13-Day Ultimate Egypt Luxury Escapes & Classic Routes
Egypt is a land where history breathes through the stones of ancient temples and the shimmering waters of the Nile. This 13-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to pair the country’s monumental history with the finest hospitality available, transitioning from the bustling energy of Cairo to the serene luxury of Upper Egypt and the turquoise depths of the Red Sea.
You will experience the classic routes of the Pharaohs with a modern twist, utilizing first-class domestic flights and private transfers to maximize your time. Expect high-end dining overlooking millennia-old monuments and exclusive access to sites that most visitors only see from a distance.
Day 1: Cairo - Arrival and Royal Settling
Arrival at Cairo International Airport
Meet your private VIP greeter at the gate who will expedite your visa-on-arrival and customs process before whisking you away in a luxury sedan.
Check-in at Marriott Mena House
Settle into your room at this historic hotel, located directly in the shadow of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Enjoy a welcome hibiscus tea on your private balcony.
Dinner at 139 Grill
Savor an international fine-dining menu while seated outdoors, offering unparalleled views of the illuminated Pyramids under the stars.
Evening Relaxation
Enjoy a signature cocktail at the Mubariz Lounge or take a moonlit stroll through the hotel's lush, manicured gardens.
Day 2: Giza - The Great Wonders In Private
Private Giza Plateau Tour
Enter the Giza Plateau with a private Egyptologist. Gain exclusive entry to the Great Pyramid of Khufu and walk between the paws of the Great Sphinx.
Lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge
Dine at the only restaurant located on the Giza Plateau itself, offering a panoramic 360-degree view of all nine pyramids while you enjoy traditional Egyptian mezzes.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Visit the limited-access areas of the world's largest archaeological museum, including the grand staircase and the hanging obelisk of Ramses II.
Sound and Light Show
Return to the plateau for the iconic Sound and Light Show, where the history of Egypt is narrated through a spectacular laser and light display.
Day 3: Cairo - Historic Islamic Cairo & Old World Charm
Saladin Citadel & Alabaster Mosque
Explore the medieval Islamic fortification of Cairo and the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali, offering the best panoramic view of the entire city.
Walking Tour of Al-Muizz Street
Walk through one of the oldest streets in the world, featuring the highest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world.
Lunch at Naguib Mahfouz Cafe
Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch in the heart of Khan el-Khalili bazaar, named after Egypt's Nobel Prize-winning author.
Khan el-Khalili Gold Souq
Browse for high-quality jewelry, spices, and handmade crafts in the most famous market in the Middle East with your private guide to assist with bargaining.
Day 4: Luxor - Flying South to The Theban Capital
Luxury Transfer to Cairo Airport
Board a short domestic flight to Luxor. Experience the transition from the city's chaos to the tranquil, green banks of the Nile.
Check-in at Sofitel Legend Old Winter Palace
Step back in time at this Victorian-era palace where Howard Carter announced the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Luxor Temple at Sunset
Visit this magnificent temple as the sun goes down and the lights illuminate the colossal statues of Ramses II.
Fine Dining at 1886 Restaurant
Dress for dinner at Luxor's most prestigious restaurant, serving French-inspired cuisine in a formal, jacket-required setting.
Day 5: Luxor - The Valley of the Kings
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Float over the West Bank at sunrise for a bird's-eye view of the Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.
Private West Bank Exploration
Visit the Valley of the Kings, including a special entry ticket to the highly detailed Tomb of Seti I and the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun.
Temple of Hatshepsut
Admire the unique terraced architecture of the temple dedicated to Egypt's most famous female Pharaoh, built into the limestone cliffs.
Colossi of Memnon
A quick stop to view the two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood in the Theban Necropolis for 3,400 years.
Day 6: Luxor - Karnak's Grandeur & Nile Breezes
Karnak Temple Complex
Spend the morning lost in the Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 giant sandstone columns. It remains the largest religious building ever constructed.
Luxury Felucca Lunch
Board a private traditional sailboat (felucca) and enjoy a chef-prepared lunch while drifting slowly down the Nile.
Luxor Museum
Visit this elegantly curated museum on the Corniche, which houses a refined collection of artifacts found in the Luxor area.
Dinner at Al-Sahaby Lane
Enjoy rooftop dining with views of the Nile and Luxor Temple, specializing in camel meat dishes and Egyptian classics.
Day 7: Aswan - Journey to the First Cataract
First Class Train to Aswan
Travel south through the lush Nile Valley in a comfortable first-class carriage, watching rural Egyptian life pass by the window.
Check-in at Sofitel Legend Old Cataract
Enter the world of Agatha Christie at this legendary hotel. This is widely considered the most luxurious hotel in all of Egypt.
Afternoon Tea on the Terrace
Partake in the world-famous high tea ritual on the terrace of the Old Cataract, overlooking the granite boulders of the First Cataract.
Nubian Museum
Explore this award-winning museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Nubian people before the flooding of Lake Nasser.
Day 8: Aswan - Philae & Nubian Culture
Philae Temple by Private Boat
Take a motorboat to Agilkia Island to visit the Temple of Isis, rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and rebuilt stone by stone.
The Unfinished Obelisk
See how ancient Egyptians quarried stone at this massive granite obelisk that would have been the largest ever if it hadn't cracked.
Nubian Village Visit
Visit a colorful Nubian village on Elephantine Island. Enjoy a traditional meal in a local home and learn about their unique language and customs.
Dinner at 1902 Restaurant
Dine under the 75-foot dome of this historic restaurant, featuring gourmet Mediterranean cuisine and an extensive wine cellar.
Day 9: Abu Simbel - The Great Sun Temple
Private Flight to Abu Simbel
Take a short 45-minute flight over the desert to visit the colossal temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, located on the banks of Lake Nasser.
Abu Simbel Guided Tour
Marvel at the four 65-foot statues of Ramses II guarding the entrance. Your private guide will explain the incredible UNESCO salvage operation.
Return to Aswan
Fly back to Aswan in time for a late lunch at the hotel or a local riverside cafe.
Botanical Garden Visit
Take a small boat to Kitchener's Island to walk through the peaceful botanical gardens, home to exotic plants from across the globe.
Day 10: Sharm El Sheikh - Transition to the Red Sea
Flight to Sharm El Sheikh
Fly from Aswan to Sharm El Sheikh (usually via Cairo). Leave the desert behind for the crystal-clear waters of the Sinai Peninsula.
Check-in at Four Seasons Resort
Settle into one of Egypt's premier beach resorts, featuring private beach access and world-class diving facilities.
Sunset Cocktails by the Pool
Relax and unwind from the historical touring with a cocktail as the sun sets over the Red Sea.
Seafood Dinner at Bullona
Enjoy a high-end contemporary seafood dinner at the resort's signature restaurant with views of the coast.
Day 11: Sharm El Sheikh - Private Yachting & Coral Reefs
Private Yacht Charter to Ras Mohammed
Spend the day on a private yacht exploring Ras Mohammed National Park, home to some of the world's most vibrant coral reefs.
Onboard Chef-Prepared Lunch
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch prepared by your private chef on the deck of your yacht between snorkeling sessions.
Scuba Diving at Shark Reef
For certified divers, explore the dramatic drop-offs and teeming marine life of Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef.
Dinner in Soho Square
Visit the upscale Soho Square for dining, shopping, and watching the musical fountain show.
Day 12: Sharm El Sheikh - Desert Adventures or Spa
Luxury Spa Morning
Indulge in a signature Egyptian massage or a Cleopatra-themed milk and honey wrap at the resort spa.
Beachside Lunch
Enjoy light Mediterranean fare and chilled wine with your toes in the sand at the resort's beach club.
Private ATV Desert Safari
Race across the Sinai sands on a private ATV tour, stopping for Bedouin tea as the mountains turn gold in the late afternoon.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your final night in Egypt with a customized tasting menu at an exclusive seaside location.
Day 13: Cairo & Departure - Final Memories
Last Dip in the Red Sea
Enjoy one last swim or snorkel in the calm morning waters of the resort's private bay.
Flight Back to Cairo
Take your final domestic flight back to Cairo International Airport for your international connection.
VIP Departure Lounge
Relax in the luxury departure lounge in Cairo Terminal 3, enjoying fine food and showers before your long-haul flight.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Pick up high-end Egyptian cotton linens or dates at the airport duty-free shops before boarding.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
The ideal time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months from October to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant for exploring the ancient temples of Luxor and Aswan, which can become prohibitively hot in the summer. Peak season is December and January, so booking luxury accommodations well in advance is essential. For the Red Sea, the water remains warm enough for diving year-round, though shoulder months like October and April offer the perfect balance of warm air and comfortable water temperatures.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and major shops widely accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry cash for tipping (Baksheesh), which is a deeply ingrained part of the culture. Tipping 10-15% is standard for good service. ATMs are readily available in major cities and hotels. Be aware that most historical site entrance fees must now be paid by credit card rather than cash.
Getting Around Egypt
For a luxury itinerary, the most efficient way to travel between major regions is via domestic flights operated by EgyptAir. Flights between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El Sheikh take approximately 60 to 90 minutes. For shorter intercity trips, like Luxor to Aswan, first-class trains or private chauffeured vehicles are recommended. Within cities, private car services or app-based rides like Uber are the safest and most comfortable options for the discerning traveler.
