Egypt: Pyramids, Temples & the Nile — A Luxury Route

Arrival in Cairo & Pyramid Views

Arrival into Cairo is handled by a private transfer waiting at the airport. The first night's accommodation is the Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel, a property whose main asset is its location. From here, the Giza Plateau is a constant presence. The day is for settling in before a first dinner at a local restaurant with direct, unobstructed views of the pyramids.

The Great Pyramids and Saqqara

The day is a deep study of Old Kingdom monuments, conducted from a private vehicle. The morning begins at the Giza Plateau, taking in the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Sphinx before the site fills with midday crowds. The guide's focus is on the architectural and historical context, moving beyond the standard tourist circuit.

The afternoon involves a drive south to Saqqara, the sprawling necropolis for the ancient capital of Memphis. Here, the main feature is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest major stone structure. The site's scale and relative quiet offer a different perspective on the ambition of the early pharaohs.

Flight to Luxor & East Bank Temples

An early morning flight connects Cairo to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. On arrival, a private vehicle heads north to the Dandara temple complex. Dedicated to the goddess Hathor, it is one of the best-preserved temple sites in Egypt and sees fewer visitors than the main Luxor attractions. After the visit, board the private *dahabiya* sailboat that serves as your residence for the next five nights.

The afternoon is spent on Luxor's East Bank, exploring the two great temple complexes that define the city. First, the sprawling site of Karnak, a vast collection of sanctuaries and pylons built over two millennia. As evening approaches, the tour moves to the more compact and elegant Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes.