Highlights
► Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Ancient Luxor
► Nile Tour with Delicious Food & Open Buffets Provided on a 5-Star Deluxe Cruise Ship
► Lots of Archeological Sites, such as the World Famous Pyramids
► Sightseeing Tour of Capital City Cairo
► Street Markets (a.k.a. Bazaars or Souks)
► Belly Dancing Night Show
► Nightlife in the Resort Towns of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada
► A Fire Show in the Desert
► Camel Riding
► Quad Riding
► Visiting a Tribal Bedouin Camp
► Snorkeling in the Red Sea
► Rich Culture
► And Much, Much More...
What's Included
International Airfare *For VIP members only (ask us for details)
Lodging *Some restrictions apply
Male or Female Tour Guides
Tours in English
All Ground & Water Transportation
All Activities in the Itinerary Below
All Entry Fees
Your Own On-Call Concierge
Breakfasts
Lunches x 4
Dinners x 4
What to Expect on This Tour
CLICK TO UNMUTE
CLICK TO MUTE
ASK ABOUT PAYMENT OPTIONS
Chat with us
Itinerary
Day 1: A Boat Ride to an Idyllic Island & the High Dam
Our tour starts not in Cairo but rather Aswan. We spend the day sightseeing and sleep in our cabin on the cruise ship. Dinner is included after today's tour.
Aswan is the smallest and most relaxed of the major tourist destinations along the Nile River. There we visit two attractions, the High Dam and the Temple of Philae. Construction of the High Dam became a key objective of the government following the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. The ability to control floods, provide water for irrigation and generate hydroelectricity were seen as pivotal to Egypt’s industrialization. The Temple of Philae was the last ancient temple built in the classical Egyptian architectural style (approximately 690 BC). A major multinational UNESCO team relocated the Temple of Philae after the flooding of Lake Nasser.
Please note that this tour (Day 1) begins only on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Also, note that breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on the cruise ship, as are a swimming pool, different fun activities and live entertainment.
Day 2: Starting the Nile Tour with a 5-Star Deluxe Cruise Ship & Visiting Ancient Temples
Before the cruise ship leaves Aswan, we go on a daytrip to the temples of Abu Simbel. There we are provided with a guided tour. The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the 19th dynasty reign of the Pharaoh Ramesses II. They serve as a lasting monument to the king and his queen Nefertari and commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. Their huge external rock relief figures have become iconic. After the tour is breakfast, which is provided to us near Abu Simbel. We then return to the ship. It starts sailing along the Nile River after lunch.
In the evening, we disembark the cruise ship. Walking distance from where it docks is an ancient temple called Kom Ombo. There we are provided with a guided tour. Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple constructed between 180-47 BC. It is atypical because everything is perfectly symmetrical along the main axis. Please note that breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on the cruise ship, as are a swimming pool, different fun activities and live entertainment.
Day 3: A Horse Carriage Ride, the Old Market & a Belly Dancing Show
Today starts with a horse carriage ride to an ancient temple called Edfu. There we are provided with a guided tour. This is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, built between 237 and 57 BC. We then return to the cruise ship and continue sailing along the Nile river. We again disembark in the late afternoon, in the city that is Luxor. The highlights on this evening’s tour are the Luxor Temple and the Old Market. The day ends with dinner and a belly dancing show on the cruise ship.
Day 4: A Hot Air Balloon Ride & Sightseeing in the City of Luxor
Our cruise ends this morning and our luggage is taken to the hotel. Just in time for sunrise, we enjoy a balloon ride over the archeological site of Luxor. Afterwards, we are taken to the west bank. There we have breakfast. Next to the restaurant is the Colossi of Memnon. There we see two massive stone statues. Afterwards, we are taken to the Valley of the Kings. There we see 4 ancient tombs of Egyptian kings (a.k.a. pharaohs), including that of the much-revered Tutankhamun.
Next, we are taken to Deir el-Bahri. There we see a complex of mortuary temples and tombs. Afterwards, we are taken to Deir el-Medina. There we see an ancient village. Next, we are taken to the Tombs of the Nobles. There we see the burial places of some of the powerful courtiers of the ancient city. Afterwards, we are taken to a memorial temple called Ramesseum. Lunch follows. Next, we are taken to a mortuary temple called Medinet Habu. Lastly, we are taken to the Valley of the Queens. There we see 3 ancient tombs of Egyptian queens, including that of the much-revered Nefertari.
Day 5: Giant Historical Complexes & a Charming Marina
Before leaving Luxor, we are taken to Karnak Temple. There we are provided with a guided tour. Karnak comprises a vast mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons and other ancient buildings. Following Karnak Temple is lunch, in the city of Qena. Afterwards, we visit the Dendera Temple Complex. Dendera was a site for chapels from the beginning of ancient Egyptian history. The whole complex, surrounded by a hefty mud brick enclosed wall, covers 40,000 square meters. The day ends in the coastal city of Hurghada, home to a very charming marina area filled with shops and restaurants.
Note that upon request, we can also take you to the sacred city of Abydos. It is not included on our standard tour because it is very much out of the way. The detour would be made from Qena. Abydos includes a royal necropolis where early pharaohs were entombed.
Day 6: The Colorful Red Sea & a Very Rich Resort Town
After snorkeling in the colorful waters of the Red Sea, we spend the remainder of the day exploring a resort town called El Gouna. Its buildings were designed by many influential European and American architects and were meant to resemble the type of traditional architecture found in the Egyptian countryside generally and in Nubian villages especially. El Gouna is also known for its nice beaches, for its countless yachts and not least, for being environmentally friendly.
Day 7: Exploring the Capital That is Cairo & Sailing on a ‘Felucca’
We take an early-morning and quick flight from Hurghada to Cairo and immediately start sightseeing. Places to visit today are as follow: the Cairo Citadel, Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Abdeen Palace and Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Following our sightseeing tour is a Nile cruise on a ‘felucca’ (a type of small boat). The day ends with a drive to a neighborhood called Zamalek. Upscale nightspots are found in and around this area.
Day 8: Camel-Riding, the World Famous Pyramids & Crawling Inside Burial Grounds
We are making a daytrip from Cairo. Firstly, we visit a royal necropolis called Dahshur. Afterwards, we explore the ruins of Memphis. Next, we head to a vast site called Saqqara. There we crawl inside the ancient burial grounds. Lastly but definitely not least are the world-renowned Giza Pyramids. There we are provided with a guided tour as well as go camel riding.
Day 9: Quad Riding, a Tribal Bedouin Camp, a Fire Show & Dinner
We take an early-morning and quick flight from Cairo to Sharm El-Sheikh and immediately start sightseeing. Places to visit today are Mustafa Mosque, the old/central market, Mashyia Street and SOHO Square. After the sightseeing tour, we are taken into the desert. There we ride a quad, then visit a tribal Bedouin camp, then go camel riding and finally have a traditional dinner accompanied by a fire show. Dinner is included on this evening’s tour. The night ends in Naama Bay. There we find the best nightlife Sharm El-Sheikh has to offer.
Day 10: The Best Snorkeling & Coral Reef Egypt Has to Offer
We go on a daytrip today, visiting Ras Muhammad National Park by boat. Lunch and snorkeling are included on today’s tour. More than 220 species of coral are found in the park area, 125 of which are soft coral. Ras Muhammad is also home to more than 1,000 species of fish. Not least, the ship wreckage of the SS Thistlegorm, located off the coast of the park, is definitely a highlight on the tour.
Day 11: Our Tour Ends This Morning
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Customer Reviews
We had a great time in Cairo with Charlie’s guide and driver. I was very thankful that I could change the itinerary at the last minute with no problem. I especially liked the concierge service that kept in communication with us making sure everything went smoothly. They were on top of things when we had to change our pick up time because of a lost bag at the airport. The guide made sure we were having a good time and saw everything we wanted to see. She was easy to understand and a joy to be around. The driver did an excellent job getting around some very close places. I felt safe and well taken care of. Thanks to Charlie The Traveler’s team for their flexibility, patience, and knowledge of the city.
Read More
Muhammad met us in Luxor. He was fun and knowledgeable. I now know more about the Pharaohs, gods, tombs and temples than I ever believed possible. I am a nut on the subject of Egypt… In Cairo we met Nasser. He was so funny and wanted so much to do everything for us. At one point he made the driver stopped so he could get us a breakfast sandwich Egypt Style. He negotiated us through the back alleys of the bazaars and gave us a look that we never would have had the nerve to do on our own. The security guard in Giza had both Ruth and I drooling. He should have been in movies. We kept teasing him that we wanted to see his gun. The camel ride was good at the pyramids…. Sharm-el-Sheikh's resort was fantastic. We skipped our day of snorkeling and enjoyed relaxing on the beach. It was way too cold to even consider putting on a bathing suit.
Read More
Charlie and his team were great, really couldn't fault them - despite me being a very difficult customer at times! 😂 I took the suggested itinerary and added some logistical nightmares with travel and very restrictive timings, and all with very little time to plan. They showed great patience, a willingness to listen and help get the trip that I wanted. Did everythingo go 100% smoothly? No, but then in my experience these things rarely do, especially in a country like Egypt. That's exactly when you need someone like Charlie, sorting issues out and getting things back on track as quickly as possible. I wouldn't hestitate use them again, or recommend them to a friend.
Read More
First and foremost, I felt safe, very safe. Having private tour guides and drivers were a big part of what made me feel comfortable the whole time. Secondly, I could not have found a more comprehensive and entertaining tour. We did it all: • Crawled inside ancient pyramids; • Snorkeled around amazing coral reefs; • Were awed by the beautiful fish seen in a glass-bottomed Red Sea submarine; • Rode camels; • Cruised down the Nile; • Shopped in authentic markets; • Enjoyed a hot air balloon flight over Luxor; • Visited very posh luxury resorts; • And, not least,stayed in truly first-class hotels! On my birthday, we enjoyed a yacht cruise and dinner with gourmet food. I danced with the crew. I could go on and on. I cannot emphasize enough how much I loved this trip!
Read More
I hate planning for vacations because it takes too much of my time. The process can be a real headache. I am glad I found out about CharlieTheTraveler, specifically through a friend who used this company before. It was nice to be able to just join this trip and enjoy it without having to think too much.
Read More
This Egypt tour is super organized but more importantly, fun. I never had too much or too little time at any one site. The timing was ideal for each day.
Read More
I typically do not like going on vacation because planning is too stressful. However, my whole view on traveling has been altered now that I did CharlieTheTraveler’s Egypt Grand Tour. I didn’t have to do any planning or stressing over this trip. There was so much included in the itinerary. I think it was well worth the price I paid!
Read More
This sightseeing tour included a mix of natural, cultural and historical destinations-nice blend. This was the most fun I have ever had on any tour.
Read More
I am sure my trip to Egypt would not have even compared to CharlieTheTraveler’s if I had planned it on my own. This company had great reviews. This made me comfortable when booking with them. From the moment I booked until the plane ride home, I was treated like “first class” and was provided with an overall excellent tour.
Read More
I now see why CharlieTheTraveler is so well-rated. Everything that was included in this trip was of high quality, even the breakfasts! These provided meals were delicious. I felt immersed into the country’s culture on this trip.
Read More
I love to travel and explore. When I saw how low the price was for such a detailed itinerary and an organized trip to Egypt, I booked right away. As someone who has traveled many places on my own, I must say CharlieTheTraveler’s trip was something I could have done myself.
Read More
When I booked my Egypt trip through CharlieTheTraveler, I had no idea it was going to be so easy. Almost everything was done for me and I was able to enjoy my vacation without any worries or stresses that usually come with vacation. Our tour guide handled everything with care-which was obvious from the first day.
Read More
It was easy to notice all the positive reviews CharlieTheTraveler had at the time of booking. I booked my vacation to Egypt through them because I felt I was going to have a great trip. They planned everything and made sure it was all to my liking.
Read More
Our tour guide was both smart and charismatic. He made my trip to Egypt one of the best trips of my life…very funny guy. I miss his company and laughter.
Read More
Booking this tour through CharlieTheTraveler was easy and well worth the price. I felt great on this trip. I was treated like a very important person. The overall tour was very personalized and unique.
Read More
I wanted to go for the cultural experience, but the trip came with so much more. CharlieTheTraveler did a great job organizing this trip and delivered exactly what I wanted in a vacation!
Read More
I felt safe booking with this company for my trip. Egypt has so much to offer and I felt this was an ideal destination for me. I knew before departure this trip was going to be a great one and it indeed was, thanks to CharlieTheTraveler and its tour guides.
Read More
I found CharlieTheTraveler had a well-organized Egypt trip, so I booked my vacation through them. The trip held true to their reviews, as there were so many activities and so much sightseeing planned. I was never bored and never needed to ‘find’ something to do with my time.
Read More
I wanted a vacation that was full of activities and I didn’t have the time to plan it all out. While researching, I found CharlieTheTraveler had a great trip to Egypt that was full of things to see and do. What I liked the most was that we had the perfect amount of time at each attraction and with each activity. I never felt like I had to leave before I was ready. Equally, I never felt like we were wasting time. Again, the timing for our attractions and activities was perfect.
Read More
Planning a vacation, especially to Egypt, is not easy. However, CharlieTheTraveler made it easy. I never felt any stress while on the trip. This grand tour of the country truly was first class.
Read More
When I saw all the activities this company had planned for its Egypt trip, I knew I had to book. I am overall thrilled with CharlieTheTraveler’s tour. I had so much fun on every daytrip. I also learned a lot about the culture and history of the country, which is important when touring.
Read More
I do not travel much, but it was hard to pass up this trip to Egypt when I saw everything the company had to offer. After the active sightseeing, the cultural immersion, the snorkeling and the historical lessons of the country, it is safe to say my expectations were met.
Read More
I could not believe how easy it was to book this vacation to Egypt with CharlieTheTraveler. The company did all the planning for me. There were so many activities to do that I would have never been able to plan on my own.
Read More
CharlieTheTraveler planned a great trip to Egypt. This company’s itinerary fits my needs for adventure perfectly. Also, our tour guide was excellent and made me feel welcomed.
Read More
This trip to Egypt operated by CharlieTheTraveler would have taken me months to plan out…and it still would not have been of the same quality. This company included a ton of activities as well as provided the best tour guide I could have ever asked for.
Read More
Show More Reviews
BOOK NOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Financing Offered for This Tour?
A 4-installment payment plan is available, often with 0 percent interest to those with at least decent credit. Ask us for details. Our luxury-oriented and itinerary-packed “Egypt Grand Tour in 11 Days” tour is available for $2,431 USD per person. This price includes all transportation, except flights. It also includes English-speaking tour guides, food, all activities and all entry fees. Also included are 3 nights of lodging on a cruise ship. If you would like lodging included for the remaining 8 nights on this tour, then the combined (transportation, tour guides, food, activities, entry fees and lodging) total would be $2,921 USD per person. This price is based on 2 per room and is offered to those booking at least 6 weeks in advance. Note that whereas there is no fee associated with paying by check, there is a 3.5 percent surcharge for payments made by credit card. We accept both forms of payment. Moving forward, to better understand your specific circumstances and wishes, and for us to accurately quote you, please tell us:
1. How many persons in your party-including yourself-would be joining this tour?
2. Would you be sharing the room with others in your group (e.g. a spouse, relative or friend) or do you want the room exclusive to you?
3. Where would you be flying from (and back to)?
4. On what date would you like to leave home?
5. Would you like to extend the duration of this tour so you have some free days just to relax? If you have 1 extra day, then we recommend Luxor. If you have 2, then we recommend 1 in Luxor and 1 in Sharm El-Sheikh.
6. Do you have a preference between male and female tour guides?
7. On a side note, would you like to add a visit to a temple complex called Dendera? It would be included when relocating from Luxor to Hurghada. We do not automatically include Dendera because it creates a significant detour, approximately 4 hours. Would you like to include it?
8. Also, would you like to add another day to this standard 11-day tour so you can visit-as a daytrip from Sharm El-Sheikh-an Eastern Orthodox monastery called Saint Catherine’s? The drive each way takes around 3 hours.
9. Lastly, would you like to add another day to this standard 11-day tour so you can visit-as a daytrip from Cairo-the city of Alexandria? The drive each way takes around 3 hours. We recommend this daytrip only to those who wish to go scuba diving (to see ruins in the Mediterranean Sea) and to those who are visiting Egypt between April and October.
What’s Excluded in the Price?
Any airfare, alcohol, travel insurance, any government-imposed visa fees and anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
Although airfare is not included in the price, we will find you the exact flights you need. Just ask.
Are Domestic Flights Needed for This Tour?
Below are the domestic flights needed for this tour:
Day 1: Cairo to Aswan
Day 2: Aswan to Abu Simbel & Back to Aswan *Land transportation is provided when there are no available flights between Aswan and Abu Simbel.
Day 7: Hurghada to Cairo
Day 9: Cairo to Sharm El-Sheikh
Day 11: Sharm El-Sheikh to Cairo (if applicable to you)
At What Specific Hotels Would We Be Staying?
Below are the names of the hotels where we commonly have our customers stay. Note this is subject to availability.
Nights 1-3: Nile Cruise, Preferred Accommodation: Concerto or Nile Premium Cruise Ship
Night 4: East Bank of Luxor, Preferred Accommodation: Steigenberger Nile Palace or Sofitel Winter Palace
Nights 5-6: Hurghada, Preferred Accommodation: The Marriott or Hilton Hurghada Plaza
Nights 7-8: Cairo, Preferred Accommodation: Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
Nights 9-10: Sharm El-Sheikh (near Naama Bay), Preferred Accommodation: Stella di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa or Movenpick Resort
Is This a Private or Group Tour?
Although some activities on this multi-day tour are shared with other travelers, we can make most days completely private, per your request, at an additional cost. Typically, the hot-air balloon ride, the quad ride in the desert, the visit to a tribal Bedouin camp, the ride in the desert, and the traditional dinner accompanied by a fire show are shared with other travelers. The rest of the tour is exclusive to you and whomever else you may book on behalf of.
Am I Sharing the Room with Someone?
Your room is exclusive to you and whomever is in your party. Strangers (meaning customers who book on the same start date but do not know each other) do not share rooms on this tour. On a side note, please let us know if you and the other person(s) in your booking want separate rooms.
What is the Age Range & Nationality of the People Who Book This Tour?
Although we get customers of all ages and from several countries, our statistics show most people who book are 30 to 65 years old and from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Are Kids Allowed on This Tour & Are They Charged the Same as Adults?
We welcome your kids specifically and only when the tour is exclusive to you and your group-meaning other customers are not joining you. We define kids as anyone under 18 years old. In order to make the tour exclusive to you and your group, your booking would need to be for 4 persons or more for any of our tours except Iceland. For our Iceland tour, your booking would need to be for 8 persons or more. Regarding the cost of bringing a non-adult, we do deduct from the total based on the amount of activities you request we remove from the tour. Note that reducing the total price of the tour by removing activities is something offered for non-adults only. Adults can opt out of activities but the total price does not change.
How Strong Do I Need to Be For This Trip?
We do not expect you to be an Olympic champion. We know some of the tour members are more fit than others…and we are well prepared for this. However, we do hope you take into consideration this is a very active tour, just like every other tour we offer.
Are Disabled People Allowed on This Tour?
Please let us know about any disability you have. Some disabilities would not affect you taking this tour. Others would prevent you from joining altogether. Although we want all of our customers to have fun, your safety is our first priority.
Do I Get Any Free Time to Myself?
Of course. Once each day’s tour is over, you have the rest of the evening to yourself. Because our tours tend to be very active, our customers typically want to simply relax once the sun sets.
What Happens If I Arrive Late?
Notify us as soon as possible and we will do our very best to arrange a meeting point. Please note that we do not refund for any days or activities that you miss.
Can I Opt-Out of Certain Activities?
Generally speaking, you can opt out as long as we are given adequate notice. Please note that opting out of certain activities does not reduce the price of this tour.
What Happens If I Get Injured on This Trip & Cannot Continue?
We would do our best to keep you safe and make you as comfortable as possible, as well as make special arrangements to address your situation. Partial refunds are not offered if you cannot continue with the tour. However, most travel insurances reimburse you for such situations. This is one of many reasons why we require our customers to purchase travel insurance before taking this tour.
What Happens If I Cancel This Trip?
To confirm your tour, full payment is needed at the time of your purchase. However, refunds are offered. You will receive a full refund if canceling at least 91 days in advance from the departure date. Cancelling between 90-60 days prior to departure entitles you to a 50 percent refund. Cancelling between 59-31 days prior to departure entitles you to a 25 percent refund. Canceling 30 days or less prior to departure is not eligible for a refund. Cancellation requests need to be made by email and become effective on the date received by CharlieTheTraveler.
What Happens If You, CharlieTheTraveler, Cancel This Trip?
In the unlikely event CharlieTheTraveler needs to cancel this trip, such as because of very poor weather conditions, we will give you a full refund for the tour within 14 business days of the cancellation. Note: We are not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund, nor is this transaction covered by the Restitution Fund.
How Do You Help Prepare Us For This Trip?
You should receive an email from us within 24 hours of purchasing this tour as well as a week before departure. The first email gives details about what to bring, how to prepare yourself, etc. The second email is more like a timetable combined with important contact information.
Is There Anything Out of the Ordinary I Should Bring on This Trip?
Bring a strap for your sunglasses, to wrap around your head while on the hot-air balloon. Also, bring a mobile hand/wrist strap, to prevent it from falling while in the air. Also, bring a lockable waterproof bag (to bring onto the boat), a waterproof case for your identification card and credit cards (when swimming) and water shoes. On a different note, you may need to bring adapters for your electronic devices.
Is CharlieTheTraveler Licensed & Which State in America Issued it?
The owner of the travel license is the same owner of CharlieTheTraveler. Charlie is a California born and bred resident. The company is headquartered in Greater Los Angeles. The registration number is CST 2136740-70. Please note that travel agents registered as a seller of travel in California does not constitute approval by the State. Also please note that California law requires sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. CharlieTheTraveler has a trust account.
Are the Tour Guides Licensed & Will They Be With Me the Entire Time?
Our tour guides/drivers are licensed, speak English and know how to bring excitement to your day. What we deliver is the complete opposite of the cookie-cutting tours the big corporations offer, leaving you in complete boredom. Although our tour guides/drivers are attentive, accommodating and engaged, they also know when to give you your private space and free time. It's a perfect balance.
Are We Required to Have Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all of our customers, for their protection and safety. CharlieTheTraveler does not sell travel insurance. We cannot endorse any specific company. Please check out different companies online and go with the one which offers the most comprehensive coverage.
In Which Language(s) is This Tour Offered?
All of our tours are offered in English. If you prefer another language, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Can We Customize This Tour?
Although we are open to customizing this tour to fit your liking, as a general rule, we discourage the practice. We do our best to keep the cost of the tour low. The more we customize it, the quicker the price goes up. As our tour is currently advertised, you absolutely will not find another one out there as packed with activities and attractions. What’s more, you will not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year, and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance.
Do We Need to Get Our Own Transportation to and From the Airport?
Absolutely not. We make the arrangements for you.
Is Someone Available for Us 24-7 While on This Tour?
Yes! You have your own concierge for this tour who is at your disposal. You could reach this person when you need anything.
Where Can I Read About All of Your Terms & Conditions?
Why Our Tours Beat Competition
- We routinely pick up the phone and otherwise respond to messages quickly and thoroughly.
- We do not cancel because of group size turnout, unlike with most competitors.
- Virtually no company offers multiday tours as comprehensive as ours. This is a verifiable fact.
- We do not charge solo travelers single supplements for the tours.
- For most of our tours, you can start on any date.
- We have hundreds of 5-star reviews online.
See Our Other Popular Tours
