The journey
Journey through time — Egypt by rail
There is no better way to experience Egypt than by following the tracks that have connected its ancient cities for more than a century. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the timeless temples of Luxor and Aswan, this 13-day rail adventure combines Egypt's greatest treasures with unforgettable train journeys.
Two of those nights are spent aboard the legendary Elite First-Class Sleeper Train — a favourite among explorers since the days of the early Nile expeditions. Settle into a private cabin, dine onboard and watch the Nile Valley glide silently past your window.
Every Tuesday departure. 12 nights, 11 of them on land and at sea level, two of them riding the rails through the heart of Egypt.
Tour highlights
What you'll experience
- 01Grand Egyptian Museum — the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures.
- 02Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, standing for over 4,500 years.
- 03Khan El Khalili Bazaar — Cairo's historic marketplace of crafts, spices and cafés.
- 04El Alamein — battlefields, memorials and museum of WWII, then leisure days on the Mediterranean coast.
- 05Alexandria — Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar and the Corniche.
- 06Two nights aboard the Elite First-Class Sleeper Train between Alexandria–Luxor and Aswan–Cairo.
- 07Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple by evening light.
- 08Luxor's West Bank — Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 09Felucca sailing on the Nile at sunset in Aswan.
- 10Abu Simbel — Ramses II's colossal temples carved into the mountainside.
- 11The High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple in Aswan.
- 12Walking tour through Cairo's oldest streets with a traditional Egyptian breakfast.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 1 · Tuesday
Welcome to Cairo
Arrival at Cairo International Airport, meet & assist and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Cairo Baron Hotel or similar (BB).
Day 2 · Wednesday
Cairo's Ancient Wonders
Full-day Cairo tour: Grand Egyptian Museum, Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, ending at Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Overnight: Cairo Baron Hotel or similar (BB).
Day 3 · Thursday
The Road to El Alamein
Drive west along the Mediterranean to El Alamein — WWII battlefields, military museum and war cemeteries. Overnight: El Alamein Hotel / VEDA or similar (HB).
Day 4 · Friday
Leisure on the Mediterranean
A relaxing day at Marassi resort. Beaches and tranquil coastline. Overnight: El Alamein Hotel / VEDA or similar (HB).
Day 5 · Saturday
Leisure on the Mediterranean
Second free day at Marassi to enjoy the resort. Overnight: El Alamein Hotel / VEDA or similar (HB).
Day 6 · Sunday
Alexandria & Overnight Train
Transfer to Alexandria for a full-day tour: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar and the Corniche. Evening transfer to the railway station to board the Elite First Class Sleeper Train to Luxor. Dinner served onboard. Overnight: Elite Sleeper Train (HB).
Day 7 · Monday
Arrival in Luxor
Arrive Luxor and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon tour of Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple as the ancient stones glow at dusk. Overnight: Ibrotel Luxor or similar (HB).
Day 8 · Tuesday
Luxor West Bank
Early start for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Ibrotel Luxor or similar (HB).
Day 9 · Wednesday
Luxor → Aswan
Transfer to Luxor Railway Station and board the train to Aswan, a scenic ride through the fertile Nile Valley. Late-afternoon felucca sailing on the Nile around Aswan's granite islands. Overnight: Obelisk Hotel or similar (HB).
Day 10 · Thursday
Abu Simbel
Early departure for Abu Simbel — Ramses II's colossal twin temples carved into the mountainside more than 3,000 years ago, and the remarkable story of their relocation. Return to Aswan, free afternoon. Overnight: Obelisk Hotel or similar (HB).
Day 11 · Friday
Aswan → Cairo by Sleeper Train
Guided tour of the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple. Evening departure on the Elite Sleeper Train to Cairo — dinner onboard as the train rolls north through the Nile Valley. Overnight: Elite Sleeper Train.
Day 12 · Saturday
Cairo Hidden Gems
Morning arrival in Cairo and transfer to the hotel. Walking tour through Cairo's oldest streets with a traditional Egyptian breakfast among historic mosques, old houses and bustling markets. Overnight: Cairo Baron Hotel or similar (BB).
Day 13 · Sunday
Departure
Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your final departure.
Inclusions
What's included & what's not
What's Included
- Meet & assist on arrival and departure at Cairo International Airport
- All transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- Full-day Cairo tour (Grand Egyptian Museum, Pyramids, Sphinx, Khan El Khalili)
- El Alamein sightseeing tour with military museum
- Full-day Alexandria sightseeing tour
- Luxor East & West Bank guided tours
- Aswan guided tour (High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple)
- Excursion to Abu Simbel
- Felucca sailing on the Nile in Aswan
- All train tickets, including 2 nights on the Elite First-Class Sleeper Train
- 3 nights in Cairo at Baron Hotel or similar (BB)
- 3 nights in El Alamein at Al Alamein Hotel / VEDA Resort or similar (HB)
- 2 nights in Luxor at Ibrotel or similar (HB)
- 2 nights in Aswan at Obelisk Hotel or similar (HB)
- Carbon footprint neutralisation certificate
Not Included
- International flight tickets
- Egypt entry visa
- Fuel surcharge and entry tax
- Tipping (recommended)
- Extra meals and beverages
- Optional sightseeing (Nubian Village with dinner, hot-air balloon, Karnak & Luxor Temple sound & light)
- Travel insurance
Good to know
Group size & pricing
- Dual occupancy from $2,300 pp (deposit $220, 4 PAX minimum) · Single occupancy from $2,960 pp (deposit $280, 4 PAX minimum).
- Smaller group option: Dual occupancy $2,550 pp (deposit $212, 2 PAX minimum) · Single occupancy $4,990 pp (deposit $403, 1 PAX minimum).
- If the minimum group size is not met we will notify you 40–90 days before departure — you may pay the difference to operate the trip or cancel free of charge.
Reserve your place
Board the Elite Sleeper Train
Tuesday departures, limited cabins each week. Contact us for a personalised quote.