CLASSIC EGYPT Round trip 12 DAYS Of Egypt with Luxurious Facilities

Program Overview

Day 1 (Wednesday):
Departure from Los Angeles – International flight to Cairo, Egypt.

Day 2 (Thursday):
Arrival in Cairo – Welcome to the Land of the Pharaohs! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you'll be met by an Atlantis Tours representative and transferred to your hotel near the Great Pyramids.

Day 3 (Friday):
Giza Plateau & Grand Egyptian Museum – Visit the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, home to some of the world’s most treasured ancient artifacts.

Day 4 (Saturday):
Cairo at Your Choice (Optional Excursions) – Enjoy a day at leisure or choose from optional tours such as Saqqara & Dashur or a full-day trip to Alexandria.

Day 5 (Sunday):
Flight to Luxor & Luxor Exploration – Fly from Cairo to Luxor. Begin your discovery of ancient Thebes, including visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.

Day 6 (Monday):
Luxor West Bank Excursion – Explore the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon.

Day 7 (Tuesday):
Begin Nile Cruise: Luxor – Esna – Edfu – Embark on your 4-night First-Class Nile Cruise. Relax as you sail through the heart of Egypt.

Day 8 (Wednesday):
Sailing: Edfu – Kom Ombo – Aswan – Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris in Kom Ombo.

Day 9 (Thursday):
Aswan & Abu Simbel Excursion – Visit the majestic Temples of Abu Simbel, relocated to protect them from flooding, and return to Aswan.

Day 10 (Friday):
Aswan Highlights – Explore the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the beautiful Philae Temple dedicated to Goddess Isis.

Day 11 (Saturday):
Flight to Cairo & Old City Tour – Return to Cairo. Enjoy a full-day tour of Old Cairo, including the NMEC (Mummy Museum), the Mohamed Ali Mosque, and shopping in the vibrant Khan el Khalili Bazaar.

Day 12 (Sunday):
Final Departure – Transfer to the airport for your return flight home with unforgettable memories of Egypt.

Day 1 (Wednesday) Fly Los Angeles-Cairo
Departure is from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Departures from other major cities are available upon request.

🍽  Meals Included: Served onboard
🛏   Overnight: In-flight

Day 2 (Thursday) Arrive in Cairo
Arrive in the Land of the Pharaohs at Cairo International Airport.
After collecting your luggage and clearing customs, you will be warmly welcomed by an Atlantis Tours representative, who will escort you to your hotel.

🍽  Meals Included: Served onboard
🛏   Overnight: Ramses Hilton hotel or similar 

Day 3 (Friday) The Great Pyramids & Sfinx of Giza and the Great Egyptian Museum
Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Giza Pyramids and the iconic Sphinx. The pyramids of Cheops (Khufu), Khafre, and Menkaure—collectively known as the Giza Pyramids—were constructed between approximately 2700 and 2400 BC.

We will begin by entering one of the pyramids, followed by a stop at a scenic viewpoint perfect for capturing photos. The pyramid tour concludes at the enigmatic Sphinx, offering a stunning panoramic view of all three pyramids in the background.

After lunch, we continue to the Egyptian Museum, where we will discover a vast collection of ancient artifacts—some dating as far back as 3000 BC. Our knowledgeable tour guide will highlight the museum’s most significant and famous pieces.

🍽  Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
🛏   Overnight: Ramses Hilton hotel (or similar standard)

Day 4 (Saturday) Cairo at your choice (Optional Tours)
Enjoy a day at your leisure, or choose to join an optional excursion to the remarkable pyramids of the Old Kingdom, including Saqqara and Dahshur, or a day trip to Alexandria by the Mediterranean Sea.
For more details, please refer to the Optional Tours section.

🍽  Meals: Breakfast
🛏   Overnight: Ramses Hilton hotel or similar

Day 5 (Sunday) Fly Cairo-Luxor, Visit Luxor
Transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak, the largest temple complex in Egypt, constructed over a span of 2,000 years with contributions from nearly thirty pharaohs. Walking through the magnificent Hypostyle Hall is a highlight—its 134 towering columns, each 70 feet high and shaped like papyrus stalks, create an unforgettable experience.

The tour continues to the more intimate yet equally captivating Temple of Luxor, built by Pharaoh Amenophis III. This elegant structure showcases stunning architecture, intricate engineering, and impressive masonry. Pharaoh Ramses II later expanded the temple, adding rooms and walls adorned with relief carvings that differ significantly in style from those of his predecessor.

In ancient times, Thebes (modern-day Luxor) was a vibrant center of festivals. The Temple of Luxor served as the setting for the grand Opet Festival, one of the most important religious celebrations, symbolizing the merging of the pharaoh’s human and divine natures.

🍽  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🛏   Overnight: Sonesta St. George hotel or similar

Day 6 (Monday) Luxor Excursion
Check out of the hotel. This morning, we head to the legendary "City of the Dead", located on the west bank of the Nile, home to countless ancient tombs. Our journey begins with a visit to the renowned Valley of the Kings, the royal burial site of Egypt’s pharaohs and a true highlight of the tour.

Before entering the tombs, our guide will provide historical context from the outside, sharing fascinating stories about the rulers buried here. Inside, you'll marvel at the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture—long corridors adorned with exquisite reliefs and vivid natural colors that have survived for over 3,500 years.

Your ticket includes entry to three tombs, as well as access to the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. The young king died at the age of 18, and his tomb—discovered intact in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter—remains one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.

We will make a short stop at a local stonemason's workshop, where you can observe traditional craftsmanship and browse handmade souvenirs such as small statues, vases, and other unique pieces.

Next, we visit the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel carved into the cliffs. This temple features what is considered the world’s first historical documentary, depicting an expedition to the distant lands across the Red Sea—believed to represent the earliest recorded instance of international diplomacy.

Finally, we stop at the majestic Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues steeped in mythology. Here, you’ll learn about the legends and history behind these iconic monuments, which have stood watch over the Theban necropolis for millennia.

🍽  Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch & Dinner on Nile Cruise
🛏   Overnight: Onboard Nile Cruise

Day 7 (Tuesday) Nile Cruise, Sailing Luxor-Esna-Edfu
Morning free for leisure. The boat will sail at lunch time. Enjoy the Nile and the breeze on sundeck. The boat will pass the Esna Lock.

🍽  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🛏   Overnight: Onboard Nile Cruise

Day 8: (Wednesday) Sailing Edfu-Kom Ombo-Awan
Our day begins with a visit to the impressive Temple of Horus in Edfu, renowned as the best-preserved temple in Egypt and second in size only to Karnak. Because the temple is relatively "young"—built just 2,200 years ago—we have a wealth of detailed information about its construction and use.

According to ancient mythology, the temple was built on the very site of the legendary battle between Horus and Seth. These epic scenes are vividly depicted on the temple walls, alongside carvings of elaborate religious festivals. Remarkably, this site is also believed to have housed the world’s first library.

Afterward, we sail for approximately three hours to the town of Kom Ombo, known for its sugar production. Just a short walk from the docking point, we’ll explore the unique double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder).

Though smaller in size, this temple is rich in history. It once served as a hospital in ancient Egypt and is notable for its carved medical instruments, calendars, and scenes depicting healing practices. Construction began under Ptolemy VI Philometor in the early 2nd century BC, with the outer enclosure walls added later by Emperor Augustus after 30 BC.

🍽  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🛏   Overnight: Onboard Nile Cruise

Day 9 (Thursday) Aswan, Abu Simbel Excursion
Excursion to one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring temple sites. A Highlight of Your Nile Journey

Begin your day with an unforgettable excursion to the majestic temples of Abu Simbel, considered among the most extraordinary in all of Egypt. Nestled on the shores of Lake Nasser, these breathtaking temples—built by Pharaoh Ramses II in honor of himself and Queen Nefertari—are carved directly into the mountainside.

Saved from submersion by an ambitious UNESCO relocation project, the temples now stand as powerful symbols of ancient engineering and modern preservation.

Massive statues of the pharaoh tower at the entrance welcome visitors with grandeur.

Inside, you'll be amazed by the remarkably well-preserved colors and vivid reliefs that celebrate Ramses’ achievements and legacy. Towering statues of the Pharaoh stand guard at the entrance, creating a truly majestic sight.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy some leisurely time in Aswan, soaking in the charm and serenity of this riverside city.

🍽  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🛏   Overnight: Onboard Nile Cruise

Day 10 (Friday) Aswan Excursion

Disembark from the cruise.

Today we begin with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that provides electricity to all of Egypt and even supports export. Completed in 1972, the dam created Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. While vital for irrigation and energy, its construction submerged countless ancient temples and displaced over 100,000 Nubians from their ancestral homes.

We continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, a fascinating site that reveals how the ancient Egyptians carved massive stone pillars directly from bedrock. This particular obelisk, abandoned due to a visible crack, offers rare insight into the techniques and challenges of ancient stonework.

Next, we take a scenic motorboat ride to Philae Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Isis. Often described as the most beautiful temple in Egypt, its serene location between the Old Aswan Dam and the High Dam makes it especially memorable. Originally located on Philae Island, the temple was painstakingly relocated to Agilika Island in the 1960s to save it from flooding.

The temple is a striking fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural influences and stands as a symbol of devotion across civilizations. Check in at the hotel.

🍽  Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
🛏   Overnight: Basma hotel, Aswan (or similar standard)

Day 11 (Saturday) Fly Aswan-Cairo, Old Cairo, Mummy Museum, Mohamed Aly Mosque, & Khan el Khalili bazars

In the early morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Cairo.

Exploring the Treasures of Old Cairo

From the airport, we embark on a journey to Old Cairo, home to Egypt’s first capital, Al Fustat, founded in 641 AD. One of the city's most remarkable landmarks is the Hanging Church, a sacred site dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with sanctuaries honoring Saint John the Baptist. Also known as the Suspended Church or Al-Moallaqa, it gets its name from its construction atop the southern gate of the Roman Fortress. Layers of palm tree logs and stone were built over the ruins of the fortress, serving as its foundation.

The Hanging Church is an architectural marvel, distinguished by its wooden roof shaped like Noah’s Ark. From the 7th to the 13th century, it served as the residence of the Coptic Patriarch, witnessing significant religious ceremonies and patriarchal elections. The church as we see it today is believed to have been built during the patriarchate of Isaac (690–692 AD).

We then visit the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), where a small cave is believed to have sheltered the Holy Family for three months during their time in Egypt.

A short distance away (approximately 1.5 miles), we explore the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), home to 22 royal mummies from the necropolis of Luxor.

Our journey continues to the Citadel of Salah el-Din, built in 1198, where we visit the Mohamed Ali Mosque. Constructed between 1830 and 1848 on the site of old Mamluk buildings, the mosque was not fully completed until the reign of Said Pasha in 1857. Designed by Yusuf Bushnak, its architecture was inspired by the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul.

We conclude our day with a visit to the bustling bazaars of Khan el-Khalili, the largest and oldest market in the Middle East, dating back to the 14th century. As we stroll through its narrow alleyways, we discover hundreds of shops and stalls, where artisans skillfully craft precious metals, leather goods, and intricate woodwork inlaid with camel bone and mother-of-pearl. Here, bargaining is not just expected but an essential part of the experience!

Check in at the hotel.

🍽  Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch  
🛏   Overnight: Ramses Hilton hotel Cairo (or similar)

Day 12 (Sunday) Final Departure
Your return flight departs from Cairo International Airport with same-day arrival in Los Angeles.

🍽  Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, Meals Served onboard the flight.
🛏   Overnight: In-flight

Cairo of Your Choice

Customize Your Day with One of Two Full-Day Excursions

Option 1: Saqqara & Dashur – $125 per person (Includes Lunch)

Embark on a journey into Egypt’s ancient past with a visit to Saqqara and Dashur, two of the country’s most historically rich archaeological sites.

Saqqara: Egypt’s Oldest Pyramid and a Treasure Trove of Tombs

Located approximately 20 miles south of Cairo, Saqqara is considered Egypt’s most expansive archaeological site. Recent excavations have uncovered a wealth of discoveries, including tombs and dozens of sealed coffins containing well-preserved mummies.

The highlight is the 4,700-year-old Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser (Zoser), constructed during the 3rd Dynasty around 2670 BCE. This limestone monument is recognized as Egypt’s oldest pyramid and marks a major architectural breakthrough in ancient construction.

Other notable visits at Saqqara include:

• The Serapeum – a fascinating underground necropolis housing over 20 enormous sarcophagi for the sacred Apis bulls, worshipped as manifestations of the god Ptah.
• The Mastaba of Ti – a beautifully decorated tomb from the 5th Dynasty, showcasing vivid reliefs of daily life, including scenes of fishing, farming, and rituals. Ti served as overseer of the Sun Temples and the pyramids at Abusir.
• The Tomb of Mereruka – the largest and most elaborate tomb in Saqqara, dating to the 6th Dynasty. Mereruka was vizier under King Teti I. His tomb features intricate wall paintings, a life-size statue of the vizier, and depictions of sacrificial ceremonies.

Dashur: Home of Egypt’s Earliest Pyramids

Located just south of Saqqara, Dashur is famed for its two pyramids built by Pharaoh Snefru, founder of the 4th Dynasty and father of Khufu (builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza).

• The Bent Pyramid – an early and unique transitional form between step and smooth-sided pyramids. Its distinct angle change reveals the learning curve in pyramid engineering.
• The Red Pyramid – widely regarded as the first true smooth-sided pyramid, and among the best-preserved in Egypt. It marks a major milestone in pyramid design.

The day concludes with lunch at a local restaurant, offering a moment to reflect on the incredible legacy of Egypt’s early dynasties.

Option 2: Alexandria – $160 per person (Includes Lunch)

Full-Day Excursion from Cairo

Embark on a fascinating day trip from Cairo to Alexandria, Egypt’s iconic Mediterranean city rich in Greco-Roman heritage. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by bus as we head north toward the coast.

On this tour, you will explore some of Alexandria's most significant historical and cultural landmarks, including:

🏛 The Roman Amphitheater

An architectural marvel from the Roman period, the amphitheater served multiple purposes. Originally used as an odium for musical performances, it was equipped with all the classic elements of Roman theatre, including a stage dome and orchestra pit. During the Byzantine era, the venue transitioned into a conference hall for public assemblies and government meetings.

⚱ The Roman Catacombs

Explore the Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs, a remarkable underground burial site blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles. This three-level complex reveals a fascinating mix of cultures and beliefs during the Roman rule of Egypt.

🗿 Pompey’s Pillar (passing by only)

This towering column was erected in honor of Roman Emperor Diocletian as a gesture of gratitude. Standing 27 meters tall, it is the largest Roman triumphal column still standing outside of Rome and one of Alexandria’s most prominent monuments.

📚 The Bibliotheca Alexandrina

A tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, this stunning modern structure was designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta and opened in 2003. Located on the historic harbor, the 11-story library can house up to 4 million books, with expandable storage capacity for up to 8 million volumes. The building itself is a symbol of global knowledge and cross-cultural exchange.

We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant during the tour before returning to Cairo in the evening.

Basic Program Package Includes:

• Round-trip international airfare from Los Angeles to Cairo in Economy Class, including all applicable taxes and fees
• All airport-hotel-cruise transfers throughout the program
• Meet-and-assist services upon arrival and departure by Atlantis Tours representatives in Egypt
• 4 nights at the Sofitel Nile Cairo El Gezirah Hotel in Cairo, including daily breakfast
• 1 night at the Sonesta St. George Hotel in Luxor, including breakfast
• 4-night First-Class Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan, with full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner – beverages not included)
• 1 night at Basma hotel in Aswan, including breakfast
• Domestic flights: Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo
• Private transportation between Aswan and Abu Simbel
• All sightseeing tours with licensed Egyptologist guides, as per the itinerary
• Full-day Cairo tour including the Egyptian Museum and Giza Pyramids, with lunch
• Full-day Cairo tour including Old Cairo, NMEC, the Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan el Khalili Bazaar, with lunch
• Visits to the following iconic sites:
  • Valley of the Kings
  • Temple of Hatshepsut
  • Karnak Temple
  • Luxor Temple
  • Temple of Horus in Edfu
  • Temple of Kom Ombo
  • Temple of Philae
  • Aswan High Dam
  • Temples of Abu Simbel

Package Does Not Include:

• Travel insurance (Atlantis Tours offers Allianz Travel Protection – contact us for a quote. Proof of medical insurance is mandatory when traveling abroad)
• Egypt Entry Visa: $25 per person (required upon arrival)
• Beverages with meals – all drinks are excluded during meals
• Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses, including souvenirs and shopping
• Laundry, telephone charges, and room service at hotels
• Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, & cruise staff
• Optional Add-Ons:
  • Entrance to the Tomb of Tutankhamun
  • Entry inside the Great Pyramid of Giza
  • “Cairo of Your Choice” Tour – Customize your day with options like Saqqara & Dashur or Alexandria (details under "Optional Tours")

Price: 

From $5,995 Per Person in Double Occupancy 

Additional $1,750 in Single Occupancy

A minimum of 2 persons is required to book the same tour on the same departure date.

Departure Dates in 2025:

• April 23, 30
• May 7, 14, 21, 28
• June 4, 11, 18, 25
• July 2,9, 16, 23, 30
• August 6, 13, 20, 27
• September 3, 10, 17, 24
• October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• November 5, 12, 19, 26
• December 3, 10