Explore Egypt from Cairo to Coast
Who: Couples, Honeymoons, Families, Groups and Solo Travellers

11 Days

From £4,961pp

History of the Nile: Explore Egypt from Cairo to Coast

Emily C and Rachel are here to help give you the inside track.

Enjoy Egypt's riches above and below the surface as you explore the country from Cairo to the coast. Begin your adventure touring temples and pyramids before slipping below the surface to swim with sharks over rainbow corals. End each day beneath the star-strew sky before resting between the highest-quality Egyptian cotton sheets.

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Tour the iconic pyramids in Cairo
  • Enjoy a private hieroglyphics lesson
  • Explore the Valley of the Kings and Queens with a private guide
  • Dive the Red Sea

Why Book with Original Diving?

Just a few of the extra touches that come as standard on an Original Diving holiday...
100% Carbon Off-setting
UK Departure Assistance
Fast Track UK Check-in
Fast Track UK Security
UK Airport Lounge Access
Pre-booked Airline Seats
See More

When To Travel

jan

feb

mar

apr

may

jun

jul

aug

sep

oct

nov

dec

Average temperature -
Average rainfall -

All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you

This sample itinerary is intended to give you a flavour of what we can do

Day 1: Cairo calls

Your Egyptian escape begins today with an afternoon flight to Cairo. Breeze through security and settle into the lounge before boarding your five-hour flight. Gaze out of the window to catch the first glimpses of this bustling city at night. When you land, you'll be greeted by our local representative, who will assist you through the visa process and then drive you 45 minutes to your hotel in central Cairo, where you'll spend two nights in the shadow of the pyramids. Enjoy a nightcap in the hotel's bar before a deep sleep between Egyptian cotton sheets.

Day 2: Explore the iconic symbols of Egypt

Rise and shine to the breathtaking view of the pyramids as you kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast beneath clear blue skies. Today's adventure takes you on a private tour around the iconic symbol of Egypt: the pyramids. Wander around landmarks like the Sphinx, the Giza necropolis and the Temple of the Valley; visit the Khufu Ship Museum; and stand in reverence before the legendary pyramids of Khufu, Chephren and Mycerinus.

After working up an appetite, treat your taste buds to a feast of authentic Egyptian flavours at a local restaurant. We're talking everything from mouthwatering hummus to savoury falafel and juicy shawarma.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Islamic Cairo. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the citadel of Saladin and the magnificent Great Mosque of Mohamed Ali. Then, lose yourself in the enchanting labyrinth of Khan el-Khalili - Cairo's most charming souq - as you stroll through its bustling streets and soak in the sights and sounds of this lively marketplace.

Day 3: Heiroglyphics and onwards to Luxor

Spend your morning learning about hieroglyphics with a private teacher, gaining an understanding of this ancient form of writing that decorates the temples and walls of Egypt. Then head back to your hotel where you'll be collected and driven back to the airport for your one-hour flight to Luxor. Look out of the window as you fly over Egypt's honey-hued landscapes.

On arrival, you'll be whisked away for a short 20-minute drive to your luxurious hotel. Built in 1886, this iconic property has been adored by royalty since its opening and effortlessly combines old-world charm with modern luxury. Settle into your room before nabbing a sun lounger overlooking the river Nile while you sip on a karkadeh (traditional hibiscus tea).

Day 4: Explore the Valley of the Kings and Queens

Wake up slowly (you're on holiday after all) and enjoy an Egyptian coffee as the sun warms your skin. Today, you'll venture across the Nile to uncover ancient Egypt's wonders. Begin your journey at the Valley of the Kings and Queens, where the desert hides breathtaking treasures beneath its sands. Though looted of tangible riches, the tombs still boast awe-inspiring artwork, putting your newfound hieroglyphic knowledge to good use. Next, you'll be taken to Deir el-Bahri, a vast funerary complex housing the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Marvel at the magnificent architecture against the backdrop of majestic mountains.

Day 5: Temple touring

Enjoy a private five-hour temple tour of Karnak and Luxor. Spend the afternoon with a guide exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site that's comprised of temples, pylons, chapels, shrines and obelisks.

When your feet are pleasantly tired and you're ready for a sundowner cocktail, head back to the hotel to recline poolside beneath the shades of palm trees as the sky turns from blue to black.

Day 6: Onwards to Hurghada

Rise and shine to the rays peeking through your blinds then nip down to take those last snaps of the river Nile before being driven three-and-a-half hours onwards to Hurghada to experience the diving delights of the Red Sea. Settle into your private villa and catch some rays under the warm sun or grab some fins and slip below the surface to explore the kaleidoscopic corals along the hotel's house reef. However you spend your afternoon, make sure to enjoy a meal under the stars and take advantage of the hotel's spa for some pre-dive pampering.

Days 7 & 8: Boat dive delights

Wake up with an Egyptian coffee - they're strong, so be sure to order it arrih (sweet). Then get ready for some thrilling boat dives over the next two days. With over 40 dive sites to choose from, boasting everything from vibrant marine life and stunning corals to exhilarating drift dives, you'll be spoiled for choice.

Your dive guide will tailor the experience to your preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone. Glide over coral reefs bursting with every colour imaginable, and keep your eyes peeled for sunbathing turtles soaking up the clear waters' rays. And who knows? You might just spot a shark or two. For the wreck enthusiasts, don't miss a day trip to explore the legendary Thistlegorm and Giannis D. wrecks.

Day 9: Stunning shore dives

Stay close to shore and dive right from the hotel with morning and afternoon shore dives. Explore the crystal-clear waters of the hotel's own house reef, offering classic Red Sea diving experiences.

Glide over reefs adorned with vibrant hard and soft corals, where curious moray eels peek out from their hiding spots. Enjoy leisurely drifts in the gentle currents, accompanied by graceful turtles. And don't forget to glance out into the blue depths for a chance encounter with playful dolphins.

After a day filled with underwater wonders, wind down with a refreshing sundowner by the pool. Sit back, relax and watch as the sky transforms into a star-studded tapestry.

Day 10: Rest and relax under the Egyptian sun

It's your last full day of adventure in Egypt, and the options are endless. Will you pamper yourself with a relaxing spa day at the hotel? Perhaps you'll explore the charming old town of Hurghada and visit the Al Mina Mosque. If you're up for it, why not enjoy a scenic camel ride in the desert, or tee off for a few rounds at the nearby golf course?

End the day under the stars. Maybe you'll indulge in a romantic private dinner on the pier. The choice is yours, so make the most of every moment of your Egyptian escape.

Day 11: Homebound

Before you know it, it's time to bid farewell and make your way back to the airport. But not before indulging in one last slow breakfast under the gentle morning sun. You'll be chauffeured back to the airport for your mid-day flight from Hurghada to Cairo.

Take in those final glimpses of the Egyptian landscape during the journey, and while you wait for your connecting flight, scroll through the memories captured in your now-full photo album.

All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you

This sample itinerary is intended to give you a flavour of what we can do
£

A Rough Idea of Price

While all of our holidays are completely tailor-made and prices will vary based on things like time of year and level of accommodation, we want to give you as good an idea of how much this itinerary will cost. The below prices are based on two people sharing.

This Itinerary

If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.

From

£5,705pp

Bare Necessities

If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.

From

£4,961pp

Bells & Whistles

If you are looking for something extra special and would like to add business or first class flights, stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.

From

£7,132pp

Emily C and Rachel are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.

Rachel Gaw
Call us on 1-800-652-1972