12 DAYS: CULTURAL TOUR, OASIS, AND BEACH

12-day tour with Pyramids, oasis, cruise, and beach. Complete Egypt experience!

If you want to discover all the secrets of Egypt and, in addition, relax on the beach, this tour is what you were looking for: we include, in the same tour, the Pyramids of Giza, the city of Cairo, the Fayum oasis, a cruise on the Nile, and a few days of relaxation on the Red Sea. Could you ask for more?

Monuments, culture, desert, oasis, cruise, and beach...

In this route, we not only address the culture of Ancient Egypt and the present, but we also take you through the most surprising natural corners and provide you with enough free time for you to use at your leisure: performing water activities, adding additional excursions, or simply disconnecting from routine. Take note of one of the most comprehensive proposals from Egipto Exclusivo!

Discover the most exciting and authentic Egypt in 12 days

Egipto Exclusivo is a receptive travel agency specializing in tailor-made and private trips throughout Egypt. We design your itinerary putting all our heart and knowledge into a destination, which we love and know in-depth. We will take into account your tastes and preferences so that you live a unique experience that you will never forget.

Don’t think about it any longer and just enjoy and let us do what we are most passionate about and do best, preparing all the details. And if you have any questions you will always be attended and advised, before, during, and after your trip.

Itinerary for this 12-day trip through Egypt

  • Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

  • Day 2: Tour of the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara

  • Day 3: Full day in Cairo

  • Day 4: Fayum Oasis and Wadi El-Rayan

  • Day 5: Fayum-Cairo

  • Day 6: Cairo-Aswan flight and beginning of the cruise

  • Day 7: Abu Simbel and/or Aswan

  • Day 9: Luxor – Hurghada

  • Day 10: Free day in Hurghada

  • Día 10: Día libre en Hurghada

  • Day 11: Free day in Hurghada

  • Day 12: Return home, via Cairo

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

The first day of the program is scheduled for your arrival in the country and an initial contact with it, as the scheduled time of the airplane landing does not allow for more. At Cairo International Airport, an assistant from our agency will be waiting for you to welcome you and assist you with visa procedures, if necessary. After that, you will be escorted to our private vehicle with a driver, which will take you to the hotel.

Once there, you will check in and take possession of the rooms. You will also receive an informational briefing about this circuit: Pyramids and monuments to visit, tips for navigating free time, optional excursions, etc.

  • Arrival at Cairo International Airport
  • Meeting with our assistant and assistance with visa procedures
  • Transfer in a private vehicle to the hotel
  • Check-in and informative briefing
  • Overnight stay at a hotel in Cairo

Día 2: Tour of the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara

On this second day, which is truly the first day of the itinerary, the Pyramids of the royal necropolises will be the main highlights. After breakfast at the hotel (included in the package, as with the rest of the days), our guide and chauffeur will be waiting for you at the door.

The first major visit of the day and the itinerary is the Pyramids of Giza, also known as the ones built by the pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Standing for about 4,500 years, they are the iconic symbol of that civilization that continues to inspire admiration today. Inside the pyramids were the tombs where these monarchs sought eternal rest. They are part of the Giza royal necropolis, which also houses another world-famous monument: the Great Sphinx, which likely represents pharaoh Khafre. All of these, along with the Valley Temple and other areas of the archaeological site, will be explained in detail by our guide.

In this itinerary, the Pyramids of Giza are not the only ones you will discover. After this visit, you will head to an even older royal necropolis: Saqqara, which, together with Giza, Dahshur, and Abusir, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It served as the main burial place when Memphis was the capital of the kingdom. It was in operation throughout most of Ancient Egypt, although the most notable constructions date back to the Third Dynasty. Particularly, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the first of this civilization, as it evolved from the primitive mastabas. The Serapeum, an incredible network of underground tombs for sacred and mummified bulls, is another fascinating space in this archaeological complex located about 25 km south of Cairo and 15 km from Giza.

Lunch is included in the package and will be provided at a local restaurant reserved by our agency. In the afternoon, you will return to the hotel in our vehicle and spend the night at your hotel in Cairo.

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Car tour of:
    • Pyramids, Great Sphinx, and Giza necropolis
    • Saqqara necropolis, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Overnight stay at a hotel in Cairo

Day 3: Full Day in Cairo

After one of the highlights of the itinerary, the Pyramids, another intense and full day awaits us: the one dedicated to the capital of the country, Cairo. We will set off to explore it after breakfast at the hotel. For this, we will have a private vehicle with a chauffeur and an official guide to show us the most interesting corners.

The morning will be dedicated to visiting the Egyptian Museum, a true reference for Ancient Egypt enthusiasts and even for tourists with less expertise in the subject. Mummies, sculptures, funerary equipment, and a long list of objects make up its collection, probably the richest in the world concerning the pharaonic period.

Afterward, we will travel through the city and back in time to the historic neighborhoods of the capital. For example, Islamic Cairo, which still preserves some of the most authentic corners, such as the Khan El Khalili bazaar, one of the largest in the Middle East. A must-visit is also the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque inside it: the former symbolizes the splendor achieved under that 12th-century sultan, while the latter was built by the viceroy Muhammad Ali in the 19th century.

During this day, we will also visit the Coptic Quarter, which houses other places full of history and symbolism, this time for Christianity. According to local belief, Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus reached this area during their Flight into Egypt. The places that provided them shelter are now important sacred sites for Coptic Christians and other branches. Notable among them are the Hanging Church and the Church of St. George. Additionally, in this area, you will find the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the main place of worship for Jews in the capital.

Amidst all these places of interest, we will find time to have lunch at a local restaurant, included in the package and reserved by our agency. In the evening, you will rest at your hotel in Cairo.

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Visit to the Egyptian Museum
  • Tour of Islamic Cairo
  • Tour of the Coptic Quarter
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Overnight stay at a hotel in Cairo

Day 4: Fayoum Oasis and Wadi El-Rayan

Very different from everything before is the great attraction of the fourth day of the itinerary: no pyramids, museums, or ancient neighborhoods, but the magic of nature. A magic that is both present and past, exemplified in landscapes fossilized over millions of years. They are found in the Fayoum Oasis, and that is where we will head after your breakfast at the hotel.

By road, in a fully equipped 4×4 vehicle, we venture into the petrified forest.

The other great paleontological treasure of this day is Wadi Al-Hitan, also known as the Valley of the Whales. It is difficult to imagine that this arid portion of the Western Desert was once part of the prehistoric Tethys Sea more than 30 million years ago. However, fossilized skeletons of ancient whales (archaeocetes) and other species still under research serve as a reminder. This area features a network of trails to reach the most interesting deposits and excavations, as well as a base camp and a Fossil and Climate Change Museum, among other spaces. It is a fundamental place to understand the evolutionary process of certain species and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.

Equally magical are the waterfalls of Wadi El-Rayan, where the waters from one lake pour into another, serving agricultural purposes. Although they emerge with human intervention, the concentration of water in the middle of the desert has favored the explosion of a great biodiversity of bird species, making it one of the most interesting places for birdwatching tourism.

Thanks to our 4×4 vehicle, we will reach perfect spots to enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings and the captivating sunset. By then, we will be arriving at our accommodation in the middle of the desert, which offers all the comforts for spending this special night under the brilliant blanket of stars. In this day that takes place completely away from civilization, all meals are included, something our agency will take care of: both lunch on the road and dinner at the camp.

  • Breakfast at the hotel in Cairo
  • Departure in a 4×4 vehicle to the Fayoum Desert and its surroundings:
    • Petrified Forest
    • Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al-Hitan)
    • Waterfalls of Wadi El-Rayan
  • Lunch on the road
  • Dinner at the desert camp
  • Overnight stay in the middle of the desert
  • Almuerzo en ruta
  • Cena en el campamento en medio del desierto
  • Noche en alojamiento en mitad del desierto

Day 5: Fayoum to Cairo

The wake-up call on the fifth day of this itinerary is very special: starting the day in the middle of the desert is an experience that doesn’t happen every day. We will have a delicious breakfast and then continue exploring more interesting corners of the Fayoum Oasis aboard our 4×4 vehicle.

One of these corners is Tunis, a small village that emerged in the mid-20th century as the home of local artisans. The direct contact with them will be enriching as we can discover their personal and traditional creations in their home-workshops, especially unique ceramic pieces. Additionally, the location of the village is also interesting, as it sits on a hill overlooking Lake Qarun.

We will discover all of this on our way back to Cairo, where we will spend the night, specifically in the same hotel as in the first few days.

  • Breakfast at the desert camp
  • 4×4 route through the Fayoum Oasis
  • Overnight stay at a hotel in Cairo

Day 6: Flight from Cairo to Aswan and the start of the cruise

In this itinerary, after the Pyramids, Cairo, and the Fayoum Oasis, comes another unforgettable experience: a Nile cruise through Upper Egypt. Therefore, on this day, there will be a flight from Cairo to Aswan. Early in the morning, breakfast will be served at the hotel, followed by check-out and the corresponding transfer to Cairo’s airport, which will be arranged with a chauffeured vehicle from our agency.

Upon arrival at Aswan airport, you will be greeted by an official guide and another chauffeur with their respective vehicle. However, the purpose is not to go directly to the cruise ship; instead, you will visit one of the most beautiful monuments in the south of the country: the Temple of Isis on Philae Island. This monumental gem was originally located on the island that bears its name, Philae. However, due to the threat of rising waters from the construction of the Aswan Dam, it was relocated to another island, Agilkia. The reconstruction of the riverside landscape was very successful, enhancing its beauty. Dating back to the time of Nectanebo I (XXX Dynasty) and expanded during the Greco-Roman period, it is the final touch to the unparalleled culture of Ancient Egypt.

After the visit, we will proceed to Aswan, where the cruise ship awaits you for the navigation that will begin the next day. For now, you will check in and have the afternoon free to explore a surprising city different from the rest of the country. Its Nubian village, islands full of personality like Elephantine and Kitchener, museums, and the Unfinished Obelisk Archaeological Site are all attractions more than enough to fill these hours.

At the end of the day, a delicious dinner awaits you aboard the cruise ship, moored on the banks of the Nile, where you will also spend the night.

  • Breakfast at the hotel in Cairo
  • Check-out and transfer to the airport
  • Flight to Aswan
  • Pickup at the airport and transfer by car
  • Visit to the Temple of Isis on Philae Island
  • Check-in on the cruise ship
  • Free afternoon in Aswan
  • Dinner aboard the cruise ship
  • Overnight stay aboard the cruise ship

Day 7: Abu Simbel and/or Aswan

The morning of the seventh day of this itinerary begins with breakfast on the ship, although there is no sailing on this day. The first option is an optional visit to the spectacular temples of Abu Simbel, or you can have more free time to explore Aswan or relax on board. Those who choose the first option will depart early to travel by road to this gem, which, along with the Temple of Isis on Philae Island from the previous day, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the southernmost point we will reach in the entire itinerary, with the Pyramids and Cairo over 800 km to the north.

Abu Simbel is one of the most representative works of the reign of the great Ramses II, who is depicted as a deity in the colossal statues of the temples. The presence of his wife Nefertari is also prominent, especially in the second temple. The purpose of these temples was to commemorate the Battle of Kadesh and send a message of power to their Nubian rivals in the south.

This took place in the 13th century BC, but a few decades ago, it once again made international headlines. The construction of the Aswan Dam, which has been storing the waters of the Nile in Lake Nasser since the 1960s, threatened to flood the monument. Therefore, a major international campaign was launched to dismantle the temples stone by stone and relocate them to their current location. The visit with our official guide will allow you to discover all the secrets of this complex, on the shores of this vast reservoir.

The lunch for this day is included and will be served on board our vessel, along with dinner and overnight rest in its comfortable cabins.

  • Breakfast on the ship
  • Optional excursion to Abu Simbel by road
  • Lunch on board the ship
  • Dinner on board the ship
  • Overnight stay on board the ship

Day 8: Start of the cruise: Aswan - Kom Ombo - Edfu

On the eighth day, we set sail on our Nile cruise. Breakfast will be served on board during the navigation, making it one of the most special starts to the day on the route. We will sail downstream and, a few hours later, arrive at Kom Ombo. In this city, you will be welcomed by the fantastic temple from the Ptolemaic period, dedicated to the gods Haroeris and Sobek. Sobek symbolized fertility, among other aspects, and was depicted as a crocodile, which used to be abundant in these regions in ancient times. Many crocodile specimens were mummified, probably as offerings or divine invocations, and are now exhibited in the amazing Crocodile Museum.

After visiting both sites, we return to the ship and continue the Nile cruise. The afternoon’s next stop will take us to an even more magnificent temple: the Temple of Edfu. In fact, it is the second-largest temple in Ancient Egypt and was dedicated to Horus. Its state of preservation is enviable, with extraordinary reliefs and astonishingly monumental spaces such as its entrance pylons or hypostyle hall.

Upon returning to the ship, the navigation continues to Luxor, passing through the famous Esna Lock, which regulates the river’s flow in this stretch. On this day, you will also have full board, as in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served on board. You will spend the night in the ship’s cabin for the last time, moored at a dock in the city of Luxor.

  • Start of the cruise and breakfast on board
  • Visit to Kom Ombo: ancient temple and Crocodile Museum
  • Lunch on board the ship
  • Visit to the Temple of Edfu
  • Dinner on board the ship
  • Overnight stay on board in Luxor

Day 9: Luxor - Hurghada

On the ninth day, we not only conclude the Nile cruise but also the cultural visits of the itinerary: the Pyramids, Abu Simbel, and the temples from the previous day have filled the itinerary with rich ancient Egyptian monuments. However, the program would be incomplete without visiting the jewels of ancient Thebes and its necropolis, which have also been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After the final breakfast on board and check-out, we will embark on the discovery of the west bank of Luxor. The first part of the day will be dedicated to visiting the highlights, particularly the Valley of the Kings, with its magnificent rock-cut tombs where pharaohs from the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties sought eternal rest. Special mention goes to the grand funerary temple of Hatshepsut, a key female pharaoh in the New Kingdom, as well as the Colossi of Memnon, representing Amenhotep III.

In the afternoon, we will explore the main attractions of the east bank, situated on what was once the urban center of the city of Thebes, the capital of ancient Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms. We will visit the Karnak Temple, with its famous Great Hypostyle Hall and other religious structures within. We will also visit the Luxor Temple, which was once connected to Karnak via a 3-kilometer avenue lined with sphinxes, remnants of which still exist. Its pylons and obelisk maintain the grandeur that this complex had during the time of the pharaohs.

After visiting these essential sites with an official guide, our chauffeur will be waiting to take us to Hurghada, located on the Red Sea coast. We will have a comfortable road journey of a few hours in our well-equipped vehicle. In Hurghada, a first-class hotel awaits, offering all-inclusive services from the moment of arrival.

  • Breakfast on board in Luxor
  • Check-out
  • Road trip on the west bank:
    • Valley of the Kings
    • Funerary temple of Hatshepsut
    • Colossi of Memnon
  • Tour of the east bank (ancient Thebes):
    • Karnak Temple
    • Luxor Temple
  • Road transfer to Hurghada
  • Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Hurghada

Day 10: Free Day in Hurghada

It’s time to truly relax after a fascinating yet intense journey that included the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, the Fayum Oasis, and the Nile cruise. And what better way to do so than at the resort hotel provided by Egipto Exclusivo. Everything is included, from breakfast to dinner. It’s a magnificent opportunity to unwind on the golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of this modern city, or enjoy the pool and solarium at your accommodation.

  • Free day with all-inclusive services at the resort hotel in Hurghada

Day 11: Free Day in Hurghada

If the rest of the previous day wasn’t enough, you can extend it on the eleventh day of the program. Once again, enjoy unlimited relaxation at the all-inclusive resort hotel. And if you wish to engage in any activities in Hurghada, such as diving at any level, exploring the city and its mosque, visiting aquariums, or taking a boat trip from its exclusive harbor.

  • Free day with all-inclusive services at the resort hotel in Hurghada

Day 12: Return Home, via Cairo

After a fulfilling breakfast at the resort hotel in Hurghada, you will check out and we will transfer you in our chauffeured vehicle to Hurghada International Airport. From there, you will take the corresponding flight to Cairo, which will serve as a connection for your international flight back home. The comprehensive circuit with the Pyramids, oasis, cruise, and much more will be left behind. And ahead of you, we hope that you will continue to trust Egipto Exclusivo for future journeys.

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Check-out
  • Transfer to Hurghada International Airport
  • Flight to Cairo for connection with the international flight

What's Included in this Tour:

These are the services included in this tour featuring the Pyramids of Egypt, Cairo, the Fayum Oasis, a Nile cruise, and two days of beach time in Hurghada.

  • Hotel accommodation in Cairo with breakfast
  • Lunch at local restaurants as specified in the tour program:
    • Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara
    • Cairo
    • Luxor
  • Camping in Bedouin-style tents in the Fayum Oasis with full board (excluding beverages)
  • Nile cruise with full board (excluding beverages)
  • All road transfers in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
  • Spanish-speaking guide for the visits described in the program
  • Entrance fees to the specified monuments in the program
  • Domestic flights (Cairo-Aswan and Hurghada-Cairo)

What's Not Included:

Generally, services that depend on personal preferences and individual criteria are not included in this tour of Pyramids, oasis, cruise, and beach. Specifically, it does not include:

  • Entry visa to the country
  • International flights (to Egypt and return flights home)
  • Optional excursions or visits not described in the program
  • Tips for drivers
  • Tips for guides
  • Cruise gratuity (€45, to be paid once)
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses

What do you think of our trips to Egypt?

These are just a few of the testimonials from our clients. Their feedback fills us with encouragement and gives us the strength to continue working towards our goal of making our travelers happy, breaking down myths and prejudices. Here, you will find a selection of their stories. They motivate us to keep improving and reaffirm the value of our efforts.

Discover other tours