Days 2-3

Cairo

Dahshur Pyramids

You’ll visit the lesser-known pyramids of Dahshur and marvel at these baffling works of ancient engineering brilliance, including the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.

Visit Sakkhara

At Sakkhara, the city’s necropolis, or cemetery, you’ll stand in awe before the Step Pyramid. Archaeologists have dated it back to the 27th century BC, making this the oldest known of Egypt’s 97 pyramids. During your time at Sakkhara, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Serapeum Tomb, which is a ancient burial place of Apis bulls.

Visit a Carpet School

Learn how Egyptian rugs are made at a carpet school. Meet some local children and possibly enjoy a soccer game with them.

Dinner with a Local Family

This evening, you’ll enjoy dinner with an Egyptian family. Learn local customs, enjoy a typical Egyptian meal and discover what “family ” means in Cairo, Egypt.

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Days 4-6

Aswan

Pyramids of Giza

Explore the ultimate Egyptian icons, the Pyramids of Giza. The 450-foot Great Pyramid — the only remaining “wonder” of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — was built nearly 4,000 years ago. Its 2.5 million limestone blocks, each weighing 2.6 tons, were moved across the desert and assembled to create this vast burial monument. If you’re brave enough, crawl into the pyramid itself, follow its winding passageways and make the nerve-wracking ascent into its chamber — you’ll have a great story to tell friends back home!

Sphinx

The final stop on the Giza Plateau is visiting the huge and mysterious Sphinx. This mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of a man keeps a silent watch over the desert, as he has for almost 4,500 years. The giant statue, 241-feet-long and 66 feet high, was built in approximately 2500 BC!

Camel Ride

Take a short camel ride in the shadow of the Great Pyramid itself — this is a great photo opportunity!

Temple of Philae

Built for the Goddess Isis, wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. The temple is best known for the international effort in moving it entirely when it was threatened by the change in water level caused by the High Dam.

Nubian Village

Visit a traditional Nubian Village and visit the home of a local family to learn about their way of life.

Nile Ride in a Felucca

Cruise like an Egyptian aboard a felucca, the traditional wooden sailing boats that have plied the Nile waters for centuries. You’ll sail past ancient monuments, witness farmers working their fields, and watch the sun set over an unforgettable scene.

Option to Explore the Temples of Abu Simbel (at additional cost)

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Days 7-8

Luxor

Drive Aswan to Luxor

The drive from Aswan to Luxor takes approximately 3.5-4 hours, following the green banks of the Nile River.

Temple of Kom Ombo

The Temple of Kom Ombo is unusual because it is a double temple, built for two sets of gods. The northern part of the temple was dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris, also known as Horus the Elder. The southern part of the temple was dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, god of fertility. Discovered in the vicinity were 300 crocodile mummies, several of which are displayed inside the temple.

Visit Edfu

Edfu is believed to be the site where the falcon god Horus fought a fierce battle with his uncle. Of all the temple remains in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the most completely preserved.

Temple of Luxor

Making a dramatic entrance, you’ll ride to the Temple of Luxor in a horse-drawn carriage and explore this stunning riverside complex believed to have been dedicated to Amon-Re, king of the gods. Its long avenue, lined with sphinxes and giant statues of the Pharaoh Ramesses II, are the temple’s most famous feature. Obelisks, hieroglyph-covered pillars, sun disks, and papyrus columns, once gilded in gold, offer a dazzling peek into the former opulence of these mind-boggling constructions.

Temple of Karnak

The Temple of Karnak neighbors Luxor and is just as remarkable, if not more so with its great hall supported by a record breaking 134 colossal columns.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut — Ancient Egypt’s most renowned and longest-ruling female pharaoh.

Valley of the Kings

Sprawled along the banks of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings is the site of dozens of royal tombs chiseled deep into the vertical slopes of solid rock. So far, 63 tombs have been excavated here, including King Tut’s.

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Day 9

Cairo

Fly Luxor to Cairo

Citadel and Mosque of Muhammad Ali

You’ll visit one of the most visible landmarks on Cairo’s eastern skyline, the Citadel. Built in the most magnificent medieval style — there’s even a moat! Muhammad Ali’s mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, was built in 1848 and sits atop the Citadel.

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

You’ll visit Khan el-Khalili Bazaar where you can try your hand at bargaining!

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Day 10

Depart

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2024 Dates

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Additional Info

Groups 

Traveling in a party of six or more friends or family members? Call us about our large group discounts.

Alumni Discount 

If you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We’ve received great feedback about Travel Guard – you can learn more about the benefits of travel insurance there.

Single Supplement

Single supplement starts at $1250.

Price Includes

All entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private bilingual guide throughout, all meals, bottled water & snacks in the vehicle.

Guaranteed departure. Small group surcharge may apply. Call us to discuss age recommendations for each destination. Prices are subject to change.