PLANET OF HISTORY: 6-DAY TOURS IN CAIRO AND LUXOR

After breakfast, start your day with your friendly guide at the Giza Plateau. Upon arrival, your Egyptologist guide will introduce you to the famous Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Marvel at the statue of the Great Sphinx and visit the Valley Temple, which is part of the same ancient complex. Learn about the funerary rituals of the pharaohs. The next stop is the Step Pyramid of King Djoser at the fascinating Saqqara archaeological site. Built around 2630 BC, this special pyramid is the oldest stone structure in the world. You will continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, which reigned as a cultural center for more than 3,000 years. Memphis boasts impressive ancient sites. Then, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel by your friendly guide for a spiritual tour of Islamic and Coptic sites in Cairo. First, visit the Citadel of Saladin, where the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali is located, as well as the Al Gowhara Palace, built by the Mamluks and Ottomans. Then, head to Old Cairo, where you will discover the Roman fortress, the Hanging Church (also called Al Mo’allaka Church), and the Church of St. Sergius, which housed the Holy Family. End your tour by visiting the famous Ben Ezra Jewish Synagogue. Continue your full-day tour through downtown Cairo to visit the famous Egyptian Museum. You will also have the opportunity to visit the tombs of Tutankhamun. IN THE EVENING, transfer to Cairo train station to take the overnight seated train to Luxor. (The train can be replaced with a VIP bus at no additional cost or upgraded to a sleeper train for an extra $80 per person, one-way, in a double cabin, with dinner and breakfast.)

Arrive at Luxor train station early in the morning, where you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Begin your afternoon tour with your friendly guide by visiting Karnak Temple. This complex is unique for its outstanding ancient Egyptian architectural and artistic elements, including the Hypostyle Hall—one of the greatest architectural achievements of all time—and the Temple of Amun, a spectacular forest of gigantic papyrus-shaped columns. Continue to Luxor Temple, which was built by various pharaohs of ancient Egypt. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Luxor (private room with breakfast).

Begin your day with your friendly guide on the West Bank of Luxor. First, visit the Valley of the Kings, home to 66 royal tombs. Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning funerary temple dedicated to one of Egypt’s most famous female pharaohs. End your tour by visiting the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. IN THE EVENING, transfer to Luxor train station for the overnight seated train back to Cairo. (The train can be replaced with a VIP bus at no additional cost or upgraded to a sleeper train for an extra $80 per person, one-way, in a double cabin, with dinner and breakfast.)

Arrive at Cairo train station at 5 AM, where you will be picked up and transferred directly to Cairo Airport or your preferred drop-off location in Cairo or Giza.