Egypt with Lexi

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's dinner will be at a local restaurant, just a 20-minute transfer away from the hotel. It will feature a 3-course set menu with a modern twist on traditional Egyptian cuisine. Please note that drinks are not included and are at your own expense. Kindly be aware that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Novotel Cairo El Borg offers a buffet-style breakfast that includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries, and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from the hotel. Following a 30-minute transfer, you'll arrive at the iconic Giza Plateau, where time seems to stand still. Stepping out of the vehicle, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking majesty of the Pyramids, instantly captivated by their mystique and historical significance as marvelous pharaonic tombs. You'll have ample time to explore these ancient structures that have towered for over 4,500 years. While you wander around the three largest Pyramids, capturing countless photos, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with the fascinating history and mysteries behind these imposing structures. The exploration will last about 2 hours, covering approximately 1 to 1.5 miles over flat terrain. Right after this, you'll start a camel ride to see the area from a different angle. Please note that restrooms are available at the gate of the pyramids, and it's recommended tipping for the housekeeping staff.

Continuing the Pyramid tour, you'll embark on a camel for a ride closer to the pyramids, relishing panoramic views of the surrounding dunes. These animals are an iconic representation of Egypt, known for their friendliness and leisurely pace, allowing you to capture photos and converse with your fellow travelers while on the ride. This captivating experience spans approximately 30 minutes, offering an opportunity to immerse yourself in the grandeur of one of the world's most iconic sights. Following the camel ride, the tour will immediately proceed to the visit to the Sphinx. TrovaTrip collaborates closely with the local operator to ensure the humane and respectful treatment of all animals. Please be advised there is a 220lb weight limit for this activity.

Just 0.5 miles from the Pyramids, the Great Sphinx of Giza is a quick 10-minute walk. Guided by your expert, delve into the details of this colossal 4,500-year-old limestone statue, stretching 240 feet in length and towering 66 feet tall. As one of the world’s largest and most recognizable relics of ancient Egypt, take your time to absorb the mystical aura of this awe-inspiring site. After the Sphinx exploration, enjoy some free time for lunch in the Pyramids' surroundings. Discover restaurants with incredible flavors, some boasting impressive views of the Pyramids. Following lunch, a 45-minute transfer will return you to Cairo for a visit to one of the world's foremost museums.

Back in the heart of Cairo, your journey through time continues with a visit to the renowned Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove of antiquities, that serves as a captivating introduction to Egypt's rich legacy. Guided by an expert, you'll delve into the fascinating dynastic history, exploring a vast array of gleaming artifacts recovered from Tutankhamun's tomb. From exquisite jewelry to the iconic golden death mask and gilded sarcophagi, witness the remarkable preparations for this pharaoh's afterlife. Lasting approximately 2.5 hours, the tour concludes with a brief 10-minute transfer back to the hotel, allowing leisure time for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Novotel Cairo El Borg offers a buffet-style breakfast that includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries, and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Depart from the hotel after breakfast for a one-hour transfer to the southern outskirts of modern-day Cairo, marking the commencement of your exploration of Saqqara. Guided by an expert, delve into the depths of this expansive and historically significant archaeological site, renowned as one of ancient Egypt's paramount burial grounds and serving as a necropolis for the ancient capital city of Memphis. Your tour will include an outside visit to the imposing Pyramid of Djoser, a monumental structure constructed during the 27th century BCE and recognized as one of the earliest large-scale cut-stone constructions. The tour encompasses other notable sites such as the Pyramid of Unas, Pyramid of Teti, Mastabas of Kagemni and Ti, The Serapeum, and the Imhotep Museum. Lasting approximately 3 hours and covering approximately 1.5 miles on foot, this comprehensive exploration offers a deep insight into the rich history and architecture of Saqqara. Following this, a transfer will take you to the Memphis Outdoor Museum. Please be advised that restrooms are available at the Saqqara gate, and it's recommended to express gratitude through tipping for the housekeeping staff.

Following the Saqqara visit, a one-hour transfer will take you to Memphis, strategically situated at the center of the Nile's western floodplain. Renowned as the first capital of Ancient Egypt, Memphis held immense significance as a pivotal political, cultural, and economic hub. In Memphis, you'll explore an Open-Air Museum, an archaeological site that meticulously displays a rich collection of artifacts and monuments from the ancient city. Highlights include the colossal limestone statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II, the Alabaster Sphinx, and a diverse array of statues and artifacts. This guided tour offers a profound insight into the historical importance of Memphis in ancient Egyptian civilization. Around midday, a 1 hour and 10 minute drive will bring you back to the hotel. Once there, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure, rest, and freshen up before embarking on the evening sleeper train.

Check out of the hotel in the evening and take a brief 5-minute transfer to the train station, where you'll embark on the Sleeping Train, an authentic journey through Egypt. The approximately 12-hour trip from Cairo to Aswan offers a back-to-basics experience with modest onboard facilities. Please note that the overall cleanliness of the train might not meet your typical standards. Your accommodation will be in a cozy yet compact two-bunk bed cabin. Despite the limited quarters, the cabin is equipped with air conditioning, a small washbasin, a mirror, a power socket, and a convertible lower bed that transforms into chairs and a table. Shared bathrooms, one per carriage, are part of the experience. Bedding is provided, and you'll keep your luggage within the cabin. It's recommended to lock the compartment doors from the inside during the night to safeguard your personal belongings. Please be aware that the train lacks common spaces, so both dinner and breakfast are served directly in your cabin. Upon your arrival at Aswan train station in the early morning, a 15-minute transfer will take you to your hotel. Please be aware that early check-in at the hotel is subject to availability. However, you can use the public bathrooms for freshening up, and the hotel lobby is available for rest if needed.

Dinner is included during your journey on the sleeper train, and you can expect a typical airline-style meal. The staff will deliver the dinner tray to your cabin, consisting of a portion of steamed vegetables, cooked rice, beef or chicken, along with bread, fruits and orange juice. While the provided meal is comprehensive, it's advisable to bring along some additional snacks and beverages to ensure you have all your preferences covered. Please note that there are no options to purchase extra food or beverages on the train.

Overnight on board the Sleeper Train.

In the same format as dinner, breakfast is delivered to your cabin on a tray and includes basic items such as a croissant, bread with jam, a piece of cake, and cheese. While the provided breakfast is sufficient, it is advisable to bring some of your preferred breakfast items to ensure a personalized start to your day.

In the evening, a 30-minute transfer will take you to a nearby village, offering an authentic firsthand experience of modern Nubian culture. You'll be welcomed into the house of a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner, gaining insight into their daily lives. Here, you'll witness a different side of Egyptian life, taste delightful Nubian dishes, and engage in storytelling with your warm hosts. A typical Nubian show featuring musical performances will add the perfect touch for a memorable night. Feel free to move to the rhythms of the music and let your body dance. Following dinner, a 30-minute transfer will take you back to your hotel.

Savor a Nubian-style dinner in the cozy home of a local family, featuring a variety of flavorful dishes. The dinner includes a main dish, which may vary based on the family's daily preparation. However, expect options like okra stew, or tagen, a delicious tomato-based dish served with bread to complement the flavorful sauces. Please note that beverages are not included and should be purchased on-site at your own expense. It is advisable to bring cash with you.

We will have some free time here and I would love to check out the local market as well as venture out to see if there are any river activities. I'd love for all to join but please feel free to make your own plans!

Overnight in Aswan.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Basma Hotel offers a buffet-style breakfast that includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries, and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Overnight in Aswan.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Basma Hotel offers a buffet-style breakfast that includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries, and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After breakfast, you'll check out of the hotel and enjoy a short 15-minute transfer to the Nile River port. Upon arrival, the local crew will warmly welcome you, and you'll immediately embark on the felucca, a traditional wooden boat. The felucca offers a leisurely pace, allowing you to savor the picturesque landscapes and observe local life along the riverbanks. The day will be spent on the boat, with no planned stops. In terms of facilities on board, it's important to note that the felucca does not have cabins or enclosed areas. Sleeping arrangements are communal, with passengers sleeping in the open air on a shared mattress. Blankets are provided, but you may bring a sleeping bag, especially in cooler months. The boat features one shared bathroom and a power plug. There are no tables or chairs on board, so meals are enjoyed sitting on the floor. Your luggage travels with you, but it's advisable to have a small backpack or bag with essentials for the navigation, as larger luggage will be stored. The boat's movement is slow, but if you experience motion sickness, it's recommended to bring appropriate medication. Note that no shoes are allowed on deck to avoid contact with your sleeping mattress, so they’re left in a basket at the front of the boat when boarding. After waking up and having breakfast, you'll disembark from the boat and proceed with a private 3.5-hour vehicle transfer to Luxor city.

Your Nubian sailing crew, typically composed of two sailors and a chef, will skillfully prepare all the delicious and hearty meals for your journey. Be prepared to indulge in local delicacies such as foul (an Egyptian fava bean stew), falafel, hummus, pita bread, hot beverages, and more. Although the provided meals are comprehensive, it's recommended to bring additional snacks and beverages to ensure all your preferences are covered. The final menu will be determined by the crew on-site. Please note that there are no options to purchase extra food or beverages on the boat.

A typical Nubian dinner will be prepared and served by the crew, usually consisting of rice or pasta with vegetables, falafel, hummus, pita bread, hot beverages, and more. While the provided meals are comprehensive, it's advisable to bring extra snacks and beverages to meet all your preferences. The final menu will be decided by the crew on-site. Please be aware that there are no options to purchase additional food or beverages on the boat.

Overnight on board the Felucca boat.

Breakfast is included at the Felucca. The boat crew serves a simple yet delicious breakfast, consisting of tea, bread, and Egyptian pastries. The specific breakfast offerings will be determined by the Felucca crew on-site.

This early morning transfer lasts approximately 3:30 hours, taking you to the majestic city of Luxor. Stops will be made for bathroom breaks and snacks along the way as needed. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will proceed directly with the Karnak temple tour. After the tour, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in.

Upon your arrival in Luxor, you will directly visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, renowned as one of the most impressive temple complexes globally, and a testament to ancient Egyptian architectural brilliance. This monumental structure, dedicated to the god Amun, unfolded over an astonishing period of approximately 2,000 years. Guided by a professional, you'll delve into the labyrinthine halls, towering columns, majestic obelisks, and statues that adorn the temple grounds. A sacred lake, likely utilized for ritualistic practices and ceremonial cleansings, adds an extra layer of intrigue. The sheer size, historical significance, and architectural grandeur make Karnak Temple an indispensable destination for those captivated by ancient Egyptian history and culture. You'll have roughly 2.5 hours to explore this extraordinary site before being transferred to your hotel for check-in, with free time for lunch at your leisure. Expect to cover approximately 0.5 to 1 mile on flat terrain during this tour. Restrooms are conveniently available at the temple gate, and it's customary to consider tipping the housekeeping staff.

Overnight in Luxor.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Aracan Eatabe offers a buffet-style breakfast that includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries, and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

In the morning, a transfer from your hotel will take you on a 20-minute drive to the remarkable royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings. Concealed beneath these arid hills are over 60 lavishly adorned pharaohs' tombs. Guided by your professional guide, immerse yourself in this expansive and awe-inspiring location, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly laid to rest for eternity, and ongoing discoveries continue to unfold. Explore three of the most attractive tombs—Ramesses IV, Ramesses IX, and Merenptah—during your approximately 2.5-hour visit before heading to the next attraction, the Hatshepsut Temple. Expect to cover around 0.5 to 1 mile on flat terrain during this tour. Restrooms are available at the temple gate, and it's customary to consider tipping the housekeeping staff.

A quick 10-minute transfer separates the Valley of the Kings from the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the renowned queen who held the longest reign—21 years—in ancient Egypt. This colonnaded building, set against towering cliffs, forms a spectacular natural amphitheater and is hailed as a masterpiece of ancient architecture. You'll have approximately 2 hours to explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, covering around 0.5 to 1 mile on flat terrain. After immersing yourself in this impressive structure, a brief 10-minute transfer will take you to the Colossi of Memnon. Restrooms are available at the temple gate, and it's customary to consider tipping the housekeeping staff.

The Colossi of Memnon is a mere 10-minute transfer from the Hatshepsut Temple. Upon arrival, you'll be awestruck by these towering statues that were once integral to an impressive colonnade. Each statue, reaching a height of around 60 feet, was intricately carved from a single piece of stone. You'll have approximately 30 minutes to explore the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the city, where a traditional lunch awaits in a local house. It's important to note that restrooms are not available at the Colossi of Memnon.

Straight from the Colossi of Memnon, a transfer will take you to a local family house located in Luxor West Bank for an unforgettable lunch. Immerse yourself in a different facet of Egyptian life as you savor delicious local cuisine and engage in storytelling with your gracious hosts. Following this delightful experience, a 45-minute transfer will bring you back to your hotel, allowing some free time to freshen up before the transfer to the airport. Lunch will consist of a main dish, which may vary based on the family's daily preparation, typically featuring meat or chicken with rice and vegetables. Please note that beverages are not included and should be purchased on-site at your own expense.

In the afternoon, a 30-minute transfer from the hotel to Luxor International Airport is scheduled for a short flight to Cairo. Keep in mind that hotel late check-out is subject to availability and flight time. Your flight includes one 7kg carry-on and one 23kg checked baggage. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival in Cairo, a 50-minute transfer will take you to your hotel.

In the evening, a quick 30-minute transfer will take you to a local restaurant for your final dinner with fellow travelers. Enjoy a delightful 3-course set menu featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine. Please note that drinks are not included and are at your own expense. Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Novotel Cairo El Borg offers a buffet-style breakfast that includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries, and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.