8 Days Classic Overland Tour
This itinerary includes iconic sites such as the pyramids and temples, features a visit to the Temple of Esna, and enjoy Abu Simbel Temples without crowds.
Age Requirement
Itinerary Dates
Number of people
Meeting Point
None
Customizable
No participant limit
Cairo Airport
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Since the itinerary begins upon arrival in Egypt, the visa and international airfare are the responsibility of the traveler. A visa can be obtained on arrival or applied for online depending on your nationality.
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Please ensure that you have thoroughly read the "About" page.
This is a semi-guided tour. Please confirm that you are suitable for this type of trip before inquiring or signing up.
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▲ Visit all the major landmarks, including the Pyramids, Temples, Museum, and Mosque.
▲ Visit to Esna Temple, a site rarely included in standard itineraries.
▲ Special time arrangement at Abu Simbel to avoid the crowds.
▲ Includes both sleeper train and domestic flight experiences.
Itinerary Overview
D1 National Civilization Museum
D2 Giza Saqqara Memphis
D3 Philae Temple Unfinised Obelisk High Dam Nubian Village
D4 Abu Simbel
D5 Kom Ombo Edfu Esna
D6 Valley of Kings Hatshepsut Temple Colossi of Memnon
D7 Luxor Temple Karnak Temple
D8 Museum Citadel Mosque Khan El Khalili
Daily Itinerary
Located in southern Egypt, just over 40 kilometers from the Sudanese border, Abu Simbel is one of ancient Egypt’s most remarkable monuments. Commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II, the temples were built to project Egyptian power and authority toward Nubia and to reinforce the presence of Egyptian religion in the region.
What makes Abu Simbel particularly extraordinary is its rock-cut construction. Rather than being built from assembled stone blocks, the Great Temple was carved directly into the sandstone cliff, extending approximately 56 meters into the rock. Its monumental façade is dominated by four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II, while the inner sanctuary features statues of the king depicted alongside the major deities, reflecting the pharaoh’s divine status and his role as an intermediary between the gods and the people.
Beside the Great Temple stands the Temple of Nefertari, also known as the Small Temple, commissioned by Ramesses II in honor of his beloved Great Royal Wife, Queen Nefertari, and dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Its façade features six colossal standing figures of Ramesses II and Nefertari, with the queen depicted on an unusually grand scale—an exceptional representation that reflects her distinguished status.
Together, the two temples form one of the most spectacular monumental complexes of ancient Egypt and are part of the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation
Sleeper train
Meals
Dinner on the train
Transportation
Private car
Sleeper train
DAY03 Aswan
Morning arrival in Aswan, followed by visits to the High Dam, Philae Temple, and Unfinished Obelisk, with private transportation and an English-speaking guide. In the afternoon, a scenic boat ride to a traditional Nubian village for an authentic cultural experience.
Philae Temple
The Philae Temple is originally located on Philae Island in Aswan. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it is also known as the Isis Temple and is affectionately called the "pearl on the throne of the kings of ancient Egypt." According to ancient mythology, Osiris and Isis spent their final divine life on Philae Island, and it was here that the goddess Isis gave birth to Horus. In the late 19th century, the construction of the Aswan Old Dam began to submerge Philae Island. The situation worsened with the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. To preserve the temple, the Egyptian government, with assistance from UNESCO, dismantled and relocated it in 1972 to Agilkia Island, which is more than 500 meters from the original site at a higher elevation. In 1979, the Philae Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aswan High Dam
The Aswan Dam consists of the Aswan Low Dam (Old Dam) and the Aswan High Dam (Grand Dam). The British constructed the Old Dam in 1898, which was completed in 1902. However, due to inadequacies in the original design, the dam was raised twice between 1907–1912 and 1929–1933. Despite these modifications, in 1946, flooding nearly overtopped the dam, leading to the decision to build a new dam upstream rather than further raising the Old Dam. Construction of the High Dam began in 1960 and was completed on July 21, 1970.
The construction of the Aswan High Dam brought both benefits and challenges. It significantly aided Egypt's industrial, agricultural, and even fishing sectors, but it also caused numerous environmental issues. The lack of sediment supplied from upstream led to the erosion of farmland and sea embankments downstream, and the land lost its former fertility. This has had a considerable impact on agriculture in the region. Additionally, many historical monuments in the reservoir area were submerged. In 1960, UNESCO launched a large-scale archaeological rescue operation, relocating or gifting many threatened monuments to other countries.
Unfinished Obelisk
The Aswan region is rich in high-quality, durable granite, which was the most important source of granite for ancient Egypt. Pharaohs throughout history used this granite to erect obelisks and build temples. A granite quarry in this area houses a massive, fallen obelisk, measuring 42 meters in length and weighing 1,267 tons. This obelisk was originally commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut. However, because obelisks had to be carved from a single piece of stone, a crack developed during the carving process, causing it to be abandoned before completion. This incomplete obelisk is known as the "Unfinished Obelisk." If it had been erected, it would have been the largest standing obelisk in all of Egypt. The presence of this unfinished obelisk allows modern observers to study the methods used by the ancient Egyptians to quarry and carve obelisks.
Nubian Village
Nubia is located at the border between modern-day Egypt and Sudan. In ancient Egypt, Nubia was referred to as Kush. The Abu Simbel temples were built by Ramses II to assert his power over the Nubians. Nubians have dark skin and curly hair, and although modern Nubians have largely adopted Arab culture, the Nubian language is still spoken, and the Arabic alphabet is used for writing. In the 1960s, when Egypt began constructing the Aswan High Dam, the dam's completion led to the near-total submergence of Lower Nubia. Under the leadership of UNESCO, many of the local cultural landmarks were relocated to higher ground to preserve them. In the region, there are many Nubian villages, characterized by houses painted in various colors and adorned with vibrant artwork, much like Taiwan's Rainbow Village. Additionally, Nubians are known to keep crocodiles as pets within their homes.
Accommodation
Hotel in Aswan
Meals
Breakfast on the train
Transportation
Private car
DAY04 Abu Simbel
Early morning departure from Aswan for Abu Simbel, with private transportation and an English-speaking guide. Visits to the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari.
DAY02 Cairo-Aswan
In the morning, visits to the iconic Giza Pyramids Complex and the Sphinx, followed by the Step Pyramid of Saqqara and Memphis, with private transportation and an English-speaking guide. In the evening, departure from the railway station aboard the overnight sleeper train to Aswan, with dinner served onboard.
Giza Pyramid Complex
Located in the Giza Plateau on the outskirts of Greater Cairo, the Giza Pyramid Complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Constructed during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty, the complex consists of three main pyramids, the largest of which is the Great Pyramid of Khufu — also known as the Pyramid of Cheops — the oldest and only surviving structure of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The second-largest is the Pyramid of Khafre, and the smallest is the Pyramid of Menkaure. In addition to these monumental structures, the site also includes the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza and several smaller pyramids built for queens.
Saqqara Necropolis
During the period when Memphis served as the capital of ancient Egypt, Saqqara functioned as its necropolis, or “City of the Dead.” As early as the First Dynasty, nobles were buried in this area, and by the Second Dynasty, it became a royal burial site. Rather than a single structure, Saqqara is an expansive complex composed of pyramids, temples, and tombs. Among them, the most renowned and best-preserved is the Step Pyramid, built for the Third Dynasty Pharaoh Djoser, and thus also known as the Pyramid of Djoser.
Constructed around 2700 BCE, the Step Pyramid is the earliest pyramid in Egypt and the world’s first large-scale stone monument. It was designed by Imhotep, the legendary architect and high official. Before this innovation, ancient Egyptian tombs were flat-roofed structures known as mastabas. Imhotep revolutionized this tradition by stacking six progressively smaller mastabas atop one another, creating the distinctive step-like shape.
Mit Rahina Museum (Memphis)
Memphis is the oldest capital of Egypt, serving as the capital during the Old Kingdom period. Located at the southern tip of the Nile Delta, it held a key strategic position at the river’s mouth. At its peak, Memphis was a thriving and influential center of commerce, trade, and religion. The Memphis Open-Air Museum features a colossal reclining statue of Ramses II, alongside an impressive alabaster Sphinx carved from a single block of stone, as well as various ruins of ancient temples and statues.
Overnight train to Aswan
In the evening, departure from Giza Railway Station aboard the overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
DAY01 Cairo
Welcome to Egypt—a land that may seem mysterious and chaotic at first glance. Upon arrival, begin your Egyptian journey with a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, with private transportation and an English-speaking guide.
National Civilization Museum
Located in the ancient city of Fustat, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) partially opened to the public in February 2017. The museum showcases artifacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history — from prehistoric times, through the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Medieval, and Islamic periods — presenting a comprehensive narrative of Egypt’s rich and diverse heritage.
Today's arrival flight must land no later than 11:00 a.m. The visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization can be substituted with the Grand Egyptian Museum upon request. If time permits, it is also possible to include both museums in the itinerary.
Accommodation
Hotel in Cairo
Meals
No meals included
Transportation
Private car
Abu Simbel Temples
Accommodation
Hotel in Aswan
Meals
No meals included
Transportation
Private car
DAY05 Kom Ombo-Edfu-Esna
Today, travel toward Luxor by private vehicle, with an English-speaking guide for visits to the Temple of Kom Ombo, Temple of Edfu, and Temple of Esna along the way.
Temple of Kom Ombo
The Temple of Kom Ombo was begun during the middle of the Ptolemaic Period and was expanded and embellished by successive rulers, with major additions continuing until the reign of Pharaoh Ptolemy XII. As one of the temples built toward the end of ancient Egyptian civilization, Kom Ombo reflects a remarkable synthesis of religious and cultural traditions that had developed over thousands of years.
The temple is particularly notable for its unique reliefs and inscriptions, which preserve valuable depictions of subjects rarely documented so extensively at other Egyptian temples, including calendars, medical practices, surgical instruments, and mathematical knowledge.
Kom Ombo is also distinguished by its unusual dual design. Unlike most Egyptian temples, which were centered along a single axis and dedicated primarily to one principal deity, Kom Ombo was designed around two parallel axes and dedicated to two principal gods: Sobek, the crocodile-headed god associated with fertility and the Nile, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god. For this reason, it is often referred to as the Temple of the Two Gods.
Temple of Edfu
Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, the principal deity worshipped at Edfu, the temple is also known as the Temple of Horus. Along with the Temple of Philae and the Temple of Kom Ombo, it was constructed during the Ptolemaic Period.
For centuries, the temple was buried beneath layers of sand and sediment, which helped preserve its architecture, reliefs, and inscriptions remarkably well. The temple’s extensive wall reliefs provide valuable insights into the religious ceremonies and rituals performed at Edfu in ancient times.
Among the scenes depicted are the annual rituals celebrating the visit of Hathor, the goddess regarded as the consort of Horus; coronation ceremonies in which the pharaoh, considered the earthly manifestation of Horus, was ritually crowned; and sacred reenactments of the birth of Horus.
These remarkably preserved reliefs offer a fascinating glimpse into the religious traditions, royal rituals, and mythology that shaped temple life in ancient Egypt.
Temple of Esna Temple
The Temple of Esna, also known as the Temple of Khnum, was dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed creator god of ancient Egypt. Depicted with a human body and the large, curved horns of a ram, Khnum was believed to have created humankind by shaping people from the fertile Nile mud on a potter’s wheel.
The temple was originally founded during the 18th Dynasty and was later rebuilt and completed during the Ptolemaic Period, with further additions made under Roman rule. One of its most striking features is the beautifully restored hypostyle hall, whose 24 massive columns are decorated with elaborate floral motifs, including lotus and palm-leaf capitals. After extensive restoration, the columns and reliefs display remarkably vivid colors.
The temple’s reliefs and inscriptions provide fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the origins of human life, as well as the mythology surrounding Khnum, his consort, and their son. Together, these surviving scenes offer a glimpse into the religious worldview and mythology of ancient Egypt.
Accommodation
Hotel in Luxor
Meals
No meals included
Transportation
Private car
Motor Boat
DAY06 Luxor
Morning visits to the West Bank of Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon, with private transportation and an English-speaking guide.
Valley of Kings
Located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, anciently known as Thebes, the Valley of the Kings has been associated with royal burials for thousands of years. During the New Kingdom, beginning in the 18th Dynasty, the valley became the principal burial ground for pharaohs and members of the royal elite from the 18th through the 20th Dynasties.
To date, 63 tombs and burial complexes have been identified in the Valley of the Kings. Since the late 18th century, the site has been a major focus of archaeological excavation and Egyptological research.
The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 brought the Valley of the Kings worldwide fame. Its extraordinary preservation and the wealth of artifacts found within the tomb made it one of the most celebrated archaeological discoveries in history, further establishing the Valley of the Kings as one of the world’s most renowned archaeological sites.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
The Temple of Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most remarkable architectural achievements, was designed by the brilliant architect Senenmut, approximately 1,200 years after the death of Imhotep. Built for Queen Hatshepsut, the temple is dramatically set against towering limestone cliffs in a natural amphitheater on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor.
Unlike the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, however, Hatshepsut’s temple was not carved directly out of the mountain. Instead, its distinctive terraces, colonnades, and monumental architecture were carefully integrated into the surrounding cliffs, creating a striking harmony between the built structure and the natural landscape.
Hatshepsut, also known as Hatshepsut, was one of the most prominent rulers of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty and one of the most successful female pharaohs in ancient Egyptian history. Her name is traditionally interpreted as “Foremost of Noble Women,” reflecting her royal status and distinguished position.
Today, the temple stands as a testament to both Hatshepsut’s ambitious reign and Senenmut’s architectural vision, and is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Colossi of Memnon
Standing approximately 20 meters tall, the Colossi of Memnon once guarded the entrance to the magnificent mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, a vast complex that rivaled the Temple of Karnak in scale. The temple was severely damaged by an earthquake in 27 BCE, leaving only these two monumental statues.
Over centuries, weathering and structural damage caused extensive cracks and erosion. The northern colossus became particularly famous in antiquity for producing a mysterious sound at sunrise, giving rise to the legend of the “singing” Colossus of Memnon. The phenomenon disappeared after the statue was restored in antiquity.
Today, the two colossal statues remain among the most iconic monuments on Luxor’s West Bank.
Accommodation
Hotel in Luxor
Meals
No meals included
Transportation
Private car
DAY07 Luxor-Cairo
Morning visits to the East Bank of Luxor, including the Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple, with private transportation and an English-speaking guide.
Karnak Temple Complex
Often described as the world’s largest open-air museum, the Karnak Temple Complex was first established during the Middle Kingdom and expanded substantially by successive pharaohs beginning in the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. Construction and additions continued for more than 2,000 years, extending into the early Roman period.
This extraordinary continuity of construction made Karnak the largest temple complex in ancient Egypt, with monumental gateways, courtyards, obelisks, and the famous Great Hypostyle Hall reflecting the achievements of successive generations of Egyptian rulers.
Luxor Temple
Unlike many Egyptian temples dedicated primarily to the gods and oriented toward the Nile, Luxor Temple was closely associated with the divine kingship and the pharaoh’s legitimacy. Located in the heart of modern Luxor, approximately 3 kilometers from Karnak Temple, it was once connected to Karnak by a ceremonial avenue lined with sphinxes.
The two temples formed the central setting for the spectacular Opet Festival, an important annual celebration during which the sacred images of the gods were carried in procession between Karnak and Luxor Temple.
Domestic Flight to Cairo
Departure from Luxor International Airport for the scheduled domestic flight to Cairo following the sightseeing
Accommodation
Hotel in Cairo
Meals
No meals included
Transportation
Private car
Domestic flight
DAY08 Cairo
Morning visits to the Egyptian Museum, Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, with private transportation and an English-speaking guide.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of the world’s most renowned museums of ancient Egyptian antiquities, housing an extraordinary collection spanning from the Predynastic Period to the 6th century CE, with many artifacts dating back more than 3,000 years.
The museum’s collection is displayed across two floors, with galleries arranged by chronology and theme. Its highlights include the famous gold mask and coffins of Tutankhamun, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to explore the history and legacy of ancient Egypt.
Citadel Saladin & Mohamed Ali Mosque
In 1171, Saladin abolished the Fatimid Caliphate and established the Ayyubid dynasty, becoming its first sultan. In 1176, he began construction of the Citadel of Saladin on the Muqattam Hills as a strategic stronghold against the Crusaders and later moved the royal residence inside the fortress. Completed in 1182, its elevated position offered exceptional defensive advantages.
For centuries, the citadel served as the political and administrative center of Egypt, remaining at the heart of Egyptian governance until the 19th century.
Located within the Citadel of Saladin, the Muhammad Ali mosque was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha in the first half of the 19th century. Known for its grand Ottoman-style architecture, soaring central dome, and elegant minarets, it is also known as the Alabaster Mosque, named after the alabaster used extensively in its interior and exterior decoration.
The mosque is renowned for its richly decorated interior, featuring marble surfaces, magnificent chandeliers, and an impressive domed ceiling. Its elevated position also offers one of the most iconic panoramic views over Cairo.
Khan El Khalili Bazzar
The name “Khan” derives from Persian and refers to a caravanserai or inn. The area of Khan el-Khalili originally occupied a royal mausoleum complex of the Fatimid dynasty. In the late 14th century, the site was demolished under the new Mamluk regime and developed into a commercial khan, providing lodging and storage facilities for merchants and travelers.
Over the centuries, the area evolved into one of Cairo’s most famous traditional markets, renowned for its handicrafts, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs, and remains a popular destination for experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of historic Cairo.
End of the Journey
Following the sightseeing, departure from Cairo International Airport for the scheduled flight.
Departure flights should be scheduled for 8:00 p.m. or later.
Accommodation
None
Meals
No meals included
Transportation
Private car
About This Experience
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The confirmed services for this trip include the following:
Airport transfer upon arrival at Cairo International Airport
All mentioned ground transfers and transportation during the itinerary
Cairo Museum Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
2 nights of hotel accommodation in Cairo, B&B
Cairo Pyramids Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Sleeper train ticket from Cairo to Aswan
Aswan Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
2 nights of hotel accommodation in Aswan, B&B
Abu Simbel Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Private vehicle from Aswan to Luxor
Guided visits to Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna Temples with English-speaking guide
2 nights of hotel accommodation in Luxor, B&B
West Bank Luxor Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
East Bank Luxor Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Airport transfer from hotel to Luxor International Airport
Domestic flight ticket from Luxor to Cairo
Airport transfer upon arrival at Cairo International Airport from Luxor
Cairo Old City Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Final airport transfer for international departure from Cairo International Airport
The following items are NOT included in the services listed above:
Entrance tickets to all tourist sites and attractions
Meals (except where specifically stated as included, such as during the Nile cruise)
Optional or additional activities outside the scheduled itinerary
Tips and gratuities
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Entrance Fees: Our itinerary is designed to be flexible and traveler-centered. We do not require guests to enter every site listed, as we respect each traveler’s preferences and pace. Some may choose to skip a particular site on the day of the visit. Additionally, many attractions offer optional add-ons—such as the Great Pyramid interior at Giza or access to additional tombs in the Valley of the Kings—which vary in price. By excluding entrance fees from the package, guests have the freedom to decide where and how they wish to explore.
Gratuities: In Egypt, tipping customs are not strictly standardized and are generally based on personal satisfaction with the service received. We believe gratuities should be merit-based. Travelers are encouraged to tip drivers and guides who provide excellent service, and equally, we support travelers who choose not to tip if the service falls short. In such cases, we also appreciate guests sharing feedback with us directly.
Meals: Dining preferences can be highly individual. Some guests may prefer to focus on sightseeing during mealtimes, while others may have specific dietary needs or wish to explore local street food and restaurants. To allow full freedom of choice, we do not include meals in the tour unless explicitly mentioned (e.g., meals provided on the Nile cruise or at certain hotels). This ensures that each traveler can enjoy their culinary experience according to their own tastes and schedule.
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You are welcome to book your own accommodation, or you may ask us to assist with finding accommodation options that match your needs.
If you would like accommodation assistance, please provide:
Your accommodation budget (for example, USD 30 per person per night)
Your preferred room type (double, twin, triple, etc.)
Your preferred type of accommodation or a specific property, if applicable
Any other important requirements
Since everyone's expectations regarding budget, location, facilities, and comfort are different, we recommend providing specific requirements whenever possible rather than using subjective descriptions such as "clean" or "comfortable."
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The total cost will vary depending on the number of travelers, accommodation preferences, and the preferred language of the guide. Once these details are confirmed, please complete the form below to contact us for a quotation.
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Before asking us about an itinerary or cost, please take the time to read all the information on our "About" page and make sure you fully understand the semi-independent travel style, what it involves, and what is expected from travelers.
Egypt is a destination with a culture, environment, and travel experience that can be very different from what many travelers are accustomed to. Semi-independent travel is also fundamentally different from a traditional organized group tour.
We want every traveler to have a clear understanding of this travel style before starting a conversation with us, and to make sure that it matches their own travel habits and expectations.
The right travel style makes all the difference in enjoying your journey.
