Egypt Family Tour

Today, your Egyptologist guide will accompany you to explore the legendary Giza Pyramids, the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs, whose civilizational perpetuity is embodied in an old Egyptian saying: “Man fears time, but time fears the pyramids.” Pharaohs began building their tombs as soon as they took power, hoping to become gods after death. Here, marvel at the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, constructed by three generations of Egypt’s 4th Dynasty rulers (2613-2494 BCE). Among them, the Great Pyramid of Khufu is particularly remarkable, as it is the largest and the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The nearby Great Sphinx, a symbol of royal authority that blends the pharaoh’s face with a lion’s body, will also leave you spellbound. Step into the Valley Temple next to it to learn how rituals were hosted for pharaohs here. Also, with your guide’s help, you and your children will be excited to snap fun photos: ‘kiss’ the Sphinx’s nose, ‘put’ glasses on it, or ‘lift’ a pyramid on your own hand...

★ Ride a Camel through the Egyptian Pyramids

A 30-minute ride through the pyramids is especially included. From 2 m (6.5 ft) up on a camel’s back, the pyramids appear even more imposing, and you’ll see why ancient Egyptians believed gods dwelled inside. Note that camels stand up on their back legs first, which causes a sudden forward lunge and then a backwards lean. Hold on tight, gently grip the camel’s sides with your legs, and sway with its rhythm to stay balanced. Besides, the saddle will rub against your inner thighs as the camel proceeds, so it’s better to wear old, long pants.

After lunch, we’ll head to the Saqqara Complex, the main cemetery of Memphis, the ancient Egyptian capital from 3100 to 2181 BCE. We’re here mainly for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt’s very first pyramid. Built by stacking six rectangular platforms, each smaller than the one below, it resembles a huge staircase leading to the sky, symbolizing that the pharaohs at that time were striving for their afterlife to be closer to heaven. Then, let’s tour deep into ancient Memphis and see the colossal statue of Ramesses II, one of the most famous rulers in ancient Egyptian history, and a rare alabaster Sphinx.

After the tour, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo (5 stars) or similar

After breakfast, accompanied by your guide and the driver, set out to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. With over 100,000 artifacts, it depicts Egypt’s history through themes including kingship, beliefs, and the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman eras. Only inside the gallery of Pharaoh Tutankhamun (1342-1323 BCE), you’ll be awestruck by over 5,000 funerary treasures, including his legendary golden mask.

After lunch, we’ll drive east to explore the UNESCO-listed Islamic area of Cairo. Our first stop there is the Salah El Din Citadel, built by Sultan Saladin (1137-1193 AD), a venerated Muslim leader, to fend off the Crusaders. Inside stands the striking Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque. From its terrace, gaze over the old city: dense houses, winding streets, and countless minarets that earned Cairo its nickname ‘the city of a Thousand Minarets’.

Then, let’s explore the Khan El Khalili Market, Cairo’s most bustling bazaar. Your children will be captivated by this Arabian wonderland depicted in the world-famous fairy tale collection, One Thousand and One Nights: a labyrinth of alleys filled with dazzling copperware, papyrus paintings, lively haggling, and the rich scent of spices.
► Warm Tips:
1. In the Islamic area, you should cover your shoulders and wear loose, long pants to respect their beliefs. Shoe covers are required inside mosques, and you can bring your own or buy them at the entrance for around EGP 10 (USD 0.2) at your own expense.
2. At Khan El Khalili Market, start bargaining at 10% of the asking price for the items you’re interested in. Walk away if refused; they’ll likely call you back.

Tonight, your guide and the driver will escort your family to board a luxury overnight sleeper train for a 13-hour journey south to Aswan. Dinner and breakfast are served on board. Cabins are compact, but each has a private washbasin. If you prefer not to take the train, we can book a 1.5‑hour direct flight instead. Just let us know beforehand.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Deluxe overnight sleeper train

Wake up to the timeless sights today: lush date palms along the Nile River, darker-skinned Nubian villagers, and temples rising from the desert. Enjoy breakfast on board.

Upon arrival in Aswan, your local private guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. After a brief rest, enjoy a guided tour starting with the High Dam, one of the world’s seven major dams, hailed as the "lifeline" of Egypt. The Nile brought fertile soil to Egypt’s farmland, but its annual floods were devastating - hence the dam. To protect ancient temples from the rising waters during construction, many were relocated to higher ground.

North of Aswan lies the most vital quarry that supplied nearly all of Egypt’s obelisks, eternal symbols of pharaonic power. Now, let’s catch a glimpse of the Unfinished Obelisk still embedded in bedrock due to cracks. If completed, the 42-meter (137.8-foot) giant would have been Egypt’s largest. Look closely; you can still see the rows of chiseled holes used to detach the stone.

Then, we’ll take a boat to the Temple of Philae, part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments. It was once dismantled into over 45,000 stone blocks and over 100 columns, then reassembled here. Onshore, admire Trajan’s Kiosk with 14 Roman columns, see the last known hieroglyphs carved near Hadrian’s Gate, and visit the main sanctuary dedicated to Isis, goddess of love. Under your guide’s vivid explanation, learn about the myth from the reliefs where Isis revived her husband Osiris, and the coronation of their son, Horus.

At last, return to the dock, where your guide and the driver will escort you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tolip Aswan Hotel (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide and the driver will accompany you to the Temple of Abu Simbel. During the 3-hour drive, we’ll cross the Nile, enter the endless Sahara Desert, and run alongside Lake Nasser, the world’s second-largest artificial lake.

Upon arrival, appreciate the temple complex built by Ramesses II (1303-1213 BCE), one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, for himself and his beloved queen, Nefertari. Carved into a cliff, its entrance is guarded by four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II, each 20 meters (65.6 ft) tall and weighing over 1,200 tons, making you and your kids feel the pharaoh’s divine power and eternal majesty. It’s worth mentioning that the inner sanctuary was meticulously crafted with advanced astronomical knowledge, ensuring that sunlight illuminates three of the four seated statues at the far end solely on two days annually: February 22nd (his birthday) and October 22nd (his coronation day), while the fourth statue, for the God of the Underworld, remains forever in his dark domain. Sadly, after relocation, the phenomenon remains, but the dates are no longer consistent with the ancient Egyptians’ astronomical precision.

At the end of the day, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tolip Aswan Hotel (4 stars) or similar

★ Special Inclusion: A Nile Felucca Trip

Around 8:00 a.m., your driver will pick your family up from your hotel and escort you to the dock to board a private felucca, a classic Nile boat with a triangular sail, and sail north for 10-12 hours toward Kom Ombo town. Soft drinks, tea, and lunch are served on board by the crew. As the wind fills the sail, the breeze and bird calls blend with the lapping waves. Lying back on a cushion, take in the peaceful Nile and its ever-changing banks: lush groves one moment, bare cliffs the next. Your Nubian captain is usually cheerful and talkative, often singing while steering and chatting in simple English. At dusk, land on a small island for a bonfire dinner of local dishes, set to the rhythm of Nubian music.

Tonight, sleep on the felucca. It is equipped with freshly washed bedding, blankets, and mosquito nets, as well as a toilet and shower on its support boat, to ensure your basic comforts.
► If staying overnight on this traditional wooden sailboat is too adventurous for you, you can opt for a 4- or 5-day Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor instead. Contact your consultant for more details if you like.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: A traditional private felucca

Enjoy your breakfast on board. After arriving at Kom Ombo, disembark from the felucca and meet your local guide, who will then accompany you on a 5-minute walk to the Kom Ombo Temple honoring both Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky and kingship, and Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of the Nile and fertility. Here, with your guide, delve into its symmetrical architectural design that is unique among Egyptian temples.

Afterward, let’s enjoy a private 2-hour road trip to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus, also known as Temple of Edfu, a superbly preserved temple from 20 and a half centuries ago. From its walls, discover the most vivid and complete carvings of Horus myths, including his revenge for his father and his sacred union with the goddess Hathor. Deep in the sanctuary, witness a solar barque that remains on display - the very vessel Horus used to guide the deceased pharaoh through the afterlife to rebirth.

After lunch, we’ll provide you with a private 2.5-hour transfer to Luxor, known as the world’s largest open-air museum for its remarkably well-preserved and massive archaeological sites. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and rest up for tomorrow’s exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor (5 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide will escort you to Luxor’s West Bank by ferry, followed by a private drive to the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of the 18th-20th dynasty pharaohs and nobles (1550-1069 BCE). Besides three standard tombs, we’ve included two normally extra-fee ones: the Tomb of Ramesses V & VI (KV9), famed for its exquisite astronomical ceiling, and the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62). Unlike others, KV62 was never looted, preserving the teenage pharaoh’s mummy, religious artifacts, and murals that will offer you the fullest glimpse into ancient Egyptian royal wealth. Also of note is a so-called “curse” inscription found inside, which reads: “Death shall come on swift wings to anyone who disturbs the pharaoh’s peace.” It is said that in the years that followed the tomb’s discovery, over 20 people tied to the excavation died mysteriously.

Then, we’ll explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, the burial shrine of one of ancient Egypt’s few female pharaohs, Hatshepsut (r. 1473-1458 BCE). From the murals depicting daily life and trade, you’ll find that Egypt once prospered under her, who famously ruled as a man, wearing a false beard and wig.

Afterward, end the morning sightseeing at the Colossi of Memnon, two 18-meter (59-foot) high statues that once guarded the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, one of the wealthiest and most powerful rulers of ancient Egypt.

After lunch, return to your hotel for some family leisure time. Then, your guide will accompany you to Luxor Temple at sunset, when its pillars, Sphinx Road, and giant statues are lit in yellow, presenting a truly astonishing sight. This 3,400-year-old southern sanctuary dedicated to Amun‑Ra, king of the gods, was also where pharaohs renewed their power and vitality during the Opet Festival each July and August. Inside, glance over those reliefs that capture the festival’s splendor: sacred barques carrying statues, dancing soldiers, and pharaohs making offerings. Finally, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel.

► FYI: Luxor offers hot-air balloon rides, perfect for a family trip to gain a bird’s-eye view of the city and a spectacular sunrise over the valley. If interested, ask your guide for details.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor (5 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide and the driver will accompany you to visit Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Sun and air god, Amun-Ra. Comprising multiple sanctuaries, pylons, obelisks, and a sacred lake, it’s Luxor’s largest and best-preserved temple complex and the world’s second-largest ancient religious site after Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Marvel at the Great Hypostyle Hall’s 134 massive columns, each reaching 21 meters (69 feet) tall, carved with intricate hieroglyphs and reliefs, as well as the outer wall murals of Ramesses II fighting from his chariot, bow in hand. And pay tribute to Hatshepsut’s obelisk - walled up by her stepson in an attempt to erase her from history, yet when the wall fell, ironically preserved her name intact.

After lunch, enjoy a 4-hour amazing desert road trip to Hurghada, a Red Sea resort famous for its white-sand beaches and panoramic views. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you. Consider a leisurely stroll along the hotel’s private beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hilton Hurghada Plaza Hotel (5 stars) or similar

Today, a join-in yacht tour on the Red Sea awaits! After breakfast, hop in our private car to the pier, where you’ll meet fellow travelers and set off. The Red Sea is one of the world’s top snorkeling sites, where your family will be pleased by crystal-clear waters, colorful angelfish, vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and dolphins. Snorkeling is included in the itinerary, so take your chance to dive in the deep blue waters and swim alongside the playful dolphins. You can also try sea fishing and other water activities here. A buffet lunch is served on board. At around 4:00 p.m., return to the pier and enjoy a private transfer back to your hotel.

► Warm Tips:
1. The Red Sea’s high salinity can sting eyes and nose, so ensure your diving mask fits well.
2. If water activities are on your list, remember to prepare a change of clothes, swimsuits, and towels.

► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
No seaside trip is complete without seafood: fried squid, grilled shrimp, seafood paella, paired with coconut water or a watermelon-guava juice - pure bliss! You can dine at your hotel’s restaurant, Family Fish Restaurant, a 10-minute walk away from your hotel, or the downtown Fish Market, a 20-minute drive away. Just remember: confirm the price per kilogram of seafood before ordering, and double-check the bill.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hilton Hurghada Plaza Hotel (5 stars) or similar

There are no guided activities today, and you are free to appreciate Hurghada’s coastline beauties.

You can treat your children to kid-friendly activities like glass-bottom boat tours and water theme parks. Or, book an evening desert safari via your hotel reception at your own expense into the Eastern Desert, which lies west of Hurghada. Take a 4x4 or ATV into the dunes and ascend for expansive vistas. Hold on tight since the terrain is rough with loose gravel! Moreover, accompany your kids to immerse in the nomadic Bedouin culture in a village: see their thatched palm huts and daily items woven from camel hair, try camel riding, and sip Arabic tea. As night falls, gather together to enjoy the stunning Milky Way.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Hurghada Plaza Hotel (5 stars) or similar

Today, your driver will pick you up from your hotel at the agreed time and escort you to Hurghada airport for your flight to Cairo, where you’ll catch your connecting flight home. Safe travels! If you’d like to explore Petra and the Dead Sea in Jordan, or the holy city of Jerusalem in Israel, feel free to reach out, and we’re here to craft an itinerary for you.

Meal: Breakfast