ROYAL EGYPT TOUR

THE ESSENCE

with

Dr. Zahi Hawass

World’s Most Famous Archaeologist & Egypt's Head of Antiquities (2002-2011)

Dr. Mostafa Waziri

Egypt's Head of Antiquities (2017-2024)

Dr. Tarek El-Awady

Leading Egyptologist

 Limited to 27 guests

Discover the Land of the Pharaohs with three of the most important figures in the world of archaeology!

Like our flagship 14-day Royal Egypt Tour, the 10-day version offers one of the most comprehensive journeys through Egypt’s fascinating history, unparalleled access to the wonders of ancient Egypt and special entries to sites that are off-limits to the general public – all in the company of some of Egypt’s most acclaimed figures.

Famed archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, who has revolutionized our understanding of ancient Egypt, meets you between the paws of the Great Sphinx. Dr. Mostafa Waziri, one of Egypt's Heads of Antiquities, shares captivating stories of the latest discoveries during your exclusive-access visit to the tomb of Wahtye. To enrich your experience of Egypt even further, you will meet Dr. Tarek El-Awady, a leading Egyptologist and Director of Excavations at Deir el-Bahari, who will take you behind the scenes of one of the most exciting discoveries in Egypt.

Throughout the tour, you stay in the finest and historic 5-star hotels, sail on a luxury Nile cruise ship, dine on delicious local cuisine and embrace the unique Egyptian culture.

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

Marvel at a once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch the Great Sphinx and watch the sunrise from between its huge paws, where you meet Dr. Zahi Hawass. 

SPECIAL ACCESS TO THE TOMB OF WAHTYE

Together with Dr. Mostafa Waziri, explore the Tomb of Wahtye, one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries of the modern era.

SPECIAL ACCESS TO THE ACTIVE EXCAVATION AREA AT DEIR EL-BAHARI

Discover one of Egypt’s most important research sites while work is still underway – a privilege rarely extended beyond the archaeological community.

Cairo & Pyramids – Discover the diverse capital of Egypt. Begin your journey at the ancient necropolis at Saqqara, home to the first pyramid ever built by the Egyptians, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. See two early pyramids in Dahshur and take in the sight of 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, by visiting the country’s latest landmark.

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 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. Marvel at the feat of engineering behind the 2-mile-long Aswan High Dam.

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

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  /  Special Access to the Tomb of Wahtye with Dr. Mostafa Waziri  /  Dahshur

After an orientation with Archaeological Paths’ representatives, you visit the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, which, according to Dr. Hawass, is one of the most impressive places on Earth and the “birthplace of architecture”. Admire the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt, built 4,700 years ago by the legendary architect Imhotep.

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.

VIP 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.

Later, you 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.

After lunch, you head to Dahshur, home to the Bent and Red Pyramids, built for Pharaoh Snefru. These pyramids are among the oldest, largest and best preserved in Egypt.

Day 3 – Private Entry to the Giza Plateau  /  Private Entry to the Great Pyramid  /  Special Access Between the Paws of the Great Sphinx with Dr. Zahi Hawass

EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE:

In the morning, when the entire Giza Plateau remains closed to other tourists, Archaeological Paths’ guests have exclusive access to this iconic ancient site. This crowd-free experience is typically offered only to royals, heads of state and other honored guests.

First, 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.

Next, 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 largest sculpture.

VIP GUEST:

Dr. Zahi Hawass, the world's most famous archaeologist of the modern era, awaits you between the paws of the Sphinx to share with you all that we know about this enigmatic monument.

I will tell you all about the latest research and mysteries of the Sphinx and pyramids, including the tunnels under the Sphinx and secret doors and possible hidden chambers in the Great Pyramid.

– Dr. Zahi Hawass

Later, when the Giza Plateau opens to the public, 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. Finally, take in a picturesque overview of the pyramids from a panoramic viewpoint.

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 4 – Karnak Temple  /  Luxor Temple  /  Luxor Market

In the morning, you fly from Cairo to Luxor, known in ancient times as Thebes, one of the capitals of ancient Egypt. After checking in to a 5-star cruise ship, you begin your 5-day Nile cruise, continuing your journey to the most impressive monuments from the time of the pharaohs.

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. The temple 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.

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 5 – Valley of the Kings  /  Temple of Hatshepsut  /  Special Access to the active excavation area at Deir el-Bahari with Dr. Tarek El-Awady  /  Colossi of Memnon  /  Nile River Cruise

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.

Later, explore 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.

EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE:

Following your visit to the temple, the experience goes far beyond what any regular visitor ever sees.

You are granted special access to the active excavation area at Deir el-Bahari – a privilege rarely extended beyond the archaeological community. This visit takes place directly within the excavation zone itself, right beside the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. It’s a rare chance to explore one of Egypt’s most important research sites while work is still underway.

Here, archaeologists are revealing the remains of Queen Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple, along with the names and tombs of high officials from the very beginning of the 18th Dynasty. Discoveries are still being made. Stones are still being turned. Egypt’s Golden Age is being pieced together in real time – and you are there to see it happen.

VIP GUEST:

You explore the site under the guidance of Dr. Tarek El-Awady, Director of Excavations at Deir el-Bahari. You meet him at the dig itself, hear the stories behind the finds, and gain rare, first-hand insight into how history is brought back to light, layer by layer.

On the way back to the cruise ship, you see 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 6 – 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 late afternoon, you arrive at 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 7 – Abu Simbel Temples  /  Aswan High Dam  /  Nubian Village  /  Aswan Old Souk

Your first day in Aswan starts with a drive 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 onboard 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 8 – Unfinished Obelisk  /  Temple of Philae

The day begins with a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest-known ancient obelisk, lying on its side in a stone quarry. It is nearly one-third larger than any ancient Egyptian obelisk ever erected. It measures around 140 feet tall and weighs nearly 1,200 tons.

Next, you take a motorboat ride to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple was built in 208 BC and was reassembled piece by piece on an island in a reservoir created by the Aswan Low Dam when flooding threatened its original location.

In the afternoon you fly back to Cairo to continue your tour.

Day 9 – Grand Egyptian Museum  /  Farewell Dinner

You top off your tour with a visit to the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, preserving 7,000 years of Egyptian history. 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.

In the evening, you are invited to a farewell dinner, during which you enjoy live music and celebrate your unforgettable journey across Egypt.

Day 10 – 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: $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.

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 offers a distinctive first encounter with GEM. Rather than following the main highlights route, it introduces the museum through quieter galleries, lesser-known masterpieces, and selected artifacts that reveal a different side of this extraordinary institution. It’s a more intimate, in-depth way to begin your journey – designed for guests who enjoy approaching a place from multiple angles and value insight beyond the obvious, before experiencing the museum’s grand narrative later in the tour.

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:

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: $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: $10,985 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 $2,985 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 USD 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 Royal Egypt Tour - The Essence, 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).