Pharaohs in Private: Nile & Alexandria

Your Egyptian adventure begins the moment you land at Cairo International Airport, where our VIP service ensures a seamless arrival with fast-tracked formalities. A private transfer whisks you to the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. Overlooking the Nile and with views stretching towards the Pyramids, the hotel offers elegant rooms, a tranquil spa, and refined dining options. The evening is at leisure to recover from your journey, or you may choose a welcome dinner hosted by a local chef for an introduction to Egyptian flavors.

The day begins with a dive into Islamic Cairo, where towering minarets and centuries-old mosques tell the story of the city’s medieval golden age. At the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, you will be struck by the sheer scale and harmony of this 14th-century masterpiece, while the Ibn Tulun Mosque enchants with its vast courtyard and spiral minaret. Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, you will find artisans at work crafting brass lamps, perfumes, and jewelry as they have for generations. In the afternoon, your Egyptologist leads you through the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the golden mask of Tutankhamun and countless masterpieces of the pharaonic world. The evening concludes with a private sunset cocktail sail on the Nile, watching the river reflect Cairo’s dazzling skyline.

Today is dedicated to the eternal symbols of Egypt. At the Giza Plateau, you will not only marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, but also enjoy exclusive access to its interior, standing in the King’s Chamber where Pharaoh Khufu was once laid to rest. Nearby, the Great Sphinx silently guards the sands, its enigmatic gaze captivating visitors for millennia. Lunch is a highlight at the 9 Pyramids Lounge, offering an unrivaled panoramic view of all three pyramids. In the afternoon, the journey continues south to Saqqara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis. Here, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built by the architect Imhotep, marks the first monumental stone building in history. You will also enter the Pyramid of Unas, where the world’s earliest Pyramid Texts still adorn the walls, and the Tomb of Mereruca, celebrated for its lively scenes of daily life carved in exquisite relief.

A short flight brings you to Luxor, ancient Thebes, where the grandeur of pharaonic Egypt comes alive. Begin at the sprawling Karnak Temple Complex, where colossal statues and 134 towering columns in the Hypostyle Hall bear witness to 2,000 years of continuous construction. Walking along the Avenue of the Sphinxes, you arrive at the Temple of Luxor, beautifully illuminated at dusk, where Alexander the Great left his own imprint alongside Amenhotep III. Afterward, you board the Sonesta Sun Luxury Nile Cruise, your floating sanctuary for the next several nights. With private balcony suites, fine dining, and impeccable service, the cruise offers both elegance and intimacy.

Crossing the Nile to the West Bank, you explore the sacred necropolis of the Valley of the Kings. Unlike most visitors, your tour grants you access to the most exclusive tombs: the magnificent Tomb of Seti I, whose colorful reliefs are considered the pinnacle of New Kingdom art; the Tomb of Ramses VI, with its celestial ceiling depicting the goddess Nut; and the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun, where the boy-king’s mummy still rests. Nearby, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri stands as a striking testament to Egypt’s only female pharaoh, its terraces blending seamlessly into the cliffs. On your return, pause at the towering Colossi of Memnon, guardians of ancient Thebes for over 3,000 years.

A horse-drawn carriage takes you to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, where colossal pylons and detailed reliefs depict the eternal struggle between Horus and Seth. As the cruise sails onward, you stop at Kom Ombo, a unique dual temple dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus the Elder. The nearby Crocodile Museum displays dozens of mummified crocodiles once worshipped here. The evening brings fine dining and stargazing on the deck of your luxury cruise ship.

Drive or fly to the aweinspiring temples of Abu Simbel, carved into solid rock by Ramses II. Return to Aswan midday and enjoy a sailboat outing on the Nile at noon (traditional felucca or small motor sailboat). In the afternoon/evening, check into your Aswan hotel and relax with dinner at leisure.

After breakfast, take the Philae Temple tour (boat transfer to Agilkia Island) to explore the temples dedicated to Isis. Transfer to Aswan airport for a short flight to Cairo (approx. 1–1.5 hours). On arrival in Cairo, your private driver will continue to Alexandria (drive approx. 2.5–3 hours). Evening at leisure — stroll the Corniche, enjoy the sea breeze, and check in to the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano.

Catacombs of Kom elShoqafa and the Roman Amphitheatre, Bibliotheca Alexandrina (library complex and museum) Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum siteOptional: Citadel of Qaitbay (seaside fortress), Alexandria National Museum, or Montazah Palace & Gardens Return to the Four Seasons at San Stefano for the night.

Begin the day with a scenic drive to El Alamein. Visit the El Alamein War Museum and the Commonwealth cemeteries to learn about the WWII battles. Return to Alexandria for a seafood dinner overlooking the harbor and overnight at the Four Seasons.

After breakfast, transfer by private car back to Cairo International Airport for your flight home. Depart Egypt carrying unforgettable memories of temples, history, and the Mediterranean coast.

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