Empires Unlocked: Pharaohs, Ptolemies & Palaces 8 Days

Egypt Grand Discovery Tour | 8 Days of Pharaohs, Nile, and Timeless Cities

Empires Unlocked: Pharaohs Explore the full story of Egypt on an unforgettable eight-day journey covering the country’s most iconic landmarks. From the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Upper Egypt, this tour blends ancient wonders, cultural heritage, and Nile-side beauty into one complete experience.

Tour Overview

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Location: Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor
Tour Type: Private Guided Multi-Day Tour
Start Time: Morning

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara

Pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza by a private vehicle and professional guide.

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

Arrive at the Giza Plateau, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Visit the Great Sphinx and learn about its history and significance. Optional camel ride around the pyramids.

Saqqara

Drive to Saqqara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis. Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone structure in the world, and explore the surrounding complex while learning about the evolution of pyramid construction.

Lunch Break
Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to Hotel

Day 2 – Old Cairo Tour

Pickup from your hotel by private vehicle and guide.

Salah El-Din Citadel and Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Visit the medieval Salah El-Din Citadel and enjoy panoramic views of Cairo. Explore the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, admired for its Ottoman architecture.

Hanging Church

Visit one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt and learn about its religious and historical significance.

Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa’i Mosques

Explore the monumental Sultan Hassan Mosque, followed by the elegant Al-Rifa’i Mosque, known for its royal tombs.

Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to Hotel

Day 3 – Alexandria Tour Day

Early morning pickup from your hotel in Cairo and drive to Alexandria.

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Explore the underground burial site blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles.

Qaitbay Citadel

Visit the 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Pompey’s Pillar

See the massive Roman column standing within the Serapeum complex.

Seafood Lunch
Enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Visit the modern library and cultural center inspired by the ancient Library of Alexandria.

Return to Cairo

Day 4 – Aswan Tour

Early morning transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. Meet your guide upon arrival.

Aswan High Dam

Visit one of the most important engineering achievements of modern Egypt overlooking Lake Nasser.

Philae Temple

Take a short boat ride to Philae Island and explore the temple dedicated to the goddess Isis.

Lunch on a Nile Island

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on a Nile island with scenic river views.

Optional Nubian Village Visit

Boat ride to a Nubian Village to experience colorful houses, local culture, and traditional Nubian tea.

Check-in at Aswan Hotel

Day 5 – Aswan to Abu Simbel

Morning departure from Aswan by private vehicle.

Abu Simbel Temples

Explore the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, famous for their colossal statues carved into the rock.

Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to Aswan
Return to your hotel in Aswan.

Day 6 – Kom Ombo and Edfu Tour

Pickup from your hotel in Aswan and drive north.

Edfu Temple

Visit one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.

Kom Ombo Temple

Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder, and visit the Crocodile Museum.

Continue to Luxor
Arrive in Luxor, enjoy lunch, and check in to your hotel.

Day 7 – East Bank Temples of Luxor

Pickup from your hotel in Luxor.

Karnak Temple

Explore the largest religious complex ever built, including the Hypostyle Hall, Sacred Lake, and towering obelisks.

Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Luxor.

Luxor Temple

Visit Luxor Temple in the city center and explore the Avenue of Sphinxes and monumental columns.

Return to Hotel

Day 8 – Luxor West Bank

Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride
Early morning balloon flight over Luxor’s West Bank, offering panoramic views of the Nile, temples, and Theban Mountains.

West Bank Tour

Valley of the Kings

Explore the royal tombs of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, with beautifully decorated burial chambers.

Temple of Hatshepsut

Visit the magnificent mortuary temple carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

Colossi of Memnon

Stop at the two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Transfer to Luxor Airport
After the tour, transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, meet the driver and transfer to your hotel.

Highlights / Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Explore the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx (GEM)
• Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
• Discover Islamic and Coptic landmarks in Old Cairo
• Experience Alexandria’s Greco-Roman heritage
• Visit Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, and the Aswan High Dam
• Explore Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor’s legendary temples
• Discover the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut

Optional Activities
Hot air balloon flight
Nubian Village visit
Camel ride