Your Egyptian journey begins in Cairo, the bustling capital known as the "Mother of the World." This sprawling city straddles the past and present, from traffic-clogged roundabouts to 7,000-year-old ruins. Today is all about easing into this new rhythm—welcoming the women who will become your chosen travel sisters and setting the tone for a journey rich in discovery, elegance, and connection.

✈️ Arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI)
🚌 Private VIP airport transfer
🏨 Overnight at Kempinski Nile Hotel – Nile Deluxe Room
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable, travel-friendly attire—no formalwear needed this evening

Morning

Arrival in Cairo
Upon arrival in Cairo, you’ll be greeted by a TDJ representative and personally assisted through customs, baggage, and visa procedures. From there, you’ll travel by private car to your home for the next few nights: the 5-star Kempinski Nile Hotel. Located in the chic Garden City neighborhood along the banks of the Nile, the hotel offers stylish comfort and refined hospitality. Settle into your Nile-view Deluxe Room, refresh, and rest from your travels.

Afternoon

Optional Rest or Nile Promenade Walk
After checking in, take time to relax, nap, journal, or lounge on the rooftop terrace. If you’re feeling energized, explore the peaceful promenade that runs alongside the Nile—perfect for people-watching, photo ops, or your first taste of fresh sugarcane juice.

Evening

Welcome Dinner – Meet the Dandies
🕗 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tonight we gather for our official welcome dinner at one of Cairo’s hidden-gem restaurants. Settle in around a beautifully set table and meet your fellow travelers over a spread of traditional Egyptian dishes with a modern twist—think roasted eggplant, tangy molokhia, grilled lamb, and pomegranate-glazed vegetables. This is the perfect time to toast the adventure ahead and begin weaving the connections that will make this trip unforgettable.

Overnight: Kempinski Nile Hotel – Nile Deluxe Room

Our first full day in Egypt is a deep immersion into its ancient grandeur. From the treasure-filled halls of the Grand Egyptian Museum to the world-famous Giza Plateau, we’ll walk in the footsteps of pharaohs, queens, and divine legends. This is Egypt in all its majesty—timeless, towering, and unforgettable.

🚌 Full-day private guided exploration
🏨 Overnight at Kempinski Nile Hotel – Nile Deluxe Room
👗 Attire Tip: Modest attire for cultural sites; comfortable walking shoes; hat or scarf for sun protection

Morning

Breakfast at the Hotel
Savor a beautiful Egyptian breakfast overlooking the Nile. You’ll want plenty of fuel for the full day ahead.

Grand Egyptian Museum
We begin at the awe-inspiring Grand Egyptian Museum—a vast, modern showcase of over 100,000 ancient artifacts. Your private Egyptologist will guide you through the crown jewels of Egyptology: the golden mask and burial treasures of King Tutankhamun, enormous statues of Ramses II, ancient scrolls, ceremonial tools, and countless relics that reveal the depth and ingenuity of pharaonic civilization. You’ll leave this space with a profound sense of history—and a deeper connection to what lies ahead.

Afternoon

Lunch in Giza
We’ll stop for lunch at a peaceful garden restaurant in the shadow of the pyramids. Sip fresh juices and enjoy dishes like koshari, grilled chicken, and baba ghanoush.

Pyramids of Giza, Valley Temple & the Sphinx
Prepare to be awed. This afternoon we explore the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World: the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Learn how these astonishing structures were built more than 4,500 years ago, walk among them with your guide, and descend into one of the tombs if you wish. At the nearby Valley Temple, we’ll trace the rituals of mummification. Then gaze up at the Great Sphinx—silent, stoic, and still holding her ancient secrets.

Visit to Papyrus Institute
Before returning to the hotel, we stop at a local workshop to learn how ancient Egyptians created one of the world’s earliest forms of paper using papyrus reeds. Watch a demonstration and browse hand-painted papyrus art.

Evening

Dinner at Leisure
Enjoy a relaxed evening. You might choose to dine at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, or your Dandie can help coordinate an optional group meal nearby.

Overnight: Kempinski Nile Hotel – Nile Deluxe Room

Today we venture outside Cairo to uncover Egypt’s earliest pyramids and burial sites in Saqqara—a necropolis that predates even the Great Pyramid. After a powerful morning among ancient tombs, we’ll journey into the peaceful oasis of Fayoum, where slow rhythms and artisan traditions await.

🚌 Overland transfer from Cairo to Fayoum (with excursions en route)
🏨 Overnight at Lazib Inn Resort & Spa – Superior Room
👗 Attire Tip: Modest attire and closed-toe shoes for tombs; sun hat and breathable clothing recommended

Morning

Breakfast & Hotel Check-Out
Enjoy breakfast before we say goodbye to Cairo and set off for Saqqara, one of the oldest and most fascinating archaeological zones in all of Egypt.

Step Pyramid of Djoser & Saqqara Necropolis
We begin with a visit to the Step Pyramid of Djoser—the oldest stone pyramid in the world. Built during the 27th century BCE, it marked the first monumental tomb of its kind. Our Egyptologist will guide us through the innovations of architect Imhotep and the significance of this royal burial site.

Serapeum of Saqqara & Tombs
Explore the underground Serapeum, a mysterious corridor of massive granite sarcophagi thought to house sacred Apis bulls. Then, visit richly decorated tombs such as those of Mereruka and Kagemni, whose vibrant wall carvings offer a glimpse into daily life over 4,000 years ago.

Imhotep Museum
Conclude your Saqqara visit at this beautifully curated museum dedicated to the genius architect of the Step Pyramid. Artifacts and scale models provide excellent context for all we’ve seen.

Afternoon

Carpet School Visit
On the way to Fayoum, we’ll make a short stop at a traditional carpet school where students learn to weave intricate tapestries by hand. See these incredible works in progress and meet the artists carrying on this generational craft.

Drive to Fayoum & Arrival at Lazib Inn
Continue on to the Fayoum Oasis, a verdant stretch of land surrounded by desert and known for its laid-back charm. Upon arrival, check into the boutique Lazib Inn Resort—an elegant retreat overlooking the desert hills.

Evening

Dinner at the Hotel
🕗 7:30 PM
Enjoy a seasonal, farm-to-table meal on the hotel terrace as the sun sets over the dunes.

Overnight: Lazib Inn Resort & Spa – Superior Room

Today invites us deeper into the heart of the Fayoum oasis. We’ll explore pottery workshops in Tunis Village, witness Egypt’s only waterfalls, and spend golden hour among the dunes before a magical Bedouin dinner beneath the stars. It’s a day of hands-on creativity, stunning landscapes, and soulful connection to land and people.

🚌 Local exploration and desert excursion around Fayoum
🏨 Overnight at Lazib Inn Resort & Spa – Superior Room
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable, breathable clothes; scarf or wrap for modesty; closed-toe shoes for walking on sand and in villages

MORNING
Breakfast at the Inn
Start your day with fresh local fruits, Egyptian coffee, and a nourishing breakfast on the terrace.

Tunis Village Pottery Workshops
Spend the morning in charming Tunis Village, where generations of potters keep ancient ceramic traditions alive. Visit working studios, try your hand at the wheel, and browse beautiful handmade pieces crafted from local clay. This is a unique opportunity to learn the rhythms of village artistry directly from the people who shape it.

AFTERNOON
Lunch at a Lakeside Lodge
Savor a slow lunch at a local ecolodge overlooking Lake Qarun. The peaceful water views and desert breeze offer a moment of stillness amid the day’s discoveries.

Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls & Desert Drive
Travel by 4x4 through golden sand dunes to Wadi El Rayan—home to Egypt’s only natural waterfalls. Marvel at the contrast of cascading water against desert stone, then head into the heart of the dunes where silence stretches in every direction.

EVENING

Sunset in the Dunes & Bedouin Dinner Under the Stars
🕗 5:30 PM–9:00 PM
As the sky turns to gold, we gather at a secluded desert camp for a private Bedouin-style dinner. Enjoy grilled meats, warm flatbreads, and sweet mint tea under the stars. Music, storytelling, and firelight bring this unforgettable day to a soulful close.

Overnight: Lazib Inn Resort & Spa – Superior Room

Today we venture deeper into the Western Desert to a place unlike anywhere else on earth. From a UNESCO World Heritage fossil bed to an intimate cultural exchange with local women, this day is all about natural wonder and human connection. We close our time in Fayoum with rest, reflection, and a memorable farewell meal.

🚌 Excursion to Wadi Al-Hitan and Tunis Village
🏨 Overnight at Lazib Inn Resort & Spa – Superior Room
👗 Attire Tip: Light layers for sun and sand; scarf or wrap for modesty; comfortable walking shoes for the fossil trail

MORNING
Breakfast & Departure for Wadi Al-Hitan
Fuel up on breakfast before we set off for a scenic drive through the desert to Wadi Al-Hitan—"Valley of the Whales."

Wadi Al-Hitan Fossil Reserve
Explore this breathtaking protected site, where fossilized remains of prehistoric whales—some over 40 million years old—are embedded in sandstone formations. Walk the curated trail with your guide, marveling at the preserved vertebrae and skulls that tell the story of Earth’s ancient oceans. This desert was once the sea floor—your feet now tread across prehistory.

AFTERNOON
Feteer-Making with Local Women
Return to Tunis Village for a special hands-on experience with local women artisans. Learn how to make feteer—a flaky, buttery layered bread—using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Share stories, laughter, and warm bread right from the oven.

Free Time at the Inn
Unwind back at Lazib Inn with poolside relaxation, a spa treatment, or some journaling in the garden.

EVENING

Farewell Dinner in Fayoum
Gather for a final meal under the stars or in the charming garden restaurant of Lazib Inn. Reflect on everything Fayoum has offered—from sacred landscapes to meaningful human connections.

Overnight: Lazib Inn Resort & Spa – Superior Room

Today we bid farewell to Fayoum and journey south to Luxor—ancient Thebes and the heart of Upper Egypt. After a travel day and check-in, we’ll be rewarded with an enchanting evening visit to Luxor Temple, beautifully lit against the night sky, followed by free time to explore the city’s vibrant souks.

🚌 Drive to Cairo Airport (approx. 2.5 hours), flight to Luxor
✈️ Domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor
🏨 Overnight at Sonesta St. George Hotel – Nile View Room
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable travel outfit; bring a light layer for the evening temple visit

MORNING
Departure from Fayoum
We enjoy a final breakfast at Lazib Inn, then say goodbye to the oasis as we drive back toward Cairo for our flight to Luxor.

Flight to Luxor
Board a short flight to Luxor, gateway to some of Egypt’s most magnificent temples and tombs. Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to the Sonesta St. George Hotel, located along the Nile promenade.

AFTERNOON
Check-In & Refresh
Settle into your Nile View Room and enjoy a moment to rest, recharge, or take in the view of feluccas sailing by. The day’s pace softens to allow space before our magical evening begins.

EVENING
Luxor Temple by Night
🕕 6:00 PM
We visit the elegant Luxor Temple, a sacred site linked to rejuvenation and divine kingship. Lit by golden floodlights, its colonnades and statues feel even more majestic under the stars. Your guide will share the story of Amenhotep III and Ramses II as you walk the Avenue of Sphinxes and imagine ancient rituals unfolding where you now stand.

Stroll Through Luxor Souks
After the temple visit, enjoy time in the local market—vibrant with scarves, spices, silver, and hand-painted cartouches.

Dinner at Leisure
Return to the hotel or explore one of Luxor’s riverside restaurants with your Dandie’s help.

Overnight: Sonesta St. George Hotel – Nile View Room

Today we make our way to Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes and the beating heart of pharaonic Egypt. After a morning flight and check-in at our riverside hotel, we’ll experience the ethereal glow of Luxor Temple at night before diving into the city’s lively bazaar. It’s a day of arrival, enchantment, and sensory delight.

🚌 Drive to Cairo Airport + Flight to Luxor
✈️ Domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor
🏨 Overnight at Sonesta St. George Hotel – Nile View Room
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable travel attire during the day; light layers and modest dress for temple visits and market walk

MORNING
Breakfast at Lazib Inn
Enjoy one final breakfast in Fayoum, taking in the peaceful desert breeze and nourishing homemade fare before we say goodbye to the oasis.

Drive to Cairo & Flight to Luxor
After breakfast, we’ll board our private transfer to Cairo Airport for a short domestic flight south to Luxor—the site of some of the world’s most breathtaking antiquities.

AFTERNOON
Check In – Sonesta St. George Hotel
Nestled right along the Nile, this elegant hotel welcomes you with Egyptian charm and luxury. Rooms feature Nile or garden views, plush furnishings, and access to a serene pool, spa, and gourmet dining. It’s the perfect retreat after a day of travel.

Free Time to Unwind
Enjoy time to unpack, refresh, or lounge by the pool with a drink in hand as we settle into our new setting.

EVENING
Luxor Temple by Night
🕗 6:30 PM
Prepare for an unforgettable experience as we visit Luxor Temple lit by soft amber floodlights. Wander among colossal statues, towering columns, and sacred inscriptions that tell tales of ancient rituals and divine kingship. Under the night sky, the temple’s beauty feels almost otherworldly.

Luxor Bazaar Walk
From the temple, we step into the pulse of the local bazaar. Sample fragrant teas, browse for handmade treasures, and try your hand at bargaining like a local. This colorful market street is filled with surprises, stories, and perfect photo ops.

Dinner at a Local Restaurant
Cap off the day with a flavorful Egyptian meal in a local favorite spot near the Nile—fresh bread, grilled meats, and savory mezze under the stars.

Overnight: Sonesta St. George Hotel – Nile View Room

Today takes us deep into the royal resting places and monumental legacies of ancient Egypt’s most iconic figures. On Luxor’s West Bank, we’ll explore pharaohs’ tombs, the mortuary temple of a female ruler who defied gender norms, and the towering sentinels of myth and stone. We’ll then continue our peaceful journey along the Nile, with time to rest, reflect, and take it all in.

🚌 Guided West Bank tour
🛳️ Nile River Cruise – Acamar Nile Cruise
🏨 Overnight on board – Deluxe Cabin
👗 Attire Tip: Modest, comfortable attire for temples; sturdy walking shoes; sun hat or scarf

MORNING

Breakfast Onboard
Start your day with a buffet breakfast in the ship’s dining salon—fresh fruit, pastries, and traditional Egyptian fare—before setting out for the morning’s exploration.

Valley of the Kings
Descend into the silent, painted tombs of ancient Egypt’s most powerful rulers. Our expert guide will take us through three of the most stunning chambers, each covered in celestial imagery and sacred symbolism. You may also choose to enter the tomb of Tutankhamun, where his mummified remains still rest, encased in mystery.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Next, we visit the majestic mortuary temple of Hatshepsut—Egypt’s first female pharaoh. Built into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, this architectural wonder features sweeping terraces, vibrant carvings, and an origin story that redefined what power could look like.

Colossi of Memnon
We pause at the feet of the Colossi of Memnon—two towering statues of Amenhotep III that have stood watch over the Theban necropolis for more than 3,000 years. Their weathered beauty and mythic presence are unforgettable.

AFTERNOON
Lunch Onboard & Sail South
Return to the ship for a well-earned lunch and begin sailing toward Edfu. The rest of the afternoon is yours—lounge on the sundeck, journal, nap, or simply watch the Nile drift by.

EVENING
Dinner Onboard
Gather in the dining room for another delicious dinner prepared by our onboard chefs. Share stories from the day and toast the journey still to come.

Overnight: Acamar Nile Cruise – Deluxe Cabin

Today is a day of powerful temple visits as we continue sailing southward along the Nile. From the majestic falcon god Horus at Edfu to the twin deities Sobek and Horus the Elder at Kom Ombo, we explore divine mythology, temple architecture, and sacred healing traditions.

🛳️ Nile River Cruise – Edfu and Kom Ombo stops
🏨 Overnight on board – Deluxe Cabin
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable shoes for walking over stone; sun protection; light, breathable fabrics

MORNING

Breakfast Onboard
Start your day with a buffet breakfast in the ship’s dining salon—fresh fruit, pastries, and traditional Egyptian fare—before setting out for the morning’s exploration.

Temple of Horus at Edfu (by Carriage Ride)
After breakfast, we disembark for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town of Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus. This is one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt, built during the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Your guide will explain the myth of Horus’s battle with Seth as you admire towering pylons, detailed reliefs, and sacred halls echoing with legend.

AFTERNOON
Lunch Onboard & Sail Toward Kom Ombo
Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch as we continue southward. Relax on the sundeck or retreat to your cabin to rest and recharge.

Kom Ombo Temple Visit
Later in the afternoon, we dock at Kom Ombo, a unique dual temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile deity of strength and fertility, and Horus the Elder, god of protection and healing. This symmetrical complex reveals rare carvings of ancient surgical tools, calendars, and rituals. Don’t miss the adjacent Crocodile Museum, where mummified crocodiles and artifacts from the Sobek cult are on display.

EVENING
Dinner Onboard & Stargazing
As the ship sails into the quiet of evening, enjoy a peaceful dinner on board. Then, take a moment under the stars on the top deck—perfect for soaking in the mystique of the Nile.

Overnight: Acamar Nile Cruise – Deluxe Cabin