Overview
Ancient Wonders: Egypt & The Nile
Middle East
11 days
10 nights
14 people
Moderate
History & Culture
Follow in the footsteps of gods, pharaohs and explorers as you take a deep dive into the many treasures of ancient Egypt. This action-packed adventure will feature an all-star cast of magnificent monuments, mysterious temples, and memorable local cuisine. Feel the spirit of the enigmatic civilization that once walked this storied land, as you cross dream-like desert landscapes, cruise down the mighty Nile, and decipher the secrets of ancient pyramids, and hidden tombs with your Egyptologist guide.
Looking for 2025 dates? Click here!
Decoding the Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Tombstones With Dr. Nicky Nielsen
Get ready for your journey by diving into the mysteries of Ancient Egyptian tombstones in this immersive online course, where our resident Egyptologist uncovers the symbols & stories etched into these ancient relics. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, this experience offers a unique look into Egypt's rich funerary traditions. (Begins October 20th!)
Highlights
- Witness the epic sight of the Great Pyramids, the Tomb of Tutankhamun and the temple of Abu Simbel.
- Enjoy exclusive after hours access to the Valley of The Kings without the crowds.
- Discover the surprising existence of waterfalls, & whale skeletons in the Sahara.
- Cruise the Nile in comfort on a luxury river boat.
- Explore the back streets of Old Cairo and stop at a local bazaar.
Explore pyramids, tombs, and local cuisine with your Egyptologist guide.
Day 1
Arrive Cairo
Welcome to Cairo. Upon arrival in Egypt, you'll be met by an Atlas Obscura representative at the airport pre-immigration to help assist with your arrival. Afterwards, catch a private transfer to your boutique hotel in the heart of the city, located on an island in the middle of the Nile. Here you will be met with traditional Egyptian hospitality in a quiet oasis amongst the bustle of the city.
Arrive Cairo
Welcome to Cairo. Upon arrival in Egypt, you'll be met by an Atlas Obscura representative at the airport pre-immigration to help assist with your arrival. Afterwards, catch a private transfer to your boutique hotel in the heart of the city, located on an island in the middle of the Nile. Here you will be met with traditional Egyptian hospitality in a quiet oasis amongst the bustle of the city.
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Flamenco Zamalek or similar, Cairo
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Flamenco Zamalek or similar, Cairo
Day 2
The Many Faces of Cairo
Your first stop today will be the Egyptian Museum, one of the finest classical museums in the world. Stand face-to-face with the Golden Mask of Tutankhamun and wander amongst the ancient Egyptian statues, jewelry, amulets, sarcophagi, papyrus, and ancient coins and hear the stories behind some of them. For lunch, you'll take to the streets for a guided tasting at some authentic Egyptian eateries.
Your afternoon will be spent exploring two mosques; the grand 14th century Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, the finest example of early Mamluk architecture in Cairo, and the Al-Rifa'i Mosque. Followed by a guided walk through the storied, old streets and a visit to the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar. A group welcome dinner at a local Egyptian restaurant will conclude your first full day in Cairo.
The Many Faces of Cairo
Your first stop today will be the Egyptian Museum, one of the finest classical museums in the world. Stand face-to-face with the Golden Mask of Tutankhamun and wander amongst the ancient Egyptian statues, jewelry, amulets, sarcophagi, papyrus, and ancient coins and hear the stories behind some of them. For lunch, you'll take to the streets for a guided tasting at some authentic Egyptian eateries.
Your afternoon will be spent exploring two mosques; the grand 14th century Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, the finest example of early Mamluk architecture in Cairo, and the Al-Rifa'i Mosque. Followed by a guided walk through the storied, old streets and a visit to the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar. A group welcome dinner at a local Egyptian restaurant will conclude your first full day in Cairo.
-
Flamenco Zamalek or similar, Cairo
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Flamenco Zamalek or similar, Cairo
-
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Valley of the Whales
Today you’ll journey across arid plains to the oasis city of Al Fayoum, known as the “Garden of Egypt.” Here towering date palms and sunflowers dot the landscape, and local farmers work the lush fields with their water buffalo. Al Fayoum has been inhabited for thousands of years and is known for its ancient canal system, citrus fruits, nuts, and olives.
A thrilling ride across the sand dunes in a 4x4 desert safari vehicle will take you to Wadi al-Hitan, Egypt's "Whale Valley,” where you'll find a treasure trove of whale fossils scattered amid the sand and rocks. After a delicious picnic lunch, you’ll stop at the incredible desert valley of Wadi Rayan, where the barren landscape is broken by beautiful waterfalls and tree-lined pools. Return to Cairo.
Valley of the Whales
Today you’ll journey across arid plains to the oasis city of Al Fayoum, known as the “Garden of Egypt.” Here towering date palms and sunflowers dot the landscape, and local farmers work the lush fields with their water buffalo. Al Fayoum has been inhabited for thousands of years and is known for its ancient canal system, citrus fruits, nuts, and olives.
A thrilling ride across the sand dunes in a 4x4 desert safari vehicle will take you to Wadi al-Hitan, Egypt's "Whale Valley,” where you'll find a treasure trove of whale fossils scattered amid the sand and rocks. After a delicious picnic lunch, you’ll stop at the incredible desert valley of Wadi Rayan, where the barren landscape is broken by beautiful waterfalls and tree-lined pools. Return to Cairo.
-
Flamenco Zamalek or similar, Cairo
-
Breakfast, Lunch (departures through May 1, 2024)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (departures after May 1, 2024)
-
Flamenco Zamalek or similar, Cairo
-
Breakfast, Lunch (departures through May 1, 2024)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (departures after May 1, 2024)
Day 4
The Treasures of Saqqara
This morning’s excursion is to Saqqara where a 4700-year-old Step Pyramid predates the Pyramids at Giza by about 200 years. This is Egypt’s oldest surviving pyramid and one of its richest archaeological sites, where discoveries are still ongoing; a treasure trove of intact wooden coffins and mummies were excavated here in 2020. Enter the pyramid to gaze upon its ancient hieroglyphs, then get off the beaten path and visit the far less known Sarapeum, the burial place for sacred bulls, and Mereruka, the largest and most elaborate of all the non-royal tombs in Saqqara.
You'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Cairo. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the treasures of Cairo on your own.
The Treasures of Saqqara
This morning’s excursion is to Saqqara where a 4700-year-old Step Pyramid predates the Pyramids at Giza by about 200 years. This is Egypt’s oldest surviving pyramid and one of its richest archaeological sites, where discoveries are still ongoing; a treasure trove of intact wooden coffins and mummies were excavated here in 2020. Enter the pyramid to gaze upon its ancient hieroglyphs, then get off the beaten path and visit the far less known Sarapeum, the burial place for sacred bulls, and Mereruka, the largest and most elaborate of all the non-royal tombs in Saqqara.
You'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Cairo. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the treasures of Cairo on your own.
-
Flamenco Zamalek or similar, Cairo
-
Breakfast, Lunch (departures through May 1, 2024)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (departures after May 1, 2024)
-
Flamenco Zamalek or similar, Cairo
-
Breakfast, Lunch (departures through May 1, 2024)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (departures after May 1, 2024)
Day 5
Mystifying Giza
Tick one of the world’s most iconic sites off your bucket list today. Your visit to the Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving member of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, will be accompanied by an experienced Egyptologist. You’ll approach these mystifying marvels on camelback, known locally as the “ships of the desert.”
Travel back in time this afternoon to the sixth century BCE to when Cairo was home to the Persians, to see the ruins of the Babylon Fortress, the city’s oldest original structure. Inside you’ll find a number of important Coptic Christian Churches from the time of the Romans in Egypt, including the Church of St. Sergius and Baccus and the beautiful Hanging Church. Enjoy a home-cooked meal this evening with a local family who are passionate about traditional Egypitan food.
Mystifying Giza
Tick one of the world’s most iconic sites off your bucket list today. Your visit to the Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving member of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, will be accompanied by an experienced Egyptologist. You’ll approach these mystifying marvels on camelback, known locally as the “ships of the desert.”
Travel back in time this afternoon to the sixth century BCE to when Cairo was home to the Persians, to see the ruins of the Babylon Fortress, the city’s oldest original structure. Inside you’ll find a number of important Coptic Christian Churches from the time of the Romans in Egypt, including the Church of St. Sergius and Baccus and the beautiful Hanging Church. Enjoy a home-cooked meal this evening with a local family who are passionate about traditional Egypitan food.
-
Flamenco Zamalek or similar, Cairo
-
Breakfast, Lunch (departures through May 1, 2024)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (departures after May 1, 2024)
-
Flamenco Zamalek or similar, Cairo
-
Breakfast, Lunch (departures through May 1, 2024)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (departures after May 1, 2024)
Day 6
Luxor Temples & the Valley of the Kings
After a one-hour flight to Luxor, you'll visit the Luxor Temple, via the Avenue of Sphinxes, then Pharaoh Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, considered to be a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture. See the Colossi of Memnon, ancient statues that have captivated the imaginations of curious travelers for millennia. Then we’ll hop on our riverboat and take a break for lunch.
Shortly before sunset, you'll venture into the famed Valley of the Kings, the site of royal burials since 2100 BCE, for an exclusive private encounter. Arriving shortly before it closes to the public, enter the tomb of King Tutankhamun where you can view his mummy. Once everyone else has departed, you’ll have the 63 magnificently preserved tombs all to yourself, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Luxor Temples & the Valley of the Kings
After a one-hour flight to Luxor, you'll visit the Luxor Temple, via the Avenue of Sphinxes, then Pharaoh Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, considered to be a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture. See the Colossi of Memnon, ancient statues that have captivated the imaginations of curious travelers for millennia. Then we’ll hop on our riverboat and take a break for lunch.
Shortly before sunset, you'll venture into the famed Valley of the Kings, the site of royal burials since 2100 BCE, for an exclusive private encounter. Arriving shortly before it closes to the public, enter the tomb of King Tutankhamun where you can view his mummy. Once everyone else has departed, you’ll have the 63 magnificently preserved tombs all to yourself, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
-
Steigenberger Legacy or similar, Nile River Cruise
-
Breakfast box, Lunch, Dinner
-
Steigenberger Legacy or similar, Nile River Cruise
-
Breakfast box, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Set Sail on the Nile
Your Egyptologist guide will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Temple of Karnak this morning, the largest religious complex ever built for a god - Amun-Ra. The main structure is surrounded by the houses of Amun's wife Mut and their son Khonsu, whose temple we will explore. Return to your luxury riverboat for lunch and a little relaxation time. This afternoon we set sail up the Nile to Edfu. This evening, enjoy the comforts of your Nile cruise with dinner and entertainment.
Set Sail on the Nile
Your Egyptologist guide will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Temple of Karnak this morning, the largest religious complex ever built for a god - Amun-Ra. The main structure is surrounded by the houses of Amun's wife Mut and their son Khonsu, whose temple we will explore. Return to your luxury riverboat for lunch and a little relaxation time. This afternoon we set sail up the Nile to Edfu. This evening, enjoy the comforts of your Nile cruise with dinner and entertainment.
-
Steigenberger Legacy or similar, Nile River Cruise
-
Breakfast box, Lunch, Dinner
-
Steigenberger Legacy or similar, Nile River Cruise
-
Breakfast box, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Into the Temple of the Crocodile God
Disembark after breakfast, and take a horse and carriage ride to the well preserved Edfu Temple is considered the best-preserved temple in Egypt, dating back to 237-57BC. After lunch, sail to the Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual building constructed during the Ptolemaic period (108 to 47 BCE). The temple features a unique engraving, thought to be among the first representations of medical and surgical instruments. At the time it was carved, Egyptian medical science was almost certainly the most advanced in the world. Don’t miss the mummified crocodiles, which are now displayed in the Crocodile Museum attached to the temple.
Into the Temple of the Crocodile God
Disembark after breakfast, and take a horse and carriage ride to the well preserved Edfu Temple is considered the best-preserved temple in Egypt, dating back to 237-57BC. After lunch, sail to the Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual building constructed during the Ptolemaic period (108 to 47 BCE). The temple features a unique engraving, thought to be among the first representations of medical and surgical instruments. At the time it was carved, Egyptian medical science was almost certainly the most advanced in the world. Don’t miss the mummified crocodiles, which are now displayed in the Crocodile Museum attached to the temple.
-
Steigenberger Legacy or similar, Nile River Cruise
-
Breakfast box, Lunch, Dinner
-
Steigenberger Legacy or similar, Nile River Cruise
-
Breakfast box, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Obelisks & Temples in Aswan
Disembark after an early breakfast to go in search of the Temple of Philae and the Temple of Isis, the goddess of love and passion in ancient Egypt. After the flooding of Lake Nasser, the whole complex had to be moved from Philae Island to Agilkia Island.
Visit the remains of the Unfinished Obelisk, so called because building work was abandoned when large cracks began to appear in the granite. It provides a rare insight into the building techniques of ancient Egypt. After lunch, you'll take to the water on a leisurely sail by felucca around Elephantine Island. Enjoy the sunset over the river, and then a delicious home-cooked dinner with a local Nubian family.
Obelisks & Temples in Aswan
Disembark after an early breakfast to go in search of the Temple of Philae and the Temple of Isis, the goddess of love and passion in ancient Egypt. After the flooding of Lake Nasser, the whole complex had to be moved from Philae Island to Agilkia Island.
Visit the remains of the Unfinished Obelisk, so called because building work was abandoned when large cracks began to appear in the granite. It provides a rare insight into the building techniques of ancient Egypt. After lunch, you'll take to the water on a leisurely sail by felucca around Elephantine Island. Enjoy the sunset over the river, and then a delicious home-cooked dinner with a local Nubian family.
-
Steigenberger Legacy or similar, Nile River Cruise
-
Breakfast box, Lunch, Dinner
-
Steigenberger Legacy or similar, Nile River Cruise
-
Breakfast box, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Uncovering the Secrets of Abu Simbel
This morning you’ll catch a 45-minute flight to Abu Simbel, one of the crowning monuments of Rameses the Great, completed in 1244 BCE, and one of Egypt’s greatest treasures. UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention was created, in fact, to preserve Abu Simbel. After the Nasser Dam was built, the temple was briefly submerged underwater. A large effort saw it removed and rebuilt, piece by piece.
Uncovering the Secrets of Abu Simbel
This morning you’ll catch a 45-minute flight to Abu Simbel, one of the crowning monuments of Rameses the Great, completed in 1244 BCE, and one of Egypt’s greatest treasures. UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention was created, in fact, to preserve Abu Simbel. After the Nasser Dam was built, the temple was briefly submerged underwater. A large effort saw it removed and rebuilt, piece by piece.
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Le Meridien Airport Hotel, Cairo
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Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
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Le Meridien Airport Hotel, Cairo
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Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 11
Farewell & Departure
After your unforgettable journey through some of the world’s most storied lands, it’s time to say goodbye to the archaeological wonders and the friends we’ve met along the way. Head to the airport or on to your next destination. You have an easy walk from the hotel to the international terminal to catch your flight home. If your flight departs later in the morning, breakfast is included at the hotel. Until our next adventure!
Farewell & Departure
After your unforgettable journey through some of the world’s most storied lands, it’s time to say goodbye to the archaeological wonders and the friends we’ve met along the way. Head to the airport or on to your next destination. You have an easy walk from the hotel to the international terminal to catch your flight home. If your flight departs later in the morning, breakfast is included at the hotel. Until our next adventure!
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Breakfast
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
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All gratuities (not including AO Trip Leader).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre/Post trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
Additional info
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
The below qualifies only for departures through May 1, 2024:
The listed price does not include the internal domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Abu Simbel to Cairo. This flight is priced separately and will automatically be added to your booking and final balance. The economy class fare is $695 per person.
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
The below qualifies only for departures through May 1, 2024:
The listed price does not include the internal domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Abu Simbel to Cairo. This flight is priced separately and will automatically be added to your booking and final balance. The economy class fare is $695 per person.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $995 USD (for departures through May 1, 2024 with the exception of our December departures which are $1095 USD)
For departures from May 1, 2024 onwards, the supplemental cost is $740 USD (with the exception of our December departure which is $895 USD).
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $995 USD (for departures through May 1, 2024 with the exception of our December departures which are $1095 USD)
For departures from May 1, 2024 onwards, the supplemental cost is $740 USD (with the exception of our December departure which is $895 USD).
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Arrival & Departure
Our trip begins with an arrival transfer to the hotel in Cairo on Day 1. You’ll meet up with your guide and group in the hotel lobby after breakfast on Day 2, then head out to see Cairo. Our trip concludes with a Farewell Dinner on the evening of Day 10 upon our return to Cairo. Many international flights depart late in the evening or after midnight.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure
Our trip begins with an arrival transfer to the hotel in Cairo on Day 1. You’ll meet up with your guide and group in the hotel lobby after breakfast on Day 2, then head out to see Cairo. Our trip concludes with a Farewell Dinner on the evening of Day 10 upon our return to Cairo. Many international flights depart late in the evening or after midnight.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Activity Level
While this trip is rated at moderate difficulty, climate and ground conditions can make some tour days feel quite exhausting. Travelers should feel comfortable walking up to three hours each day, with lots of time spent moving around and on your feet. You should be comfortable walking on both flat and uneven ground, as well as stairs, sand, and rocky terrain. The archaeological sites, while not difficult to access, do require a significant amount of walking out under the hot sun, navigating sandy and rocky terrain, with stairs and narrow and/or low-ceilinged tunnel entrances. The Nile River cruise ship has 4 decks plus a sun deck with stair access only from the dining room on the bottom deck to the pool and lounge on the top deck (no elevator).
Activity Level
While this trip is rated at moderate difficulty, climate and ground conditions can make some tour days feel quite exhausting. Travelers should feel comfortable walking up to three hours each day, with lots of time spent moving around and on your feet. You should be comfortable walking on both flat and uneven ground, as well as stairs, sand, and rocky terrain. The archaeological sites, while not difficult to access, do require a significant amount of walking out under the hot sun, navigating sandy and rocky terrain, with stairs and narrow and/or low-ceilinged tunnel entrances. The Nile River cruise ship has 4 decks plus a sun deck with stair access only from the dining room on the bottom deck to the pool and lounge on the top deck (no elevator).
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Send us a
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Have a question for us about Ancient Wonders: Egypt & The Nile? We're here to help!
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Check out our FAQ
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about Ancient Wonders: Egypt & The Nile? We're here to help!
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
-
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.