Itinerary

• Day 1 - FLIGHT TO EGYPT

  Board your overnight flight to Cairo.

  Meals: In-flight
• Day 2 - LAND TOUR START DAY: CAIRO

  Upon arrival in Cairo transfer to your hotel. If arriving on the group flight, a local representative will meet you and assist with baggage and customs, then transfer to your hotel by private, air-conditioned motor coach. Get acquainted with fellow alumni travelers during tonight’s welcome orientation and dinner at the hotel.

  Meals: In-flight, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Transfer from airport to hotel included with purchased AESU group airfare
    • Welcome orientation with tour director
• Day 3 - CAIRO

  Today we embark on an unforgettable guided encounter of the Giza Plateau, home to the last standing Wonder of the Ancient World. Stand in awe before the majestic Pyramids of Giza, including the iconic Great Pyramid, Khafre’s towering structure, and the smaller yet impressive Menkaure’s Pyramid. As our guide unravels the mysteries of these ancient tombs, we come face-to-face with the timeless Sphinx, its enigmatic gaze guarding the plateau for millennia. After soaking in the wonders of history, we make our way to the vibrant El Khalili market, where we wander through a maze of colorful stalls brimming with unique treasures, from handcrafted jewelry to fragrant spices. Bargain for souvenirs and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this historic bazaar. As the day winds down, we gather for a delightful dinner, sharing stories of our adventures and reflecting on the magic of the day.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Tours guided by a local English-speaking historian
    • Monuments of the World’s Seven Wonders
    • Giza Plateau with the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
    • Menkaure’s Pyramid
    • Camel or horse-back ride
• Day 4 - CAIRO - FLIGHT TO ASWAN

  This morning, get ready to dive into Egypt’s ancient past with a visit to Saqqara, home to the groundbreaking Step Pyramid of Djoser-the world’s first monumental stone structure. Designed by the OG architect Imhotep, this pyramid was a game-changer in its time. With our local expert leading the way, we’ll explore tombs of noblemen, each bursting with vivid hieroglyphics and intricate carvings that give us a glimpse into life over 4,000 years ago. Saqqara is where history meets artistry, offering a peek into the origins of Egypt’s pyramid-building legacy. Later, we’ll jet off to Aswan for the next leg of our adventure, winding down with a light dinner before retiring for the night after a packed day of exploration.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Visit to Saqqara
    • Step pyramid of Djoser
    • Airport transfers
    • Flight from Cairo to Aswan
    • Tours guided by a local English-speaking historian
• Day 5 - ASWAN - BOARD NILE CRUSE

  Today, we dive into Aswan, a stunning spot where the Nile cuts through granite rocks and golden desert, framed by palm trees and lush farmlands. First up, we explore the awe-inspiring Philae Temple, then check out the Unfinished Obelisk-a colossal project abandoned due to cracks. If time allows, we visit the Aswan market to hunt for local treasures (maybe grab a gown for our upcoming galabiyah party.) Later we board our 5-star luxury cruise ship and enjoy a buffet lunch. For an authentic experience, we hop on a felucca-a traditional Egyptian sailboat-for a peaceful excursion closer to shore, letting the breeze and currents guide us. Back on the cruise, unwind and watch the Egyptian sunset as the landscape of pyramids, bazaars, and ancient temples drifts by.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Tours guided by a local English-speaking historian
    • Aswan, site of the cataracts
    • Phalie temple, dedicated to Isis and Osiris
    • Unfinished Obelisk
    • Felucca sailing
    • 5-star Nile cruise
    • Aswan market (time permitting)
• Day 6 - NILE RIVER CRUISE TO LUXOR

  This morning, we sail north to Kom Ombo, the only temple in Egypt dedicated to two gods-Horus and Sobek. Originally built to honor Horus, the temple was later reconstructed for Sobek, the crocodile god, after a surge in the island’s crocodile population. We continue our journey to Edfu Temple, also dedicated to Horus. This temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and features stunning wall carvings depicting the divine marriage of Hathor and Horus, celebrated annually. Find scenes of the divine birth of Horus the child in the mamisi, or house of birth. Tonight, get ready for some fun! Don the galabiyah you acquired at the market for the dinner party or pick one up onboard if you haven’t already. As we sail north toward Luxor, relax and enjoy the views of the Nile flowing past.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • 5-star Nile cruise
    • Tours guided by a local English-speaking historian
    • Kom Ombo temple dedicated to Horus and Sobek
    • Edfu temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus
    • Galabiyah party (Egyptian gown)
• Day 7 - NILE RIVER CRUISE - VALLEY OF THE KINGS

  Today, we cross the Nile to the West Bank for an unforgettable journey into Egypt’s ancient past. Our first stop is the legendary Valley of the Kings, where we explore vividly decorated tombs carved into rocky cliffs, designed to protect the mummies and treasures of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs-including the famous tomb of King Tutankhamun, still a symbol of mystery and wonder. Next, we’ll visit the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, built in honor of her father, the god Amun, and renowned for its grand architecture. On our way back to the East Bank, we’ll stop by the towering Memnon Colossi. After a relaxing lunch, we’ll head to the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, an enormous open-air museum dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, where 30 different pharaohs left their mark over centuries of construction. As evening falls, we’ll visit Luxor Temple, buried under sand for centuries, which has preserved its stunning columns, open courtyards, and massive statues of Ramses II. This incredible day will leave us steeped in the timeless magic of ancient Egypt.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Tours guided by a local English-speaking historian
    • Valley of the Kings
    • Queen Hatshepsut’s temple
    • Memnon Colossi
    • Karnack temple, open-air museum
    • Tomb of King Tutankhamun
    • Luxor temple
    • Statues of Ramses II

  Optional excursion: Local operators offer hot air balloon rides. Please note that this option cannot be pre-paid or purchased through AESU, but your tour director will be happy to assist with bookings during the trip. The estimated cost per person is $120. The flight is subject to weather conditions and requires a very early start of the day. AESU does not take responsibility or liability for these excursions, and participation is at your own risk.
• Day 8 - NILE RIVER CRUISE - FLIGHT TO CAIRO

  Today we disembark from our Nile Cruise but retain all the unforgettable memories of scenery and beautiful temples. Fly from Luxor to Cairo where we will spend our last day. Explore the Egyptian Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic relics. Marvel at the enormous sarcophagi, statues, jewelry, and the magnificent golden masterpieces of King Tut. This evening enjoy an authentic Egyptian farewell dinner, one of the many highlights of our tour and a wonderful finale.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Inclusions:
    • Airport transfers
    • Flight from Luxor to Cairo
    • Tours guided by a local English-speaking historian
    • Visit Egyptian Museum
    • Home hosted authentic Egyptian farewell dinner
• Day 9 - TRAVEL HOME

  Today we say our goodbyes to Egypt. After enjoying our last group breakfast, transfer to Cairo airport to board our flights home.

  Meals: Breakfast, In-flight

  • Inclusions:
    • Transfer from hotel to airport included with purchased AESU group airfare