Traditions of Egypt

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, Luxor, Nile River dahabiya cruise, Abu Simbel, Aswan

On this in-depth private Egypt tour, cruise the Nile River in a traditional dahabiya sailing barge, and enjoy private touring with your own top Egyptologist guide of fascinating Cairo, the unforgettable Pyramids, and the breathtaking ancient temples in Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel.

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 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. Upon request, we can arrange tours of monuments usually closed to the public and visits to museums outside opening hours.

Next, take a five-night Nile River cruise aboard a traditional dahabiya sailing barge. On this atmospheric boat (also spelled dahabeah), enjoy a leisurely yet in-depth experience of the Nile, including visits to local villages and cultural sites (such as Gebel el-Silsila) not accessible to larger cruise ships. The boat has a more flexible schedule, so you can explore many extraordinary archaeological sites—such as the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo—at times when few other boats and visitors are present. Artisans of Leisure will arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide at most stops on the cruise.

Continue to Aswan, one of Egypt's most attractive cities. 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.

Conclude the tour with a night back in Cairo.

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