Ultimate Egypt

Your Egypt Adventure Begins

Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI) by 5 p.m. and hear the warm greeting of a Wild Women Expeditions tour coordinator, ready to bring you to our rendezvous hotel to meet your fellow Wild Women. 

Over an authentic welcome dinner, we gather together for the first time, swapping stories with our Egyptian guide, a trusted female Egyptologist, and excitedly anticipating everything that’s to come. Our hotel rooms look out onto the pyramids, sweeping us up in Egypt’s magic and setting the tone for the coming days. We get to spend two nights here in order to fully enjoy this surreal setting and all of the hotel’s amenities.

Included Meals

Dinner

Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Giza or similar

Grand Egyptian Museum Experience

Today is dedicated to exploring one of the most anticipated cultural landmarks in the world—the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Officially opened in November 2025, this extraordinary space is now the largest archaeological museum complex on Earth, home to more than 100,000 artifacts.

On a guided tour, you’ll journey through thousands of years of Egyptian history, from ancient civilization to modern-day Egypt. Stand beneath the awe-inspiring Hanging Obelisk at the museum’s entrance, explore the treasures of King Tutankhamun, and wander through the striking Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, and expansive Main Galleries. Every space is designed to immerse you in the scale, beauty, and legacy of Egypt’s past.

In the afternoon, return to your hotel to unwind—perhaps relaxing poolside or sipping a refreshing lamoon bel na’naa (mint lemonade) on the terrace—before gathering for dinner.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Giza or similar

Pyramids of Giza

Today, the wonder of ancient Egypt deepens as you explore the iconic Giza Pyramid Complex, home to some of the most extraordinary monuments on Earth. Step inside the legendary Great Pyramid of Khufu, an engineering marvel that has stood for over 4,500 years, and take in sweeping views of all three pyramids rising from the desert horizon.

Continue on to the enigmatic Great Sphinx of Giza, where the lion-bodied guardian with a human face has watched over this landscape for millennia—one of the largest and most recognizable sculptures in the world.

After a locally inspired lunch, we make our way to the airport for a late afternoon or evening flight to Luxor, where the next chapter of your journey unfolds along the legendary Nile River.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Sonesta Hotel, Luxor or similar

West Bank Wonders & Luxor by Night

Today is a deep dive into the legendary West Bank of Luxor, where ancient Egypt reveals itself in extraordinary scale and detail. We begin in the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of pharaohs, before continuing to the Valley of the Queens and the striking desert cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

Here, you’ll stand before the remarkable Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, built by one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. Designed to ensure her legacy lived on for eternity, the temple stretches across a series of dramatic terraces and colonnades carved into the rock—an architectural statement as bold as her reign. ✨

Nearby, the towering Colossi of Memnon—two massive statues rising 60 feet (18 metres) high—stand as silent guardians of this ancient landscape.

In the evening, continue your exploration with a visit to the illuminated Luxor Temple, or opt for a guided walking tour through the vibrant streets of Luxor. Originally built by Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC, the temple has evolved over centuries—serving as a Roman fortress, churches, and even a mosque—layering history upon history in one unforgettable setting.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Sonesta Hotel, Luxor or similar

Obelisks and Hieroglyphs

This morning we head to the Temples of Karnak, Egypt’s astounding compound of temples. One of the wonders of antiquity is the Great Hypostyle Hall, a vast path surrounded on each side by six enormous columns, each nearly 80 feet tall. Inscriptions covering every surface of the temples reflect the succession of pharaohs, priests and rulers who left their mark on this important site for over 2,000 years. 

After our enlightening Temples of Karnak tour, we head to Esna, the “city of fish,” and visit the Temple of Esna, dedicated to the ram-headed god of Khnum (the god of creation). Some of the most interesting inscriptions in this temple are actually found on the ceiling, with the sky Goddess Nut and astronomical representations of Orion’s Belt, the Dog and Dragon Star. 

An easy ten-minute walk away, we reach our floating home for the next four nights: a traditional Dahabiya sailboat! As we move down the serpentine Nile, we can take in stellar sunsets and enjoy impromptu chats about goddesses, shawarma and Egypt’s affection for country music.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Dahabiya Sailboat

Sailing the Nile

During these three days, we embrace variety: a visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, time spent with a local family at El Higz, a lesson about the art of bamboo basket and box making from an Egyptian craftsperson. 

In Daraw town, tap into the energy of the camel trading marketplace or, if the market is closed, visit the barn where the camels are housed. You won’t see more camels anywhere (truly: this is the largest gathering of camels in the world). 

Sailing to Silsila, we explore the shrine and enormous sandstone quarries. Our voyage continues to the temple of Kom Ombo, with its seemingly mile-high colonnades, and we end our tour of life on the Nile by meeting women who live in rural riverside villages.

While on board we will have engaging talks, led by your Egyptologist Wild Women guide, that delve into the historic and contemporary lives of women in Egypt, learning about ancient goddesses like Isis and Hathor and legendary queens like Hatshepsut, the sixth pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. Our conversations also honor Egypt’s modern-day heroines, who play integral roles in their communities and conquer challenges like the powerful women who came before them.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Dahabiya Sailboat

Majestic Monuments

In the morning, we visit the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Philae Temple. High Dam was an engineering feat built in 1960 to protect Egypt from the predictable annual floods on the Nile, but its construction wasn’t a smooth process by any stretch and involved Cold War political maneuvering, an international effort to move archaeological monuments and the resettlement of hundreds of thousands of people. 

Located in a red granite quarry, the Unfinished Obelisk would have measured 137 feet (42 m) making it the tallest obelisk in history. It would also have been the heaviest obelisk as well, weighing in at 1,200 tons. 

Our final stop is the majestic Philae Temple, which was built in honor of the goddess Isis. During the construction of the Aswan High Dam, UNESCO rescued the temple and transferred it block by block from its original site on Philae Island to Agilika Island, seven miles south of Aswan.

In the afternoon, dazzled by Philae, we take a bus ride to Nubia to check into our accommodation. Later, we return to the temple to be magically transported back to the time of pharoahs courtesy of the captivating Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Eskaleh Ecolodge or similar

Abu Simbel Sunrise

This morning, there’s an optional early start to witness one of Egypt’s most unforgettable sights—the sunrise over the Abu Simbel Temples. As the first light of day casts a warm glow across the sandstone façade, the colossal statues of Ramesses II come to life in a breathtaking display of scale and symmetry. After taking in the view, we enjoy a well-earned mid-morning brunch.

Carved directly into the mountainside, the twin temples of Abu Simbel are among the most iconic landmarks in Egypt. Built over 3,000 years ago, they were famously relocated in the 1960s to save them from rising waters following the creation of Lake Nasser—an extraordinary feat of modern engineering that preserved this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.

We then journey back to Aswan (approximately 3.5 hours), where you’ll check into a beautifully designed Nubian-style hotel overlooking the Nile. Relax on the terrace, take in uninterrupted river views, and enjoy the unique charm of this tranquil setting.

In the evening, after dinner, step out to explore Aswan’s vibrant market streets, where the scents of spices and sounds of local life fill the air—before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Accommodations

Sonesta Nouba Hotel Aswan

Kicking It around Cairo

This morning, we head to Aswan International Airport to board our domestic flight to Cairo. We have two days to explore Cairo, so the order of events may unfold differently depending on the group’s energy and interests, but our time in Cairo includes a visit to the Citadel and Khan El Khalili, the famous bazaar and souq in the buzzy historic center of Cairo. The vendors are determined and eager to engage in conversation. You will hear “looking is free” and several clever marketing lines from these skilled charmers!

If the group wishes to relax and unwind at the hotel instead, this can be arranged.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Accommodations

Steigenberger Hotel Tahrir Square or similar

Diving into Islamic Cairo

Today’s itinerary depends on the previous day’s activities, but at the top of our list is a wander through the Khan el-Khalili bazaar and souq. We also visit the fascinating National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and Saladin Citadel, which was the beating heart of the Islamic world in medieval times.

Islamic Cairo is characterized by hundreds of mosques, tombs, madrasas (colleges for Islamic education), mansions, caravanserais (an inn with a central courtyard for travelers in the desert regions of North Africa) and fortifications dating from the Islamic era. After an authentic lunch at a local restaurant, we resume our exploration of the city in the afternoon. 

Be sure to absorb all the sights, sounds and flavors of ancient Cairo on this last precious day!

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Accommodations

Steigenberger Hotel Tahrir Square or similar

Up and Away

You can book a departure at any time today (airport transfer included)! Alternatively, you may wish to extend your stay and dig deeper into the deep pockets of Cairo! There’s the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar, the Cairo Cave Church (St. Simon “The Tanner” Monastery) or the Cairo Tower. Or, simply spend a few days finding the very best shawarma, lamb kofta kebabs, fiteer (Egyptian pancakes) or Om Ali. 

Included Meals

Breakfast

Your Egypt Adventure Begins

Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI) by 5 p.m. and hear the warm greeting of a Wild Women Expeditions tour coordinator, ready to bring you to our rendezvous hotel to meet your fellow Wild Women. 

Over an authentic welcome dinner, we gather together for the first time, swapping stories with our Egyptian guide, a trusted female Egyptologist, and excitedly anticipating everything that’s to come. Our hotel rooms look out onto the pyramids, sweeping us up in Egypt’s magic and setting the tone for the coming days. We get to spend two nights here in order to fully enjoy this surreal setting and all of the hotel’s amenities.

Included Meals

Dinner

Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Giza or similar

The Grand Egyptian Museum

We dedicate much of the day to fully experience the brand new and extraordinary Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the largest archaeological museum complex in the world, which officially opened in November 2025.  

Housing a collection of over 100,000 artifacts, your guided tour will introduce you to both ancient and contemporary Egyptian civilization and navigate you through this incredible visual experience.  From the awe inspiring Hanging Obelisk that welcomes you at the museum entrance, to the collection of artifacts found in King Tutankhamum’s tomb, to the incredible displays in the Grand Hall, Grand Stairs and Main Galleries, this is the perfect introduction to the great wonders of Egypt.  

Later in the afternoon, relax back at the hotel, perhaps poolside or enjoying a refreshing lamoon bel na’naa (mint lemonade) on the expansive terrace, before dinner.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Giza or similar

The Pyramid Complex of Giza and the Great Sphinx

Today the awe of ancient Egyptian Archaeology continues as we visit the larger-than-life wonders – the Pyramid Complex of Giza.  Explore the interior of the Great Pyramid itself, the tomb of King Khufu, and walk to ideal viewpoints that display the three structures beautifully across the horizon.  Next, we’ll wander over to the Great Sphinx, whose famous limestone lion’s body with a human head is one of the world’s largest sculptures.

After a local lunch, we will head to the airport for a late afternoon or evening flight to Luxor, to begin the next leg of our adventure along the Nile River.  

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Sonesta Hotel, Luxor or similar

West Bank Wonders & Luxor by Night

We have a big day of exploration ahead of us including the mortuary temples and tombs of the West Bank. We visit the Valley of the Kings, Queen’s Valley, Deir el-Bahari, the 60 foot (18 m) statues of Colossi Memnon and the Hatshepsut Temple.

Hatshepsut is the sixth pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. At Deir el-Bahri, she erected her magnum opus—an enormous memorial temple to guarantee her perpetual life after death. The temple is reached by navigating a series of terraced colonnades and courtyards, which span the length of two and a half football fields.

In the evening, we continue our study of towering monuments by touring the Temple of Luxor or set out on an engaging walking tour of the town with a local guide. Like real estate everywhere, the Temple of Luxor has been added to and adapted since Amenhotep III’s original build in 1390–52 BC and later served as a Roman legionary fortress, churches, and a mosque.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Sonesta Hotel, Luxor or similar

Obelisks and Hieroglyphs

This morning we head to the Temples of Karnak, Egypt’s astounding compound of temples. One of the wonders of antiquity is the Great Hypostyle Hall, a vast path surrounded on each side by six enormous columns, each nearly 80 feet tall. Inscriptions covering every surface of the temples reflect the succession of pharaohs, priests and rulers who left their mark on this important site for over 2,000 years. 

After our enlightening Temples of Karnak tour, we head to Esna, the “city of fish,” and visit the Temple of Esna, dedicated to the ram-headed god of Khnum (the god of creation). Some of the most interesting inscriptions in this temple are actually found on the ceiling, with the sky Goddess Nut and astronomical representations of Orion’s Belt, the Dog and Dragon Star. 

An easy ten-minute walk away, we reach our floating home for the next four nights: a traditional Dahabiya sailboat! As we move down the serpentine Nile, we can take in stellar sunsets and enjoy impromptu chats about goddesses, shawarma and Egypt’s affection for country music.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Dahabiya Sailboat

Sailing the Nile

During these three days, we embrace variety: a visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, time spent with a local family at El Higz, a lesson about the art of bamboo basket and box making from an Egyptian craftsperson. 

In Daraw town, tap into the energy of the camel trading marketplace or, if the market is closed, visit the barn where the camels are housed. You won’t see more camels anywhere (truly: this is the largest gathering of camels in the world). 

Sailing to Silsila, we explore the shrine and enormous sandstone quarries. Our voyage continues to the temple of Kom Ombo, with its seemingly mile-high colonnades, and we end our tour of life on the Nile by meeting women who live in rural riverside villages.

While on board we will have engaging talks, led by your Egyptologist Wild Women guide, that delve into the historic and contemporary lives of women in Egypt, learning about ancient goddesses like Isis and Hathor and legendary queens like Hatshepsut, the sixth pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. Our conversations also honor Egypt’s modern-day heroines, who play integral roles in their communities and conquer challenges like the powerful women who came before them. 

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Dahabiya Sailboat

Majestic Monuments

In the morning, we visit the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Philae Temple. High Dam was an engineering feat built in 1960 to protect Egypt from the predictable annual floods on the Nile, but its construction wasn’t a smooth process by any stretch and involved Cold War political maneuvering, an international effort to move archaeological monuments and the resettlement of hundreds of thousands of people. 

Located in a red granite quarry, the Unfinished Obelisk would have measured 137 feet (42 m) making it the tallest obelisk in history. It would also have been the heaviest obelisk as well, weighing in at 1,200 tons. 

Our final stop is the majestic Philae Temple, which was built in honor of the goddess Isis. During the construction of the Aswan High Dam, UNESCO rescued the temple and transferred it block by block from its original site on Philae Island to Agilika Island, seven miles south of Aswan.

In the afternoon, dazzled by Philae, we take a bus ride to Nubia to check into our accommodation. Later, we return to the temple to be magically transported back to the time of pharoahs courtesy of the captivating Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodations

Eskaleh Ecolodge or similar

Abu Simbel Sunrise

This morning, there’s an optional early start to witness one of Egypt’s most unforgettable sights—the sunrise over the Abu Simbel Temples. As the first light of day casts a warm glow across the sandstone façade, the colossal statues of Ramesses II come to life in a breathtaking display of scale and symmetry. After taking in the view, we enjoy a well-earned mid-morning brunch.

Carved directly into the mountainside, the twin temples of Abu Simbel are among the most iconic landmarks in Egypt. Built over 3,000 years ago, they were famously relocated in the 1960s to save them from rising waters following the creation of Lake Nasser—an extraordinary feat of modern engineering that preserved this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.

We then journey back to Aswan (approximately 3.5 hours), where you’ll check into a beautifully designed Nubian-style hotel overlooking the Nile. Relax on the terrace, take in uninterrupted river views, and enjoy the unique charm of this tranquil setting.

In the evening, after dinner, step out to explore Aswan’s vibrant market streets, where the scents of spices and sounds of local life fill the air—before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Accommodations

Sonesta Nouba Hotel Aswan

Kicking It around Cairo

This morning, we head to Aswan International Airport to board our domestic flight to Cairo. We have two days to explore Cairo, so the order of events may unfold differently depending on the group’s energy and interests, but our time in Cairo includes a visit to the Citadel and Khan El Khalili, the famous bazaar and souq in the buzzy historic center of Cairo. The vendors are determined and eager to engage in conversation. You will hear “looking is free” and several clever marketing lines from these skilled charmers!

If the group wishes to relax and unwind at the hotel instead, this can be arranged.

In the evening we will take part in a cooking class delivered by a local woman who offers classes out of her home.  Afterwards, we share the meal that was prepared together and exchange stories and smiles. 

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Accommodations

Steigenberger Hotel Tahrir Square or similar

Diving into Islamic Cairo

Today’s itinerary depends on the previous day’s activities, but at the top of our list is a wander through the Khan el-Khalili bazaar and souq. We also visit the fascinating National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and Saladin Citadel, which was the beating heart of the Islamic world in medieval times.

Islamic Cairo is characterized by hundreds of mosques, tombs, madrasas (colleges for Islamic education), mansions, caravanserais (an inn with a central courtyard for travelers in the desert regions of North Africa) and fortifications dating from the Islamic era. After an authentic lunch at a local restaurant, we resume our exploration of the city in the afternoon. 

Be sure to absorb all the sights, sounds and flavors of ancient Cairo on this last precious day!

Included Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Accommodations

Steigenberger Hotel Tahrir Square or similar

Up and Away

You can book a departure at any time today (airport transfer included)! Alternatively, you may wish to extend your stay and dig deeper into the deep pockets of Cairo! There’s the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar, the Cairo Cave Church (St. Simon “The Tanner” Monastery) or the Cairo Tower. Or, simply spend a few days finding the very best shawarma, lamb kofta kebabs, fiteer (Egyptian pancakes) or Om Ali. 

Included Meals

Breakfast