Day 1

Your first day of this exotic adventure is devoted to an exploration of Cairo’s historic monuments, cultural facets, and antique treasures. After a buffet breakfast at your garden-ensconced hotel, you meet in the lobby for a brief welcome meeting. Your Egyptologist guides provide an introduction and an overview of the tour, and then you transfer to one of Cairo’s most important sites—the Citadel of Saladin—a sprawling fortified complex of palaces and mosques set on an escarpment on the city’s eastern edge. Construction by the ruler Saladin started in 1176 as a defense against the Crusaders, and expanded over the centuries by the subsequent ruling Mamluks and Ottomans. At the summit of the Citadel you enter the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, built in the mid-19th century, which dominates the city’s skyline. Descending from the Citadel, you proceed to the Northern Cemetery, known as the City of the Dead, a vast necropolis area with fascinating architecture dating from the 14th century, which is also an urban neighborhood.

The cemetery is at the edge of Islamic Cairo, the district at the city’s heart where bustling contemporary life unfolds effortlessly against a backdrop of historic mosques, medieval facades, and the thriving Khan el Khalili market. Your local guide leads you expertly through the narrow streets and the colorful bazaar where herbs and spices, tempting fruits, and overflowing market stalls selling everything imaginable are shared by pedestrians, laden donkeys, and delivery vans. While the market is frequented by tourists, it is an authentic part of Cairo life and has been in operation since the 14th century. Time permitting, you may make a stop at the 17th-century Ottoman Al Suhaymi house, a beautifully restored wealthy merchant’s home where shaded inner courtyards, balconies, and splashing fountains kept it naturally cool through the hot summer. Ready for a break, you reach your lunch stop at the Naguib Mahfouz restaurant in the heart of Khan el Khalili, named for the famous Egyptian author. A calm oasis, the menu may include a variety of Middle Eastern mezze, or appetizers (babaganoush, hummus, fresh bread) followed by grilled lamb or chicken kabobs and accompanied by fresh mango or other juices. A fitting dessert might be the famous “Om Ali,” a luscious combination of puff pastry, milk, and nuts, named after the first wife of the sultan Ezz El Din Aybek.

After lunch, a short drive brings you to the Egyptian Museum, home to the greatest collection—more than 120,000 objects—of Egyptian antiquities. Designed at the turn of the century by a French architect, the building’s exhibitions are distributed over two floors, and include the treasures of Tutankhamen (or King Tut) with its infamous Gold Mask as well as the royal mummy collection. Your knowledgeable guides are at hand to navigate you through the seemingly limitless rooms until the museum’s closing time. About an hour’s drive returns you to your hotel retreat where there is time to rest and refresh before a festive welcome dinner at a restaurant within your luxurious palace hotel. You feast on traditional Egyptian cuisine, including an array of tantalizing starters or mezze, and chicken or fish “tagen,” a clay-pot baked specialty, topped off with a rich dessert finale.
Mena House Oberoi Hotel, Cairo

Day 2

After a copious buffet breakfast, you depart on foot for a two- to three-hour walk that includes an entry into one of the three Pyramids of the Giza complex—which is composed of the Great Pyramid or the Pyramid of Cheops, the somewhat smaller Pyramid of Khafre, and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure. The Great Pyramid is the oldest of the three, completed around 2570 BC, and the one remaining “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Facing east and to the east of the pyramids lies the Sphinx, thought to be a likeness of the Pharaoh Khafre. Also part of the itinerary is the Solar Barque Museum, which holds the “barques” or boats that ferried the mummies of the dead pharaohs across the Nile to the pyramid tombs. Your guide provides a thorough explanation of the monuments’ history and construction, as well as the many theories on their spiritual significance and astronomical alignment. From the Great Pyramid you walk past the Pyramid of Menkaure, and continue on to a comprehensive viewpoint on all three. You have the choice of continuing on foot to the Sphinx or taking a short ride in your dedicated minibus. You can then return to the hotel by minibus or on foot. Lunch is a short drive away at a favorite local restaurant, which specializes in perfectly roasted chicken, salads, hummus, and clay-oven baked bread.

This afternoon is yours to design à la Carte, with an array of choices to enjoy at your own pace, either with the group or on your own. A perfect spot for relaxation, your hotel’s amenities include an inviting pool set in luxuriant jasmine gardens overlooking the Pyramids, tennis courts, a golf course, horse and camel stables, and a fitness center and jogging track (massage, tennis, golf, and riding not included in the tour cost). You can take advantage of these facilities, and perhaps combine them with a return trip to the Pyramids, at your own pace, in order to further take advantage of your proximity to these magnificent monuments. A short drive away, you also have the opportunity to join your guide on a visit to the Saqqara Step Pyramid. Built in 2650 BC, it is the oldest stone monument not only in Egypt, but also in the world, and a rare peaceful sense pervades in its lesser-visited complex of tombs. Time permitting, an evening option is a sound and light show at the Pyramids, a wonderful opportunity of seeing them dramatically lit up against a night sky (this option is not included in the tour cost).

In the early evening at your hotel, the group comes together for a fascinating talk on modern Egyptian life by a local expert before walking to dinner at a nearby restaurant serving authentic cuisine.
Mena House Oberoi Hotel, Cairo

Day 3

With your last morning glimpse of the Pyramids, you depart Cairo and travel via a one-hour flight to Luxor in Upper Egypt. Luxor, as the site of the ancient city of Thebes, is often referred to as the world’s largest open-air museum with the Temple of Karnak, and across the Nile, the Valley of Kings and the Valley of Queens. From Luxor’s airport you proceed directly to Karnak, the expansive complex of temples, chapels, and monuments constituting the largest ancient religious site in the world. Distinguished in ancient history by its long duration, construction began in the 16th century BC and saw the contributions of over 30 pharaohs, from the time of the Middle Kingdom to Ptolemaic times. Karnak is truly astounding due to its enormity and complexity, and the diversity of its structures. After a guided walking tour through its long columned walkways, under gigantic carved stones, a short drive brings you to one of our favorite lunch spot. This former 1930s Egyptian home turned into an intimate restaurant serves excellent Egyptian cuisine in a traditional décor of tiles and hand carved furniture. The menu may include a starter of red lentil soup, followed by a seasonal vegetable tagen khodar, meat kabobs, and exotic fresh juices from cantaloupe to pomegranate to tamarind and hibiscus.

After a leisurely lunch, you arrive at your elegant hotel on the bank of the Nile, where you have time to relax poolside. With the sun setting and the cooler evening air, you embark upon a promenade walk to the Luxor Museum. Smaller than the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the museum’s collections are artfully displayed and interpreted and also include artifacts from Tutankhamen and exceptionally preserved statues. You continue on after dark to Luxor Temple, strikingly illuminated, its graceful columns, shrines, and statues outlined against the night sky. Dinner this evening includes a selection of specialties that typify the bounty of the Nile.
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor

Day 4

The day begins very early for those who wish to enjoy an optional (at your own expense) sunrise balloon ride that provides a truly stunning perspective over the monuments of Luxor and distant desert mountains. Some guests may opt instead to participate in a challenging morning walk, departing the hotel early and crossing the Nile to the West Bank via ferry and car. You then set off with a local mountain guide along a steep trail, which can have uneven footing at times (and is not recommended for those with vertigo), to the top of Al-Qurn (The Horn) mountain. Reaching the summit, you find the ruins of an ancient village where in fact the workers who constructed the two burial sites—the Valley of the Kings and Queens—were housed. From this vantage point, you also have views over the Nile and its West Bank. Descending on foot directly into the Valley of the Kings, you reunite with the group and spend the next few hours visiting a series of remarkable tombs, once filled with treasures of the Pharaohs for their journeys to the afterlife.

In the late morning you drive the short distance to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt's only female pharaoh who ruled for 15 years from 1473 to 1458. A series of terraces rises and blends with limestone cliffs to create one of the most striking monuments in the country. After a brief exploration, you stop for lunch and cold refreshments before continuing on to the Medinat Habu Temple, the second largest temple complex after Karnak. You enter through the Syrian gate, which was modeled after an Asiatic fortress. The complex is best known for the funerary temple built by Ramses III. After a walking tour around the site, you make your way along quiet streets to the Colossi of Memnon, a gigantic pair of statues that rise about 50 feet over the West Bank’s plain built by Amenhotep III as a funerary temple.

You return to your hotel late in the afternoon with ample time to immerse yourself in your hotel’s amenities and pool, or for independent exploration of Luxor. Dinner is on your own this evening with suggestions from your guide(s) and hotel staff, of course.
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor

Day 5

Today is the start of your four days of cruising the Nile aboard The Affandina, a private dahabiya, or traditional double-masted sailboat. Built in the style of the vessels that 19th-century travelers took down the Nile, your dahabiya is newly constructed and is powered by sail when the winds cooperate or is pulled by a tug boat. With a total of eight luxurious cabins, a library, sitting room, lounge, and two decks, there is ample space for relaxation. During this exclusive experience, your personal chef and dedicated crew serve meals in the private dining room or on deck.

The morning adventure begins with an early breakfast at the hotel and a 7:30 am departure to Edfu, an approximate 1½-hour drive. Upon arrival you spend a few hours strolling and visiting the Temple of Edfu, the most completely preserved temple in Egypt, which was built by Ptolemy III in 230 BC and is dedicated to Horus the falcon god. Late morning you board your private yacht and set sail for the afternoon. Lunch is served en route and may consist of a medley of salads, breads, hummus or feta cheese, grilled vegetables, and a main course such as grilled chicken or beef followed by fresh fruit. While cruising you can relax on deck with a book or simply take in the scenery, utilize the lower deck’s Jacuzzi, or unwind in the lounge.

By late afternoon, the first stop is in Ramadi where you embark on a walk through the village and surrounding fields and fruit trees. Trees heavy with mango and local fruits provide welcome shade. Reboarding, the boat continues the short distance to the Island of Besaw, the night’s mooring. Time and conditions permitting, you can stretch your legs on an optional sunset hike to the top of sandstone cliffs overlooking the Nile before regrouping for your first al fresco dinner aboard the dahabiya.
The Affandina, Island of Besaw

Day 6

Awakening on the river, after breakfast you set off to explore the Island of Besaw. A cultural start to the day is a visit to a home where you are welcomed by a large extended family. A series of trails used by the villagers loop around the island and back to the dock. After a short sail to Wadi Shat on the west bank of Besaw, you trace a riverside path to Silsila, which was known in ancient times as Khenu or the “Place of Rowing.” This gorge marks the shift from limestone to sandstone in the bedrock of Egypt, and its fascinating quarries and tombs are accessed and explored only by smaller boats. The steep sandstone cliffs were quarried at this narrowest section of the Nile, and provide insight into the quarrying and construction methods of the ancient Egyptians in order to build their temples and monuments. A trail along the Nile also leads to a number of tombs built into the hillsides and the Speos of Horemheb, a rock-hewn chapel dedicated to the Pharaoh Horemheb. Walking back to the boat, you continue cruising a short distance to the village of Faris. Here a short drive brings you to the center of town to visit a cottage industry. Crossing the Nile by ferry, a flat walk brings you along canals and farmer’s fields of vegetables, potatoes, or sorghum, to the small, simple village of Fatira, where women may be carrying water back from the river in jugs balanced deftly on their heads. After a short visit you return to the boat, which is docked on a nearby shore.

The evening brings more waterside relaxation with timeless views of the Nile, villages shaded by date palms, and the sun setting in the western desert. Dinner is served on board by your private chef and crew.
The Affandina, Faris

Day 7

The morning destination over breakfast is the impressive Kom Ombo Temple, situated on a promontory over a bend in the Nile. Docking the yacht at the far end of the promenade, you walk a few hundred meters to the site where you are guided through the Greco-Roman temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two gods—Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the sun god. Located near the temple is a well-preserved rural home, which displays Nubian granaries and ancient tools used for the earliest irrigation methods: the shadoof, a weighted bucket system, and the saqiya, an animal-powered water wheel.

An additional 30 minute-cruise brings you to the small village of Daraw, spread across both the east and west banks of the Nile. Beginning on the West Bank you enter the village and walk along its public promenade overlooking the river, with your guides as interpreters, you meet and chat with locals along the way and learn about their customs and culture. Upon ferrying back to the dahabiya, lunch awaits.

In the afternoon you explore the East Bank, first catching “tuk tuks” (small public taxis) to the center of town where you stroll through the local market and the camel barns. After being brought in caravans from the Sudan for the weekly camel market (souq al-gamaal), camels are kept in the barns. Up to 2,000 camels typically arrive on Sunday, the day that the main caravan arrives from Abu Simbel. Time permitting you may continue on to a typical Nubian home. Many of the Nubians living along the Nile were relocated from southern Egypt or the Sudan after the construction of the Aswan Dam, which flooded their native lands. The remainder of the afternoon is spent cruising to the Western Bank of Aswan where the boat docks for the night. Tonight you relish your final evening aboard the dahabiya enjoying a special dinner under starry skies.
The Affandina, Western Bank of Aswan

Day 8

This morning’s walk departs directly from the dahabiya to a colorful village nestled against the sand dunes on the West Bank of Aswan. A narrow path used by locals to access the Nile winds through palm trees and farmer’s fields. Along the way you may pass farmers herding their cattle to the Nile or young boys on donkeys. The village itself is painted in traditional hues of blue and gold, typical of the region; you explore the narrow roads on foot before continuing on to the city of Aswan for a visit of the High Dam and Philae Temple complex of Isis on Agilkia Island.

Egypt’s southernmost city, Aswan is at a beautiful location on the Nile as it flows north of the dam and around palm-fringed islands. For centuries it has been at the crossroads of caravan routes from Africa and Nubia, and therefore bears evidence of millennia of history—from Pharaonic through Greco-Roman and Islamic, to the present. Construction of the 11,000-foot-wide Aswan High Dam was completed in 1971, creating Lake Nasser, the world’s largest artificial lake behind it. Just north of the dam is Agilkia Island where the Philae Temple was painstakingly reconstructed in the 1970s to preserve it from rising waters. Dedicated to the cult of Isis, this magical complex is one of the best-preserved Ptolemaic temples. Your guides lead you through the columned halls, explaining the significance of chapels, pylons, and shrines. Concluding your visit, you return to the boat for a leisurely lunch and final afternoon and evening on board. A celebratory evening awaits complete with a festive farewell dinner followed by one last night of stargazing.
The Affandina, Western Bank of Aswan

Day 9

After breakfast you bid farewell to the dahabiya crew and set out for your final adventure along the Nile. On offer is an excursion to Abu Simbel, the UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts two magnificent rock temples carved out of a mountainside. Originally carved during the 13th century BC during the reign of Ramses II, they were relocated in the 1960s to avoid being submerged during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. (This excursion is at an additional expense and must be confirmed by 90 days prior to the tour start date.) A visit to the award-winning Nubia Museum provides insight into the area before it was flooded by Lake Nasser; the architecture of the museum and the enclosure walls are intended to evoke traditional Nubian village style. The museum’s permanent collection consists of 1500 artifacts showing in chronological order the material culture of Nubia, from Pre-history to contemporary times. Afterward, you may wish to stroll through Aswan’s outdoor souk, or market. Spices, textiles, souvenirs, jewelry, and Nubian baskets are but a few of the items available for sale.A light lunch refuels you before your flight to Cairo. You meet up with your fellow travelers (on their return from Abu Simbel) on board and share stories of your morning adventures. Upon arrival in Cairo Airport, you bid farewell and make connections for your onward travels, or your journey home.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 2

Mena House Oberoi Hotel
Giza, Cairo, Egypt

A Travel + Leisure "World's Best Hotel". Adjacent to the magnificent pyramids of Giza, this 19th-century former palace is surrounded by luxuriant jasmine gardens and features a heated outdoor swimming pool, and several bars and restaurants. Exquisite antiques and traditional textiles adorn the interiors, while rooms are tastefully appointed and updated with modern amenities.

Nights 3 & 4

Steigenberger Nile Palace
Luxor, Egypt

Situated on the banks of the Nile and within the historic center of Luxor, this elegant hotel features a heated outdoor swimming pool, health club, several restaurants and bars.

Nights 5, 6, 7 & 8

The Affandina
The Nile, Egypt

A luxury 135 foot yacht or dahabiya, with 8 guest cabins (5 twins and 3 doubles) with private bathroom, air conditioning. minibar, satellite tv, and safe. Each guest cabin is 3.2m x 4.25m in size excluding the bathroom. A staff of ten, including a private chef, ensure an exclusive stay and high level of customer service. Additional features include an indoor dining area, lounge, Jacuzzi, and two decks from which to enjoy the Nile views, or simply relax.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Malak Haress

Malak was born and raised in Cairo. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management and a specialist degree in Egyptology. Malak has been guiding classic tours through Egypt for 18 years and looks forward to exploring Egypt on foot! In her free time she enjoys travel and horseback riding. She is the mother of two boys, one of whom is studying in the United States.

Inas Hassan

Inas has been guiding for 18 years. As a native of Cairo, she enjoys sharing her country and its customs with guests. Inas holds a Bachelors Degree in Commerce as well as a degree in Egyptology. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her two young sons, swimming, and reading. In training for the Country Walkers tours, she has a new passion—walking!

Basem Salah

Basem was born in Jordan to Egyptian parents. Raised in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt, he holds diplomas in Tourism and Hotel Management along with a Major in Egyptology and Modern History of Egypt. He is a member of the Egypt Exploration Society and The American Research Center of Egypt and is co-owner of a Cairo-based tour operator. His many years of guiding experience, and his wonderful sense of humor, enrich every trip he leads.