Egypt's Must-Sees & Amazing Treasures

Your first day in Egypt is going to start out with a bang. Hopefully that jet lag isn't hitting you too hard!

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll head to the Egyptian Museum of Civilization. This incredible museum will not only teach you about civilization from prehistoric times through modern day, but you can also view the mummies of 20 kings and queens of ancient Egypt. It is truly a sight to see. After the museum you will head to view two of the lesser visited pyramids: the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. The Bent Pyramid was the ancient Egyptians first attempt at a smooth sided pyramid, but they were a little off! The Red Pyramid is known for the color of its brick. You can enter these pyramids and see the inside, just make sure you're ready for a bit of a climb! Trust me, it's well worth it. As you head back to your hotel for the evening stop for dinner along the way.

Before you cross the Nile, there is a great cluster of restaurants along the pier on Al Mosequare Mohamed ABD Al Wahab Street. Any of them will be great, but I love Carlo's or Piccolo Mondo, and if there is Fattah on the menu, you've got to try it!

Today is the day you pictured when you imagined your trip to Egypt. You're going to visit the last remaining ancient wonder of the world, the Pyramids of Giza. You'll get to enter the Great Pyramid and get a better perspective on how the ancient Egyptians not only built the pyramids but would have maneuvered inside them. You'll get plenty of photo ops with the pyramids, then it's on to, in my opinion, the best part: a camel ride. You'll get to ride a camel and get amazing pictures with the pyramids in the background. A camel ride is an experience like no other! Then it's time to head to see another Egyptian icon, the Sphinx.

After bidding the Sphinx goodbye, you'll head the short distance to the Grand Egyptian Museum. There are a couple restaurants here should you wish to grab lunch. While the entire museum is not open yet, you can still view the grand hall and staircase as well as the exterior gardens. You'll take the guided tour and learn all about the artifacts and royal statues. Then wander on your own as much as you'd like before heading out. You can try a different restaurant on the pier for dinner or some of the great options at your hotel.

Today is your last day in Cairo, though I guarantee you're not going to want to leave. After early breakfast at the hotel, you will head to the city of Memphis. Here you will see the ruins of the ancient capital city of Lower Egypt, and the biggest statue of Ramses II in existence. After Memphis you will head to the Step Pyramid, the first ever pyramid, made for King Zoser.

The rest of your day will be spent at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, where there are more ancient artifacts than you could possibly hope for, including the ones from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Enjoy dinner as you wish!

Rise early today to get on your charter flight to Luxor. Upon arrival you will check into your cruise ship that will take you up the Nile River. Don't get too comfortable; soon after check-in you're going to head out to see the temple of Hatshepsut, the lady pharaoh.

In the afternoon you'll visit the impressive Karnak Temple, and in the evening, you'll see the beautiful Luxor Temple. This will include seeing the amazing Avenue of the Sphinxes and learning the incredible history that connects these two temples. Later you will return to your ship for dinner and a good nights rest.

This is going to be one of your favorite days in Egypt, though, honestly, they are all so amazing. You're going to want to get an early start but, trust me, it's worth it to beat the crowds. Today, you will visit the Valley of Kings. Here you get to visit the stunning, once-hidden tombs of pharaohs like Ramses VI and King Tutankhamen. You'll also visit the village of Deir El-Medina, the home of the laborers who constructed the tombs of the Valley of Kings. On the way out, you'll see the statues of Amenhotep III guarding the road along the Valley of Kings. Once you return to the ship you will set sail and enjoy an amazing view along the Nile as you go.

When you wake in the morning, you will be in Edfu. You will head out with your guide to view the Temple of Horus. After this you'll head back to the ship and enjoy lunch as you travel to Kom Obo. Once you arrive, you'll take an evening tour of the temple and get to view the mummified crocodiles. Then it's time to head back to your ship for dinner and rest.

Today involves a bit of a road trip, but you'll be so glad you did it. Your guide will take you on a motor coach across the desert to Abu Simbel. Here is where you'll see the 67-foot-high structures of Ramseys II and Nefertari that were moved 200 feet above their original site to protect them from rising waters. Truly incredible.

After you explore the grounds on foot, you'll enjoy a traditional Nubian lunch—delicious!—and enjoy a boat ride around Lake Nasser to view the temples. You'll then take the motor coach back to your ship for dinner and some much-deserved rest!

Today will be your last full day in Egypt, so let's make the most of it! You'll spend the day in Aswan, starting off by taking a boat ride to visit the Kalabsha Temple. Then you'll explore the Nubian Museum. Finally, it's time to head to the airport for your return trip to Cairo, where you will then catch your return flight home.