egypt journey

Cairo - Saqqara - Luxor - Nile - Aswan - Abu Simbel | 11 days - 10 nights

Egypt Off the Beaten Path

Egypt Off the Beaten Path

overview

journey

Inclusions

A traditional egypt discovery

Experience Egypt at a deeply immersive pace on an unhurried 11-day private journey bridging Cairo, Saqqara, historic Luxor, and the ancient landscapes of Nubia. From crowd-free private access inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the desert necropolis of Saqqara to dedicated days exploring Luxor’s East and West Banks, this itinerary balances pharaonic grandeur with quiet, riverfront discovery. 

Highlights

overview

  • Ideal for travelers seeking an unhurried first visit
  • Features private access inside the Great Pyramid, an illuminated evening tour of Luxor Temple

Egypt Off the Beaten Path | Overview

Day 1-3: Cairo & Old City
        Overnight: The St. Regis Cairo (day 1-3)
Day 4-5: Luxor & The Ancient Capital of Thebes
        Overnight: Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor (day 4-5)
Day 6-9: Nile River Cruise (Luxor to Aswan)
        Overnight: Storia Dahabiya (day 6-9)
Day 10: Abu Simbel & Cairo
        Overnight: The St. Regis Cairo (day 10)
Day 11: Departure

day 1

Day 1 - 3 | Cairo, Giza & Old City

Discover Cairo's ancient pharaonic monuments and its vibrant medieval heritage. Begin with breakfast in the shade of the Giza Plateau before enjoying private access inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, exploring its interior passages away from public crowds. After discovering the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, the focus shifts to the city's living history. An electric golf cart navigates the narrow medieval lanes of Al-Darb al-Ahmar to view restored Islamic architecture, followed by a guided walk through the lively stalls of Khan el-Khalili and a visit to Coptic Cairo's historic Hanging Church.

day 1-3 | accommodation

stay - St. Regis Cairo

Positioned along the Nile River in downtown Cairo, The St. Regis Cairo combines timeless architectural sophistication with refined riverfront living.

The property features elegantly appointed guest suites with panoramic Nile views, signature butler service, a full-service wellness spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and exceptional dining venues. Its central location provides an elegant sanctuary between private touring excursions.

day 4-5

Day 4 - 5 | Saqqara & Luxor

Leaving central Cairo, a morning excursion explores Saqqara, the vast desert necropolis of ancient Memphis. Here, travelers discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser - the world's earliest major stone structure - and inspect the vivid relief carvings inside noble mastaba tombs. A short domestic flight carries travelers south to Luxor, ancient Thebes. Dedicated days separate the East and West Banks for unhurried exploration. Mornings are spent amid the immense hypostyle halls of Karnak, while evenings bring a visit to Luxor Temple when its soaring colonnades and pharaonic statues are dramatically illuminated under the night sky.


day 4-5 | ACCOMMODATION

stay - Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor

Set amid lush tropical gardens along the Nile, Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor is a historic 19th-century Victorian palace steeped in royal history.

The hotel features high-ceilinged heritage rooms, classical decor, a palm-fringed swimming pool, and grand dining rooms that have hosted dignitaries and archaeology pioneers for over a century. Its location puts travelers within easy walking distance of Luxor Temple.

day 6 - 9 

Day 6 - 9 | nile river (Luxor to Aswan)

The morning explores Luxor's West Bank, descending into hand-painted royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, viewing the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and standing before the Colossi of Memnon. Travelers then step aboard a traditional Dahabeya sailing vessel to begin a four-night voyage along the Nile River. The journey glides past agricultural fields and villages, visiting the well-preserved Temple of Edfu and the dual sanctuary of Kom Ombo.  

day 6-9 | ACCOMMODATION

stay - Storia DahabEya

Storia Dahabeya is an exclusive, handcrafted traditional wooden sailing vessel offering an intimate, private river voyage between Luxor and Aswan along the Nile River.

Carrying a limited number of luxury cabins, the vessel features expansive sun decks, open-air lounge spaces, and personalized dining prepared daily by a dedicated chef. Its small scale ensures an unhurried, peaceful atmosphere tailored to the rhythm of the river.

day 10-11

Day 10 - 11 | Abu Simbel & Departure

Disembarking in Aswan, a short flight crosses the Nubian desert to Abu Simbel, where the colossal rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari stand overlooking Lake Nasser. Travelers explore the colossal statues before enjoying lunch. Connecting flights return travelers to Cairo for a final restful evening before returning home.

inclusions

extend your trip 

inclusions

From the moment of arrival in Egyptuntil departure, Selara Africa takes care of every detail of this journey.

This experience includes all accommodation, operational logistics, transfers, tours, experiences and activities, and private Egyptologists, with our team coordinating each element seamlessly behind the scenes. You will also have 24/7 ground support from the Selara Africa team, providing assistance whenever you need it.

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Stays at premier luxury lodges featuring private butler service, intuitive field guides, gourmet dining, and unhurried wellness treatments overlooking the African horizon.

Signature EGYPT Experiences

Dahabiya Traditional nile Sailing

Illuminated Temples & Monuments

Private Great Pyramid Access

Private Great Pyramid Access
Step inside the passages and chambers of the Great Pyramid of Khufu away from public crowds, guided by an expert Egyptologist.



Dahabiya Traditional nile Sailing

Illuminated Temples & Monuments

Dahabiya Traditional Nile Sailing
Experience the Nile as travelers did in the 19th century, sailing on a traditional wooden vessel across Egypt.



Illuminated Temples & Monuments

Private Great Pyramid Access

Illuminated Temples & Monuments
 Discover ancient architecture at its most dramatic, from Luxor Temple lit under the night sky to the colossal cliff-cut facades of Abu Simbel.


Dahabiya Traditional nile Sailing

Private Great Pyramid Access

From private pyramid access and traditional Dahabiya sailing to the grandeur of Abu Simbel, this itinerary highlights Egypt at its most authentic and unhurried. Let’s collaborate to tailor this seamless 11-day journey into an extraordinary experience.

Extraordinary Journeys, Expertly Designed.

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Cairo - Luxor - Nile Cruise - Aswan - Abu Simbel  

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Egypt represents the world’s ultimate journey into living history - home to five millennia of pharaonic monuments, vast golden desert horizons, and the timeless, life-giving waters of the Nile River.

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