Mysteries of the Nile: Egypt from Cairo to Luxor

Stand in the shadow of the Great Pyramid of Giza, its ancient stones still holding secrets from 4,500 years ago, while your fellow travelers marvel beside you at humanity's most enduring architectural triumph. This is Egypt as you've always imagined it: golden desert light spilling across pharaonic temples, the timeless Nile flowing past palm-lined banks, and the intoxicating scent of cumin and cardamom drifting through bustling bazaars.

Over eight unforgettable days, journey from Cairo's vibrant chaos to Luxor's open-air museum of antiquity, uncovering treasures that have captivated travelers for centuries. Descend into the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings, where colors remain vivid after millennia in darkness. Glide along the Nile at sunset, watching feluccas sail past as they have for thousands of years. Learn the art of Egyptian cooking in a local home, sharing laughter and stories with women whose families have called this land home for generations.

This is adventure wrapped in comfort, history brought to life through expert storytelling, and the joy of discovering one of the world's greatest civilizations alongside like-minded women who will become friends for life. From the towering columns of Karnak Temple to the treasures of King Tutankhamun gleaming in the Grand Egyptian Museum, every moment invites wonder, connection, and transformation.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: CAIRO - ARRIVAL AND WELCOME

Your Egyptian adventure begins the moment you land at Cairo International Airport, where private transportation whisks you through the bustling streets of this ancient metropolis to your hotel, your home for the week ahead. After settling into your comfortable accommodations and meeting your fellow travelers, the group gathers for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Over delicious local specialties and traditional Egyptian dishes, your WTA host introduces the journey ahead while you begin forging connections with the women who will share this extraordinary week. Listen to the stories of why each traveler chose Egypt, what dreams brought them here, and what they hope to discover. The anticipation builds as you realize tomorrow brings your first encounter with the world's oldest pyramid and the legendary Sphinx. Tonight, rest well as the sounds of Cairo hum beyond your window, knowing that 5,000 years of history await your discovery.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Hilton Grand Nile, Cairo

DAY 2: SAQQARA, CARPET SCHOOL & GIZA PLATEAU

Begin your journey at the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, where the iconic Step Pyramid of Djoser rises dramatically from the desert sands. Standing before the world's oldest known pyramid, built 4,700 years ago, you witness the moment when Egyptian architecture transformed from simple mud brick structures to monumental stone engineering. Your Egyptologist guide brings this innovation to life, explaining how architect Imhotep revolutionized construction and changed history forever. Next, visit a traditional carpet school where skilled artisans practice centuries-old weaving techniques, their nimble fingers working vibrant threads into intricate designs passed down through generations. Watch in fascination as patterns emerge from the loom, each knot placed with precision and pride. As the day progresses, venture to the legendary Giza Plateau, where three magnificent pyramids pierce the sky and the enigmatic Sphinx stands eternal guard. Take in breathtaking views from carefully chosen vantage points, capturing photos that will inspire awe for years to come. As the sun casts long shadows across the plateau, return to your hotel for relaxation before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hilton Grand Nile, Cairo

DAY 3: CITADEL, GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM & NILE DINNER CRUISE

Begin your day at the commanding Citadel of Salah El-Din, where morning light gleams off the alabaster walls of this medieval fortress perched high above the city. The panoramic views of Cairo spread before you like a living tapestry, countless minarets piercing the sky while the calls to prayer echo across the ancient metropolis below. Your afternoon transports you through millennia at the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, a state-of-the-art facility where King Tutankhamun's treasures shine as brilliantly as they did upon their discovery a century ago. Walk among more than 100,000 artifacts, each telling its own story of ancient Egyptian life, death, and connections to the divine. Marvel at golden funeral masks, intricate jewelry, royal chariots, and the nested coffins that protected pharaohs for eternity. As evening falls, board a traditional felucca-style dinner cruise on the Nile, the lifeblood of Egypt that has sustained civilization for 7,000 years. Savor delicious Egyptian cuisine while traditional musicians play the oud and dancers swirl in colorful costumes, the city lights twinkling along the riverbanks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hilton Grand Nile, Cairo

DAY 4: MARKET TOUR & COOKING CLASS WITH LOCAL FAMILY

Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Egypt beginning with a sensory journey through a vibrant local market, where vendors call out their wares in Arabic and the air fills with the scent of fresh herbs and warm flatbread. Your expert guide helps you select the freshest ingredients, from perfectly ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers to aromatic cilantro, parsley, and the day's catch delivered from the Mediterranean. Learn about the subtle differences between regional spice blends and how they define Egyptian cuisine, understanding why some families prefer more cumin while others favor coriander. Next, enter the warm embrace of an Egyptian family's home, where generations of culinary wisdom come alive in a traditional kitchen. Under the patient guidance of your host family, learn to stuff vine leaves with delicate precision, master the art of properly spicing kofta meatballs, and discover the secret to perfect molokhia, a beloved green soup that's a cornerstone of Egyptian home cooking. Share this feast family-style around a communal table, learning about Egyptian eating customs and daily life while savoring the fruits of your labor. The afternoon winds down with cups of fragrant mint tea and conversations that bridge cultures.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hilton Grand Nile, Cairo

DAY 5: LUXOR - VALLEY OF THE KINGS & WEST BANK

This morning, catch a one-hour regional flight south to Luxor, the world's largest open-air museum, graced with breathtaking architecture on both banks of the majestic Nile. Upon arrival, your guide leads you across the river to the West Bank, the realm of the dead where pharaohs built elaborate tombs to ensure their immortality. Your day of discovery begins at the Valley of the Kings, where 63 royal tombs are carved deep into the limestone cliffs. Descend into painted chambers where hieroglyphics and scenes from the Book of the Dead glow with colors so vivid they seem painted yesterday rather than 3,000 years ago. Capture photos at the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's most successful female pharaoh, its three terraced levels rising dramatically against golden cliffs. Stop at the massive Colossi of Memnon, twin statues standing 60 feet tall, guarding this necropolis for 3,400 years. After a delightful lunch at the beloved Sunflower Restaurant, a local favorite known for traditional dishes, return to your Luxor accommodations where you can relax by the pool or stroll along the Nile promenade before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor

DAY 6: LUXOR EAST BANK - KARNAK & LUXOR TEMPLES, RETURN TO CAIRO

Explore the magnificent East Bank this morning, revealing Karnak and Luxor Temples, Egypt's second-largest archaeological wonders after the Great Pyramids. Begin at the massive Karnak Temple complex, sprawling across 100 hectares along the Nile's east bank. Walk the Avenue of Sphinxes, then enter the breathtaking Great Hypostyle Hall where 134 towering columns reach 80 feet overhead, each so wide that 50 people could stand on top. Construction here spanned over 2,000 years, from the Old Kingdom through Roman-occupied Egypt, with successive pharaohs adding their own monuments to honor Amun-Ra, the king of gods deeply connected to Thebes. Continue to Luxor Temple, dating back to 1400 BCE and known in ancient Egyptian as "ipet resyt," meaning "the southern sanctuary." Marvel at the massive statues of Ramses II, the towering obelisk, and the elegant colonnade that glows honey-colored in afternoon light. After lunch, transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo, where you'll settle back into your home-base hotel. Tonight, gather with your travel companions to share favorite moments from Luxor over dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor

DAY 7: CAIRO TOWER, KHAN EL-KHALILI & FREE TIME

Return to the vibrant energy of Cairo for a final day of discovery, beginning with a visit to the iconic Cairo Tower, where panoramic views stretch across the sprawling metropolis to the pyramids shimmering on the desert horizon. From this vantage point 614 feet above the city, you gain perspective on just how vast Cairo truly is, home to over 20 million people, and how the green ribbon of the Nile sustains life in the surrounding desert. Next, dive into the medieval atmosphere of Khan el-Khalili bazaar, a labyrinth of narrow lanes that has welcomed merchants and traders for 600 years. Colorful textiles hang from shop fronts, brass lanterns catch the light, mountains of aromatic spices fill burlap sacks, and vendors call out friendly greetings and bargaining banter. This is your opportunity for final souvenir shopping, whether you seek papyrus paintings, alabaster vases, silver cartouche pendants with your name in hieroglyphics, or fragrant essential oils. You'll have free time this afternoon to explore independently, perhaps visiting a favorite site again or simply relaxing at a cafe with sweet mint tea and people-watching. Tonight, join your group for a memorable farewell dinner overlooking Cairo, toasting new friendships and unforgettable adventures.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hilton Grand Nile, Cairo

DAY 8: DEPARTURE DAY

After one final Egyptian breakfast at your hotel, take some last moments to absorb Cairo's energy, perhaps stepping out for a final stroll or last-minute souvenir purchase if time permits. Private transportation returns you to Cairo International Airport for your connecting flight home, your luggage heavier with treasures and your heart fuller with memories. As you board your flight, you carry home not just photographs and hieroglyphic souvenirs, but something more precious: the lived experience of walking where pharaohs walked, the wonder of ancient mysteries revealed, and the lasting friendships forged with fellow travelers who shared your sense of adventure. Egypt has left its mark on your soul, and you know that this journey, these women, and these timeless monuments will inspire your stories for years to come. Ma'a salama, Egypt. Until we meet again.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: N/A

DAYS 8 - 11: Jordan Extension 

For those continuing on with the Post-Trip extension to Jordan, the itinerary will include:

• Day 8: Fly Cairo to Amman, Jordan where you will meet your local guide & driver. You'll immediately drive south to Wadi Rum. Experience a camel ride through the incredible sand dunes and sandstone cliffs. Then glam in a luxurious tented camp.
• Day 9: After a leisurely morning at the camp, drive north to Petra. You'll be able to head into the park in the afternoon to explore with your guide. Overnight at a hotel nearby.
• Day 10: Wake up up early and beat the crowds to watch sunrise at The Treasury. After another few hours at the site, your driver will take you back toward Amman. You'll make a lunch stop at the Dead Sea where you can enjoy lunch at the beach and try floating in the salty waters. Finally, end the night back at a hotel in Amman.
• Day 11: Bid farewell to Jordan and catch your departing flight back to home from Amman International Airport.

Inclusions: Daily breakfast & dinners. Lunches are not included during the extension. You'll have a local driver & guide in Jordan, but not the services of a WTA trip host.

Note, for those participating in the post-trip extension, you need to book your arrival flight to Cairo, Egypt and your departure from Amman, Jordan.