12 Days tour Packages from the Pyramids to Abu Simbel
Enjoy an unforgettable 12-day journey through Egypt, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems that bring the ancient history of this remarkable country to life. Begin your adventure in Cairo with visits to the majestic Pyramids and the Sphinx, followed by a trip to the ancient Step Pyramid of Saqqara and the historic sites of Old Cairo, showcasing Coptic and Islamic treasures. Delight in a day trip to Alexandria, marvel at the wonders of Aswan and Abu Simbel, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Luxor, with its breathtaking temples and royal tombs. After a relaxing stay in Hurghada, indulge in snorkeling at Orange Island before concluding your journey with a seamless transfer to Cairo for your departure flight. This comprehensive tour promises a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes that will leave you with lasting memories of Egypt.
Day 1: Explore the Pyramids, Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our Egypt Tour Magic representative, who will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. After checking in and refreshing, you’ll embark on your first adventure, starting with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stand in awe of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, and explore the smaller yet fascinating pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. As you wander through this monumental site, you’ll learn about the intricate construction techniques used by the ancient Egyptians and the significance of the pyramids as royal tombs. Don’t forget to take pictures with the majestic Sphinx, a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization. For lunch, enjoy traditional Egyptian cuisine at a nearby restaurant, where you can savor classic dishes such as koshari, a hearty mix of rice, lentils, and pasta, or grilled chicken seasoned with local spices. After your meal, you’ll head to the Egyptian Museum, which houses an extensive collection of over 120,000 ancient artifacts, including the magnificent treasures of Tutankhamun and the mummies of former pharaohs. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and death of Egypt’s ancient rulers. In the evening, return to your hotel to unwind and enjoy dinner, reflecting on your first day in Egypt.
Day 2: Visit the Step Pyramid of Saqqara
Prepare for another exciting day as we delve deeper into Egypt’s ancient past! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll travel to the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, one of the oldest pyramids in Egypt and a remarkable example of early pyramid construction. Built for Pharaoh Djoser, this unique structure stands as a testament to ancient engineering and architectural innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the surrounding necropolis, where many other tombs are located. Next, we’ll visit Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, where you can see the impressive remains of temples and statues, including a colossal statue of Ramses II. Our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s significance in ancient times. For lunch, we’ll savor a meal at a nearby restaurant, trying local specialties such as falafel and hummus. After a day filled with exploration, we’ll return to your hotel in Cairo, giving you time to relax and prepare for more adventures ahead.
Day 3: Discover Old Cairo
We begin the day with a journey to the historic Citadel of Salah El-Din, a monumental fortress that has stood for centuries, guarding Cairo’s skyline. Here, you’ll explore the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known for its grand Ottoman architecture and alabaster walls, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling city below. After soaking in the history and enjoying the spectacular vistas, we’ll indulge in a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the rich flavors of authentic cuisine. Our adventure continues with a visit to Coptic Cairo, a district rich in ancient Christian history, where we explore landmarks like the beautiful Hanging Church, the revered Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, and the historically significant Ben Ezra Synagogue—each telling a unique story of Egypt’s diverse heritage. To end the day, we’ll head to the vibrant Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, one of Cairo’s oldest and most famous markets. Here, you can lose yourself in a maze of narrow alleyways filled with shops offering traditional crafts, colorful textiles, gleaming jewelry, aromatic spices, and souvenirs. The bustling energy of the bazaar captures the true spirit of Cairo, making it the perfect final stop before we return you to your hotel, filled with the memories of a day steeped in history, culture, and the charm of Old Cairo.
Day 4: Day trip to Alexandria
Get ready for a delightful day trip to Alexandria, a beautiful city on the Mediterranean coast. After breakfast, we’ll drive along the stunning coastline, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and scenic views. Our first stop will be the Library of Alexandria, a modern marvel that pays homage to the ancient library, once one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. Here, you’ll explore fascinating exhibits related to history, literature, and science. Next, we’ll venture to the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, an intriguing burial site that reflects the unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. As we wander through the dimly lit passages adorned with ancient carvings, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. For lunch, we’ll enjoy a meal at a seaside restaurant, savoring fresh seafood while overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean waters. After lunch, we’ll visit the Qaitbay Citadel, an impressive fortress built on the site of the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor and city. After a day filled with exploration and discovery, we’ll return to Cairo for a restful night at your hotel.
Day 5: Explore El Fayoum Oasis
Your adventure begins with a comfortable pick-up from your Cairo hotel, setting off for the scenic drive to the stunning El Fayoum Oasis. Upon arrival, you’ll switch to a rugged 4×4 vehicle, perfect for exploring the unique desert terrain. The first stop is the breathtaking Wadi El Rayan, known for its picturesque waterfalls and serene landscapes. From there, we journey to the incredible Wadi Al Hitan, or “Valley of the Whales,” home to ancient fossils that tell the story of Egypt’s prehistoric past. At the Climate Change Museum, you’ll learn about the region’s fascinating geological history before setting off on a short hike to explore the area’s fossilized wonders. Next, we visit the serene Magic Lake, a hidden gem known for its ever-changing colors, and the striking Medawara Mountain, offering panoramic views of the desert. A delicious lunch is served in the heart of the desert, allowing you to savor the tranquility of this remote landscape. After a day of exploration, we drive back to El Fayoum city, where you’ll switch back to your comfortable vehicle for the return trip to Cairo, arriving at your hotel with unforgettable memories of Egypt’s natural beauty and ancient history.
Day 6: Fly to Aswan and visit the highlights
Today, we’ll take a short flight to Aswan, a city renowned for its beautiful landscapes and historical significance. Upon arrival, we’ll kick off our exploration at Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. You’ll take a scenic boat ride across the Nile to reach this stunning temple, beautifully situated on an island surrounded by crystal-clear waters. As you walk through the temple grounds, you’ll be fascinated by the intricate carvings and stunning architecture. Next, we’ll visit the Aswan High Dam, a significant engineering marvel that helps control the floods of the Nile and provides electricity to the region. For lunch, we’ll dine at a local restaurant, enjoying the flavors of Aswan, perhaps trying dishes like mashi (stuffed vegetables) or fatta (rice with meat). After a day of discovery, we’ll return to your hotel in Aswan to unwind and prepare for more exciting explorations.
Day 7: day trip to the Abu Simbel temples
Today, we’ll take a short flight to Aswan, a city renowned for its beautiful landscapes and historical significance. Upon arrival, we’ll kick off our exploration at Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. You’ll take a scenic boat ride across the Nile to reach this stunning temple, beautifully situated on an island surrounded by crystal-clear waters. As you walk through the temple grounds, you’ll be fascinated by the intricate carvings and stunning architecture. Next, we’ll visit the Aswan High Dam, a significant engineering marvel that helps control the floods of the Nile and provides electricity to the region. For lunch, we’ll dine at a local restaurant, enjoying the flavors of Aswan, perhaps trying dishes like mashi (stuffed vegetables) or fatta (rice with meat). After a day of discovery, we’ll return to your hotel in Aswan to unwind and prepare for more exciting explorations.
Day 8: day trip to the Abu Simbel temples
After an early breakfast, embark on an unforgettable day trip to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological sites. The journey from Aswan takes about three hours, so you’ll want to leave early to maximize your time at the temples. Upon arrival, enjoy a packed lunch amidst the stunning temples built by Ramses II, where you can explore the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The grandeur of these temples, with their colossal statues and intricate carvings, will leave you in awe. As you explore the sites, your guide will share stories of Ramses II’s reign and the significance of these temples as a declaration of power and devotion to the gods. After an enriching experience at Abu Simbel, return to Aswan for dinner and a leisurely evening at your hotel, or you may opt for a traditional Nubian dinner experience to immerse yourself in local culture.
Day 9: Travel to Luxor and explore the East Bank
Today, we set off for Luxor, the ancient city known as the world’s greatest open-air museum. Our first destination is the majestic Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex filled with towering columns and sacred lakes. You’ll walk through the impressive Avenue of Sphinxes and admire the intricate hieroglyphics that adorn the walls. Afterward, we’ll visit the magnificent Luxor Temple, known for its stunning evening illuminations. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, featuring a selection of delicious Egyptian cuisine with views of the Nile. Following a full day of exploration, we’ll return to your hotel in Luxor to relax and recharge.
Day 10: Visit the West Bank
Today, we’ll cross the Nile to explore the treasures of the West Bank. Our first stop will be the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of many pharaohs, including the famous Tutankhamun. You’ll have the chance to enter some of the well-preserved tombs and admire the colorful wall paintings. Next, we’ll visit Hatshepsut Temple, dedicated to the only female pharaoh in ancient Egypt. This stunning temple is carved into a cliff and features beautiful terraces and gardens. For lunch, we’ll stop at a local eatery, enjoying traditional dishes. After a fascinating day of exploring ancient tombs and temples, we’ll travel to Hurghada, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax by the seaside.
Day 11: Free day in Hurghada
Today is a free day to relax and enjoy the sun in Hurghada. You can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, swim in the clear waters, or simply unwind by the pool. If you’d like, you can also take a city tour to explore the local markets, shops, and attractions. For lunch, choose from a variety of restaurants, enjoying fresh seafood or traditional Egyptian dishes. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this beautiful resort town.
Day 12: Fly from Hurghada to Cairo and connect to your departure flight
On your final day in Egypt, enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel before taking some time to relax and absorb the last moments of your incredible adventure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have the opportunity for some last-minute shopping or a leisurely stroll along the beach. Our representative will assist you with your transfer to Hurghada International Airport for your flight to Cairo Airport, which typically takes about one hour. Upon your arrival in Cairo, you’ll proceed with your international flight for departure, concluding your remarkable journey through the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Egypt. Safe travels!