Secrets of the Pharaohs
Egypt Private Journey
Overview
The 5,000-year-long story of Egypt is an epic and extraordinary one, from the colossal Great Pyramids on the Giza Plateau to the monumental temples along the legendary Nile, lifeblood of Egypt, where temples, tombs, and hieroglyphs continue to entrance visitors, as they have for thousands of years. On this Private Journey with your Egyptologist guide, explore the Pyramids and feast your eyes on the glorious artifacts from King Tutankhamen's tomb, then set off on a deluxe Nile cruise, gliding in the wake of Cleopatra and the pharaohs as you discover their mysterious world from Aswan to Luxor. For a pre- or post-trip extension, visit ancient Alexandria on the Mediterranean or explore Jordan's lost city of Petra and T. E. Lawrence's Wadi Rum, a legendary mountain-and-desert landscape.
Arrive: Cairo, Egypt
Depart: Cairo, Egypt
Highlights
- Luxurious Nile cruise boat with Nile-view cabins
- Great Pyramids at Giza, Grand Egyptian Museum
- Temples of Karnak and Luxor, Valley of the Kings, and visit to Abu Simbel
- Private guide in Cairo and during the Nile cruise
Itinerary
Please note: Trip dates depend on the boat schedule and availability.
Experience the wonder of the monumental pyramids of the great pharaohs, a colossal testament to mankind’s quest for immortality. Nothing quite prepares one for the first sight of the three pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus, and the enigmatic Sphinx. Explore the treasures of the new Grand Egyptian Museum, now the largest archaeological museum in the world, visit the necropolis of Saqqara, burial grounds for kings and nobility during the age of the Great Pyramids, and discover the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, home to the famous Royal Mummies Hall, where 22 royal mummies are on display, all in the company of your own Egyptologist guide.
A cruise on the storied Nile is the ultimate experience of this epic land of history. Discover the Valley of the Kings and Queens, home to magnificent tombs including that of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female pharaoh, the monumental temple of Karnak, and Luxor, a strikingly graceful piece of temple architecture on the banks of the Nile. Explore the romantic and majestic temple complex of Isis at Philae, an exquisite blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman architecture, and the striking Temple of Kom Ombo, standing on a promontory at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank. Among the many sites you visit is the extraordinary Temple of Horus, the most completely preserved Pharaonic temple in Egypt.
Time permitting, visit the Luxor Museum, with artworks dating from the Predynastic Period to the Islamic era, before flying to Cairo. Depart on Day 9.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 1, Easiest, according to our trip grading system. It is an overland touring trip with day walks to explore the fascinating temples and wonderful towns of this ancient and modern civilization. It can be enjoyed by anyone in good health who has no mobility restrictions.
Review Trip Level Details
Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year. During the winter months (Dec-Feb), average daily temperatures are in the upper 60s°F on the Mediterranean coast and in the 80s°F in Aswan. In spring and fall, daytime temperatures can get up to the 90s°F. It can be quite cool in the evening, especially when on the Nile River. From January through March, the temperature is cooler, down to the 50s°F and 60s°F during the day, and dropping much lower at night, sometimes into the low 40s°F. Egypt has a very dry climate, which makes a temperature of 80°F feel much cooler than it would in a humid, tropical climate.
Some of our departures may coincide with Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time for Muslims, during which they abstain from food, drink, and smoking from sunrise to sunset. Working hours are often shortened so folks can return home in time to break their fast with family and friends. Rest assured that you'll be able to eat and drink during the day at all hotels and restaurants we visit. Alcoholic beverages are generally available to foreigners and non-Muslims at most hotels. During Ramadan, some shops and sites may operate on reduced hours. If this occurs, we adjust our itinerary accordingly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Ramadan is a wonderful time to visit this region, offering engagement with a meaningful aspect of local culture. Throughout the month, hotels and restaurants host special “Iftar” meals (the fast-breaking dinner at sunset) and “Sahoor” (the pre-dawn meal), often accompanied by festive decor. Visitors to Egypt will see streets adorned with colorful lights and decorations, especially in traditional areas such as the Al-Hussein Mosque. Lanterns, known as “fawanees,” hang from doorways and storefronts, a tradition dating back nearly 1,000 years when the lanterns were used to light processions celebrating the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of Ramadan. Today, they remain a beloved symbol of the season throughout the Arab world-much like a Christmas tree during the holiday season. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Client Testimonials
"All five of us greatly enjoyed the trip and learned a lot. We saw a great deal with knowledgeable guides who were a pleasure to be with, who anticipated problems, and who helped us avoid crowds and maximize our visits to sites."
Constance C.
New Haven, CT
"Wilderness Travel did it again! This was just perfect. The on the ground service was incredible. First class all the way. We are spoiled! This was such an incredible experience for us. Please encourage people to come to Egypt."
Denny H.
Mercer Island, WA
"Thanks again for a trip well planned and executed. We appreciate your professionalism."
Heather B.
Venice, Italy
"Fantastic trip. Loved every minute of it!"
Hensley E.
Rosendale, NY
"The itinerary and accommodations were perfect and our guides were the simply the best! Each one was very personable and had the unique ability to weave a vivid and memorable story of the region's past and present. We look forward to our next trip with WT!"
Jo F.
Orlando, FL
"This is one of the very best trips we have ever been on. No question we were spoiled by having private guide, private bus 90% of the time, and doing things at our own speed and addressed to our particular interests. Our guide was one of the best we have ever encountered."
Kathy B.
Lafayette, CA
"We would never have been able to do all the things we did without such a well planned trip."
Mary Jeanne K.
Bend, OR
"Great itinerary, good, hotels, nice balance between activity and relaxation."
Nicholas P.
Chicago, IL
"This was an outstanding trip. Everything was planned and executed perfectly."
Pat H.
Richmond, VA
"Excellent planning and pacing of trip sites and accommodations! Everything from pre planning materials to landing to departure was exceptional."
Pat R.
Laguna Beach, CA
"I don't know how it could have been better!"
Vaneesa L.
Atlanta, GA
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.