Hot air ballon over Nile river in Egypt

Classic Egypt Itinerary for First Timers

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Egypt

Places Visited

Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan...

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Suggested Duration

10 Days

On this 10-day tour of Egypt you will escape into antiquity and celebrate the country’s icons. From the pyramids to Tutankhamen’s tomb, the bustling old lanes of Cairo to Abu Simbel temples, you will explore all of Egypt’s classic old sites. History comes alive as you are immersed in the remarkable world of the pharaohs. Private travel to Egypt will...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Celebrate the legends of history with a day at the Great Pyramids of Giza and ancient Memphis
  • Discover the mesmerizing history of Luxor, an afternoon at the temples of the East Bank followed by a morning in the Valley of the Kings
  • Escape into the beauty of the River Nile on a luxury cruise, watching the world go by from your boutique suite
  • Enjoy a hot air balloon ride above ancient Thebes, a serene introduction to what has become the world’s greatest open-air museum
  • Wander through the narrow lanes of old Cairo, as you admire the millennia-old atmosphere and some of fine early Christian and Islamic architecture
  • Spend a day relaxing in the remote desert oasis of Aswan, which includes a private felucca sailing trip that visits the islands of the Nile
  • Fly to the remarkable rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, another of the seductive icons of Ancient Egypt
  • Soak up the knowledge of superb Egyptologist guides as their insight adds another dimension to your walks through history

Detailed Description

Ancient Egypt will compel and confound you in equal measure. The experience immerses you in history as you will be surrounded by a forest of pillars in Karnak Temple, watch shards of light dance through Abu Simbel, and stand alone in a lavishly decorated tomb. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, Egypt’s ancient world is unparalleled. The history feels alive and the ambiance is as old as the pharaohs. Yet, there is something more recent that makes Egypt even more compelling. It is the serenity. Luxury travel to Egypt has an escapist element that is epitomized by a cruise up the River Nile. While there are many sights, the pace can be slow, which ensures that you will feel what the monuments mean to our planet.

This luxury tour will take a classic route through the country, as it will incorporate all the famous sites and experiences in ten days of travel. Most excursions will be privately led by skilled Egyptologist guides, who will plan your arrival to avoid congregations of tour buses. Hotels will be superbly located as you gaze out over the history, such as a boutique Giza hotel with a view of the pyramids. Guides will greet you at every airport and most days will be customized depending on your interests that day. Over ten days you will settle into the tranquil rhythm of Ancient Egypt, rather than be overwhelmed by the pace of the modern day, which will allow you to fully appreciate the wonders of antiquity.

You will start in Cairo where the pyramids are a timeless introduction to Ancient Egypt. Then, spend a day in the old lanes of Coptic Cairo before you will take a guided visit to the Egyptian Museum. The next day, you will fly to Luxor to explore where the sun rises on the eastern bank, home to two fabled temples. Afterward, you will take a hot air balloon above the Valley of the Kings at sunrise, then wander through an astonishing open-air museum. You will then start your two-day cruise to Aswan, your journey punctuated by ancient temples along the Nile’s banks. In Aswan you will have a day to discover the sights and a day dedicated to the atmosphere of the oasis. The next day you will fly to the Abu Simbel temples before you return to Cairo, where your hotel stands opulently above the River Nile.

Starting Price

$3,900 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.88 stars based on 433 reviews.

Egypt Vacation Review: History, 7-Day Trip

Everything from the airport meet in Cairo to the airport departure from Cairo was perfect. Each guide was an expert, engaging, and excited to discuss and describe our various sightseeing adventures. The hotels were also fabulous. We could not have expected any more.

Reviewed By douglas M.

Egypt Travel Review: Pyramids, Tombs, Temples, 2 Weeks

Through no fault of Zicasso's tour company, we were not able to do the Jordan portion of our trip due to the outbreak of hostilities between Israel, Iran, and then the US. When learning Jordanian airspace was closed, the company jumped into action to provide us with immediate alternatives to the Jordan portion of the trip, including a full refund for that portion if so desired. But because they had done such a fabulous job on the Egypt portion of the trip, we decided to extend our Egypt trip and spend several days in Alexandria and out in the desert at an oasis.

My wife and I cannot say enough good things about the job Zicasso's travel company did for us. We received first-class service, travel, and accommodations, with help, from the moment we deplaned in Cairo until we went back to the airport to leave Egypt 15 days later.

My wife and I travel each summer to Europe and beyond, and most often do our trips entirely on our own. However, Egypt and Jordan are places I believe American tourists need help with at most stages of the journey ,and our travel company provided that help in an extraordinary way. I would personally recommend this company to all of my traveling friends, as well as anyone else interested in my opinion.

Reviewed By James L.

Egypt, Turkey Travel Review: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus,...

Our journey through Turkey and Egypt in May 2025 with Zicasso's travel company was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we landed until our final departure, every detail was thoughtfully arranged, making the experience seamless, immersive, and truly unforgettable.

What set this trip apart was our exceptional tour guides. In both countries, the guides were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also passionate, warm, and attentive. They brought the rich histories of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Cairo, Luxor, and beyond vividly to life. Whether we were exploring ancient ruins or navigating vibrant bazaars, our guides made every moment engaging and meaningful.

A special mention must go to our tour organizer. His behind-the-scenes coordination, quick responsiveness, and personal care were evident throughout. He ensured every transition was smooth, every need was anticipated, and every traveler felt individually looked after. His dedication and professionalism elevated the entire experience.

We returned home with a deeper appreciation of these remarkable destinations, lasting memories, and a strong desire to travel again with our travel company. We highly recommended them for anyone seeking a thoughtfully curated, high-touch travel experience.

— Dr. Vishnu P.

Reviewed By Vishnu P.

Egypt Tour Review: Alexandria, Pyramids, Red Sea, Valley...

This trip was a trip of a lifetime, and Zicasso's travel company made sure we did everything on our bucket list, from going inside a pyramid to a Nile cruise, the Valley of the Kings, and a couple of days of relaxing at a resort on the Red Sea. They stayed within our budget by listening to us and tweaking the trip (over and over and over, they were so patient with me). I have already referred them to two friends and I can't say enough good things about this travel company. Thanks, Zicasso, for always vetting the best companies!

Reviewed By Tracie C.

Egypt, Jordan Vacation Review: Wadi Rum, Temples, Ancient...

Through Zicasso’s travel company and its agent, my husband and I had a wonderful experience in Egypt and Jordan. 

While we loved all the sites, the most unexpected visit was to the gorgeous Wadi Rum in Jordan. We were glad we missed the flash flood at Petra by a few hours, so we were still able to enjoy the ancient city and lovely natural canyon. And we were only minimally touched in Luxor by the sandstorm in Cairo! 

The whole experience was five-star, especially in terms of the sites visited, guides provided, hotels, and kindness of the people.

Thank you for arranging such a memorable and enlightening trip! We strongly recommend traveling to Egypt and Jordan through our travel agent and his team "on the ground”.

Reviewed By Wendy W.

Egypt Trip Review: Pyramids of Giza, Nile River Cruise,...

The Zicasso travel company did a great job with our tour. Their tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoy spending time with the tour guides. We had no problems or issues during the trip; we were very happy with this company arranging our Egypt vacation.

Reviewed By William H.

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