Essence of Egypt

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, Aswan & Abu Simbel, luxury Nile River cruise, Alexandria

This private tour of Egypt is perfect for anyone who wants to see the country's most important cultural attractions and have the most luxurious accommodation available each day. Artisans of Leisure travelers are escorted throughout Egypt by one of the country's top private Egyptologist guides (including on the luxury Nile River cruise) and have their own private drivers in each location.

First, experience Cairo as an insider—our tours offer the most in-depth, sophisticated Cairo touring available. Visit the most interesting cultural attractions in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the Citadel, the Egyptian Museum and the Hanging Church. Tour our favorite neighborhoods, which are filled with beautiful Fatimid, Islamic, Mameluk, Ottoman, Coptic and Art Deco architecture. See well-preserved medieval residences formerly occupied by wealthy merchants. Walk through fascinating markets such as the renowned Khan al-Khalili bazaar. Also visit smaller and lesser-known museums dedicated to Islamic art, applied arts and Egyptian culture. If desired, we can also arrange visits to Cairo's top boutiques and reservations at the best restaurants in town.

One day, take a private excursion to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO-listed necropolis of pyramids, tombs, temples and other monuments. See the Great Pyramid, the Great Sphinx and the even older pyramids of Dahshur and Saqqara. Time permitting, enjoy lunch with a view of the pyramids. If desired, also venture inside the Great Pyramid, Bent Pyramid or Step Pyramid to discover some of their secrets. We can also arrange a visit to the entrance hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange VIP experiences such as exclusive access to well-preserved tombs that are not open to the public and after-hours private tours of major sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

Next, fly to Aswan, considered Egypt's loveliest city. During private touring with your Egyptologist guide, learn about Nubian life, history and crafts at the excellent Nubian Museum. Also visit highlights such as the stunning Temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. One day, fly to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and two spectacular monumental temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II and carved into sandstone cliffs.

Next, enjoy a four-night luxury Nile River cruise. Tour extraordinary archaeological sites such as the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo. Around Luxor, visit Luxor Temple and the Karnak complex, Medinet Habu, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, including the tombs of King Tut and Ramses VI. We will also arrange access to the spectacular tombs of Seti I and Queen Nefertari. Throughout the cruise, Artisans of Leisure will arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide.

Depending on your travel dates, this cruise is also available in reverse, from Luxor to Aswan.

Continue to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, which was founded by Alexander the Great and is today Egypt's second-largest city. Explore the hidden charms of this fascinating city during touring with your private guide and driver. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina—a striking, state-of-the-art library and museum of antiquities—as well as various ancient monuments, catacombs and the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Perhaps also browse the antiques district, see beautiful mosques, and relax at waterfront cafes.

En route back to Cairo, visit the ancient Coptic monasteries in Wadi El Natrun, which were built by early Christians escaping Roman persecution. Alternatively, visit the War Museum and war cemeteries in El Alamein for WWII-related touring.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world