Overview
Embark on a timeless journey through Egypt with Holiday Diaries, blending ancient wonders, serene Nile sailing, and desert oases. Explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum in Cairo, uncover the legendary temples and tombs of Luxor, and enjoy a luxurious Dahabiya cruise along the Nile from Esna to Aswan. Discover the tranquil beauty of Siwa Oasis, from historic temples and salt springs to golden sand dunes and desert adventures. A perfectly curated experience of history, culture, and natural beauty—crafted exclusively by Holiday Diaries.
Highlights
- Day 01 : Arrival in Cairo
- Day 02 : Cairo Day Tour – Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum
- Day 03 : Fly to Luxor – West Bank & East Bank Sightseeing
- Day 04 : Embark Dahabiya from Esna
- Day 05 : Sailing to Edfu – El Fawaz
- Day 06 : Gebel El Selsila – Kom Ombo
- Day 07 : Daraw – Aswan
- Day 08 : Disembarkation in Aswan
- Day 09 : Fly Back to Cairo
- Day 10 : Cairo – El Alamein – Siwa Oasis
- Day 11 : Siwa Sightseeing
- Day 12 : Siwa Full Day Tour
- Day 13 : Drive Back to Cairo
- Day 14 : Final Departure – Cairo International Airport
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival at Cairo International Airport.
Transfer to your hotel in Cairo for check-in.
Time at leisure.
Overnight stay in Cairo.
Begin a sightseeing tour exploring the highlights of ancient Egypt.
Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, including the Pyramid of Cheops, the Pyramid of Chephren, and the Pyramid of Mycerinus, the last remaining wonders of the ancient world.
Proceed to the iconic Sphinx, the legendary guardian of the Giza Plateau.
Continue to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the renowned treasures of King Tutankhamun.
After completing the visits, return to the hotel.
Overnight stay in Cairo.
Check out from the hotel and transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor.
Upon arrival in Luxor, proceed for sightseeing on the West Bank.
Visit the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of the New Kingdom pharaohs.
Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, followed by a stop at the Colossi of Memnon.
Transfer to your hotel in Luxor for check-in.
Later, proceed for sightseeing on the East Bank of Luxor.
Visit the Karnak Temple Complex and the historic Luxor Temple.
After completing the visits, return to the hotel.
Overnight stay in Luxor.
After breakfast at your hotel, check out and depart for Esna, located approximately 50 km south of Luxor, the home port of your Dahabiya.
Upon arrival in Esna:
Embarkation on the Dahabiya for a 5-day Nile cruise sailing between Esna and Aswan
Sightseeing & Activities
Visit the Temple of Esna
Enjoy a short walk through the local markets of Esna
Sail to El Kab, the ancient town of Nekheb, to visit:
The remains of its temples
Selected tombs carved into the surrounding cliffs
Continue sailing to a small island, where the Dahabiya will moor for the night.
Dinner will be served on board the Dahabiya or on the peaceful banks of the Nile.
Overnight stay on board the Dahabiya.
Explore the rock temple and the remains of monuments in the old quarries.
Relax on board as the Dahabiya sails along the Nile toward Edfu.
Upon arrival in Edfu, visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon god.
After the visit, continue sailing to a small Nile island, where the Dahabiya will moor.
Overnight stay on board the Dahabiya.
Sail to Gebel El Selsila, where the Nile flows between two mountain ranges.
Visit the Temple of Horemheb and explore the ancient sandstone quarries once used for the construction of Egypt’s great temples.
Continue sailing along the Nile to Kom Ombo.
Upon arrival, visit the Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris.
Overnight stay on board the Dahabiya.
Sail toward the village of Daraw, once an important stop for camel traders.
Walk through the village and visit the camel market.
After the visit, continue sailing toward Aswan.
Overnight stay on board the Dahabiya.
Disembark from the Dahabiya.
Transfer to your hotel in Aswan for check-in.
Time at leisure.
Overnight stay in Aswan.
Transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo.
Upon arrival in Cairo, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight stay in Cairo.
Check out from the hotel and depart for Siwa Oasis via the El Alamein road.
En route, visit El Alamein on the Mediterranean coast, including the World War II Museum.
Continue the journey to Siwa Oasis.
Upon arrival in Siwa, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight stay in Siwa.
Begin exploring the highlights of Siwa Oasis.
Visit the Old Town of Shali.
Continue to the Temple of Alexander the Great (Temple of the Oracle) and the Temple of Amun Ra (Temple of Um Ubeyda).
Visit the Mountain of the Dead (Jabal El Mawta).
Relax at Cleopatra’s Spring.
Proceed to Fitnas Island to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay in Siwa.
Continue exploring the highlights of Siwa Oasis.
Visit the Great Sand Sea, featuring scenic desert landscapes and a natural lake.
Observe local wildlife, including flamingo birds (subject to availability).
Visit Dakrour Mountain.
Enjoy a sandboarding experience in the desert.
Relax at the natural hot spring of Bir Wahid.
Experience the serene surroundings of the Great Sand Sea.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay in Siwa.
Depart by road for Cairo.
Upon arrival in Cairo, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight stay in Cairo.
Check out from the hotel.
Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your final departure.