19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Egypt
Egypt is a land where time stands still, yet the pulse of modern luxury beats stronger than ever. This 19-day epic journey is designed for those who seek to witness the cradle of civilization without compromising on comfort. You will traverse the length of the Nile, from the bustling metropolis of Cairo to the serene waters of Aswan, and finally to the turquoise shores of the Red Sea.
Expect nothing less than first-class domestic flights, private chauffeured transfers in premium vehicles, and stays at world-renowned heritage hotels. Whether you are dining under the stars at the Giza Plateau or sailing on a private Dahabiya, every moment is crafted to provide an intimate and exclusive perspective on Egypt's legendary heritage.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - VIP Arrival & Nile Views
VIP Meet & Assist at CAI
Fast-track through immigration and customs with a private representative before being whisked away in a luxury sedan.
Check-in at Four Seasons Nile Plaza
Settle into your Diplomatic Suite overlooking the Nile River, the perfect vantage point for sunset.
Welcome Dinner at Felucca
Enjoy an upscale Egyptian mezze dinner on a private, candle-lit Felucca boat as it glides past the city lights.
Stargazing from the Balcony
Unwind with a nightcap while watching the traditional river traffic from the comfort of your hotel room.
Day 2: Cairo, Egypt - Wonders of Giza
Private Great Pyramids Tour
Explore the Giza Plateau with a private Egyptologist, including entry into the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Solar Boat Museum.
Lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge
Dine at the highest point of the Giza Plateau with an unobstructed view of all nine pyramids.
The Great Sphinx Encounter
Walk between the paws of the Sphinx during a specially arranged private access hour away from the crowds.
Sound and Light Show
Watch history come alive during the iconic evening show with VIP seating and audio guides.
Day 3: Cairo, Egypt - The Grand Egyptian Museum
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Tour
Be among the first to witness the treasures of King Tutankhamun in this state-of-the-art architectural marvel.
Artisan Workshop in Heliopolis
Visit a high-end papyrus and perfume atelier to see how ancient Egyptian crafts are preserved today.
NMEC Visit
Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to pay respects to the Royal Mummies in their permanent home.
Fine Dining at Zooba Zamalek
Experience gourmet interpretations of Egyptian street food in the trendy Zamalek district.
Day 4: Cairo, Egypt - Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili
Saladin Citadel & Alabaster Mosque
Visit the majestic Citadel of Cairo and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, offering panoramic views of the city.
Stroll through Muizz Street
Walk through the world's greatest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in Islamic Cairo.
Khan el-Khalili Shopping
Browse for high-quality jewelry and spices in the historic bazaar with the help of your private guide.
Dinner at Naguib Mahfouz Cafe
Enjoy a traditional dinner in the heart of the market, named after Egypt's Nobel laureate.
Day 5: Cairo to Aswan - Flight to Upper Egypt
Private Transfer to CAI
Relax in your private car as you are driven to the airport for your short domestic flight south.
Flight to Aswan
Enjoy a scenic flight over the Nile Valley.
Old Cataract Hotel Check-in
Stay at the legendary Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, where Agatha Christie wrote 'Death on the Nile'.
High Tea on the Terrace
Indulge in a classic English High Tea while watching the sunset over Elephantine Island.
Day 6: Aswan, Egypt - Nubian Culture & Philae
Philae Temple by Private Boat
Visit the island temple of Isis, saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Nubian Village Lunch
Enjoy a private traditional lunch in a colorful Nubian home on Gharb Soheil.
Unfinished Obelisk
Explore the ancient granite quarries to see the massive obelisk that never made it to its temple.
Botanical Garden Stroll
Take a private boat to Kitchener's Island to walk through the exotic Botanical Garden.
Day 7: Aswan to Abu Simbel - The Great Sun Temple
Private Flight to Abu Simbel
Fly deep into the Nubian desert to visit the colossal temples of Ramses II and Nefertari.
Explore the Great Temples
Marvel at the statues that were moved stone by stone in a massive UNESCO rescue operation.
Board Luxury Dahabiya
Return to Aswan and board your private Dahabiya, a traditional luxury sailing vessel for the next 3 nights.
Dinner on Deck
Enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by your private chef as the boat sets sail.
Day 8: Nile River - Sailing North
Kom Ombo Temple
Disembark to visit the double temple dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the falcon god.
Lunch while Sailing
Watch the timeless landscape of the Nile banks pass by as you dine on the sun deck.
Afternoon Tea & Relaxation
Enjoy the peaceful silence of sailing without an engine, a hallmark of the Dahabiya experience.
Island BBQ Dinner
If conditions permit, enjoy a BBQ dinner on a secluded Nile island under the stars.
Day 9: Edfu to Luxor - Arrival in the City of Palaces
Edfu Temple by Carriage
Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, the best-preserved cult temple in all of Egypt.
Final Lunch Onboard
Savor your last meal on the Dahabiya as you approach the Esna Lock.
Disembark in Luxor
Transfer to the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa, located on the banks of the Nile.
Luxor Temple at Night
Explore the illuminated Luxor Temple, a much more atmospheric experience than the daytime heat.
Day 10: Luxor, Egypt - The West Bank Treasures
Valley of the Kings
Explore three select tombs, plus the exclusive Tomb of Seti I (requires an extra ticket) for the most vibrant colors.
Temple of Hatshepsut
Visit the mortuary temple of Egypt's most famous female pharaoh, built into the limestone cliffs.
Lunch at Al-Sahaby Lane
Enjoy panoramic views of Luxor Temple and the Nile from this famous rooftop restaurant.
Colossi of Memnon
Stop for photos at the two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Day 11: Luxor, Egypt - Karnak & Hot Air Balloon
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
Float over the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings as the sun rises over the Nile.
Karnak Temple Complex
Spend the morning lost in the Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 massive columns.
Valley of the Queens
Visit the spectacular Tomb of Nefertari, often described as the 'Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt'.
Dinner at 1886 Restaurant
Dress up for a formal fine-dining experience at the Winter Palace Hotel.
Day 12: Luxor to El Gouna - Journey to the Red Sea
Private Transfer to El Gouna
Depart Luxor in a private, air-conditioned luxury van for the 4-hour drive to the coast.
Check-in at The Chedi El Gouna
Experience beachfront luxury in Egypt's most exclusive resort town.
Lagoon Boat Tour
Explore the winding lagoons and striking modern architecture of El Gouna by boat.
Dinner at Abu Tig Marina
Dine at one of the upscale restaurants overlooking the luxury yachts in the marina.
Day 13: El Gouna, Egypt - Private Yacht Day
Private Yacht Charter
Spend the day on the Red Sea. Snorkel in crystal clear reefs and enjoy a seafood lunch served on board.
Dolphin House Visit
Visit areas known for wild dolphin sightings for a chance to swim in their natural habitat.
Onboard Sundowners
Enjoy cocktails and appetizers as you sail back toward the El Gouna skyline.
Italian Dinner at Casa Cook
Enjoy a laid-back, bohemian-luxury dinner at the Casa Cook Kitchen.
Day 14: El Gouna, Egypt - Wellness & Spa
Turkish Bath & Massage
Indulge in a full morning of pampering at a world-class luxury spa.
Light Lunch at Zeytouna Beach
Enjoy fresh salads and grilled fish at a beach club accessible only by shuttle boat.
Golfing at Steigenberger
Play a round of golf on the 18-hole championship course with desert and sea views.
Japanese Fusion Dinner
Try the innovative sushi and fusion dishes at Nihon, located in the Chedi hotel.
Day 15: El Gouna, Egypt - Desert Adventure
Morning at the Beach
Relax at your resort's private beach and enjoy the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.
Luxury Jeep Safari
Head into the Eastern Desert in a private 4x4 for some dune bashing and mountain views.
Bedouin Starry Night Dinner
Enjoy a high-end Bedouin-style dinner in the desert with traditional music and stargazing.
Nightcap at The Smokery
Finish the day with drinks at one of the coast's most fashionable beach clubs.
Day 16: El Gouna, Egypt - Leisure & Water Sports
Kitesurfing Lesson
Try your hand at kitesurfing in one of the world's premier locations for the sport.
Lunch at Marina Street
A quick, upscale bite at one of the many cafes lining the Abu Tig Marina.
Downtown Shopping
Visit the Tamr Henna square for unique Egyptian designer boutiques and home decor.
Farewell Red Sea Dinner
A final dinner at Pier 88, known for its incredible architecture and gourmet menu.
Day 17: Red Sea to Cairo - Return to the Capital
Last Dip in the Sea
Enjoy a final morning swim or breakfast overlooking the lagoon.
Flight to Cairo
A quick 1-hour flight from Hurghada Airport back to the capital.
Check-in at Ritz-Carlton
Stay at the Nile Ritz-Carlton, situated between the Nile and Tahrir Square.
Dinner at Vivo
Indulge in sophisticated Italian cuisine with a view of the Egyptian Museum.
Day 18: Cairo, Egypt - Alexandria Day Trip
Drive to Alexandria
Take a 2.5-hour private drive to the Mediterranean 'Bride of the Sea'.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Tour the stunning modern library built to commemorate the ancient Great Library of Alexandria.
Seafood Lunch at Fish Market
Enjoy the freshest Mediterranean catch with views of the Citadel of Qaitbay.
Montaza Palace Gardens
Stroll through the royal gardens and enjoy the sea breeze before returning to Cairo.
Day 19: Cairo, Egypt - Last Treasures & Departure
Final Souvenir Shopping
Visit the high-end boutiques of Heliopolis or the First Mall for luxury Egyptian goods.
Farewell Lunch
A final Egyptian feast at Andrea Mariouteya, famous for its grilled chicken and country views.
Airport Transfer
Your private driver takes you to CAI for your departure flight.
Depart Cairo
Head home with memories of an epic Egyptian odyssey.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
The ideal time to embark on this luxury journey is between October and April. During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool, making it perfect for exploring ancient tombs and temples without the intense summer heat. If you enjoy the beach, the Red Sea remains warm enough for swimming year-round, though December and January evenings can be brisk.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants readily accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry cash for tipping (Baksheesh), which is a deeply ingrained part of the culture. Tipping 10-15% is standard for excellent service in restaurants and for private guides.
Getting Around Egypt
For a luxury experience, we recommend a combination of domestic flights via EgyptAir for long distances (Cairo to Aswan, Hurghada to Cairo) and private chauffeured vehicles for intercity transfers. The first-class trains are an option for the nostalgic traveler, but private cars offer more flexibility and comfort. Within cities like El Gouna, private golf carts and shuttles are the preferred way to move.
