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Legends of sand and stone

Qatar and Egypt • 12 days / 10 nights

From $3,349

$5,159

35% off

Flights, hotels & activities included
From the futuristic skyline of Doha to the ancient tombs of Luxor, this journey reveals the soul of two civilizations shaped by golden sands and timeless legacies.
James
Designed by JamesTravel crafter

Highlights

Overview

Trip map

Explore Doha’s modern skyline, cultural gems, and golden dunes. Fly to Cairo to uncover the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and treasures of the Egyptian Museum. Cruise the Nile from Aswan, stopping at Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor’s ancient temples. Walk through the Valley of the Kings, visit Karnak, and return to Cairo to complete your epic journey.

Itinerary

Day 1

1

US - Night on board

US - Night on board

Ready to discover the cultural treasures and incredible landscapes of Qatar and Egypt? Arrive at your departure airport ready to catch a flight to Doha*. Night on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

The order of the excursions and visits may vary, depending on the schedule of the internal flights, traffic and other logistical reasons. The planned visits will be carried out in any case.

You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Day 2

2

Doha

Doha

Land in Doha, Qatar’s modern capital, and meet your English-speaking representative. Then take a private transfer to your hotel in a premium car, enjoying a scenic drive dominated by Doha’s striking skyline. Spend the rest of the day at your own pace. Overnight stay in Doha.

Day 3

3

Doha

Doha

Breakfast at the hotel. All things Doha are on today’s itinerary with a half-day city tour. Your guide will take you straight to The Corniche, the city’s 7 km-long promenade showcasing towering skyscrapers that stretch around Doha Bay. From the Museum of Islamic Art to the Sheraton Hotel, with its pyramid shape, an iconic landmark all on its own—there’s plenty to see.

Continue on to Katara Cultural Village, an arts and heritage hub where you can explore more of Qatari culture. Next, you’ll discover The Pearl-Qatar, Doha’s lavish man-made island. Between the marinas harboring sleek yachts, elegant boutiques, and manicured gardens, luxury is everywhere. Then drive through West Bay, the district at the heart of the city’s financial center.

Later, you’ll have time to explore Souq Waqif, a traditional market in the Al Souq district. From gold jewelry to having falcons perch on your arm, you’ll get a real sense of Qatar’s old trading traditions.

Afterward, return to the hotel for some downtime. The rest of the day is yours to spend however you like—whether you want to relax or head back out to explore more of this exciting city. Overnight stay in Doha.

Activities

Half-Day Doha City tour

Half-Day Doha City tour

included
4h

Day 4

4

Doha

Doha

Breakfast at the hotel. Then, get ready for an unforgettable half-day desert safari. Hop into a Land Cruiser and head to Sealine Beach for an exhilarating adventure, including adrenaline-pumping dune bashing. Let your pulse rate calm down with a thrilling—in a different sense—visit to the Inland Sea, a natural reserve locally known as Khor Al Adaid. Home to a saltwater lagoon and dramatic dunes, it’s also a UNESCO-recognized site.

Afterward, return to your hotel, ready to unwind after a day full of excitement. Overnight stay in Doha.

Activities

Half-day Desert Safari

Half-day Desert Safari

included
4h

Day 5

5

Qatar - Cairo

Qatar - Cairo

Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly, it’s time to leave Doha behind, but the adventure continues. Take your private transfer to Doha International Airport and catch your flight to Cairo.

Touch down in Cairo and transfer to the hotel. Once you've settled in, the remainder of the day is free at your leisure to get to know the sights and sounds of Cairo, in the shadow of the Great Pyramids! Go shopping at the local souk or sample the national cuisine. Overnight stay in Cairo.

Please note: Timings may change slightly due to factors like internal flights, cruises, traffic, or other logistical reasons. The order of excursions and visits may also vary. However, all planned activities will be carried out, and we’ll do our best to keep everything on track. Your guide will keep you updated along the way.

You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip!

Activities

Ultimate Egypt Excursions Package (Limited Offer) - 4 Excursions

Ultimate Egypt Excursions Package (Limited Offer) - 4 Excursions

Optional
Experience Egypt Excursions Package (Limited Offer) - 3 Excursions

Experience Egypt Excursions Package (Limited Offer) - 3 Excursions

Optional

Day 6

6

Cairo

Cairo

Breakfast on board. At the indicated time, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Cairo. Arrive in the capital and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to get to know Cairo. While away the day visiting the amazing Egyptian Museum, where it's worth spending some time to really get the most out of its unbeatable exhibitions or go shopping in the busy city souks to bag a bargain.Afterwards, take a stroll through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili neighborhood, home to the city's largest and most famous bazaar*. We recommend an optional excursion to the Saladin Citadel.* Overnight stay in Cairo.

 

*Depending on the day of arrival at the destination, the bazaar activity may need to be rescheduled for another time.

Please note: as of 07/01/2027, the El Khalili Bazaar and the Old Museum will no longer be included in the travel itinerary.

 

Optional Excursion to Saladin Citadel: Visit the Alabaster Mosque and medieval fortification of Saladin Citadel, perched atop a hill in central Cairo and dating back to the 12th-century. Learn about the importance of the site to Egypt's Islamic heritage before walking through the Coptic Neighborhood, home to various churches. 

Activities

Visit to the Egyptian Museum & Bazaar Khan el Khalili

Visit to the Egyptian Museum & Bazaar Khan el Khalili

included
2h 30m
Great Pyramids, Sphinx & Temple of the Valley Excursion

Great Pyramids, Sphinx & Temple of the Valley Excursion

included
3h
Cairo by Night

Cairo by Night

Optional
3h

Day 7

7

Cairo - Aswan

Cairo - Aswan
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, transfer to the airport for an early short flight to Aswan, a city on the Nile River renowned for its importance in Ancient Egyptian history. Upon arrival, embark on a guided city tour starting with the Aswan Dam. Continue to the Granite Quarry, home to the famous unfinished obelisk, and then visit the impressive High Dam of Aswan.
 
Next, transfer to the port to board your Nile cruise ship, your home for the next three nights. Settle into your cabin and take in the stunning river views. Enjoy lunch on board, and in the afternoon, embark on a relaxing cruise aboard a traditional felucca to admire the scenic beauty of the Nile and its famous cataracts. Watch life unfold along the riverbanks as you sail. Dinner and overnight on board.

Activities

Visit the Old & New Dams of Aswan

Visit the Old & New Dams of Aswan

included
30m
Granite Quarry Visit in Aswan

Granite Quarry Visit in Aswan

included
1h

Day 8

8

Aswan - Kom Ombo

Aswan - Kom Ombo

Full-board on board. Today, if you're an early riser, you have the chance to enjoy an optional excursion to Abu Simbel*, home to many rock-carved temples. Afterwards, we recommend to take the chance to book an optional visit to the Island of Philae**. A river island in the Nile where the ancient temple of the goddess Isis is located. Afterwards, navigate northwards towards Kom Ombo. Upon arrival explore the twin Temples of Haroeris and Sobek and see the amazing Nilometer, used to measure the rising and falling levels of the Nile, an important life source in Egypt. Later, visit a unique Crocodile Mummy museum, home to a number of mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship and enjoy relaxing on board. Dinner and overnight on board.

*Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel: Visit these amazing temples, carved on the western cliff of the desert by Ramses II in the Xl century BC. See the iconic 20-metre high statues, dedicated to the god Amon Ra, and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor.

Please note: If you take the optional excursion to Abu Simbel, you will depart from the ship at approximately 3 a.m. to make the most of the coolest and quietest part of the day. This way, you can fully experience Abu Simbel without the crowds and avoid sightseeing in high temperatures.

** Optional Island of Philae Excursion: Discover the historic island of Philae, in the reservoir of the Old Aswan Dam. It is home to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Isis and offers a fascinating insight into life and beliefs in Ancient Egypt.

Activities

Highlights of Kom Ombo Tour

Highlights of Kom Ombo Tour

included
2h 30m
Abu Simbel Excursion

Abu Simbel Excursion

Optional
8h
Island of Philae

Island of Philae

Optional
3h 30m

Day 9

9

Edfu - Luxor

Edfu - Luxor
Full board on board. Transfer to the Temple of Edfu and take time to explore this magnificent site, dedicated to the Egyptian god Horus. It is one of the best-preserved monuments in Egypt, its grand structure having been protected for centuries by desert sands.
 
Return to the ship and continue your journey to Luxor, where the ancient heart of Thebes awaits. Discover the breathtaking Temple of Luxor, built by the great pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Return to the ship for dinner and an overnight stay on board.

Activities

Visit to the Temple of Edfu

Visit to the Temple of Edfu

included
2h 30m
Visit to the Temple of Luxor

Visit to the Temple of Luxor

included
2h

Day 10

10

Luxor

Luxor

Breakfast on board. Continue your discovery of the ancient city of Thebes today as you head to the world-famous Valley of the Kings*, where the tomb of Tutankhamon was discovered, revealing the riches of the ancient pharaohs. It is here that the most powerful and influential kings of Ancient Egypt were buried. After exploring the site, continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an imposing terraced structure, located below towering cliffs.

Bid farewell to this world of ancient kings and queens as you cross the river into modern-day Luxor. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend an optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show**. Overnight stay in Luxor.

*Please note: The excursion to the Valley of the Kings includes visits to three tombs. Entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun is not included but, if you are interested in visiting, you can buy a ticket to see this tomb at the site during your visit.

**Optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show: Visit the largest open-air museum in Egypt, the Karnak Temple in Luxor. Discover the secrets behind the temple's ancient name, Thebes, and explore its significant monuments.  As you wander through the ruins of this once great complex, you will be guided by the voices of the pharaohs who built this site to honor their god Amon. Watch as the temples and statues come to life with the clever use of special effects , relive the times of the ancient pharaohs with their customs and rituals as they recount the dramatic history of ancient Thebes.

Activities

Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut & Memnon Colossi Excursion

Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut & Memnon Colossi Excursion

included
7h
Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show

Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show

Optional
2h 30m

Day 11

11

Luxor - Cairo

Luxor - Cairo

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early in the morning to visit the Karnak Temple Complex, home to a vast array of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other ancient buildings. Explore the ruins as you soak up the unique atmosphere and let your imagination run wild as you learn about life in Ancient Egypt. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Cairo. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional excursion to the Saladin Citadel.* If you wish to dive even deeper into the fascinating Egyptian culture, don't miss our optional visit to the spectacular new Grand Egyptian Museum.* An unforgettable experience that will connect you with the treasures of an ancient civilization.** Overnight stay in Cairo.

*Optional Excursion to Saladin Citadel: Visit the Alabaster Mosque and medieval fortification of Saladin Citadel, perched atop a hill in central Cairo and dating back to the 12th-century. Learn about the importance of the site to Egypt's Islamic heritage before walking through the Coptic Neighborhood, home to various churches.

**Optional Visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum: Discover the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which houses over 50,000 artifacts spanning 7,000 years of history. With breathtaking views of the Pyramids, it features highlights such as the Hanging Obelisk and the impressive Grand Gallery, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Please note: These activities overlap. If you book the activity packages or the Saladin Citadel visit, you won't be able to book the New Grand Egyptian Museum. In the same way, if you book the New Grand Egyptian Museum, you won't be able to book the activity packages or the Saladin Citadel visit.

Activities

Visit to the Karnak Temple Complex

Visit to the Karnak Temple Complex

included
2h 30m
Visit the New Grand Egyptian Museum

Visit the New Grand Egyptian Museum

Optional
3h 30m
Saladin Citadel Excursion

Saladin Citadel Excursion

Optional
4h 30m

Day 12

12

Cairo - US

Cairo - US

Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back home. Arrive in the US** and end of your extraordinary trip.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US the following day.

What's included

  • Departures from main US Airports.
  • International flights: US - Cairo - US.
  • Internal flights: Doha - Cairo; Cairo - Aswan; Luxor - Cairo.*
  • 7 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels and 3 nights on the Nile Cruise.**
  • 7 breakfasts and Full-Board on the Nile Cruise.
  • Transfer in an air conditioned vehicle.
  • Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary.***
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Active tour with daily activities. Schedules will be confirmed on-site. See Important Notes for more details. ****
  • 3-night Nile Cruise.
  • City Tour in Doha.
  • English-speaking guide during the whole trip.
  • Half-day Desert Safari in Qatar.

Accommodation

These are our featured hotels for this tour. Hotel allocation depends on availability and seasonality, so you may be assigned any hotel from our selection.

Select your departure date

May to June 2026

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We recommend booking early

Prices can change and departure dates may sell out.

Flexible payment options available

Pay in full, make a deposit, or split payments.

Best prices

Included activities

Optional activities

Personalization options

  • Flight optionsCustomize your flights by selecting your preferred airline, cabin class, and departure and arrival times.

Additional information

What's not included

Visa (required)* drinks, tips** and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

*Visa issued on arrival. Price approx. $30.

**Please note: Mandatory tips of $55 per person for the Nile Cruise are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay during this tour. Tipping for the rest of the trip is optional, but keep in mind that tipping is an important part of Egyptian culture and that it is commonplace for service providers to ask for tips. In these cases, it is up to your personal discretion whether to tip or not.

Your internal flight details will be provided at your destination. You can view all your flight information and travel documents in the 'Your Trips' section of the app, and in the Trip Summary available in the 'My Bookings' section on the Exoticca website, once you've logged in.

Please note the following luggage allowances for your internal flight: 

  • Checked luggage allowance is between 21-23 kg (46-50 lbs)
  • Hand luggage (carry-on) allowance is 8 kg (17 lbs)

*For travellers arriving in Egypt on a Thursday, please note that the flight the following day from Cairo to Aswan usually departs early in the morning, so you will be required to leave for the airport before dawn.

**The allocated cruise ship may be changed due to routine maintenance, in which case you will be allocated a cruise of the same or higher category.

***The order of the itinerary varies according to the day of arrival:

  • Monday: 2 nights in Cairo, 3 nights Nile cruise, 1 night in Luxor and 1 night in Cairo.
  • Wednesday: 2 nights in Cairo, 3 nights Nile cruise, 1 night in Luxor and 1 night in Cairo.
  • Thursday: 1 night in Cairo, 3 nights Nile Cruise, 1 night in Luxor, 2 nights in Cairo.

****This is a fast-paced itinerary that includes a comprehensive number of sights and activities in order to give you the most complete experience of Egypt! You can expect several early morning departures and a full daily schedule of activities.

Please note: Please be aware that the ship's Wi-Fi connection is dependent on satellite coverage and that there are sections of the cruise in which Wi-Fi will not be available. High-speed Wi-Fi is available to use in port only, for an extra fee of $8 USD per day.

Important: This trip is not suitable for a person with reduced mobility due to the nature of the excursions and the terrain.

However, please note that this tour can be taken privately. There will be a private guide and a specifically designed itinerary to ensure maximum enjoyment. The excursions will be taken via alternative routes with ease of access and the pace will be dictated by the passenger.

To take part in the private tour it is required that the person with reduced mobility is accompanied by a dedicated person at all times, to assist in any necessary situations, such as getting in and out of the transport vehicle, on excursions, and so on.

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

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