BEST OF EGYPT
with
Dr. Tarek Tawfik, One of the Directors of the Grand Egyptian Museum Project
&
Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din, Director General of the Giza Pyramids Plateau
Limited to 27 guests
Explore Egypt’s most iconic sites in just 7 days and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Now you can – on the Best of Egypt Tour!
Enjoy a VIP tour of two of the country's most significant sites – the Giza Pyramids Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum – with none other than their Archaeology Directors.
Discover the finest treasures of the Land of the Pharaohs – from the tombs of the greatest pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings to the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor and the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel. Sail the Nile in luxury, with stops to admire further temples and experience authentic Egyptian life.
Imagine the Great Pyramid and the entire Giza Necropolis being open just for you. Have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand between the paws of the Great Sphinx rather than seeing it from a distant viewing platform. Complete your journey by visiting the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum. All of Egypt’s bucket list is here.
March 16-22, 2024
Last places!
October 12-18, 2024
Open places
November 9-15, 2024
Open places
February 15-21, 2025
Open places
March 22-28, 2025
Open places
October 11-17, 2025
Open places
November 15-21, 2025
Open places
Dr. Tarek Tawfik
One of the Directors of the Grand Egyptian Museum Project
As Director General of the Grand Egyptian Museum, Dr. Tarek Tawfik was instrumental in moving the museum toward completion, including overseeing the transport of 50,000 artifacts from other museums to their new home. He still plays a key role as part of the scientific committee making the museum a destination in its own right.
Dr. Tawfik has directed many excavations all over Egypt, has published numerous scientific articles and books and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Egyptian Archaeology. He teaches archaeology at Cairo University and is a visiting professor at several major universities worldwide. Dr. Tawfik is also a member of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities as well as the High Committee of the Ministry of Antiquities for Museums and Exhibitions.
Dr. Tawfik will take you on a private tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum – the biggest project in Egypt’s modern history – to show you the greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on display. You’ll see treasures never before seen in public, hear stories about how they were discovered, and learn long-held secrets about the Land of the Pharaohs.
Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din
Director General of the Giza Pyramids Plateau
Renowned archaeologist Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din oversees one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites – the Giza Pyramids Plateau, home to the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. He has appeared as a frequent guest on the National Geographic channel and has delivered lectures worldwide. He has played a vital role in various scientific endeavors at the Giza Plateau, making numerous invaluable discoveries.
He has been field director of multiple excavations at the Plateau and other significant locations, including Saqqara, the site of Egypt’s oldest pyramid. As a representative of the Ministry of Antiquities, Dr. El-Din has led notable heads of state, royalty, and celebrities on tours of Egypt’s most important sites.
Now, he invites you to join him on an exclusive VIP tour of the Giza Plateau and the Great Sphinx, where he will bring to life their undisclosed secrets. During this unique experience, you will gain exclusive insights into recent excavations, groundbreaking research, and discoveries that have yet to be made public.
VIP TOUR OF THE GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM*
Explore the country’s latest landmark in the company of Dr. Tarek Tawfik, one of the Directors of the Grand Egyptian Museum Project. It’s your one-off chance to gain exclusive insight into the largest collection of artifacts from the time of the pharaohs.
PRIVATE ENTRY TO THE GIZA PLATEAU
Visit t
he most iconic historic site in the world outside regular hours for an intimate and crowd-free experience.
PRIVATE ENTRY TO THE GREAT PYRAMID
Explore the Pyramid of Khufu – including two chambers that are closed to the public – without any other tourists.
SPECIAL ACCESS TO THE GREAT SPHINX ENCLOSURE
Marvel at a once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch the Great Sphinx and watch the sunset from between its huge paws.
*The tour itinerary will include a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities at Tahrir Square until the Grand Egyptian Museum opens.
Cairo & Pyramids – Discover the diverse capital of Egypt. Explore the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, and gaze in awe at the enigmatic Sphinx while standing right between its huge paws.
Grand Egyptian Museum* – Delve into the world’s largest collection of pharaonic treasures, including King Tut’s famous golden mask, by visiting the country’s latest landmark.
Nile Cruise – Enjoy a 4-day scenic cruise down the Nile and visit the most awe-inspiring sites.
Luxor – Unveil the secrets of the ancient city of Thebes by visiting the enormous Karnak and Luxor Temples. Explore the royal tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings and the great Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Admire the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Edfu & Kom Ombo – Visit the marvelous Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt, and the Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo.
Aswan – Admire the Unfinished Obelisk, the world’s largest ancient obelisk, and discover the Temple of Philae, beautifully located on an island.
Abu Simbel – Explore the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, carved out of the mountainside for Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.
Cultural Experiences – Stroll through the most atmospheric old souks in Luxor and Aswan. Connect with locals and enjoy authentic traditional musical performances.
*The tour itinerary will include a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities at Tahrir Square until the Grand Egyptian Museum opens.
Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
When you arrive at Cairo International Airport, an Archaeological Paths’ representative greets you and helps you with visa and airport procedures. You are then transferred to a luxurious 5-star hotel in Giza that offers spectacular views of the pyramids.
Day 2 – VIP tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum with Dr. Tarek Tawfik* / Private Entry to the Giza Plateau / Special Access Between the Paws of the Great Sphinx / Private Entry to the Great Pyramid
Begin your journey by visiting the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum*. It is home to the world’s greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, preserving 7,000 years of Egyptian history.
You will explore the museum’s treasures with Dr. Tarek Tawfik, the former Director General of the museum. Dr. Tawfik oversaw this mammoth project for many years, including moving 50,000 artifacts from other museums to their new home. He will give you an insider’s perspective into how it was built as he leads you through the museum’s galleries and exhibits. Learn about the inside story and secrets of the museum with someone who was instrumental in its planning.
The highlight of the visit is the spectacular Pharaoh Tutankhamun collection, displayed in its entirety for the first time. Also not to be missed among the most valuable collection of Egyptian antiquities is the Khufu Solar Boat, which symbolically transported the Pharaoh Khufu from the living world to the afterlife.
After lunch, it is time to experience the most iconic ancient site – the Giza Plateau. First, you visit the stone quarry of Giza and the Valley Temple of Khafre, which was used for the Pharaoh Khafre’s mummification and purification before burial. Next, you are driven to a panoramic viewpoint to take in a picturesque overview of the pyramids.
Later, when the Giza Plateau closes to other tourists, you are granted special permission to visit the site privately. This crowd-free experience is typically offered only to royals, heads of state and other honored guests.
First, you have VIP access to the Great Sphinx Enclosure. While other tourists see the Sphinx only from a distant observation terrace, you stand right in front of the world’s most recognizable sculpture.
Next, you enjoy private entry to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today. During the entire visit, you are accompanied by an Egyptology Expert who leads you through the Great Pyramid’s interior and vividly describes its history, construction, and mythology.
On top of accessing the pyramid privately and seeing the King’s Chamber, the Director of the Giza Pyramids opens for you two additional chambers – the Queen’s Chamber and the Subterranean Chamber, both closed to the public.
*The tour itinerary will include a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities at Tahrir Square until the Grand Egyptian Museum opens.
VIDEO - THE GIZA PLATEAU with Archaeological Paths - explore differences
Your visit to the Giza Plateau might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you want to be sure it is extraordinary. The tour company you choose makes all the difference. Compare two different ways to visit the world’s most iconic archaeological site and see how much of a difference it makes traveling with Archaeological Paths!
Day 3 – Abu Simbel Temples / Unfinished Obelisk / Temple of Philae / Aswan Old Souk
A short flight takes you to Abu Simbel. There, you visit the majestic Abu Simbel Temples, one of the most impressive monuments of ancient Egypt. The temples were carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC for Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.
Later, you arrive in Aswan, where you check in to your home for the next four days, a 5-star deluxe cruise ship. After lunch, you pay a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest-known ancient obelisk, lying on its side in a stone quarry. It measures around 140 feet tall and weighs nearly 1,200 tons. Next, you take a motorboat ride to the Temple of Philae, beautifully located on an island. The temple was built in 208 BC and dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Back on board the luxury cruise ship, you are invited to the captain’s cocktail party, where you meet the crew and enjoy delicious local and international cocktails. Later in the evening you stroll through the Aswan Old Souk, an atmospheric open-air market. Don’t forget to try the local shisha and taste some traditional Egyptian tea.
Day 4 – Kom Ombo Temple / Nile River Cruise / Q&A Session / Edfu Temple
In the morning you start cruising toward Kom Ombo to explore the Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo. It was built between 205 and 180 BC as a place of worship for two gods: Horus, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. Later you visit the Crocodile Museum, which houses a collection of mummified crocodiles and ancient carvings.
On the way along the Nile to the next site, you can enjoy a drink on the ship’s sundeck while admiring the local wildlife, flourishing green fields, picturesque villages, palm trees and desert in the distance. Have a swim in the pool or use the ship’s spa, jacuzzi or gym facilities. With all these possibilities for relaxation, do not miss an engaging Q&A session with your Egyptology Expert who answers your questions about history and daily life in both ancient and modern Egypt.
In the afternoon you visit the marvelous Temple of Edfu. It is among the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt, built between 237 and 57 BC, and dedicated to Horus.
Tonight’s onboard dinner features exquisite Egyptian cuisine and an Egyptian Night costume party in traditional galabeyas.
Day 5 – Valley of the Kings / Temple of Hatshepsut / Colossi of Memnon / Luxor Market
Start the day by exploring Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and one of the capitals of ancient Egypt. After breakfast, a short motorboat ride across the Nile takes you to the Valley of the Kings. It was a royal cemetery for over 500 years, and 62 pharaohs and other nobles were buried there. In the Valley, you see some of the best-known tombs, including King Tutankhamun’s, which was famously found intact in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter.
Next, you discover the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most characteristic temples in Luxor. It was built for the most successful female pharaoh to rule over Egypt. On the way back to the cruise ship you stop to admire the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Before dinner, enjoy a traditional belly dance performance. In the evening you explore Luxor Market, an authentic, open-air souk, where you have a chance to connect with locals at every turn and sample regional delicacies.
Day 6 – Karnak and Luxor Temples / Farewell Dinner
Another exhilarating day in Luxor starts with a visit to Karnak, the largest temple complex in the world. Walk through the avenue of sphinxes, gaze up at the towering 97-foot-tall obelisk and wander among the massive pillars of the Great Hypostyle Hall.
Then, it’s on to the magnificent Luxor Temple. It was built over hundreds of years by the New Kingdom pharaohs including Tutankhamun and Ramses II. To this day the temple is one of the greatest reflections of the pharaohs’ power and supremacy.
After your adventure on the Nile, you fly back to Cairo to check in at your 5-star hotel. There, you have a farewell dinner with live Egyptian music and celebrate your unforgettable journey across Egypt.
Day 7 – Departure from Cairo
After breakfast, you are transferred to Cairo International Airport for your flight back home.
Please find below a brief summary of the Pre- and Post- Tours. To read the full description of the Extensions, please download our Extensions Travel Brochure – CLICK HERE TO VIEW BROCHURE.
PRE-TOURS:
CAIRO MUSEUMS (1-day add-on)
During this one-day add-on, visit two of Cairo’s most important museums. First, explore the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Tahrir Square. It was built in 1902, and its iconic pink-toned walls in the midst of downtown Cairo still house an extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities. After lunch, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Just opened in 2017, the museum tells the story of Egypt’s rich history and contribution to world cultures – from ancient times through the Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods – with fascinating exhibitions and artifacts, including royal mummies of the greatest pharaohs.
Price: $595 per person for a double room or $795 for a single room. The add-on includes accommodation for 1 night at the same hotel as during the main tour.
MEMPHIS & DAHSHUR (1-day add-on)
Discover Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, and Dahshur, home to the Bent and Red Pyramids. In Memphis, you visit a historical open-air museum and admire a monumental statue of Ramses II carved from limestone. Dahshur gives you a chance to explore two of the oldest, largest and best-preserved pyramids in Egypt – the Bent and Red Pyramids, built for Pharaoh Snefru.
Price: $595 per person for a double room or $795 for a single room. The add-on includes accommodation for 1 night at the same hotel as during the main tour.
ISRAEL (5-day add-on)
Visit Israel – the Holy Land – full of archaeological wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the sacred home of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Stroll around the streets of Jerusalem. Walk in the footsteps of King David. See the Western Wall, one of the holiest places in Judaism. Enjoy a scenic ride through the Judean Desert and along the shore of the Dead Sea to visit Masada, the ancient fortress built by King Herod and now Israel’s foremost archaeological park.
EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCES:
Israel Museum: Visit Israel’s largest cultural institution in the company of one of the museum’s curators. Gain exclusive insight into the finest artifacts and treasures, which range from ancient texts, including Dead Sea Scrolls, to contemporary sculpture and art.
City of David National Park: Explore this active archaeological site with one of the field excavation directors. Discover the place where Jerusalem was founded and witness how archaeological finds, historical texts, and biblical narratives converge in this fascinating country.
Price: $4985 per person for a double room. Single supplement costs $995. The add-on starts 5 days before and ends a day prior to the Egypt tour. You should purchase an additional night at the hotel in Egypt, so you can use that day to rest, or take part in our 1-day pre-tour add-on which includes the cost of the additional night.
POST-TOURS:
ALEXANDRIA (1-day add-on)
The tour starts in the morning with a 3-hour drive on an air-conditioned bus. Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, famous for its Greco-Roman remains and Mediterranean character. The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and was the capital of Egypt for more than 300 years. The add-on covers all highlights, including the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, the Roman Amphitheater, the harbor of Alexandria with the picturesque Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay, and the place where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – once stood. In the evening you return to your hotel in Cairo for dinner and overnight stay.
Price: $595 per person for a double room or $795 for a single room. The add-on includes accommodation for 1 night at the same hotel as during the main tour.
JORDAN (5-day add-on)
Experience Jordan on a fascinating tour to a land of ancient wonders. Unveil the secrets of the Rose City of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the desert of Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, with its prehistoric petroglyphs and ever-changing landscape of otherworldly rock formations. Take a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea and visit Mount Nebo, from where Moses is believed to have seen the Promised Land.
EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE:
Petra with an archaeologist: Explore Jordan’s most famous site together with one of the leading archaeologists working there. Learn about the latest research and discoveries made in Petra and uncover the secrets of the Treasury, Petra’s most magnificent temple.
Price: $4985 per person for a double room. Single supplement costs $995. The add-on starts the day after the Egypt tour ends. You should purchase an additional night at the hotel, so you can use that day to rest, or take part in our 1-day post-tour add-on which includes the cost of the additional night.
At the Marriott Mena House you can enjoy truly unparalleled accommodation. The hotel’s setting, with its view of the Pyramids of Giza, has entranced travelers through the ages. The tranquility and fresh breezes have attracted royalty and the rich and famous to this magical location for 150 years. The Marriott Mena House merges the exceptional heritage of the Pyramids standing witness to thousands of years of civilization with Marriott International’s 21st-century tradition of innovation. According to Time magazine, Marriott Mena House hotel is one of the World's Greatest Places to visit. The hotel consists of 331 luxury rooms and suites with private balconies, many boasting views of the Pyramids or the lavish gardens, four restaurants and lounges, and a heated swimming pool and a health club.
The Four Seasons is flanked by Giza’s lush zoological gardens and the western bank of the Nile, and its address in Giza’s prestigious First Residence complex puts you in the center of it all. From the hotel you can catch a glimpse of the river or the Great Pyramids as you head out to explore the ancient wonders this city offers. After sightseeing, spend the day lounging by the pool, indulging in an aromatic massage once reserved solely for Egyptian royalty or shopping three floors of high-end boutiques at the First Mall.
Le Fayan is one of the newest cruise ships available on the Nile, featured on more than one list of the top 10 Nile cruisers. Its 57 spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beautiful landscapes along the Nile. The boat offers world-class standards and provides attentive hospitality. In your free time you can sip cocktails at the ship’s bar, go to the gym or enjoy the modern sundeck, which boasts tables and chairs along with lounge chairs for sunbathing, a bar, jacuzzi and a swimming pool. A luxury cruise on the Nile is always a memorable experience. It is also the most comfortable way to travel while exploring Egypt’s most renowned temples and historic sites.
Prices Starting From:
• $6,985 – Double Occupancy
• $1,395 – Single Supplement
Payment Schedule:
• $1,200 deposit – during booking
• Remaining balance – 90 days before the tour
Price Includes:
Exclusive VIP Experiences as indicated in the itinerary; Special Guests as indicated in the itinerary; Luxury Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary; All sightseeing tours and entries as indicated in the itinerary; Meals as indicated in the itinerary; English-speaking Egyptology Expert as a tour guide; English-speaking Travel Concierge; Domestic airfare; Bottled water during sightseeing; Transfers in air-conditioned buses; Reception at the airport and airport transfers on standard arrival and departure days; Basic health insurance (to download the Terms and Conditions of travel insurance click here); Taxes.
Not Included:
International airfare (we can assist you with the booking); $25 entry visa (issued and paid in cash on arrival at Cairo International Airport); Tips; Soft and alcoholic beverages; Personal expenses
In order to book your place on the Best of Egypt tour, please click below on the Book Now button and follow the instructions.
Next, please make the deposit payment to confirm your place on the tour. Since the number of places is limited, we encourage you to book the tour as soon as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions.
E-mail: contact@archaeologicalpaths.com
USA phone: 917-724-2772
Other countries: +1 917-724-2772
Office hours: 8am–8pm EST Monday–Friday & 9am–5pm EST Saturdays.
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