Egypt Panorama Tour: Hurghada – Red Sea, Alexandria Port – Mediterranean Sea (13 Days)

In the evening, take a direct EgyptAir flight from Toronto to Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

Upon arrival in Cairo, drive to Egypt’s second-largest city, Alexandria, once renowned as one of the great wonders of the ancient world. Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the foundations of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Inside, see the famous Pompey’s Pillar, a 30-meter-high column carved from red granite, standing as the most iconic monument within the fortress. Nearby, explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a multi-level underground burial site accessed by a massive spiral staircase. The site features numerous chambers decorated with statues and murals, showcasing a fascinating blend of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian religious symbols.

After dinner, check in to your 5-star Mediterranean seaside hotel, Hilton Corniche Resort or similar.

After breakfast, visit the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, once located on Pharos Island opposite Alexandria. Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was likely the third tallest structure of its time, after the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Khafre. The lighthouse was destroyed by earthquakes in the 14th century, and the Citadel of Qaitbay was later built on its foundations.

After the city tour, transfer to the airport for a direct flight to Aswan in southern Egypt. Stay at the 5-star Aswan Tolip Hotel or similar for two consecutive nights.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace, or join an optional excursion to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples. Considered one of Egypt’s most remarkable and historically significant monuments, these temples were commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II in 1275 BC and carved directly into the cliffs along the Nile. Both the grand façade and the interior statues remain impressively well-preserved.

Overnight stay at the 5-star Aswan Tolip Hotel or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the impressive Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel admired worldwide. The amount of stone used in its construction is said to be eighteen times greater than that used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza. After lunch, explore the Unfinished Obelisk, an ancient monument left incomplete by the Egyptians. Measuring 41 meters in height and weighing 1,200 tons, it was intended to be erected at the entrance of a temple to commemorate the Pharaoh’s achievements. Had it been completed, it would have been the largest obelisk in history, carved entirely from red granite.

Later, enjoy a scenic felucca ride on the Nile, passing by the Mausoleum of Aga Khan, a Muslim spiritual leader. In the afternoon, board a luxurious Nile Cruise and sail towards Kom Ombo, once the golden capital of Ancient Egypt. Visit the unique twin temple, dedicated on one side to Horus the falcon god and on the other to Sobek the crocodile god. This symmetrical design is unique in Egypt, and the site also houses fascinating crocodile mummies.

Dinner and overnight onboard a 5-star Nile Cruise (3 consecutive nights).

After breakfast on the cruise, take a horse-drawn carriage ride (two persons per carriage, included in the tour) to visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon god symbolizing justice, construction began in 237 BC and took nearly 300 years to complete. Buried under sand for centuries, the temple is one of the best-preserved in all of Egypt.

Continue sailing along the Nile to Luxor, the ancient capital with a history of over 3,500 years. Lunch and dinner onboard the cruise. Overnight on a 5-star Nile Cruise.

After breakfast on the cruise, visit Karnak Temple, the largest and oldest temple complex in Egypt. Its Great Hypostyle Hall covers more than 5,000 square meters and is supported by 134 massive stone columns, each rising 21 meters high, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Continue to Luxor Temple, where the grand entrance is flanked on both sides by rows of sphinx statues, forming a majestic avenue leading into the temple. Lunch and dinner onboard the cruise. Overnight on a 5-star Nile Cruise.

After breakfast on the cruise, visit the Valley of the Kings, where over 60 royal tombs have been discovered, including the world-famous tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun uncovered in 1922. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, built for the female Pharaoh Hatshepsut more than 3,500 years ago, a temple carved into the cliffs with impressive grandeur. Next, see the Colossi of Memnon, two statues standing over 20 meters tall, masterpieces of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. After lunch, travel east to Hurghada on the Red Sea, a famous resort destination known for water activities and world-class diving. Overnight at the 5-star Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort Hotel or similar (2 nights in the same hotel).

Today is free for you to relax and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Red Sea. Spend the day at leisure on the beach, or join an optional excursion such as a boat trip out to sea with snorkeling opportunities to admire the colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. In the evening, take in the charming sunset views over this coastal town. Optional tours include: a private Red Sea cruise with snorkeling and lunch on board, or a submarine ride for a close-up view of the coral reefs. Overnight at the 5-star Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort Hotel or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free morning with access to the hotel’s facilities. After lunch, avoid the fatigue of a 6-8 hour long drive by taking a direct flight from Hurghada to Cairo. Upon arrival, dinner will be provided. Overnight stay at a 5-star Hilton Golf Resort or similar.

Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, with a history of 4,500 years. These monumental tombs of the Pharaohs were built with the labor of 100,000 workers, using 2.3 million giant stones over 20 years — a feat unmatched in human history. You may also ride a camel across the Sahara Desert.

In the afternoon, visit the tomb of former President Sadat and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Overnight stay at a 5-star Hilton Golf Resort or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum, home to countless treasures over 3,000 years old — including statues of pharaohs, royal treasures crafted in pure gold, the solid gold sarcophagus of Tutankhamun, and the renowned Mummy Exhibition, offering a deep insight into ancient Egyptian civilization.

After lunch, continue to the newly completed and long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing an unparalleled collection of artifacts and antiquities.

Next, explore Cairo’s bustling Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for exquisite souvenirs and enjoy traditional drinks such as refreshing mint tea or fresh mango juice. You will also have the opportunity to see demonstrations of papyrus painting and perfume-making, both unique to Egypt’s cultural heritage.

After dinner, transfer to the airport for your luxury flight back to Toronto.

The flight will arrive at Toronto International Airport on the same day.