Eternal Égypte: From Cairo to Abu Simbel along the Nile
From the Gizeh Plateau to the colossi of Abu Simbel, a complete journey through ancient Égypte between pyramids, a Nile cruise and Nubian temples.
Duration
15 days
From
€2,985/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
Embark on a grand 15-day journey across Égypte, from the shores of the Mediterranean to the monumental temples of Nubia.
From Cairo to Alexandria, discover the multiple heritages of a country shaped by several millennia of history, before heading to Luxor and the treasures of ancient Thebes. The journey continues at the pace of the Nile, during a cruise to Aswan punctuated by stopovers in the heart of emblematic sites of ancient Égypte.
Further south, take the time to reach Abu Simbel, where you spend the night before discovering the impressive temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari.
A particularly complete itinerary to travel through Égypte from north to south, blending major pharaonic sites, historic cities and navigation on the Nile.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Cairo!
Upon your arrival in Cairo, you are welcomed and assisted by our local representative.
You are then transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Exploration of the Pyramids of Gizeh and its Surroundings
After breakfast, you set off to discover the Giza Plateau and its necropolis. You discover the three main pyramids, including Khufu, the tallest and most voluminous of the three.
After lunch in a typical restaurant, you continue towards Memphis, the ancient capital of the Egyptian Empire located south of Cairo. Founded by King Menes around 3000 BC, the city was placed under the protection of the god Ptah.
You end the day at Saqqarah with a visit to the Step Pyramid, built around 2700 BC for the pharaoh Djoser by the architect Imhotep.
Alexandria: the "trading post of the world"
After breakfast, you leave Cairo by car to reach Alexandria.
There, you discover from the outside the Qaitbay Fort, before visiting the Catacombs of Alexandria, an important Roman burial site in Égypte and an archaeological site in the city.
You continue with a visit to the Library of Alexandria.
Lunch is planned during the day, before heading back to Cairo.
Dinner at your leisure and night at the hotel.
Citadel of Saladin and flight to Luxor
After breakfast, you continue your discovery of Cairo with a visit to the Citadel of Saladin, built between 1176 and 1183 on the heights of the Egyptian capital.
After lunch in a typical restaurant, you head to the National Museum, founded in 1857 by Auguste Mariette Pasha, a French specialist in ancient Égypte.
You are then transferred to Cairo airport to take your flight to Luxor.
Discovery of Luxor
After breakfast, you depart to discover the Ramesseum, the funerary temple of Ramesses II.
You continue with a visit to Medinet Habu, also called the temple of the Millions of Years of Ramesses III.
The day continues at the Luxor Museum, inaugurated in 1975 and located on the corniche overlooking the Nile. Its collections notably feature a statue in green schist of pharaoh Thutmose III.
On the Tracks of Pharaonic History
After breakfast, you leave Louxor heading towards Dendérah. Upon arrival, you visit the temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor..
After lunch on the road, you continue to Abydos, the city of Osiris. You discover the temple of Abydos, built by Séthi I, and its seven chapels.
Deir el-Medina, Valley of the Nobles and Temple of Hatshepsut
After breakfast, you set off to discover Deir el-Medina, the "village of craftsmen", as well as its temple, once dedicated to Maât and Hathor.
You then continue with a visit to the Valley of the Nobles.
After lunch, you head to the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, built at the top of a series of terraces accessible by long ramps. You will discover in particular its sculpted decorations depicting the divine birth of the pharaoh.
Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple and cruise on the Nile
After breakfast, you set off to discover the Valley of the Kings, which has 62 tombs, with a visit to three tombs. You continue towards the Valley of the Queens, which has 75 tombs, of which two tombs are planned for a visit.
You then join the Luxor Temple, dedicated to the god Amon and built largely under the XVIIIth and XIXth dynasties. You discover in particular its pylon, its two large peristyle courtyards and its monumental colonnade.
You are then transferred to the boat for check-in and boarding for your Nile cruise.
📍Boarding must take place on a Monday, Thursday or Saturday.
Karnak and navigation to Esna
You discover the Karnak temple complex, a vast ensemble bringing together temples, chapels and pylons, developed over more than 2,000 years by successive pharaohs.
After the visit, you return to your boat for lunch on board, then begin your navigation on the Nile heading towards Esna, with the passage through the Esna lock.
Edfou and Kom Ombo Temples, sailing to Aswan
You sail to Edfou to discover the Temple of Edfou, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. At the entrance of the sanctuary, you discover two black granite statues representing the divinity.
You then return on board and continue your sailing towards Kom Ombo. You visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dating from the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to two deities: Haroëris, the hawk god, and Sobek, the crocodile god.
Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam
After breakfast, you set out for a boat trip around Agilkia Island, where the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was relocated. You then visit the temple.
After lunch, you continue with a discovery of the Aswan High Dam, whose construction was entrusted to Soviet engineers in 1960 and which supplies electricity to the country.
You end the day's visits with the unfinished obelisk.
Route for the south of the country: Abu Simbel
After breakfast on board, you disembark in Aswan and head towards Abu Simbel.
Lunch is planned along the way before your arrival in Abu Simbel.
Visit to the Temple of Royal Wife Nefertari
After breakfast, you set out to discover the temples of Abu Simbel. You first visit the great temple built by Ramesses II, then the small temple of Queen Nefertari, also built by Ramesses II and dedicated to the goddess Hathor, goddess of love, music and beauty.
You then resume your journey towards Aswan.
Lunch is planned along the way.
From Old Cairo to the Coptic Museum
Upon your arrival, you set off to discover the Old Cairo and its religious heritage. You visit the Coptic Museum, founded in 1910 by Marcus Simaïka, which houses an important collection of objects, textiles, manuscripts, icons, artifacts and texts from the early Christian period.
You continue with the Church of Saint Mary, whose courtyard mosaics retrace the journey of the Holy Family in Égypte, then with the Mosque of Amr, the first mosque built on the African continent.
Lunch in a typical restaurant is planned, then you have the afternoon free.
See you soon in Égypte!
After breakfast, you join the Cairo airport to take your return flight to your destination.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Gratuity Guide Left to the Discretion of Clients
- Usual tip (approx. 3 Euros per person per day)
- International flights
Included
- Visa (For European passports valid for 6 months or more)
- Domestic Flights (Cairo - Luxor / Aswan - Cairo)
- All private car transfers
- The excursions mentioned in the program (Included entrance fees + Private vehicle)
- English-speaking Guide (Private) during the mentioned visits
- Full board starting with breakfast on day 2 ending with breakfast on day 15
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 50% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Toute annulation doit faire l’objet d’un mail adressé à l’agence locale.
Le montant des frais d’annulation varie en fonction du moment où intervient l’annulation :
- à plus de 30 jours du départ : 15% du prix du voyage
- entre 30 et 22 jours du départ : 25% du prix du voyage
- entre 21 et 15 jours du départ : 50% du prix du voyage
- entre 14 et 8 jours du départ : 75% du prix du voyage
- à moins de 8 jours du départ et après la date de départ : 100% du prix du voyage
En cas de réservation d’un bateau de croisière ou d’une dahabeya de luxe, les conditions d’annulation varient selon le bateau. Nous vous recommandons de vérifier ces conditions directement avec votre agent.
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Egypt for a tourist stay. As entry requirements may change, we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Egypt, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your entry date and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps and visa affixing.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada are required to obtain a visa to enter Egypt. Several options are available:
E-visa (electronic visa): You can apply online before departure through the official portal of the Egyptian authorities. This visa is generally granted for a tourist stay of up to 30 days and can be single-entry or multiple-entry depending on the option selected.
Visa on arrival: Available at most Egyptian international airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, etc.), it permits a stay of up to 30 days. Its issuance is subject to payment of fees in foreign currency (generally in US dollars or euros).
The authorities may also require:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a hotel booking confirmation for the duration of your trip.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Egypt from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada under normal conditions. However, certain vaccinations are recommended:
routine vaccinations up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid, particularly if traveling outside the main tourist areas.
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay as well as a valid visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Embassy or Consulate of Egypt in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and the claims declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. Two options are available: apply for an e-visa online before departure or obtain a visa on arrival at major airports. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry date. Before booking, check with the consular authorities of your country of residence for the specific conditions applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, expect between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking Egyptologist guide. International flights (400-700 euros return) are additional. A Nile cruise is a high-value experience.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together every detail until you have the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Cairo Pyramids
Chief Architect of Egypt's Grand Journeys, based in Le Caire
A journey to Egypt begins long before arriving in Cairo. It's built step by step, until you find the right balance between dream, history and personal rhythm
— Cherif
