10-Day Luxury Egypt Tour from Cairo to Luxor

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for a day of sightseeing:

The site of Memphis:  Ancient political and religious capital of Egypt, Memphis houses the remains of a founding civilization. Founded around 3200 BC by the legendary king Menes, this city was the heart of Egyptian power for over a millennium.
Located on the west bank of the Nile, Memphis was also an important religious center, notably as the seat of the cult of the god Ptah, creator deity and protector of artisans.
Today, one can admire remarkable remains there, including the famous colossal statue of Ramses II, testimony to the past grandeur of this mythical city.

The site of Saqqara:  A veritable archaeological treasure, Saqqara is a vast funerary complex that houses the necropolis of the dignitaries of the Old Kingdom as well as the famous step pyramid of King Djoser.
Erected around 2700 BC, during the Third Dynasty, this pyramid represents the first architectural attempt at pyramid construction in the history of Egypt. Designed by the architect Imhotep, it marked a revolution in the art of building: it was in fact the first monumental structure in the world built entirely of cut stone.

Dahshur:  This fascinating archaeological site is home to two major pyramids, both built by King Snefru, founder of the 4th Dynasty and father of the famous Pharaoh Khufu.
The first, the Bent Pyramid, is distinguished by its particular shape: its slope changes angle during construction, giving it a unique "broken" profile. This architectural singularity makes it a transitional stage between the Step Pyramid of Saqqara and the smooth-sided pyramids of Giza.
The second, the Red Pyramid, considered the first truly "perfect" pyramid in terms of form, marks the culmination of Snefru's experiments. It is also one of the oldest smooth-sided pyramids still standing.

You will have the opportunity to step inside the Red Pyramid to explore its impressive internal architecture, consisting of inclined corridors, burial chambers and corbelled vaults—an immersive experience at the heart of ancient Egyptian ingenuity.

Return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Overnight at the hotel in Cairo.

The Giza Plateau : An emblematic site of the Pharaonic civilization, the Giza Plateau is home to Egypt's three most famous pyramids: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure , monumental masterpieces that continue to fascinate the world.
Built over 4,500 years ago, these pyramids are a testament to the technical mastery and spiritual ambition of the ancient Egyptians. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is the most impressive for its size and precision.

Not far from there stands the Sphinx , a colossal statue carved from limestone, with a lion's body and a human head, probably in the image of King Khafre. Mysterious and imposing, it has watched over the necropolis for millennia, like an eternal guardian of the desert.

Finally, a visit to the funerary temple of Khafre , built of solid limestone and polished granite, is remarkable for its sober and monumental architecture. This temple served as a place of worship and ritual passage to the afterlife, at the heart of Egyptian funerary beliefs.

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo:  Located in the city center, in a neoclassical-style building, perfectly designed to house its exceptional collections, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo opened its doors in 1902. Since then, it has continued to grow to become the largest museum of Egyptian art in the world.

With over 150,000 exhibits, it offers a fascinating panorama of ancient Egyptian history, spanning over 5,000 years of civilization, from the Predynastic period to the Roman era. It features priceless masterpieces, including the fabulous collection of Tutankhamun's treasure, monumental statues, sarcophagi, jewelry, papyri, and many other objects testifying to the refinement and wealth of this civilization.

Return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Overnight at the hotel in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for the visit of the Coptic district of Cairo.

This historic district is home to a large number of Christian churches and notable sites dating from the period between the decline of the Pharaonic religion and the arrival of Islam, when Egypt was predominantly Christian. Coptic Cairo is built around the ancient fort of Babylon, the remains of which still form the basis of the district today. It is home to six churches dating from the early centuries of Christianity.

The Hanging Church , also called the Church of the Virgin Mary, was built in the 9th century. It takes its name from its architectural peculiarity: it is partially suspended over an ancient gate of the Babylon fort, resting on its massive walls.

A little further on, still in the Coptic quarter, are other major churches, including the Church of St. Sergius (or Abu Serga), dating from the 5th century. It is renowned for housing a crypt believed to be one of the places where the Holy Family – Jesus, Mary, and Joseph – took refuge during their stay in Egypt.

Ben Ezra Synagogue  : This is the oldest synagogue in Cairo, built in the 9th century. This historic site is surrounded by many legends: some consider it the site of the temple of the prophet Jeremiah, others as the place where the Pharaoh's daughter discovered Moses among the reeds of the Nile.

Medieval Islamic Cairo
Nicknamed the city of a thousand minarets, Cairo impresses with its rich Islamic heritage. During the medieval period, sultans and emirs dotted the city with countless mosques, madrasas, and other religious buildings, witnesses to a golden age of art and spirituality.

The Citadel of Saladin , an imposing medieval fortress perched on Mokattam Hill, the Citadel of Saladin was built at the end of the 12th century by the famous general Saladin, with the aim of protecting Cairo against Crusader invasions.

It is distinguished by its immense limestone enclosure wall and its towers of varied geometric shapes. Its majestic silhouette is dominated by the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, nicknamed "the Alabaster Mosque," an Ottoman-style building inspired by the mosques of Istanbul, completed in 1857.

Situated on high ground, the citadel offers a spectacular panoramic view of Cairo and its surroundings, allowing one to gauge the extent and density of this historic metropolis.

Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa
Located at the foot of the Saladin Citadel, this monumental mosque was built in the 14th century. With its impressive proportions and dizzying height, it is considered one of the absolute masterpieces of Mamluk architecture. The mosque also served as a madrasa, hosting the teaching of the four Sunni legal schools, which testifies to its religious and cultural importance at the time.

Al-Rifai Mosque
Directly across a narrow alley from the Sultan Hassan Mosque stands the Al-Rifai Mosque. Built in the late 19th century in a neo-Mamluk style that clearly draws inspiration from its older neighbor, it serves as a kind of modern counterpart. Its main attraction lies in the mausoleums it houses, notably those of members of the Egyptian royal family, including King Farouk, as well as that of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Khan el-Khalili Souk  : Founded during the Mamluk era, Khan el-Khalili is the oldest still-operating bazaar in Cairo. Wandering through its bustling alleyways is like immersing yourself in a world of vibrant colors, captivating scents, and exceptional craftsmanship. A unique experience where tradition and everyday life blend harmoniously.

At the end of the day, transfer to Cairo airport to take your flight to Aswan.

Upon arrival, you will be met at Aswan Airport,
then transferred to your hotel and checked in.
Overnight at your hotel in Aswan.

In the early afternoon, departure by road towards Abu Simbel, approximately 260 km south of Aswan.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel, then depart to attend the sound and light show on the majestic site of Abu Simbel , a unique moment to discover the history of the place in a magical atmosphere.

Overnight at the hotel in Abu Simbel.

The Temple of Kom Ombo  (located 45 km north of Aswan and 195 km south of Luxor, on the east bank of the Nile). This unique temple, majestically overlooking the river, is the only one in Egypt dedicated to two distinct deities: the falcon-headed god Horus, and the crocodile-like god Sobek. It is particularly famous for its remarkable frescoes, including a contemporary calendar and a fascinating depiction of surgical instruments used in antiquity.

The Temple of Edfu , located halfway between Luxor and Aswan (about 120 km south of Luxor), is one of the most impressive monuments of the Ptolemaic period. Dedicated to the god Horus, it is distinguished by its monumental walls decorated with majestic hieroglyphs and finely carved friezes. Its architectural design rigorously follows the pharaonic tradition, both in the arrangement of the rooms and in the richness of the decorations.

After the visit, continue on the road to Luxor, arriving at the end of the day.
Check-in and overnight at the hotel in Luxor.