Egypt in Depth: 17 days Cairo to Cairo

Welcome to Egypt. Your journey into wonder begins in Giza, just outside of Cairo, with a three-night Scenic Special Stay at the iconic Marriott Mena House Cairo Hotel. You’ll be able to soak up stunning views of the Great Pyramids from the grounds of the hotel.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Join your fellow guests to enjoy drinks and canapés as the sun sets over the magnificent Pyramids.

Please book your flight to arrive into Cairo prior to 02:00 PM.

Visit the ancient city of Memphis. Positioned at the entrance to the Nile Delta, it was the first capital of unified Egypt around 3000 BC. Explore the vast Saqqara Necropolis, a fascinating ‘City of the Dead’ made up of tombs and Pyramids that stretches for almost eight kilometres. It is most famous for the Step Pyramid of Djoser – dating back to the 27th century BC, it was the first stone Pyramid ever built in Egypt.

Later, visit the Imhotep Museum. Six halls display the most significant artefacts discovered on the Saqqara site, including statues, coffins, paintings, utensils and architectural elements.

Witness the grandeur of the Pyramids, a cluster of towering monuments that are a marvel of ancient engineering, built over 4,500 years ago. They were once grand tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. They are all that remains of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World for their importance to and are now a World Heritage site. Stand before the enigmatic Sphinx, a 20-metre-high limestone statue of a mystical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion, that has guarded these necropolis grounds for millennia.

Later, discover the priceless antiquities on display in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The first of its kind in the Arab world, it covers the full breadth of Egyptian civilisation from prehistory to modern times with more than 50,000 artefacts. Its crown jewel is the Royal Mummies Hall, where 22 mummies are displayed using cutting-edge technology to go beneath the wrappings.

Fly to Abu Simbel, on the southern edge of Egypt close to the Sudanese border, to visit one of the country’s most magnificent monuments. Explore the enormous World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. First built in the 13th century BC, they had to be completely disassembled in the 1960s and moved 65 metres higher to protect them from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam. The entrance is guarded by four 20-metre-tall seated pharaohs carved directly into the cliff face.

Later, fly to Aswan to board the luxurious Sanctuary Sun Boat III, reserved exclusively for Scenic guests, and settle into your elegantly appointed cabin.

Wake today and enjoy breakfast on board before exploring the Philae Temple, an island complex that is often called the ‘Pearl of the Nile’. It dates back to the Ptolemaic era, around 350BC, but was also relocated to a different island in the 1960s during construction of the Aswan Dam. Later, enjoy a leisurely cruise on a felucca, a traditional wooden boat with a single sail. Slow down and soak in the beauty of the riverside scenery as you glide gently along the calm waters.

Then, explore Kom Ombo Temple, perched high on the Nile’s East Bank and dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God. It is famous for its unique symmetrical design, with two identical chambers mirroring each other along a central line.

Return to Sanctuary Sun Boat III for dinner at Copper Tray restaurant, showcasing locally-inspired cuisine. After dinner perhaps relax in the H. Carter Lounge for an evening aperitif^.

Visit the 2,100-year-old Temple of Edfu on the West Bank of the Nile. Built from golden sandstone, this grand shrine was a place of worship for the Ptolemaic Pharaohs and dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god.

A memorable night awaits on board with a colourful Galabeya party with Egyptian delicacies, music and dancing.

Wake to delicious breakfast today with your choice of buffet breakfast or a la carte local specialities. Before your day of discoveries, perhaps enjoy the plunge pool or recline on the Sun Deck on a luxurious cabana as you follow the path of age-old explorers.

Then, cross to the West Bank and be astounded by the well-preserved, colourful hieroglyphics adorning the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Scenic Enrich
The tomb of Seti I is one of the longest, deepest and most beautifully adorned tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Visit the mudbrick home of British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter, which has been restored to look as it would have when he lived here in the 1920s. Adjacent is a replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb, providing a tantalising glimpse into the boy king’s opulence and mystique. Then see the impressive monument to Queen Hatshepsut.

Return to the luxury of Sanctuary Sun Boat III for a buffet lunch which changes between international, barbeque or Egyptian cuisines daily.

Later, discover the vast open-air temple complex of Karnak and be awed by the enormity of the pillars as you walk through the impressive Hypostyle Hall.

Conclude your day with a farewell gala dinner followed by a Dervish Show.

Scenic Enrich
Antiquities lecture: This morning, Dr Bahaa Abdelgaber, Director of Luxor West Bank Antiquities, will inform and enlighten you with an engaging lecture on West Bank antiquities while you enjoy tea and feteer, a traditional Egyptian flaky pastry.

Later visit Deir el-Medina, the historic village of artisans and craftsmen who constructed and decorated the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. It is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt, as it provides a wealth of information about the daily life of its former inhabitants.

Travel to Luxor for a three-night stay at the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa or similar.

Travel north to Qena and visit the Dendera Temples, considered to be amongst the best-preserved sites in Egypt. The focal point of the complex is the 2,000-year-old Temple of Hathor, which honours the goddess Hathor who is associated with music, joy, dance and motherhood. Admire its opulent architecture, exquisite reliefs and the captivating Dendera Zodiac hanging from the outer hypostyle hall ceiling. The Temple of the Birth of Isis is dedicated to the goddess Isis and has reliefs showing scenes from her fabled birth and early years.

A leisurely afternoon awaits as you savour your last moments on board. Then visit Luxor Temple, dedicated to the god Amun, which served as a site for royal coronations and rebirth rituals around 3,500 years ago. The site has been used for worship continuously for more than 3,000 years, with a Christian church and the 13th-century Abu Haggag Mosque still inside. Admire The Avenue of Sphinxes, a grand 3-kilometre processional way lined with sphinxes that links Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple.

Enjoy a full day in Luxor to discover more of its treasures.

Perhaps join the Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight. This unique experience offers panoramic views of the landscape below, providing an unforgettable perspective from a hot air balloon (additional cost, please book on tour).

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Visit Esna: The town of Esna is rich in history, with monuments and structures dating from pharaonic Egypt through to the Ottoman era. See how everyday life has remained unchanged over the years, visit the Wakalat al-Geddawi caravanserai and taste some local delicacies at the Okra Women’s Kitchen.

Mummification and museums: Uncover ancient Egyptian embalming rituals at the Mummification Museum, where tools and equipment used in the process are on display. Then visit the Luxor Museum, home to artifacts revealing ancient Egyptian beliefs and lifestyles.

This morning, fly from Luxor to Cairo and continue by coach to Alexandria. This legendary city on the Mediterranean was founded by Alexander the Great in 331BC and was home to Egypt's last pharaoh, Queen Cleopatra. Check in to the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano for a three-night Scenic Special Stay in a Seaview room.

Begin your exploration of Alexandria with a visit to the Catacombs of Kom el-Shugafa. Built in the second century AD, this vast necropolis is the world's largest Roman-era cemetery with three levels of tombs cut into the rock. Afterwards, visit the Kom el-Dikka neighbourhood, which houses some of Egypt's best-preserved urban Roman ruins including villas and bathhouses. Then see the Qaitbay Citadel, one of the most important forts on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It served as Alexandria’s defence against naval attacks in the 15th century.

The afternoon is dedicated to the Graeco-Roman Museum, where more than 40,000 artefacts including sculptures, mosaics, woodwork and coins tell the story of Ptolemaic Egypt. It is a testament to Alexandria's cultural richness and historical importance.

Explore more of Alexandria this morning.

Scenic Freechoice:
Follow your passions on one of these included excursions:

Excursion to Rosetta: Set where the mouth of the Nile merges with the Mediterranean Sea, visit the historic city of Rosetta (now Rashid). The Rosetta Stone, which played a vital role in deciphering hieroglyphs and understanding the evolution of the Egyptian civilisation, was discovered here in 1799.

Walking tour of Fouad Street: Discover one of the oldest planned, still-inhabited streets in the world, taking you on a journey through the heart of old Alexandria. Stop at a traditional coffee and sweets shop for refreshments.

Montazah Palace Royal Gardens: Visit this historic royal summer retreat and admire its ornate architecture. Wander through the expansive gardens filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowers and tranquil pathways.

After lunch, visit the Bibliotheca Alexandria dedicated to recapturing the spirit of openness and scholarship of the original Library of Alexandria. It aims to be a centre of excellence in the production and dissemination of knowledge, and a place of dialogue, learning and understanding between cultures and people.

Explore the site of one of World War II’s defining battles, El Alamein. Australian troops played a pivotal role in the 1942 victory, and the battle was crucial for turning the tide in North Africa. Reflect on their great courage and sacrifice as you visit the El Alamein War Museum and Commonwealth Cemetery.

Return to Cairo for a three-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence or similar.

Your exploration of Cairo starts with one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Citadel of Saladin is a medieval Islamic fortress that was the seat of the Egyptian government for nearly 700 years from the 13th century. Wander through this fascinating historic site and take in the stunning views of the city.

After lunch, discover medieval Islamic architecture and art on a stroll along El Moez Street. This street acts as an open-air museum in the centre of vibrant Cairo. Visit Gamaleya, a fair-trade workshop and school for traditional crafts housed in a restored heritage building. With many traditional crafts having disappeared, it focuses on celebrating and preserving Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

Scenic Enrich
Al-Qalam social enterprise: Al-Qalam is a community project in the heart of historic Cairo, dedicated to teaching and spreading Arabic calligraphy and Islamic decoration. It also serves as a meeting point for local creators and artists. Be fascinated by this ancient art in a calligraphy workshop.

Spend your final day in Cairo exploring the city’s unique districts.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore Cairo today your way with one of these excursions:

Coptic Cairo tour: Visit the heart of Egypt’s Christian community. See the incredible collection on the Coptic Museum and the beautiful Hanging Church, built over the ruins of Old Cairo’s Roman fort.

Roda Island: Explore Roda Island on the Nile River, home to one of the last nilometers, an ancient stone structure used to measure the height of the river. Tour the opulent Menial Palace Museum and Garden, built between 1899 and 1929 in the Ottoman style.

Museum of Islamic Arts and Bayt Yakan: Take a captivating journey through centuries of creativity and devotion at the exquisite Museum of Islamic Arts. Later step inside Bayt Yakan a historic 17th century mansion saved from demolition. The faithful renovations took over 12 years.

This evening, join your expert Tour Director and fellow guests for a farewell dinner.

Your journey concludes this morning. Say a final farewell as you transfer to Cairo airport, leaving with memories of your unforgettable journey to the heart of Egypt.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.

^Costs apply.