Cairo to the Cape: Egypt & South Africa

(17 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, luxury Nile River cruise, Abu Simbel, Cape Town & environs, Sabi Sand Reserve safari

Experience the best of Egypt and South Africa on this private luxury journey. 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, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization 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 and the Great Sphinx. Enjoy lunch with a view of the pyramids and if desired, venture inside the Great Pyramid. Also visit the impressive 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, private tours of conservation labs, visits with local artisans at the Ramses Wissa Wassef Arts Center and after-hours private tours of major sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

Next, fly to Luxor, a bustling town built on the site of the ancient capital city of Thebes, and embark on a four-night luxury Nile River cruise. Throughout the cruise, Artisans of Leisure will arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide. During private touring in 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 Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and tombs of King Tut and Seti I.

During your cruise, tour extraordinary archaeological sites such as the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo.

In Aswan, which is considered Egypt's loveliest city, 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.

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

Spend one night in Cairo, then fly overnight to Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. During private touring, explore the city’s stunning landscapes, vibrant neighborhoods, fascinating history, and excellent food and wine scene. Enjoy fast-track access for the cable car up iconic Table Mountain, and walk among native fynbos plants in beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Learn about Cape Town history in evocative places such as Bo-Kaap (the Cape Malay Quarter), the Company’s Garden and the Castle of Good Hope. Browse for locally made clothing, jewelry and other treasures in top handicrafts markets. Enjoy reservations at Cape Town’s best restaurants, find a snack in the Time Out Market food hall, stop at a farmers market or have afternoon tea at the atmospheric Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel. Depending on your interests, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional options, such as an excursion to Robben Island, scenic helicopter flights, Jewish touring, a visit to a township, visits to the District Six Museum or the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, touring in the Constantia wine region or an excursion to the seaside town of Hermanus.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the spectacular Cape Peninsula to see penguins at Boulders Beach, dramatic landscapes at Cape Point and along Chapman’s Peak Drive, and the area’s unique vegetation, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another day, venture to the beautiful Cape Winelands for personalized wine tastings at some of South Africa's premier vineyards and a visit to the charming and historic town of Stellenbosch, with its high-end artisan boutiques and acclaimed restaurants.

Conclude in Sabi Sand Reserve, a private concession that borders Kruger National Park and is renowned for its diverse wildlife. During morning and afternoon game drives, look for the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and Cape buffaloes), as well as hippos, giraffes and other animals and birds. During leisure time, perhaps indulge in spa treatments, lounge by the pool or browse the boutique for locally made crafts and artworks. Also enjoy three gourmet meals per day, accompanied by top South African wines. Walking safaris, a visit to a local community and other activities can also be arranged.

This tour can be further customized with additional destinations or activities according to your interests.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Cairo VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Cairo & the Pyramids of Giza Full-day private excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum Day 3 Cairo Full-day private city tour Day 4 Cairo – Luxor Private transfer to airport for flight to Luxor. Private touring on arrival of the Luxor and Karnak temples. Embark on Nile River cruise for 4 nights Day 5 Luxor – Esna Morning private tour of Valley of the Kings and Queens, including the tombs of King Tut and Seti I. Sail to Esna for overnight Day 6 Esna – Edfu – Kom Ombo Sail to Edfu for private tour of the Temple of Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo for private tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo and overnight Day 7 Kom Ombo – Aswan Sail to Aswan for private touring of the High Dam, Temple of Philae and other sights around Aswan. Sunset private motorboat or felucca ride Day 8 Aswan & Abu Simbel – Cairo Disembark cruise. Private transfer to airport for roundtrip flights to Abu Simbel. Private touring of Abu Simbel temples. Return to Aswan to connect to flight to Cairo. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 9 Depart Cairo Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance (overnight flight to Cape Town not included) Day 10 Arrive Cape Town, South Africa Airport assistance through immigration. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 4 nights Day 11 Cape Town Full-day private city tour, including fast-track tickets for Table Mountain Day 12 Cape Town & Cape Peninsula Full-day private excursion: Boulders Beach penguin colony, Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope, Chapmans Peak Drive Day 13 Cape Town & Cape Winelands Full-day private excursion, including wine tasting Day 14 Cape Town – Sabi Sand Reserve Private transfer to airport for flight and light-aircraft flight to Sabi Sand Reserve airstrip. Arrival transfer to luxury safari lodge for 3 nights. Day 15 Sabi Sand Reserve Morning and afternoon wildlife safaris Day 16 Sabi Sand Reserve Morning and afternoon wildlife safaris Day 17 Sabi Sand Reserve – Depart Johannesburg Transfer to airport for commercial flight to Johannesburg. Airport assistance to international flight

Accommodation

Cairo: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or The St. Regis Cairo Nile River cruise: The Oberoi Philae or The Oberoi Zahra Cape Town: One&Only Cape Town, Cape Grace, Ellerman House or Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel Sabi Sand Reserve: Singita Ebony, Singita Boulders, Londolozi or Royal Malewane (Thornybush Private Game Reserve)

Cost

Upon request