After a traditional breakfast of ful and falafel, you'll face the last of the ancient Seven Wonders: The Great Pyramid of Khufu. Learn the mysteries of its 2.3 million stone blocks, then meet the enigmatic Sphinx, still guarding the desert sands. At the Egyptian Museum, see Tutankhamun's golden mask and the royal mummies. As evening descends, wander Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where the scent of spices mingles with the call to prayer. Dine at Naguib Mahfouz Café, where Egypt’s soul is served on every plate.

Explore the Citadel of Saladin and the luminous Alabaster Mosque, then wander among soaring domes at Sultan Hassan Mosque. In Coptic Cairo, step inside the Hanging Church, touch the past at Abu Serga, and reflect inside Ben Ezra Synagogue—a site tied to Moses himself. Evening finds you dining and dancing aboard a Nile dinner cruise, the city skyline shimmering beside whirling dervishes and oud melodies.

Fly to Luxor, cradle of ancient power. Stand among the towering pillars of Karnak, touch hieroglyphs that echo rituals long past, and sail into sunset aboard a felucca as the Luxor Temple glows golden in the dusk. Dine at El Sofra, where recipes preserve the tastes of dynasties.

Rise early for an optional hot air balloon ride over the West Bank’s golden cliffs, then descend into the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs rest beneath constellations of stars and spells. Explore the temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s great female ruler, and gaze at the Colossi of Memnon. Rest in Luxor with dinner under slowly spinning fans, savoring okra stew and mahshi.

Board your 5-star Nile cruise, a floating window into timeless Egypt. Visit the perfect symmetry of Edfu Temple, where Horus defeats evil. Drift past palm groves and village life, and dock at Kom Ombo, a dual temple to Sobek and Horus the Elder, with carvings of ancient surgical tools and calendars. The night brings a galabeya party, Egyptian dishes, and starry skies over the river of life.

Sail into Aswan, land of granite boulders and Nubian soul. At Philae Temple, saved from Lake Nasser’s flood, meet Isis and Osiris beneath carved colonnades. See the massive Unfinished Obelisk, then journey to a Nubian village. Sip hibiscus tea, meet crocodile keepers, and explore homes painted in joy. Optional visits to Kitchener’s Island or the spice market complete this colorful day.

Rise before dawn for the desert drive to Abu Simbel, where four titanic statues of Ramses II rise from stone, daring eternity. Inside, carvings of battles and divine rituals tell a king’s story. The Temple of Hathor, honoring Queen Nefertari, glows with feminine power. After returning to Aswan, fly to Hurghada and relax beside the Red Sea, where coral meets sky.

Day 9: Cruise to Giftun Island, snorkeling above coral gardens teeming with angelfish and lionfish. Laze on the sands of Orange Bay and dine by the marina.
Day 10: Roar across the desert on quad bikes, meet Bedouins in their camps, share tea and stories, and feast under the stars with music and silence as your companions.
Day 11: A day of leisure: swim, spa, or sail a glass-bottom boat. Shop in El Dahar’s markets or sip Egyptian wine over sea bass crusted in dukkah.

Fly back to Cairo and drive to Saqqara, home of the Step Pyramid, the oldest of them all. At Dahshur, descend into the Red Pyramid’s heart and ponder the angle of the Bent Pyramid. End at Al-Azhar Park, a miracle of urban renewal, where fountains sing and Cairo’s skyline stretches toward the past. Toast your journey at Citadel View Restaurant, gazing at the mosque-lit hills.

Shop for cartouches or cotton. One last mint tea at El Fishawy Café, perhaps. Then your guide escorts you to the airport. Egypt doesn't say goodbye—it whispers, “Come back.”