KING TUT & CLEOPATRA 

with

Dr. Mostafa Waziri

Egypt's Head of Antiquities (2017-2024)

&

Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din

Director General of the Giza Pyramids Plateau

&

Dr. Tarek El-Awady

Leading Egyptologist

Limited to 27 guests in a group

Follow in the footsteps of Egypt’s greatest kings and queens. Discover the Land of the Pharaohs with none other than Dr. Mostafa Waziri, the person responsible for all of Egypt’s antiquities. Learn secrets about Tutankhamun and – together with the Field Excavation Director – discover the probable long-lost resting place of Cleopatra, the most powerful queen in Egypt’s history. Visit the Giza Plateau, the most iconic historic site in the world, where you will enjoy access usually reserved for royals and heads of state and the esteemed company of Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din.

Enjoy an after-hours VIP tour of the Valley of the Kings – including King Tut’s tomb. Gain special access to the Tomb of Wahtye, one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries of the modern era. Explore the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum on a VIP tour with Dr. Tarek El-Awady, a key figure in bringing Egypt's latest landmark to life.

Along the way, see pyramids, tombs and temples and visit the off-the-beaten-path region of Middle Egypt. Admire the fertile fields along the Nile as you sail down Egypt’s lifeline.

PRIVATE ENTRY TO THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS AND KING TUT’S TOMB

Imagine having the entire Valley of the Kings to yourself and entering the tombs of the pharaohs with Dr. Waziri, former Director of the Valley of the Kings, as your expert.

SPECIAL ACCESS TO THE TOMB OF WAHTYE

Explore one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries of the modern era in the company of Dr. Mostafa Waziri, the man behind the unearthing of the tomb.

SPECIAL ACCESS TO TAPOSIRIS MAGNA TEMPLE

Discover the possible resting place of Cleopatra with a private tour led by one of the site’s field excavation directors. This active archaeological site is off-limits to the public.

PRIVATE ENTRY TO THE GIZA PLATEAU

Visit the 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 WITH DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE GIZA PYRAMIDS PLATEAU

Marvel at a once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch the Great Sphinx and watch the sunset from between its huge paws. Enjoy the esteemed company of Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din and gain exclusive insight into the world’s oldest monumental sculpture.

VIP TOUR OF THE GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

Explore the country's latest landmark in the company of Dr. Tarek El-Awady, one of the key figures involved in the Grand Egyptian Museum project.

Cairo & Pyramids – Discover the diverse capital of Egypt. Begin your journey at Saqqara, home to the first pyramid ever built by the Egyptians, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Gaze in awe upon the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx.

Grand Egyptian Museum – Delve into the world’s largest collection of pharaonic treasures, including King Tut’s famous golden mask.

Middle Egypt – Visit the archaeological site of Tell el-Amarna, which was once the capital city of Akhetaten. See rock-cut tombs that date to the Middle Kingdom at Beni Hassan and explore Tuna el-Gebel with its temples, tombs and animal mummies.

Abydos & Dendera – Explore Abydos Temple, the burial place for the first kings of unified Egypt, and Dendera Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.

Nile Cruise – Enjoy a 5-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. Visit the great Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and 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. Marvel at the feat of engineering behind the 2-mile-long Aswan High Dam.

Abu Simbel – Discover the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, carved out of the mountainside for Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.

Alexandria – Explore the city founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, famous for its Roman remains. Visit the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, the Roman Amphitheater and the harbor of Alexandria with the picturesque Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay. Browse the stacks at the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, also known as the New Library of Alexandria, and explore the active excavation site of Taposiris Magna together with one of its field excavation directors.

Cultural Experiences – Meet with Nubians and experience their way of living by visiting their homes and local school. Stroll through the most atmospheric old souks in Luxor and Aswan. Connect with locals and enjoy authentic traditional musical performances.

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.

Day 2 – Saqqara  / Exclusive Access to Tomb of Wahtye with Dr. Mostafa Waziri  /  Private Entry to the Giza Plateau  /  Special Access Between the Paws of the Great Sphinx with Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din  /  Private Entry to the Great Pyramid

After an orientation with Archaeological Paths’ representatives, you visit the ancient necropolis of Saqqara. Admire the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt, built 4,700 years ago by the legendary architect Imhotep. You also visit the elaborately decorated Tomb of Mereruka and the Pyramid of Teti, which boasts one of the oldest pyramid texts ever discovered. Wrap up your sightseeing in Saqqara with a visit to the Imhotep Museum.

EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE:

From here, a truly exclusive experience awaits: a special-access visit to the Tomb of Wahtye, one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries of the modern era. Closed to the general public, this 4-400-year-old burial chamber stunned the world upon its discovery in 2018 and later featured in a widely acclaimed Netflix documentary Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb.

SPECIAL GUEST:

What makes this visit even more remarkable is who you see it with.

You enter the tomb in the company of Dr. Mostafa Waziri, one of Egypt’s Heads of Antiquities – and the very archaeologist who discovered it. Guided by Dr. Waziri, you will gain first-hand insight into the tomb’s discovery, its historical significance and the meaning behind its remarkably preserved reliefs.

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.

EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE:

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 – in the company of your Egyptology Expert and the setting sun – stand right in front of the world’s largest sculpture.

SPECIAL GUEST:

During this visit, you will be joined by none other than Dr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din, Director General of the Giza Pyramids Plateau. You will gain access to exclusive insights into recent excavations, groundbreaking research, and discoveries that have yet to be made public. You’ll be captivated as Dr. Mohie El-Din describes a restoration project underway at the Great Sphinx and reveals the hidden tunnels that lie beneath it.

EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE:

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.

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 – Grand Egyptian Museum with Dr. Tarek El-Awady

Spend the day exploring 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.

SPECIAL GUEST:

You will explore the museum’s treasures with Dr. Tarek El-Awady, former Director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. He was one of the key figures involved in the Grand Egyptian Museum project – including the complex, historic transfer of the Tutankhamun collection to its new home.

As an Egyptologist deeply involved in both the museum’s development and some of Egypt’s most important archaeological discoveries, Dr. El-Awady gives you an insider’s view reserved for our guests only. As he guides you through the galleries, you’ll see not just the masterpieces themselves, but also the story behind how the museum was conceived, built, and brought to life.

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.

Day 4 – Beni Hasan

A morning drive takes you to the less-touristed region of Middle Egypt. You reach Beni Hasan to see the rock-cut tombs of Middle Kingdom nobles. Carved into the limestone cliffs, the tombs give a rare insight into the everyday life, customs and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. The well-preserved decorations on the walls depict scenes of hunting, dancing, playing and even celebrating a wedding night.

After sightseeing, you check in to the Grand Aton Hotel, situated on the bank of the Nile.

Day 5 – Tuna el-Gebel  /  Tell el-Amarna

The first stop today is Tuna el-Gebel, an expansive site with a variety of temples and tombs. There, you explore the catacombs of the god Thoth, which used to store millions of animal mummies, and admire the tombs of Isadora and Petosiris with their exquisite paintings.

Next, you arrive at one of the tour highlights and learn about the history of the ancient Egyptian city of Tell el-Amarna. This is where Pharaoh Akhenaten pursued his vision of a society dedicated to the cult of one god – Aten, the sun god – later considered heretical. Visit the nobles’ tombs with wall reliefs unequaled anywhere else in Egypt.

After sightseeing, you depart to Abydos – the holy city of Osiris in ancient times.

Day 6 – Abydos Temple  /  Dendera Temple

Start the day by visiting the Abydos Temple – also known as the Temple of Seti I, who began its construction. The temple is built of white limestone and, artistically, represents an attempt to restore the old ways after the heresies of Akhenaten. It was once the holiest site in the land and the burial place for the first kings of unified Egypt.

Next, you visit Dendera to explore a temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor. This one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt sets itself apart from other temples by its colossal columns and spectacular ceilings covered with vibrant and colorful paintings.

After sightseeing, you depart to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and one of the capitals of ancient Egypt, to check in at a luxurious 5-star hotel. 

Day 7 – Karnak and Luxor Temples  /  Private Entry to the Valley of the Kings with Dr. Mostafa Waziri  /  Luxor Market

Your first stop today is 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 these visits, you check in to the luxurious cruise ship – your floating hotel for the next five days.

EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE:

Later in the day, you are in for a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. You are granted private entry to the Valley of the Kings. It was a royal cemetery for over 500 years, and 62 pharaohs and other nobles were buried there. Imagine exploring one of Egypt’s most spectacular destinations all by yourself, with no other tourists around.

SPECIAL GUEST:

During this unprecedented visit, in the exclusive company of Dr. Mostafa Waziri, you have access to some of the best-known tombs, including King Tutankhamun’s, which was famously found intact in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. Gain first-hand exclusive insight into the newest findings in the Valley of the Kings and the ongoing search for the lost royal tombs.

In the evening you explore Luxor Market, an authentic, open-air souk. There, you have a chance to connect with locals at every turn and sample regional delicacies.

Day 8 – Temple of Hatshepsut  /  Colossi of Memnon  /  Nile River Cruise

Start the day by exploring 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.

The rest of the afternoon is free for leisure. You can enjoy the stunning views of the Nile from the cruise ship’s sundeck while sailing to Edfu or avail yourself of some of the ship’s other amenities. Before dinner, you are invited to the captain’s cocktail party, where you meet the crew and enjoy delicious local and international cocktails.

Day 9 – Edfu Temple  /  Nile River Cruise  /  Q&A Session  /  Kom Ombo Temple

Begin the day with a visit to the marvelous Temple of Edfu. It is among the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt, built between 237 and 57 BC, and dedicated to the falcon god Horus.

On the way along the Nile to the next site, you can enjoy a drink on the ship’s beautiful 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 Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo. It was built between 205 and 180 BC as a place of worship for two gods: Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god. The day ends with a visit to the Crocodile Museum, which houses a collection of mummified crocodiles and ancient carvings.

Tonight’s onboard dinner features exquisite Egyptian cuisine and an Egyptian Night costume party in traditional galabeyas.

Day 10 – Abu Simbel Temples  /  Aswan High Dam  /  Nubian Village  /  Aswan Old Souk

Your first day in Aswan starts with a journey to 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. On the way back to the cruise ship, you stop to see the imposing 2-mile-long Aswan High Dam. Its construction began in 1960, lasted 8 years and cost $1 billion. The dam ended the cycle of flood and drought in the Nile River region.

After lunch, a motorboat ride takes you through the cataracts of the Nile to a Nubian village. There, you meet the Nubians and visit their homes and local school to experience their way of living. Back on board the cruise ship, you enjoy a Nubian party featuring traditional music and folk dances.

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 11 – Unfinished Obelisk / Temple of Philae / Flight to Cairo / Drive to Alexandria

The day begins with 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.

Your stay in Aswan comes to an end with a flight to Cairo, followed by a transfer by bus to Alexandria.

Day 12 – Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa  /  Roman Amphitheater  /  Bibliotheca Alexandrina /  Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay

Alexandria – with its Mediterranean climate and famous Roman remains – is the second largest city in Egypt. The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and was the capital of Egypt for more than 300 years. Begin the day with a visit to the stunning catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, where you examine fine examples of pharaonic funeral art with strong Greco-Roman influences, followed by a stop at the 4th-century AD Roman Amphitheater.

Afterward, you explore the renowned Bibliotheca Alexandrina, also known as the New Library of Alexandria. Discover what went into reimagining Alexandria’s great ancient library for a new century.

Later, see the harbor of Alexandria with the picturesque Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay, the place where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – once stood.

Day 13 – Special Access to the Temple of Taposiris Magna with a Field Excavation Director  /  Exclusive Lecture by Dr. Mostafa Waziri  /  Farewell Dinner

EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE:

The last day of your journey through Egypt’s fascinating history ends with a special-access visit to Taposiris Magna, one of the most important religious sites of the New Kingdom. It is now an active archaeological site, closed to the public. Research carried out by Dr. Kathleen Martínez indicates that the site may be hiding the tomb of Cleopatra. You explore the temple with one of the field excavation directors and meet archaeologists working at the site.

I’m inviting you to come to Taposiris Magna with Archaeological Paths company. We will take you around to see all our discoveries. We found many artifacts that date back to Cleopatra’s time and we are now on the path to a groundbreaking discovery.

– Dr. Martínez

SPECIAL GUEST

Return to Cairo to check in to your 5-star hotel. A lecture by Dr. Mostafa Waziri, one of Egypt's Heads of Antiquities, rounds out your tour. Dr. Waziri introduces you to Egypt’s most recent archaeological discoveries, shares ongoing research and reveals plans for the future.

After the lecture, join in a Q&A session and discussion. Finally, enjoy live music during the farewell dinner with Dr. Waziri to celebrate your unforgettable journey across Egypt.

Day 14 – 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:

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: $1,295 per person for a double room or $1,595 for a single room. The add-on includes accommodation for 1 night at the same hotel as during the main tour.

POST-TOURS:

THE HIDDEN GEMS OF THE GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM (1-day add-on)

All Archaeological Paths tours include a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. And it’s spectacular. Yet the scale of the world’s largest archaeological museum is such that no single visit can reveal all it holds. This optional add-on is for guests who feel that familiar pull — What else is here? What did we miss? It goes beyond the main route, exploring lesser-known galleries, overlooked masterpieces, and artifacts most visitors never encounter. It’s a more intimate, in-depth way of experiencing the museum — designed for those who want to leave not with questions, but with the feeling that they’ve truly gone deeper.

Price: $1,295 per person for a double room or $1,595 for a single room. The add-on includes accommodation for 1 night at the same hotel as during the main tour.

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: $1,295 per person for a double room or $1,595 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: $5985 per person for a double room. Single supplement costs $1295. 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.

Follow in the footsteps of the most cosmopolitan travelers and savor the world of luxury by staying at the most iconic hotels in Egypt. Relish the beauty of 19th-century palaces and colonial-era resorts and enjoy a level of service that would impress even royals and dignitaries.

Price: $13,985 USD per person (based on double occupancy)

Deposit: Only $1,200 USD required at the time of booking!

Traveling solo? You’re welcome to share a room with another solo traveler from the tour at no additional cost.

Prefer your own room? A single room supplement of $3,985 USD applies.

Payment Schedule:
• $1,200 USD 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; Three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on all sightseeing days + dinner on the arrival day and breakfast on the departure day; 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); $30 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 King Tut & Cleopatra 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: [email protected]

USA phone: 917-724-2772
Other countries: +1 917-724-2772

Office hours: from 8 AM to 5 PM New York Time (Monday to Friday) & from 9 AM to 5 PM (Saturday).