Journey Through Egypt’s Ancient Wonders

Touch down in the Egyptian capital and settle into The St. Regis Cairo, a sleek and luxurious property with sweeping views of the Nile. Cairo, a city with 6,000 years of history, is where Egypt’s story begins. Your first days here exploring both ancient history and contemporary culture set the tone for the extraordinary adventure ahead. Enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps with a toast on the terrace to celebrate your arrival. 

Alongsid an Egyptologist, explore the new Grand Egyptian Museum, home to treasures from King Tut’s tomb. Afterward, dive into Old Cairo with stops at Sultan Hassan Mosque and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. The next day brings the rare chance to stand between the paws of the Great Sphinx on a private tour inside the enclosure. Continue on to the Great Pyramid, Giza Plateau, and the Step Pyramid of Djoser at the Saqqara Necropolis. 

Fly south to Luxor, touted as the world’s greatest open-air museum. With its sprawling temples and desert cliffs concealing tombs, Luxor is a place where ancient Egypt feels vividly alive. On your first day here, visit Luxor Temple, built for the rejuvenation of kingship and linked to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Then settle into Al Moudira Hotel, a Relais & Châteaux oasis of courtyards, gardens, and palm groves. 

Take a day trip to Abydos and Dendera. At Abydos, see the Temple of Seti I, an early temple of Osiris with seven chapels decorated with exquisite reliefs and where the “Abydos King List” was discovered, a precious list of Egypt’s pharaohs. At Dendera, marvel at the restored ceiling of Hathor’s temple with its incredibly well-preserved painted celestial ceiling and reliefs. Return to Luxor in the evening for dinner together at Al Moudira. 

Spend the day on Luxor’s West Bank, known as the “Land of the Dead”, where the dead were traditionally laid to rest. In the Valley of the Kings, wind your way through shadowy tunnels and step inside tombs adorned with brilliant frescoes, including the tomb of Tutankhamun. Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon before boarding the storied Steam Ship Sudan for your luxury Nile cruise. In the afternoon, explore Karnak Temple.

The legendary Steam Ship Sudan has played host to everyone from Gustave Flaubert to Agatha Christie, who is said to have penned parts of Death on the Nile onboard. Originally built for the royal family in 1885, the ship is the oldest operating steamboat on the Nile. Take in the scenery on the deck, watching timeless river life unfold, drifting past temples and villages, and sailing south toward Esna, savoring the slow rhythm of the Nile.

Disembark your luxurious abode on the water to visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, where the ancient dramas of Horus and Seth are carved into stone. Later, stop at Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. The next day, arrive in Aswan and visit the Aswan High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and the massive Unfinished Obelisk. In the afternoon, sail by felucca past Elephantine Island and Aswan’s botanical gardens.

Aswan was ancient Egypt’s southernmost frontier and is often referred to as the “birthplace of Egypt” for its vital role in Egyptian history, culture, and economic development. This is the Nile at its most enchanting. Disembark the SS Sudan and fly to Abu Simbel to stand before Ramses II’s colossal statues, temples carved into rock. Return to Aswan and settle into the Old Cataract Hotel, an icon perched above the water. Spend your final day in Aswan enjoying the hotel’s enchanting views, spa, and history.

Fly back to Cairo and continue by road to Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great and ruled by Cleopatra, Alexandria carries a different spirit: Mediterranean breezes, Belle Epoque architecture, and a cosmopolitan energy. Stroll along the corniche, watching locals gather by the sea, and settle into the Four Seasons Alexandria. Explore  the new Library of Alexandria, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and Pompey’s Pillar. On the final evening, enjoy a private dinner at the Royal Jewelry Museum, where a glittering backdrop of royal treasures sets the stage for culinary delights.

Your Egypt luxury trip has come to an end. Return to Cairo for your international flight, carrying memories of temples, river sunsets, and a stirring ancient culture and history that will stay with you for a lifetime.