Egypt Highlights Deluxe
A week that gathers the essentials — Cairo, Alexandria and Luxor — with sleeper-train nights between them.
Overview
For travellers with a week to give, this journey distils Egypt to its greatest hits without rushing them. Cairo opens with the Egyptian Museum; a full day on the Mediterranean takes in Alexandria; then the sleeper train carries you to Luxor for the temples of the living and the tombs of the dead. You return north for the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara and the medieval heart of Islamic Cairo. Private throughout, with your own Egyptologist and five-star hotels.
Itinerary
Cairo & the Egyptian Museum
- Private airport welcome and transfer to your 5-star hotel
- Afternoon at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir
- Evening orientation with your guide
Alexandria day trip
- Drive to the Mediterranean coast
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar and the Citadel of Qaitbay
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina and a seafront seafood lunch
Coptic Cairo & overnight train to Luxor
- Hanging Church and Old Cairo in the morning
- Evening transfer to the station
- Sleeper train south with private cabins
Luxor East Bank
- Karnak temple complex and the avenue of sphinxes
- Luxor Temple at the city's heart
- Check in to your Luxor hotel
West Bank & train to Cairo
- Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
- Colossi of Memnon
- Evening sleeper train back to Cairo
Giza & Saqqara
- Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
- Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
- Panoramic plateau viewpoint
Islamic Cairo & departure
- Saladin Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar
- Private transfer to the airport
Included & not included
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide throughout
- 6 nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels
- Sleeper-train berths Cairo↔Luxor (both directions)
- All entrance fees to sites and monuments
- Lunch on each touring day
- Private air-conditioned transfers
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Bottled water every day
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa
- Tipping (gratuities)
- Personal expenses
- Optional extras — Abu Simbel, camel rides, dinner cruise, drinks
Good to know
How much walking should I expect?
A comfortable amount — temple complexes such as Karnak involve an hour or two on foot over uneven ground. We pace each day and rest in the heat.
Are the overnight trains comfortable?
Yes. You have a private sleeper cabin with dinner and breakfast served aboard, so the long transfers happen while you rest.
Can I extend with a Nile cruise?
Absolutely — many guests add a 3 or 4-night cruise between Aswan and Luxor. Tell us your dates and we will tailor the extension.
Is this journey right for you?
- Travellers who prefer a private, guided experience
- Those with a deep interest in ancient history and culture
- Visitors who want a curated itinerary rather than self-guided travel
- Anyone seeking high-quality, professionally managed logistics
- Travellers seeking large group or coach tours
- Budget-focused independent backpackers
- Visitors looking primarily for nightlife or beach holidays
Preparation reading
Guides to help you prepare for this journey.
Egypt Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan a trip to Egypt — visa requirements, the best time to go, getting around, top destinations, culture and practical essentials.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt's best travel season is October to April, when Nile Valley temperatures are mild and monuments are comfortable to explore. Here is what to expect season by season and destination by destination.
Getting Around Egypt
How to travel between Egypt's cities and sites — domestic flights, high-speed trains, Nile cruises, the Cairo Metro, taxis and private transfers explained.
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Talk to a local expert
Our team lives and breathes Egypt travel. Share what draws you here — we'll help you design the journey that fits.