20-Day Grand Egypt Expedition: Cairo, Western Desert Safari, 5-Star Nile Cruise, Sharm El Sheikh & Alexandria
Duration
20 days
Max Group Size
20
Departure Type
Guaranteed
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
relax
Operated In
English
Age Requirement
2 - 90 Ages
About this tour
20-Day Grand Egypt Expedition: Cairo, Western Desert Safari, 5-Star Nile Cruise, Sharm El Sheikh & Alexandria
Cairo • Giza • Saqqara • Memphis • Bahariya • White Desert • Farafra • Dakhla • Kharga • Luxor • Edfu • Kom Ombo • Aswan • Sharm El Sheikh • Saint Catherine • Alexandria
Comprehensive 20-Day Private Egyptian Grand Expedition | 5-Star Nile Cruise, 4x4 Sahara Desert Safari & Red Sea Resort
Journey Overview:
Embark on Egypt’s most grand and comprehensive expedition: twenty immersive days traversing the monumental antiquity, untamed wilderness, sacred mountains, and sparkling coastlines of this ancient civilization. Uniting the country's most legendary realms, this private master-journey transcends standard sightseeing to deliver an authentic, deep-immersion exploration.
Begin in Cairo marveling at the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, and the earliest stone architecture at Saqqara and Memphis. Then, venture far beyond conventional routes into Egypt's great Western Desert on an epic 4x4 overland safari connecting the legendary oases of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla, and Kharga. Camp beneath a glittering celestial canopy among the wind-carved chalk towers of the White Desert, soak in thermal oasis springs, and discover remote Roman fortresses and early Christian burial sites.
Emerge from the golden dunes directly into the ancient city of Luxor to board a luxury 5-Star Nile River Cruise. Sail lazily between Luxor and Aswan on full-board basis, wandering the monumental hypostyle halls of Karnak, subterranean tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and the cult temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Fly across to Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea Riviera for four glorious days of coastal leisure, world-class coral reef snorkeling, and a pilgrimage to UNESCO-listed Saint Catherine Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai. Conclude your voyage with a full-day Mediterranean excursion to classical Alexandria and the historic mosques and bazaars of Islamic Cairo.
Grand Expedition Highlights:
- Stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the treasures of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
- Explore the earliest stone architecture in human history: Djoser’s Step Pyramid at Saqqara and ancient Memphis.
- Embark on an epic 5-day overland 4x4 Western Desert safari crossing Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla, and Kharga Oases.
- Experience magical camping under the stars in the White Desert National Park with Bedouin campfire hospitality.
- Discover Crystal Mountain, the volcanic Black Desert, Agabat sand dunes, and secluded natural hot springs.
- Explore remote Sahara antiquities: Deir El-Haggar Roman temple, Hibis temple, and the ancient necropolis of El Bagawat.
- Emerge from the desert into Luxor and board a luxury 5-Star Nile River Cruise on full-board basis.
- Discover Luxor’s West Bank: Royal painted pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple.
- Visit the colossal Karnak Temple Complex and evening-illuminated Luxor Temple beside the river.
- Sail the timeless Nile River via Esna Lock, visiting the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the dual temple of Kom Ombo.
- Tour Aswan’s engineering marvel of the High Dam, the island sanctuary of Philae Temple, and Felucca sailboat ride.
- Relax for 4 nights at a luxury beachfront resort in Sharm El Sheikh with world-renowned Red Sea coral reef diving.
- Journey through the rugged Sinai Mountains to visit 6th-century Saint Catherine Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai.
- Enjoy a full-day Mediterranean seaside excursion to Alexandria: Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Citadel of Qaitbay & Library.
- Explore Islamic & Coptic Cairo: The Saladin Citadel, Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque, and vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Accommodation & Ship Profile:
- Cairo (6 Nights): Handpicked 4-Star / 5-Star hotel accommodations providing refined comfort, swimming pool, and central access.
- Western Desert Safari (4 Nights): Authentic Bedouin desert camping under the stars in the White Desert, and handpicked oasis eco-lodges / hotels in Bahariya, Dakhla, and Kharga.
- 5-Star Nile River Cruise (4 Nights): Luxury river-view cabin with en-suite bathroom, panoramic windows, individual climate control, sun deck with swimming pool, and gourmet dining.
- Luxor Hotel (1 Night): Luxury 5-Star hotel on the Nile bank for a refreshing night after the desert crossing.
- Sharm El Sheikh (4 Nights): Premium beachfront Red Sea resort offering private beach, swimming pools, spa facilities, and ocean dining.
Route
- 1CairoAfricaEgyptStart
- 2El GizaAfricaEgypt
- 3SaqqaraAfricaEgypt
- 4Memphis (Egypt)AfricaEgypt
- 5Bahariya OasisAfricaEgypt
- 6White Desert National ParkAfricaEgyptQasr Farafra
- 7FarafraAfricaEgypt
- 8Dakhla OasisAfricaEgyptEl Qasr
- 9KhargaAfricaEgypt
- 10LuxorAfricaEgypt
- 11EdfuAfricaEgypt
- 12Kom OmboAfricaEgypt
- 13AswanAfricaEgypt
- 14Sharm El-SheikhAfricaEgypt
- 15Saint Catherine (Egypt)AfricaEgypt
- 16AlexandriaAfricaEgypt
- 17CairoAfricaEgyptEnd
What makes this tour special
Itinerary
Welcome to Egypt! Upon landing at Cairo International Airport (CAI), meet our dedicated airport coordinator inside the terminal with a personalized name sign. Enjoy expedited assistance through customs and luggage collection before stepping into your private modern air-conditioned vehicle. Transfer comfortably to your luxury Cairo hotel. Check in and attend a comprehensive expedition briefing with your tour manager detailing the exhilarating 20-day journey ahead. Spend your evening resting or exploring nearby hotel amenities.
Included on Day 1: Airport meet-and-assist, private arrival transfer, luxury hotel check-in, expedition orientation briefing, bottled mineral water.
Overnight: Cairo Hotel | Meals: Welcome Refreshment / Dinner.
Following breakfast at your hotel, meet your private licensed Egyptologist for an awe-inspiring day exploring Egypt's world-famous ancient wonders. Stand on the Giza Plateau before the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Take in sweeping desert panorama views, then descend to the enigmatic Great Sphinx and its Valley Temple. Savor lunch at an authentic Egyptian restaurant. In the afternoon, tour the historic Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, discovering thousands of magnificent royal statues, pharaonic relics, and gold masterworks spanning millennia.
Included on Day 2: Private AC transport, licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to Giza Plateau, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum, traditional lunch, hotel accommodation.
Overnight: Cairo Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Depart south after breakfast into the royal necropolis of Saqqara to inspect the revolutionary Step Pyramid of King Djoser, the oldest stone building complex in world history. Continue to Memphis, Egypt's first unified capital, to admire the colossal recumbent statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. In the afternoon, explore historic Old Coptic Cairo: visit the famous Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqa) built over Roman bastions, the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Sirga), and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. Conclude with an atmospheric walk through the vibrant alleys of Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Included on Day 3: Private AC transport, licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to Saqqara, Memphis, Coptic Cairo churches, Khan El Khalili visit, lunch, hotel accommodation.
Overnight: Cairo Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Depart Cairo in a comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle southwest into the vast Sahara Desert toward Bahariya Oasis (approx. 360 km). Arrive at this lush palm haven nestled amidst volcanic basalt hills. Visit local thermal springs, date palm orchards, and ancient tombs. Switch to off-road 4x4 safari vehicles and meet your experienced Bedouin desert crew. Enjoy your first evening beneath the tranquil desert twilight, savoring local oasis hospitality and a freshly prepared dinner.
Included on Day 4: Private AC transfer to Bahariya, 4x4 safari vehicle switch, Bedouin crew meetup, oasis touring, lunch, dinner, eco-lodge / camp accommodation.
Overnight: Desert Camp / Eco-Lodge – Bahariya Oasis | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
A full day traversing some of the planet's most surreal geological landscapes. Drive through the dark conical volcanic mounds of the Black Desert, inspect the sparkling quartz veins of Crystal Mountain, and navigate the towering sand dunes of Agabat Valley. Enter the breathtaking White Desert National Park, celebrated for its otherworldly wind-sculpted white chalk monoliths resembling mushrooms and animals. Set up camp beneath brilliant constellations and enjoy a freshly prepared Bedouin barbecue dinner around the campfire with desert tea.
Included on Day 5: 4x4 desert safari expedition, entry permits to White Desert National Park, lunch, Bedouin BBQ dinner, full camping gear, sleeping under the stars.
Overnight: Bedouin Safari Camp under the Stars – White Desert | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Bedouin BBQ Dinner.
Wake to an unforgettable Sahara sunrise bathing the chalk sculptures in gold and rose light. Enjoy a traditional Bedouin breakfast before traveling south to Farafra Oasis, renowned for its peaceful simplicity and natural hot sulfur springs. Continue overland across dramatic golden sand sweeps to Dakhla Oasis, one of Egypt's most picturesque oases, framed by towering pink sandstone cliffs and featuring medieval mud-brick citadel villages, hot springs, and fruit orchards.
Included on Day 6: Bedouin breakfast, 4x4 desert crossing, Farafra Oasis stop, lunch, Dakhla Oasis exploration, dinner, oasis eco-lodge accommodation.
Overnight: Oasis Eco-Lodge / Desert Camp – Dakhla Oasis | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Discover the extraordinary historical antiquities of the Western Desert. Tour the beautifully preserved sandstone Roman Temple of Deir El-Haggar, dedicated to the Theban triad, and the painted Greco-Roman tombs of Qarat El-Muzzawaka. Journey east across the desert plains toward Kharga Oasis, the largest oasis of the Western Desert. Explore the monumental Temple of Hibis (6th century BC) and the ancient early Christian necropolis of El Bagawat with its painted biblical mud-brick chapels.
Included on Day 7: Guided visits to Deir El-Haggar, Hibis Temple, and El Bagawat necropolis, lunch, dinner, hotel/lodge accommodation in Kharga.
Overnight: Oasis Hotel / Camp – Kharga Oasis | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Conclude your epic overland desert crossing as you journey east across the Sahara plains toward the lush green ribbon of the Nile Valley and Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes. Check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon poolside, refreshing after days in the desert. In the evening, take an optional sunset stroll along the Nile promenade or admire Luxor Temple illuminated beneath the starlit sky.
Included on Day 8: Overland transfer from Kharga to Luxor, hotel check-in, lunch, afternoon leisure, luxury hotel accommodation.
Overnight: Luxury Hotel – Luxor | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Cross to Luxor's legendary West Bank to descend into the subterranean painted royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Tour the dramatic terraced cliffside Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and stop before the towering Colossi of Memnon. Transfer to your 5-Star Nile River Cruise ship for embarkation. Savor your first gourmet lunch onboard in your luxury river-view cabin. In the afternoon, tour the monumental Karnak Temple Complex with its 134 towering hypostyle columns. Welcome dinner onboard.
Included on Day 9: West Bank touring, licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, 5-star cruise embarkation, full-board meals, luxury cabin accommodation.
Overnight: 5-Star Nile Cruise – Luxor | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Enjoy breakfast while cruising through the historic lock at Esna into the tranquil Upper Nile. Arrive in Edfu and take a traditional horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus, Egypt's most complete pharaonic cult temple. Return onboard for lunch as the ship glides south to Kom Ombo. Step ashore to tour the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated symmetrically to Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the Elder. Visit the adjacent Crocodile Mummy Museum before cruising toward Aswan, celebrating with an evening Galabeya party onboard.
Included on Day 10: Full-board meals aboard cruise, horse carriage in Edfu, licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Crocodile Museum, luxury cabin accommodation.
Overnight: 5-Star Nile Cruise – Aswan | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Discover the enchanting charms of Aswan. Take a scenic motorboat across the Nile to the romantic island sanctuary of Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis and saved by UNESCO. Visit the colossal engineering feat of the Aswan High Dam and inspect the massive Unfinished Obelisk in the northern quarries. Return onboard for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a tranquil sail aboard a traditional white-sailed Felucca around Elephantine Island and Kitchener's Island.
Included on Day 11: Full-board meals aboard cruise, private transport in Aswan, motorboat to Philae Temple, entrance fees to Philae, High Dam, and Unfinished Obelisk, licensed Egyptologist guide, traditional Felucca sail, luxury cabin accommodation.
Overnight: 5-Star Nile Cruise – Aswan | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional early morning excursion to the colossal Sun Temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel. Disembark from your cruise ship and transfer to Aswan International Airport for your domestic flight to Sharm El Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula (via Cairo connection). Upon arrival at Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH), meet our representative and transfer to your luxury beachfront resort on the Red Sea. Settle in and enjoy dinner overlooking the turquoise waters.
Included on Day 12: Cruise breakfast, disembarkation assistance, airport departure transfer, Sharm El Sheikh arrival transfer, luxury resort check-in, dinner, hotel accommodation.
Overnight: Luxury Beachfront Resort – Sharm El Sheikh | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
A full day of pure leisure in tropical Sharm El Sheikh. Relax on private sandy beaches, swim in warm crystalline waters, or participate in world-class snorkeling and scuba diving excursions to Ras Mohammed National Park or the Straits of Tiran, celebrated for vibrant coral walls and exotic marine wildlife.
Included on Day 13: Full-board meals at resort (breakfast, lunch, dinner), private beach and pool access, luxury resort accommodation.
Overnight: Luxury Beachfront Resort – Sharm El Sheikh | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your resort. In the afternoon, participate in an optional thrilling 4x4 desert safari or quad biking adventure across the rugged granite dunes of the Sinai Desert at sunset. Gather at an authentic Bedouin encampment for a traditional dinner under the stars with Bedouin music and storytelling.
Included on Day 14: Full-board meals at resort (breakfast, lunch, dinner), resort facilities, luxury resort accommodation.
Overnight: Luxury Beachfront Resort – Sharm El Sheikh | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Depart early morning on a scenic mountain journey through the dramatic Sinai ranges to Saint Catherine Monastery. Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, this 6th-century fortress monastery is the oldest continuously functioning Christian monastery in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Chapel of the Burning Bush, the ancient basilica, and the museum displaying priceless early Christian icons and manuscripts. Return to Sharm El Sheikh for evening leisure.
Included on Day 15: Private AC transport to Saint Catherine, guided tour of monastery, entrance fees, lunch, dinner, luxury resort accommodation.
Overnight: Luxury Beachfront Resort – Sharm El Sheikh | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Enjoy another relaxing day at your beachfront resort. Take advantage of resort amenities, enjoy pampering spa treatments, stroll through Naama Bay or the Old Market for souvenirs, or take a glass-bottom boat tour admiring the offshore coral gardens.
Included on Day 16: Full-board meals at resort (breakfast, lunch, dinner), private beach and swimming pools, luxury resort accommodation.
Overnight: Luxury Beachfront Resort – Sharm El Sheikh | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Breakfast at the resort. In the afternoon, transfer to Sharm El Sheikh Airport for your short flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your luxury Cairo hotel. Spend your evening relaxing or enjoying an optional dinner cruise on the Nile.
Included on Day 17: Resort breakfast, airport departure transfer, Cairo arrival transfer, luxury hotel check-in, luxury hotel accommodation.
Overnight: Cairo Hotel | Meals: Breakfast.
Private early morning drive northwest along the desert highway to classical Alexandria on the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the Greco-Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa with multi-level burial chambers, Pompey's Pillar, and the seaside 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay standing on the historic site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Tour the spectacular modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina and savor a fresh seafood lunch overlooking the Mediterranean before returning to Cairo.
Included on Day 18: Private AC transportation to Alexandria, licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to Catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel, and Alexandria Library, fresh seafood lunch, hotel accommodation.
Overnight: Cairo Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Full day exploring Cairo's cultural masterpieces. Visit the medieval Citadel of Saladin and the magnificent Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali Pasha, followed by an optional guided visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) to view the Royal Mummies Hall and the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Enjoy your final evening in Egypt with a celebratory farewell dinner.
Included on Day 19: Private AC transport, licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, farewell dinner, hotel accommodation.
Overnight: Cairo Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast at your hotel. Check out and meet your private representative for a comfortable transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your homeward departure flight, carrying unforgettable memories of Egypt's pyramids, oases, Nile valley, and Red Sea.
Included on Day 20: Breakfast at hotel, private airport departure transfer, departure assistance.
Meals: Breakfast.
Trip includes
Included
Premium Accommodations (19 Nights / 20 Days):
- 6 nights in Cairo in premium 4-Star / 5-Star hotel accommodation with breakfast.
- 4 nights aboard a 5-Star luxury Nile River Cruise on full-board basis in river-view cabin with private en-suite bathroom.
- 4 nights at a luxury beachfront resort in Sharm El Sheikh with full board.
- 4 nights during the Western Desert overland safari (authentic Bedouin desert camping under the stars in the White Desert & handpicked oasis eco-lodges in Bahariya, Dakhla, and Kharga).
- 1 night in Luxor hotel accommodation.
Professional Licensed Guides:
Services of dedicated, university-graduated English-speaking licensed Egyptologists throughout Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan, and expert Bedouin desert safari guides across the Western Desert and Sinai.
Guiding Method
Fully guided
EnglishComprehensive Dining Plan:
- Daily breakfast at all hotels.
- Full-board dining (breakfast, lunch, dinner) aboard the 5-Star Nile Cruise.
- Full-board dining at the Red Sea beachfront resort in Sharm El Sheikh.
- All freshly prepared meals during the Western Desert 4x4 safari, including authentic Bedouin campfire barbecue dinners.
- Lunches at authentic local restaurants during full-day tours in Cairo and Alexandria.
Transportation & Transfers:
- All airport meet-and-assist and private transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles throughout Egypt.
- Private 4x4 off-road safari jeeps with experienced Bedouin drivers throughout the Western Desert oases and White Desert.
- River cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan via Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo.
- Domestic flight coordination: Cairo to Luxor, Aswan to Sharm El Sheikh, and Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo.
- Traditional Felucca sailing boat ride in Aswan.
- Mountain excursion across the Sinai ranges to Saint Catherine Monastery.
- Horse-drawn carriage ride to Edfu Temple and motorboat to Philae Island.
Admissions & Amenities:
- All guided sightseeing tours as detailed in Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Memphis, Bahariya, White Desert, Farafra, Dakhla, Kharga, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Saint Catherine, and Alexandria.
- White Desert National Park entry permits and full desert camping equipment.
- Complimentary bottled mineral water during all tours and excursions.
- All service charges, lock fees, port taxes, and local charges.
Excluded
Personal travel and medical insurance is not included. Travelers are advised to obtain coverage prior to departure.
Not Included:
- International airfare and Egypt entry visa.
- Monument admission tickets (payable directly by card at site entrances or via pre-paid packages).
- Drinks and alcoholic beverages not specified.
- Personal expenses, laundry, and telephone calls.
- Optional excursions: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight in Luxor (€140 pp) or Abu Simbel Temples excursion (€160 pp).
- Tipping and gratuities for guides, drivers, cruise crew, and safari team.
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