight the depth and diversity of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Another stop is the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval fortress constructed by Salah ad-Din in 1176 AD. Historically the seat of power for numerous rulers, the citadel now houses several museums and mosques, offering a glimpse into its storied past. Within the citadel, the Mohammed Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, stands as a testament to Ottoman-style architecture. Built in 1830 by Muhammad Ali Pasha, this magnificent mosque is distinguished by its grand domes and minarets. And also, the Hanging Church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It’s one of Egypt’s oldest churches, dating back to the third century. It is named for its location atop the highest point of the Babylon Fortress. Abu Serga, one of Egypt’s oldest churches, is traditionally believed to be a refuge for the Holy Family during their flight from King Herod’s rule. The Ben Ezra Synagogue, also known as the El-Geniza Synagogue or the Synagogue of the Levantines, is located in the Fustat area of Old Cairo. There are so many sites we will explore in Old Cairo today.

A day dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation, featuring swimming, or visiting museums or finalizing any last-minute souvenir shopping.

Today is the conclusion of our journey. After breakfast, our representatives will escort you to Cairo International Airport for your return flight.