9-Day Egypt Tour Itinerary with Dendera Temple Highlights

Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, our professional representative will warmly welcome you. They will assist you with immigration, passport control, and baggage collection. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Once you arrive, your expert Egyptologist guide will provide a detailed briefing about your Egypt tour itinerary, highlighting the incredible experiences and iconic landmarks you will visit during your trip. Prepare for an unforgettable journey across Egypt's most famous destinations.

Start your day with a hotel pickup in Cairo by your expert tour guide, as you embark on an unforgettable journey to the iconic Pyramids of Giza. Discover the wonders of the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the Pyramid of Chephren, and the Pyramid of Mykerinus—three ancient marvels that have stood for over 4,500 years.

Next, visit the awe-inspiring Great Sphinx of Giza, a colossal limestone statue that dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Khafre. Continue to explore the Valley Temple, which once served as the site for the embalming rituals of the pharaohs.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Giza with views of the pyramids before proceeding to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. This world-renowned museum houses over 250,000 genuine artifacts, offering a deep dive into ancient Egyptian history. Don't miss the Tutankhamun exhibit, featuring the famed treasures, gold, and jewelry found in the boy king’s tomb-discovered after over 3,500 years of burial.

For an extra experience, you can opt to visit the Royal Mummy Room at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (additional cost: 200 EGP). Please ask your guide to arrange this if interested.

While the New Grand Egyptian Museum is still under construction and expected to open soon (possibly by the end of 2023), there is still plenty to explore in the existing Egyptian Museum.

For those seeking an unforgettable experience, opt for the Sound and Light Show at the Giza Pyramids ($40 per person) to see the ancient structures come alive with light and storytelling.

After your full-day tour, enjoy a transfer to Cairo International Airport for a short flight to Aswan, where you'll check into your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel in Aswan and transferred to your Nile cruise for an exciting day exploring the stunning landmarks of Aswan.

Philae Temple: Begin your journey with a visit to the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This is the last of Egypt’s temples built in the classical style, with construction beginning around 690 BC. It was one of the final places where the goddess Isis was worshipped.

Aswan High Dam: Next, head to the Aswan High Dam, one of the most important engineering feats of the 20th century. Located on the Nile River at the border between Egypt and Sudan, the dam created Lake Nasser and plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. Construction began in 1960 and was completed in 1968, officially inaugurated in 1971.

Unfinished Obelisk: Visit the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan’s Northern Quarries. This colossal obelisk, almost 42 meters long, was intended to be the largest obelisk ever constructed, weighing 1168 tons. Though it remains incomplete, it provides valuable insights into how the ancient Egyptians crafted their monumental stone structures.

Lunch on Board: At 12:00, enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard your Nile cruise, taking in the tranquil views along the Nile.

Felucca Sailing Trip: At 16:00, embark on a scenic Felucca sailing trip around Elephantine Island. Experience the serene beauty of the Nile as you glide past islands and lush vegetation. You’ll also have the chance to visit Lord Kitchener Island, a lush botanical garden located on the island, home to exotic plants and wildlife.

Optional Nubian Village Visit: For those seeking a deeper cultural experience, consider an optional trip to the Nubian Village. This vibrant and authentic village is one of Aswan’s most colorful attractions, offering a glimpse into the life and traditions of the Nubian people. Walk through the village, enjoy the artistic atmosphere, and immerse yourself in the warm and welcoming Nubian culture. The visit lasts approximately 2 hours.

Dinner & Overnight on the Cruise: Return to the cruise for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay onboard, as you continue to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Nile.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

After breakfast on board your Nile cruise, embark on an early morning journey to Abu Simbel from Aswan.

Abu Simbel Temples: The Abu Simbel temples, carved into the cliffs on the western bank of the Nile between 1274 and 1244 BC, are some of the most impressive monuments of ancient Egypt. The Great Temple of Ramses II was dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses II, the sun god Ra-Harakhty, Amun Ra, and Ptah, with four colossal statues of the pharaoh himself standing guard. The Small Temple of Queen Nefertari, dedicated to Hathor, was built in honor of Ramses’ beloved wife. Both temples were dismantled and meticulously moved stone by stone to a higher location to preserve them after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The preservation of these temples is regarded as one of UNESCO's greatest achievements.

Lunch on Board: After your visit, return to the cruise for a delicious lunch as you continue your journey along the Nile River.

Sailing to Kom Ombo: At 13:00, sail towards Kom Ombo, a unique double temple located 40 km north of Aswan. The Temple of Kom Ombo is dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. This remarkable structure dates back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods (332 BC – 395 AD) and is known for its symmetrical design, with two entrances, two sanctuaries, and two sets of courts.

Sailing to Edfu: After exploring Kom Ombo, continue your cruise towards Edfu. Here, you will spend the night on board, enjoying a relaxing dinner and entertainment.

Galabeya Party: In the evening, experience the traditional Galabeya Party on board, where you can enjoy Egyptian music and dance, while dressing in a colorful galabeya (traditional Egyptian garment).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast on board your Nile cruise, as you prepare for a full day of exploration.

Visit Edfu Temple: Around 08:00, you’ll travel to Edfu by horse carriage to visit the remarkable Temple of Horus. Located in Upper Egypt, this well-preserved Ptolemaic temple is one of the largest and best-preserved in Egypt. Dedicated to the hawk-god Horus, the temple was constructed between the reigns of Ptolemy III (246 BC) and his successors. The walls of the temple depict the Myth of the Contendings of Horus and Seth, a religious drama that was likely performed annually. After your visit, you will return to the cruise by 10:00 for some relaxation.

Lunch on board the Nile Cruise: Enjoy a delicious lunch on the cruise as you set sail from Edfu at 10:30.

Sail to Luxor via Esna Lock: At 10:30, your Nile cruise will continue towards Luxor, passing through the famous Esna Lock, a remarkable engineering feat. You will arrive in Luxor around 18:00.

Visit Luxor Temple: Once in Luxor, you’ll visit the Luxor Temple, one of the most iconic sites in Egypt. Built largely by Amenhotep III during the New Kingdom, the temple was completed by King Tutankhamun and Ramses II. The First Pylon of the temple was erected by Ramses II and is beautifully decorated with scenes of his famous military victory at the Battle of Kadesh. Explore the grandeur of this sacred site as you walk through its colossal halls and courtyards.

Dinner & Overnight on the Cruise: After your visit, return to the cruise for dinner and enjoy a peaceful evening on board, preparing for the next day of discovery.

Optional Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple: For those seeking an unforgettable experience, an optional Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple is available for an additional 40 USD per person. This mesmerizing show brings the ancient history of Karnak to life with dramatic lighting and narration.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with a delicious breakfast aboard your Nile cruise before disembarking for an exciting day of exploration.

Explore the West Bank of Luxor and Karnak Temple:

The Valley of the Kings: Known in ancient times as the "Great Place of Truth," this valley is now famously called the Valley of the Kings. It is the final resting place of Egypt's greatest pharaohs, who were laid to rest in magnificent stone sarcophagi, awaiting immortality. The secluded valley, located behind Deir el-Bahari, is dominated by a pyramid-shaped mountain peak that adds to the grandeur of this awe-inspiring burial ground.

The Colossi of Memnon: These imposing twin statues, known as the Colossi of Memnon, stand at around 18 meters tall, rising dramatically from the plain. They are all that remains of the largest funerary complex built by Amenhotep III on the West Bank of Luxor. The statues were originally part of a vast temple that has since been lost to time.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Rising from the desert floor in a series of terraces, the Temple of Hatshepsut is a stunning architectural masterpiece. Set against the sheer limestone cliffs of the Theban Mountain, this temple seems to emerge from nature itself, blending seamlessly with the landscape. It is a tribute to the powerful Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most famous female rulers.

Karnak Temple Complex: Karnak is not just a temple; it is a vast complex of sanctuaries, pylons, kiosks, and obelisks dedicated to the gods of Thebes and the glory of Egypt’s pharaohs. As the most significant site for the worship of the Theban Triad (Amun, Mut, and Khonsu), Karnak is an extraordinary testament to Egypt’s religious and architectural achievements.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Valley of the Kings: For an additional 80 USD per person, you can take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, offering a bird's-eye view of this historic site and the surrounding desert landscape.

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch during your day of exploration, fueling you for the incredible sites you’ll visit.

Transfer to Hotel in Luxor: After your tours, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Luxor, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing overnight stay.

On Day 7, embark on a journey to the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, an ancient site that was primarily constructed during the Late Ptolemaic period, particularly under the reign of Ptolemy XII and Cleopatra VII. Additional structures were added during the Roman period, making it a fascinating blend of Egyptian and Roman architectural styles. While the temple was built by foreign rulers, its design follows the classical Egyptian temple layout, with one notable exception: the front of the hypostyle hall, which was constructed by the Roman Emperor Tiberius, as indicated by an inscription above the entrance.

The temple complex is rich with historical depictions, including reliefs of Cleopatra VII and her son, Ptolemy XV (Caesarion), portrayed in traditional Egyptian attire, offering sacrifices in accordance with Egyptian customs. The temple was dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love, music, and joy, but also regarded as a goddess of healing. Within the temple complex, you’ll find a sanatorium where pilgrims came to seek cures. Here, sacred water, blessed by inscriptions on statues, was used for purification baths, priests of Hathor dispensed healing unguents, and sleeping quarters were available for those hoping to receive divine visions in their dreams.

After your exploration of the Dendera Temple, you’ll be transferred back to Luxor for a short flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, enjoy an overnight stay in Cairo, concluding a day of deep immersion into Egypt’s ancient heritage.

Begin your day with a pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza at 8:00 AM, and enjoy a fascinating 8-hour tour led by your expert Egyptologist guide. This comprehensive excursion takes you through the heart of Old Cairo, where you’ll discover its ancient landmarks, cultural richness, and vibrant atmosphere.

The first stop is the impressive Saladin Citadel, built in 1183 AD by Salah al-Din (Saladin) on the Moqattam Hills to protect against Crusader attacks. Known for its breathtaking views of Cairo and fresh air, the Citadel is home to historic mosques and museums, including the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha. Designed by Turkish architect Yousif Boushnaq, this alabaster mosque stands in striking contrast to the sandstone city below, offering stunning photo opportunities.

Next, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Old Cairo, where you can savor authentic Egyptian dishes.

After lunch, visit some of Cairo’s most important Coptic sites. Explore the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church), the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, the beautiful Church of St. Barbara, and the Church of Abu Serga, one of the oldest Coptic churches in Cairo. These sites offer a glimpse into the city's deep religious history and architectural splendor.

Your day continues with a visit to the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest and most famous markets in the Middle East. Wander through its maze of narrow streets, discovering an array of goods, including jewelry, antique artifacts, spices, and traditional crafts. The bazaar has been a central trading hub since the 14th century, and it's the perfect place to immerse yourself in Cairo's lively atmosphere.

At the end of the day, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Cairo to relax after an enriching day of exploration.

Your unforgettable journey through Egypt comes to a close after a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Cairo. Afterward, we will arrange your airport transfer, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free departure for your flight home. Should you wish to extend your stay in Cairo or explore more of this captivating city, please feel free to contact us for additional arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!