INspiring Sacred site photos of Egypt

Welcome to Egypt, a land of ancient civilizations, sacred architecture, and timeless wonder.  Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted and assisted, then transferred to your hotel in Giza.

The remainder of the day is at leisure, offering time to rest, settle in, and gently arrive before the journey begins.

Overnight: Giza Palace Hotel see here

After breakfast, we begin the journey at the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.  Rising from the desert for more than 4,500 years, these monuments remain among the most extraordinary achievements of the ancient world.

The group will also visit the Great Sphinx, the iconic guardian of the plateau, whose lion body and human face continue to evoke mystery, protection, and ancient royal power.  A camel ride through the desert offers panoramic views of the pyramids and surrounding landscape, followed by lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge Restaurant.

Return to the hotel afterward for time to rest and integrate the first full day in Egypt.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight:Giza Palace Hotel see here

Today the journey continues to Saqqara, the ancient necropolis of Memphis and one of Egypt's most important archaelogical sites.  Here, the group will explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the world's first monumental stone pyramid and a defining achievement in the evolution of sacred architecture.

The visit also includes the Pyramid of Unas, know for its ancient Pyramid Texts, and the mysterious Serapeum, the underground burial place of the sacred Apis bulls.  These sites offer a deeper glimpse into Egypt's early funerary traditions, sacred symbolism, and understanding of the afterlife.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Giza Palace Hotel see here

After breakfast, travel to Dashur to explore two important landmarks in the development of pyramid construction:  the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid of King Sneferu.  Together, these structures reveal a fascinating moment of experimentation and refinement in ancient Egyptian Engineering.

After lunch, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan, Egypt's beautiful southern city known for its peaceful Nile scenery, warm light, and Nubian cultural presence.  Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Sonesta Nouba Aswan see here

This morning we will visit Philae Temple, one of the most beautiful and beloved temples in Egypt.  Dedicated to the goddess Isis, Philae was an important center of devotion and myth, honoring themes of love, healing, protection, and resurrection.  Now located on Agilkia Island, the temple was carefully relocated to save it from flooding after the construction of the High Dam.  Approaching by water adds to the sense of entering a sanctuary set apart from ordinary time, where stone, river, and myth come together in a deeply atmospheric way.

Return to the hotel afterward for time to rest and enjoy the peaceful setting of Aswan.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Sonesta Nouba Aswan see here

After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Aswan, where the Nile moves at a gentler rhythm and the river landscape offers a quieter window into daily life in southern Egypt.  Guests may choose to relax independently or take part in an optional tour, including a felucca ride, Kitchener Island, and a visit to a Nubian Village.  Later, settle aboard the Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise (5-star) and enjoy time to relax as the journey begin its passage along the river.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise see here

Enjoy breakfast onboard while sailing along the legendary Nile River, a landscape that has carried pilgrims, priests, traders, rulers, and seekers for millennia.  The first temple visit is Kom Ombo, a unique double temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god.  Its symmetrical design and detailed carvings offer a powerful expression of duality, balance, protection, and sacred order.

Continue sailing to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and an extraordinary example of Ptolemaic architecture.  Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, the temple holds a strong atmosphere of kingship, divine protection, and ancient ritual life.

After the visit, continue sailing toward Esna, taking in the changing scenery of the Nile.  In the evening, gather onboard for a traditional Galabeya Party with Egyptian music, dancing, and festive entertainment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise see here

This morning, continue sailing toward Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and one of the great sacred centers of the ancient world.

Upon arrival, begin exploring the East Bank with a visit to Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious complex ever built in ancient Egypt.  Dedicated primarily to Amun-Ra, Karnak is known for its massive columns, sacred lake, monumental gateways, and the extraordinary Great Hypostyle Hall.  Moving through this vast temple field, travelers encounter layer upon layer of devotion, power, ritual, and cosmic symbolism.

The day continues to Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the city and once connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.  Built mainly by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the temple was an important ceremonial site and remains especially beautiful in it proportions, carvings, and atmosphere.

Return to the cruise afterward for dinner and an evening at leisure onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Overnight: Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise see here

After breakfast and check-out from the Nile cruise, cross to the West Bank of Luxor, the ancient land of royal tombs, mortuary temples, and the mysteries of the afterlife.  The day begins in the Valley of the Kings, burial place of many powerful pharaohs of the New Kingdom.  Hidden within the desert cliffs, these tombs speak to Egypt's profound understanding of death, transformation, and the soul's journey beyond this world.  Here, guests will have the option to take part in a private group visit to the tomb of Thutmosis III for an additional fee.

Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, one of Egypt's most remarkable architectural masterpieces.  Built for one of ancient Egypt's most powerful female pharaohs, the temple rises in elegant terraces against the dramatic limestone cliffs of Luxor.

The day also includes a visit to Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III.  Lunch will be at El Marsam Restaurant, know for its traditional Egyptian atmosphere and beautiful setting near the historic sites of Luxor.  After the tour, transfer to the hotel for check-in and time to relax.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Al Moudira Hotel see here

After breakfast, travel by private bust to Abydos, one of the most sacred religious centers of ancient Egypt and a site deeply associated with Osiris, lord of the underworld, resurrection, and spiritual renewal.

Visit the magnificent Temple of Seti I, celebrated for its exceptionally preserved carvings, refined reliefs, detailed hieroglyphs, and the renowned Abydos King List, which records the names of many ancient Egyptian pharaohs.  The temple's artistry and sacred atmosphere make it one of the most powerful sites in Upper Egypt.

The group will then have a special private visit to the mysterious Osireion from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.  Located behind the Temple of Seti I, the Osireion is believed to symbolize the tomb of Osiris and its considered one of Egypt's most enigmatic ancient structures, know for its massive granite blocks, unusual design, and deeply contemplative presence.

After the visit, return to Luxor and transfer back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight: Al Moudira Hotel see here

After breakfast, transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo.  Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Giza for check-in and time to rest before the final evening experience.

Later, return to Giza Plateau for a private visit inside the Great Pyramid.  As the sun begins to lower over the desert, the golden light creates a powerful and unforgettable atmosphere around these ancient monuments.

This private visit offers a meaningful closing threshold for the journey, allowing travelers to return to the presence of the pyramids with experiences of Aswan, the Nile, Luxor, and Abydos now woven into their understanding of Egypt.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Giza Palace Hotel see here

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight.  

As the journey comes to a close, travelers depart carrying the memory of Egypt's sacred temples, desert landscapes, Nile waters, and ancient mysteries-impressions that may continue to unfold long after returning home.

Meals: Breakfast

-4 nights at Giza Palace Hotel based on bed and breakfast

-Farewell dinner at Giza Palace Hotel

-2 nights at Sonesta Nouba Hotel Aswan based on bed and breakfast

-3 nights on Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise based on full board

-2 nights at Al Moudira Hotel Luxor West Bank, based on bed and breakfast

-Domestic Flights Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo

-Day tour of the Giza Pyramids including camel ride and lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge

-Day tour of Saqqara, Serapeum, Djoser, and Unas including lunch at Saqqara Palm

-All sightseeing including entrance fees

-Lunch at the Nubian restaurant in front of Philae Temple

-Day tour of Abydos including private visit and lunch at the House of Life hotel.

-Lunch at el Marsam restaurant in Luxor

-Private visit of the Great Pyramid

-English speaking guide (Vivian Zaki)

-All hotel and cruise tax

-Transmission, meditations, and spiritual practices guided by Gene Ang at the sacred sites

-Airfare to/from Cairo, Egypt

-Tips and Gratuities (porters/bell boys/waiters/drivers/guides)

-Items of a personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls, laundry, still/video camera fees

-Egypt Visa (approximately $30-we will arrange Egypt Visa-payment on arrival)

-Meals and drinks not specified

-Cancellation and Medical Insurance