Welcome to Egypt — where ancient legends and everyday life meet in the most unforgettable ways. This week-long journey invites you to go beyond the postcard pyramids (though yes, you’ll see those too) and dive into the heart of this captivating country. Cruise down the Nile on a graceful dahabiya, swap stories over a home-cooked meal with a local family, and get wonderfully lost in the wonder of hieroglyphs, golden tombs, and bustling Cairo streets. From grand temples to quiet countryside scenes, every day offers a little magic and a lot of meaning.
Travel Style
The Geluxe Collection
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Nawaya Project Visit, Cairo
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your OMG Day: Abu Simbel Temple Visit or Aswan City Cultural & Historic Experience, Aswān
Your Local Living Moment: Local Family Home Hosted Lunch, Luxor. Complimentary arrival transfer. Welcome dinner. Guided visit of the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx. Guided visit to the temples of Karnak and Luxor. 2-night traditional dahabiya sailing excursion. Guided visit of the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Guided visit of the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo. Guided visit of Philea Temple in Aswan. Abu Simbel tour. Visit the Egyptian Museum. Farewell Dinner. Internal flights and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Sail the Nile in style aboard a traditional dahabiya with personalized service and stunning river views, Walk in the footsteps of pharaohs at the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings, Connect over a home-cooked meal with a local family and learn about life along the Nile, Marvel at ancient treasures and golden masks inside Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, Witness hieroglyphs up close inside grand temples and tombs with expert local guides, Soak up the peaceful beauty of the Egyptian countryside between iconic landmarks
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, Dahabiya, plane, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (4 nts), Traditional Dahabiya Nile Sailing Boat (2 nts).
Itinerary
Cairo: Welcome to Egypt
Egypt, a land synonymous with ancient pyramids, awe-inspiring temples, and the legendary pharaohs, offers an experience far richer than its monumental history. While its historical sites are undeniably captivating, it's the vibrant, deep-rooted culture that truly transforms a visit into an unforgettable journey. From the bustling, vibrant energy of Cairo, a city that never sleeps, to the serene, picturesque charm of villages nestled along the life-giving Nile riverbanks, every corner of Egypt pulses with life and tradition. Upon arrival in Cairo enjoy an included transfer to your hotel. In the evening, meet your fellow group members at a welcome meeting to learn important details about your upcoming adventure. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with views of the Pyramids.
Giza: The Great Pyramid, Sphinx, & Community Farming
Consider the sheer, staggering scale of the undertaking required to construct these pyramids and contemplate the ancient ingenuity while you marvel at their impressive structures. Ponder the mysteries still held within their immense stone blocks – secrets of their construction, the lives of those who built them, and the pharaohs they eternally entombed – mysteries that continue to captivate and challenge archaeologists, historians, and scientists to this very day. While none of this was new to the locals, seeing them for the first time can take your breath away. Start the day in Giza, exploring the Great Pyramid site and the Sphinx. Follow this with lunch at Nawaya to experience a G Adventures-supported community farming initiative. Then transfer to the Egyptian Museum to discover more of Egypt’s impressive history.
Aswan: Your OMG day
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of choice while travelling. After flying from Cairo to Aswan you will choose to explore one of two incredible Egyptian temples. Aswan sits near the dam that formed Lake Nassar. The world united around the mission to save the Abu Simbel and Philae temples from being submerged forever in the rising waters of the lake. A global effort was put in place to dismantle and rebuild the temples at a site above the high water mark. That feat of humanity meant that these temples were saved for travellers to continue to enjoy today. Board a flight to Aswan in the morning and then have the choice between two activity options to discover Abu Simbel Temple or Philae Temple. You can’t go wrong with either experience as they both allow an authentic taste of history and life along the Nile.
Aswan to Kom Ombo: Sailing the Nile
Our journey north begins today along the Nile aboard a traditional dahabiya. Sail past farmlands and small islands that have forever been bathed by rich nutrients, creating fertile land in a narrow green ribbon along the river's banks, surrounded by desert on both sides. Our day ends as we dock near Gebal El Silseila, the perfect vantage point for a sunset on the Nile. This morning you can choose to pre-book a visit to Philae Temple if you chose Abu Simbel yesterday. Otherwise you will have a free, leisurely morning before the group boards the dahabiya, your OMG Stay. Sail north on the Nile to Kom Ombo and visit the temple here before docking for the evening nearby.
Kom Ombo to Luxor: People along the Nile
The sails are up and your first full day of sailing on the Nile. Get ready to discover incredible sites and enjoy an experience only possible on your dahabiya. Sail further north along the Nile today towards Luxor. Along the way visit Gebal Silsila and Esna Temple. Then, go for a walk in Esna Village before sailing to Luxor and having dinner on board.
Luxor: Egypt's Great Temples & Local Hospitality
Embark on an early morning excursion to delve into the tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the temples of the West Bank. While tales of ancient curses persist, the genuine challenge lies in the limited time available to thoroughly explore each tomb. The amazement you feel is profound when your eyes first see the great temples of Egypt. You immediately understand why for centuries people have been coming here to explore and observe these incredible monuments. Visit the iconic Valley of the Kings in the morning before a local family-hosted lunch on the West Bank. Then, tour Karnak Temple before checking in at the hotel to get settled and have some free time. After dark the group will visit Luxor by night to enjoy the monument all lit up. Choose to join the group for an optional farewell dinner afterwards.
Luxor: Departure Day
Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today. You may be leaving Egypt behind, but the experiences you have will last forever. Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.