11-Day Egypt Tour
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RECOMMENDED BY FROMMER’S FRANCE!
Egypt Tour – A Pharaonic Adventure Under the Egyptian Sun!
Experience Egypt Like A VIP Living a Dream!
The “ULTIMATE in LUXURY” Experience! Details below!
Why settle for the ordinary when you can embark on an extraordinary odyssey through the timeless wonders of Egypt!
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing tapestry of ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and timeless mystique that is Egypt. As you traverse this captivating land, you will uncover the secrets of the pharaohs, witness the enduring grandeur of the pyramids, and sail the timeless Nile River—experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Picture this: The sun-kissed sands of the Sahara stretching out before you, the mighty Nile River winding its way through the timeless desert, and the iconic pyramids standing proudly against the backdrop of the endless sky. This is Egypt – a land where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present, where each step you take is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most captivating civilizations.
From the bustling streets of Cairo to the fertile banks of the Nile, Egypt offers a wealth of experiences that are as diverse as they are enchanting. Step inside the hallowed tombs of the Valley of the Kings, where the secrets of pharaohs and queens lie waiting to be discovered. Feel the whisper of history as you gaze upon the enigmatic Sphinx guarding the legendary pyramids of Giza. Dive into the vibrant bustle of the bazaars, where the aromas of spices and the colors of textiles create a sensory symphony unlike any other.
But Egypt is not only a journey through time – it is a feast for the senses, a celebration of life, and a testament to the enduring spirit of a proud and resilient people. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of authentic Egyptian cuisine, savoring the delicate blend of herbs and spices that have been perfected over centuries. Immerse yourself in the warmth of the local hospitality, where every smile is an invitation to share in the joy of a culture steeped in tradition and grace.
And now, imagine experiencing all of this with the expert guidance and unparalleled luxury of France Off the Beaten Path Tours. With a legacy of crafting unforgettable journeys that go beyond the ordinary, we invite you to embark on a sojourn through Egypt that redefines the meaning of travel. From exclusive access to hidden gems to seamless, personalized luxury service that anticipates your every need, we promise an experience that transcends the ordinary and elevates your adventure to new heights. Are you ready to embrace the allure of Egypt, walk in the footsteps of pharaohs, and savor the timeless beauty of the Nile? Join us on a journey that transcends the ordinary, and let the mysteries of Egypt unfold before you in unparalleled luxury and style.
Click here to view the photo gallery at bottom of this page…
EGYPT TOUR DATES, PRICE & AVAILABILITY …
- 2025 – *Ultimate in Luxury* Tour Date: October 30-November 9
- 2025 Egypt Tour Price – US$19,999 per person double/twin occupancy (11 days/10 nights), All-Inclusive Tour featuring a combination of suites at luxury hotels and ultimate luxury glamping on our friend’s private island in the cataracts of the Nile in Aswan (A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience) and 4 nights on privately chartered, luxury dahabeya (privately chartered luxury boat exclusively for our group with 6-8 cabins) for Nile cruise portion of the trip.
- Deposit Requirement: A US$1,000 per person tour deposit secures your space on any of our Egypt Tour dates.
- Group size: Limited to maximum 10 guests per tour scheduled tour date above.
- This tour is available to book on a private basis for groups of 2-20+ persons.
- Email Us at christy@traveloffthebeatenpath.com or CALL/Message us at +1.717.683.2827 with questions or to organize a private departure for 2025.
- DOWNLOAD THE DETAILED EGYPT ULTIMATE LUXURY TOUR BROCHURE
Part of Our Limited Edition Tours Series…
Egypt has one of the longest histories of any country, tracing its heritage along the Nile Delta back to the 6th–4th millennia BCE. Considered a cradle of civilization, ancient Egypt witnessed some of the earliest developments of writing, agriculture, urbanization, organized religion, and central government. Iconic monuments such as the Giza Necropolis and its Great Sphinx, as well as the ruins of Karnak, Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Memphis, and Thebes, contribute to Egypt’s long and rich cultural heritage and remain an integral part of its national identity. The country has endured and often assimilated, various foreign influences, including Greek, Persian, Roman, Arab, Ottoman, Turkish, and Nubian. Egypt served as an early and important center of Christianity, but today is a predominantly Muslim country, albeit with a significant Christian minority.
Notable Women in Egyptian History
While we also often associate Egyptian history with notable Pharaohs such as Ramses II, Tutankhamun (King Tut), Akhenaten, and Khufu, several women, Hatshepsut, Cleopatra, and Nefertari Meritmut, as well as Goddess Hathor, merit notable mentions in Egyptian history. Regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty, Hatshepsut reigned as the second historically confirmed female pharaoh. Her rise to power was noteworthy, thanks to her bloodline, education, and understanding of religion. With an impeccable bloodline as the daughter, sister, and wife of a king, Hatshepsut’s understanding of religion allowed her to establish herself as God’s Wife of Amun. While the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra actively influenced Roman politics at a crucial period and was especially known for her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She came to represent, as did no other woman of antiquity, the prototype of the romantic “femme fatale”. The Egyptian queen, Nefertari Meritmut, secured her place as the first of the principal royal wives of Ramses the Great. And, Hathor, one of the most important and complex goddesses of ancient Egypt was known as the mother goddess who created and maintained all life on earth. She was also worshipped as the goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, sky, fertility, music, dance, and protector of women. (Photo left: Owner Christy Destremau in Siwa at the Egyptian-Libyan border)
EGYPT TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- “ULTIMATE in LUXURY” Experience tour dates: 10 nights, All-Inclusive Tour featuring a combination of suites at luxury hotels and ultimate luxury “glamping” on our friend’s private island in the cataracts of the Nile in Aswan (A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience) and 4 nights on privately chartered, luxury dahabeya (privately chartered luxury boat exclusively for our group with 6-8 cabins) for Nile cruise portion of the trip..
- Led by Hela and Christy along with our dedicated Egyptologist and dear friend Mahmoud and our personally selected Certified Egyptian Guides throughout the entire tour.
- Our personalized “unannounced” visits and unique “only available to our guests” experiences during the tour that make it truly an unparalleled and exclusive Egyptian experience.
- Overnights at our favorite historical luxury hotels and 5 days/4 nights sailing on the Nile on a luxury dahabeya
- Dining at our favorite, local Egyptian restaurants (No hotel restaurants)
- Visit a Limited Access archeological site with a world famous archaeologist and enjoy dinner at home with him.
- Privately hosted lunches and dinners exclusively for our guests
- Time with our local Egyptian friends and favorite artisans at home and in their workshops
- The Giza Plateau: Great Pyramids and Sphinx
- Sakkara Pyramids
- Experience Egyptian hospitality throughout welcomed as friends
- Experience Old Cairo and Zamalek quarter with Hela who grew up here
- The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo: See the Royal Mummies
- The Grand Egyptian Museum (still at it’s same location, new location not yet open, and no opening date as of present)
- Karnak and Luxor Temples
- The Valley of the Kings and King Tut’s tomb
- Medinet Habu
- Hatshepsut’s Temple
- Special visit to Kom Ombo Temple
- Unfinished Obelisk & Nile cataracts in Aswan…plus luxury stay on our private island
- Spice Souk with Hela
- Philae Temple
- Felucca to Elephantine Island
- Heissa Island and the ladies of Nubia
- Abu Simbel (A Must See on any trip to Egypt)
Egypt Tour Itinerary – A Pharaonic Adventure Under the Egyptian Sun!
Since our 1st Egypt tour in 2022, the excitement of this venture with my dear friend and colleague, Hela, continues to grow. During our 11-day trip through Egypt, we share the best of Egypt with you in the same personalized style that I deliver my tours in France. Working together for 10+ years, Hela and I deeply understand one another’s travel style. We are like-minded in our vision and philosophy regarding customer service and delivery of travel experiences. Our combined “savoir-faire” ensures you, our guests, an unparalleled, memorable, luxurious, and fun journey through Egypt. We take travel through Hela’s and my winter home country to an exceptional and unprecedented level of experience.
Day 1: Welcome to Egypt, the gift of the Nile, Meet at CAIRO Airport – FLY TO LUXOR, Check-in, Dinner Together – D
What to Expect – Travel Through Egypt with us WARMLY Welcomed AS Friends!
During our 11-day/10-night tour we take you in hand from the moment you disembark the airplane at Cairo airport until the tour concludes when we return you to Cairo airport. We manage every detail during your magical, all-inclusive adventure in Egypt while you enjoy privileged and once-in-a-lifetime experiences throughout the tour. You’ll discover the magical history of Egypt with our personally selected specialist guides, egyptologists, and archeologists, as well as be privy to fun historical anecdotes that bring Egyptian history to life. We’ll share time with our favorite artisans visiting their workshops, dining as friends, and VIP guests aboard our dahabeya and at our favorite local restaurants. We take you off the beaten path throughout to experience the beauty of Egyptian hospitality, as we know it, and combine it all with luxurious accommodations!
For guests who need to arrive a day or half-day early in Cairo for the tour due to international flight schedules and arrival times into Cairo, we can arrange an additional overnight at our Cairo hotel for you. The itinerary will be adapted to ensure no guest misses out on any part of the tour.
We depart as a group to Luxor and transfer to Al Moudira hotel from the Luxor Airport upon arrival.
At Al Moudira – Built in the tradition of Arabian palaces, it is the West bank’s only one. Multilingual owner and artist friend Zeina personally oversaw the three-year construction of her oriental baroque dream hotel.
Once you have settled in, we start the day off with a tour of the Coliseum of Memnon and Medinat Habu Temple, one of Luxor’s most underrated monuments, with a substantial amount of the original paint still visible today.
Dinner together at our favorite gourmet Egyptian restaurant on the east bank of Luxor.
Day 2: Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple at Sunset, Dinner at Hela’s Home – B, L, D
Breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, we visit one of Egypt’s most spectacular monuments: the mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, followed by a tour of Deir El Medina, and the Valley of the Kings.
Deir El Medina, also known as the place of truth is where artisans created a community to decorate the pharaohs’ and nobles’ tombs in preparation for the afterlife. First recorded worker strike recorded in history under Ramses III !
Lunch of Egyptian specialties and exquisite views of the river valley on the west bank before returning to freshen up at our hotel.
Visit a Limited Access archeological site with a world famous archaeologist and we’ll also enjoy dinner at Hela’s home with him.
Sunset tour of Luxor Temple – The Temple stands as the soul of Luxor and the city of the living. Where the scarab awakens to the voice to Ra on the Nile’s eastern bank. It’s the only temple that welcomes us during the evening in search of the afterlife.
Dinner together at Hela’s home in Luxor.
Day 3: Temples of Karnak, Board our Luxury Dahabiya to set sail on the Nile for 4-Nights, Sail to Esna – B, L, D
Breakfast. We start off the day with a tour of the temples of Karnak, dedicated to Amun-Ra and his wife, the goddess of creation Mut.
Lunch at Hela’s home with our archeologist.
Privately Chartered Luxury Egyptian dahabeya river boat sailing on the Nile for next 4 nights.
We then begin our journey on our privately chartered dahabeya, a traditional two-masted sailboat, and set our course for Elkab via the Esna lock. A unique way to drift on the Nile, sailing on a dahabeya remains a biblical experience where time seems to have stopped over 3000 years. As we sail along the Nile, witness farming methods of the saqqia and shaduf, unchanged since the ancient civilization. Stops to villages en route are only accessible to our dahabeya.
During our sailing time, learn to play Egyptian favorite games, backgammon and dominos, and participate in learning hieroglyphics.
Overnight and dinner served aboard our dahabeya.
The menu aboard our dahabeya changes daily during our sailing to ensure the freshest, seasonal selections. Our private chef prepares us a sumptuous selection of the finest gourmet Egyptian cuisine.
* Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise over West Bank is available for interested guests today and tomorrow.
Day 4: Cruising The Nile & Special Surprises Today – B, L, D
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served aboard our Dahabeya.
Today we’ll cruise the Nile taking in the magic of the river. We have some of our signature, fun and interactive surprises planned for today.
Overnight aboard our Dahabeya.
Day 5: Gebel El-Silsila, Kom Ombo – B, L, D
We visit the sandstone quarry of Gebel El-Silsila in the morning.
We sail to Kom Ombo in the afternoon. Kom ombo was the seat of the crocodile god Sobek of apotropaic magic warding off the evil eye and dangers coming from the Nile Its temple is divided into two perfectly symmetrical halves, with two entrances, two corridors and two sanctuaries. One side is dedicated to Haroeris (Horus the Elder), and the other to Sobek, the crocodile god. We’ll have the opportunity to visit off the beaten path sites and tombs here.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served aboard our dahabeya.
Overnight aboard our dahabiya at Kom Ombo.
Day 6: Aswan & the unfinished Obelisk, Shopping with Hela at the spice souk – B, L, D
Breakfast and lunch on the dahabeya as we sail towards Aswan. Our driver will pick us up to visit the granite quarry and the unfinished Obelisk. We’ll then take a stroll in the vibrant Aswan Souk for a shopping tour of Egypts’ finest herbs and spices.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served aboard our dahabeya. Possible lunch option depending on sailing schedule to lunch ashore during our visits.
Overnight aboard our dahabeya at Aswan.
Day 7: Abu Simbel, Felucca to Elephantine Island, Picnic lunch on our Felucca – B, L, D
Breakfast. Transport from Aswan to Abu Simbel by plane after breakfast.
Abu Simbel is the site of two temples built by Ramses II. The temples were originally located 200m from where they stand today: when the construction of the Aswan Dam threatened to destroy the temples, they were taken apart stone by stone and reassembled on higher ground, assuring their safety.
Return to Aswan at the end of the morning.
Picnic lunch on the romantic Felucca next to Elephantine Island.
Check in at our private island in the cataracts on the Nile in Aswan.
Gourmet Egyptian Dinner together.
Day 8: Philae Temple Heissa Island, Nubian Lunch at Home, Sound and Light Show – B, L, D
Breakfast. After breakfast, we visit Egypt’s most romantic temple: the Philae temple dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Lunch at Heissa Island where we enjoy a traditional Nubian meal prepared by local Egyptian women.
Back to our private island for free time before the Philae sound and light show.
Dinner on Bigeh Island overlooking Philae.
Day 9: Flight to Cairo, Coptic Quarter, Egyptian Museum, Civilization Museum, Night Market in the Zamalek Quarter – B, L, D
Breakfast before our flight to Cairo. Visit of Old Cairo and the Coptic quarter on the Holy Family’s Trail.
Lunch en route to the Egyptian museum where we’ll see the funerary mask of Tutankhamun (King Tut) followed by visit to the Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see the Royal Mummies.
Overnight in the stunning Marriott hotel situated in the chic quarter of Zamalek in old Cairo…perfect to soak up the cultural feel of the old city, and centrally located to all of our excursions.
We chose the beautiful Marriott in the historical quarter of Zamalek over Mena House pyramids hotel location as our base in order to be centrally located in Cairo and AVOID long hours of traffic jams and tourist crowds synonymous with Mena House hotel’s pyramid location. Our Zamalek hotel location also offers guests an opportunity to stroll the beautiful streets of this gorgeous neighborhood of culture and history to visit and shop at the artist and artisan boutiques, and art galleries during free time. You’ll find Egyptian made jewelry, clothes, shoes, handbags, art, home decor, Egyptian cotton linens, and much more. We’ll also take you to our favorite artisan workshops and boutiques.
Dinner together and night market in Zamalek quarter.
Day 10: Step Pyramid of Sakkara, Giza Plateau (The Great Pyramids & Sphinx) – B, L, D
Breakfast. Visit the first Egyptian pyramid ever built, the step pyramid of Sakkara, designed by the Pharoah Djoser’s architect Imhotep.
Lunch at our friend’s home under the shade of palm trees.
End your trip spectacularly on the Giza plateau with a visit of the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Dinner – A farewell dinner together in true Egyptian style.
Day 11: Farewell, Tour Concludes – B
We depart after breakfast from the hotel where the concierge will have prepared your luggage. We return to Cairo airport as a group where we’ll part ways at the departure check-in area.
It’s always sad to say goodbye so we’ll say “until next time as when you drink from the Nile… you are destined to return”.
B, L, D = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included
The ALL-INCLUSIVE Land Tour Price Includes…
- From the moment you step off the airplane at Cairo Airport until check-in for your return flight home at the conclusion of the tour, we take you under our wings. From the time you arrive until the time you depart, we take care of every detail, and as our guest, your time is spent enjoying the very best Egypt has to offer and having the time of your life on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Full-time services of Hela and Christy, specialty guides, Egyptologist and archeologist throughout the tour.
- Our personalized “unannounced” visits and unique “only available to our guests” experiences during the tour that make it truly an unparalleled and exclusive Egyptian experience.
- “ULTIMATE in LUXURY” Experience tour dates: 10 nights in pure luxury: 6 nights combination of suites at historical luxury hotels and ultimate luxury glamping on our friend’s private island in the cataracts of the Nile in Aswan (A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience) and 4 nights on privately chartered, luxury dahabeya (privately chartered luxury boat exclusively for our group with 6-8 cabins) for Nile cruise portion of the trip.
- ALL-INCLUSIVE: 29 Meals – All meals throughout, from dinner on day 1 ending with breakfast on day 11
- Lunches and dinners feature the finest Egyptian cuisine throughout at our favorite local restaurants, at Hela’s home, homes of local friends, with a local archeologist, aboard our dahabeya, picnic on a felucca, and meals in exceptional off the beaten path Egyptian settings only available to us.
- All transportation throughout the tour from Day 1 arrival to Day 11 departure
- All transfers with air-conditioned modern touristic cars for all transportation throughout the tour
- Services of our personally selected Accredited Guides, Egyptologists and Archeologist every day of the tour
- Guided Visits : Pyramids – Sphinx – Sakkara , Memnon – Museum, Old Cairo – Habu, Valley of the kings – Hatshepsut Temple – Deir El Medina, Luxor Temple – Karnak Temple – Gabal El Silsila – Kom Ombo Temple, Unfinished Obelisk – Souk Aswan – Philae Temple, Abu Simbel Temple(short roundtrip flight from Aswan)
- Visit a Limited Access archeological site with a world famous archaeologist and we’ll also enjoy dinner at home with him.
- All entrance fees and specialty guide fees
- Personal Meet & Greet Welcome at Cairo Airport to assist you with your visa on arrival, passage through customs and baggage collection.
- All domestic flights detailed in itinerary
- All Gratuities to guides, drivers, dahabeya crew.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE — Services not mentioned in our program
- International roundtrip flight from your home to Cairo, Egypt
- Optional excursions/tours pre- and/or post tour
- Additional hotel overnights pre- and/or post tour
- Personal expenses such as international calls, room-service, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at hotels, laundry service, souvenirs.
Dietary Requests & Food Allergies
We accommodate ALL dietary requests (including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc) and ALL food allergies (gluten, shellfish, etc) while ensuring an amazing foodie experience for all tour guests with restrictions and/or allergies.
CONTACT US on WhatsApp at +1.717.683.2827 or by email at christy@traveloffthebeatenpath.com for details!
Hela’s Bio …
Born in Massachusetts to Egyptian parents, I was 10 1/2 years old when we returned to live in Egypt. I arrived with a very sober outlook on life here until I got my taste of freedom when I took a taxi for the first time in Cairo and began to discover the city. I learned over the years that there was so much more to Cairo than the pyramids. I explored a lot of the different neighborhoods and fell in love with the architecture, the dynamic of the bustling streets, and the history ever-present throughout the city. After university, I moved to El Gouna, along the Red Sea, to work as a development manager. But Cairo kept calling me back, and every time I returned, I would discover and venture into a new neighborhood. With each returning visit, I began to learn more about the city’s history. Deeply exploring Cairo lit a fire in my belly to become a guide. When friends and family came to visit, I shared more than what you see on the surface walking through the city. I wanted everyone to see the side of Cairo that so few know about and that I had uncovered over the years.
But my future as a guide in Egypt would get put on hold when I met a French winemaker in El Gouna, married him, and moved to France. Instead of Egypt, I started a guiding business in Bordeaux, and built my life around it; sharing the history of my adopted city with travelers from around the world. In my heart, however, I knew I would one day come back to Egypt to guide in some capacity. Becoming the first accredited Egyptian woman guide in the Bordeaux region laid the groundwork to establish me as an independent and reputable businesswoman in France. Once this happened, I felt the time had arrived to seize the opportunity to rekindle my dream of guiding in my home country.
Today, I split my time between my homes in France and Egypt. Come winter, I trade my trench coat and rain boots, for a cotton gallabeyah: destination the sun and colors of Egypt. Invigorated by the kindness of the Nile, I open the doors to all the hidden facets of this ancient country. I invite you to live a unique experience of Egypt far from bustling masses of tourists; you will have unforgettable encounters in breathtaking places.
As a native Egyptian Arabic speaker with a deep knowledge of my country’s history, I love taking travelers by the hand to show them the diversity of Egypt. The country is Pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic, but not only. With me, you will visit the tribes of Nubia where the people speak languages passed down from generation to generation. I love taking travelers deep into the local culture to demystify the long-standing generalizations stigmatizing my country. Learning about the connection with ancient Egyptian mythology throughout my tours transforms each day into something new and magical. We’re visiting people and places welcomed as friends thanks to my established reputation granting me exclusive access. From shopping in the Suks, swimming in salt lakes, exploring the Pyramids and historic sites like Karnak and Dendera to venturing into the desert and cruising on the Nile, my goal is for people to gain a genuine understanding of Egypt and to have a positive experience.