Onboard the international flight for Egypt. 

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Egypt. As a cradle of civilization, Egypt offers an unparalleled experience steeped in antiquity, boasting iconic landmarks like the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx and a large collection of ancient antiquities. Immerse yourself in the mysteries of ancient pharaohs as you explore magnificent temples and tombs. Prepare to be inspired by its remarkable heritage and walk in history"s footsteps. In addition to its ancient wonders, Egypt"s charm extends to the fascinating Red Sea. Enjoy your vacation as you relax on its sandy shores or indulge in thrilling water sports at Hurghada.

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you are welcomed by our UTOvacation representative and transferred to your hotel (transfer is not included if you have booked the land-only package). Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Cairo, the vibrant "City of a Thousand Minarets," with an incredible 3100 years of history! 

Overnight stay in Cairo.

Cairo, the largest city in Africa with a population of 16 million, has been the capital city since 973 AD. Nicked-named “City of a Thousand Minarets”, Cairo has 3100 years of splendid history, especially after 641 AD which has earned the historical section a UNESCO  site listing.  Your guide will take you to the outskirts of the city and admire the UNESCO  listed Great Pyramids of Giza, built some 4500 years ago. Being the tallest constructions of the whole world till the 19th century, Pyramids have been one of the “Seven Wonders of the World” and the symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization for thousands of years. Next is the famous Great Sphinx which was carved out of one huge piece of limestone about 4600 years ago. Afterward, tacking on the busy Khan el-Khalili Market will for sure add a local touch on your journey in the historic center of ancient Cairo. Visit Papyrus Institute and learn how this ancient art has been revived after thousands of years.

Proceed to Cairo Train Station to travel to Luxor by sleeping train and dinner on board.

Important Notes for the train ride:

1. The compartments have no shower onboard and no private toilet. It’s advisable to bring a small bag with all kits needed for one night as the bags will be stored on the top of the cabin and will be hard to open. Public bathrooms could be unclean at the end of the ride.

2. Smoking is prohibited on board, but once in a while, some passengers do break this rule.

3. We ask you to bring bottled water and snacks with you if the meals on the train do not suit your liking. Running water is available in the cabin but NOT drinkable.

4. Vegetarian guests must inform us to book their meals as they expect all passengers to be non-veg unless we specify on our booking.

5. Each cabin has 2 folding beds (upper and lower beds) with blankets and sheets, so there is no need to bring any sheets or blankets.

6. Cabins are small.

7. Train is air-conditioned.

 Optional Program: Luxor Stay & Fly Package U$199/person

 Elevate your adventure and make the most of your time in Luxor with our flight upgrade. Skip the long hours on the train and enjoy the ease and comfort of a domestic flight. 

After a brief breakfast on the train, we arrive in Luxor in the morning.

Visit the Karnak Temple, the largest religious building in the world. The complex was built over the centuries, from the beginning of the Middle Kingdom (2040 – 1782 BC), through the New Kingdom (1570 – 1069 BC), to the Ptolemaic Dynasty (323 – 30 BC), and the ruins today cover over 200 acres of land. Karnak is believed to have been an Ancient observatory as well as a place of worship. 

Proceed to Colossi of Memnon. These are two stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who reigned in Egypt during the 18th dynasty. The original function of the Colossi was to stand guard at the entrance to Amenhotep’s memorial temple, a massive construction built during the Pharaoh’s lifetime. Today, with the exception of the Colossi, very little remains of Amenhotep’s temple which stood on the edge of the Nile floodplain where successive annual inundations gnawed away at its foundation. The temple was destroyed by natural disasters. 

Another highlight of today"s trip is the legendary Valley of the Kings. Explore the final resting place of pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramses II. It will leave you in amazement at the stories of the pharaohs" lives and the rituals of ancient Egypt. To explore the rich historical and cultural significance, don"t miss our optional Queen Temple & Felucca Ride tour.

At night, experience the magical charm of Luxor Temple under the starry sky. Be ready to be impressed by the extraordinary architecture and statues, beautifully enhanced by strategically placed lights.

Overnight stay in Luxor.

 Optional Tour: Trip to Queen Temple & Felucca Ride U$90/person

Join our guided tour of the Hatshepsut Temple, one of the most impressive achievements of Queen Hatshepsut. She was one of the few women to ascend to the position of pharaoh in ancient Egypt. Her reign was characterized by stability and prosperity and impacted Egypt"s architecture and history. The temple is located on the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile near the Valley of the Kings. It is considered one of the incomparable monuments of Ancient Egypt, a true masterpiece.

Sail the Nile River in a traditional Egyptian felucca sailboat. You will glimpse the shores of Luxor landmarks as you catch the light breeze, tacking across the gentle current of the Nile River.

We invite the early risers to participate in an unforgettable adventure (optional) by riding on a hot air balloon at sunrise time. Luxor is one of the top 3 world-famous destinations ideal for hot air balloon activity, as this is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the aerial views of the spectacular Valley of the Kings, the striking monuments, and the wriggling Nile.

 Optional Tour: Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride U$149/person

Remarks on the hot air balloon experience:

 1. We strongly suggest early booking as the demand is usually high and the availability is limited, especially during busy seasons.

 2. The ride may be canceled at any time, depending on the weather conditions.

 3. Departure: Approximate 5:00-5:30 AM, depending on the season

 4. Bring extra layers for the high-altitude chill, and do not wear high heels or short skirts.

 5. Follow safety instructions and keep the correct landing position.

 6. Participants are offered safety insurance by reputable licensed service providers.

 7. Seniors, toddlers, or anyone with physical/health issues are not recommended for this activity.

 8. Participants come back to the hotel for breakfast after the activity.

Transfer and overnight stay in Hurghada. Enjoy the rest of the day for free.

Enjoy your free day in Hurghada. It has some of the most beautiful beaches along the Red Sea, with crystal-clear waters and soft sandy shores. It"s the paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. We suggest you indulge in snorkeling, scuba diving, and various water sports, exploring the vibrant coastal paradise. You can also enjoy beach parties, live music, and dance the night away at various bars.

After breakfast, transfer to Cario. 

 Optional Tour: Cairo city tour with special lunch U$119/person

Head straight to the French-designed Cairo Museum, home to a large collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities. Among the 300,000 priceless relics, the valuable Narmer Palette, the storied Rosetta Stele, the mysterious mummies, and the shining gold mask of Tutankhamun are some of the most significant treasures depicting the dazzling glory of Egypt in history. Continue to the Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortress set on top of Mokattam Hills overlooking the whole city. Situated on the summit of the citadel is an impressive Ottoman-style structure, Alabaster Mosque, built by Muhammad Ali, the governor of Egypt and the founder of modern Egypt. Walk around the unique Coptic Section after a delicious Kebab&Kushari lunch. 

 Optional Tour: Cairo by night with dinner U$99/person

Step out in the evening and take in the beauty of Cairo by night. Embark on a cruise and glide through Cairo from the old town to the new town while savoring a tasteful dinner. Watching and enjoying the belly dance, folklore show, live band, Tanoura spin, and the city"s illuminated skyline will be a perfect way to wrap up your unforgettable day.

Overnight stay in Cairo.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board the flight back to your home (transfer is not included if you have booked the land-only package).

*Please note: Depending on the air scheduling and availability, your flight back to USA/Canada may depart in the very early morning the next day (00:00 am-03: 00 am).

For your final day, you may explore the city on your own and transfer to the airport in the evening. Hotel check-out is before noon. (Late check-out may be available for a fee subject to the hotel policy).