Egypt: A Journey Through Time
March 21-31, 2026
Ancient temples. Bustling cities. A river older than time.
One unforgettable journey through Egypt.
Trip Overview:
This is Egypt beyond the postcards.
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On this immersive 11-day journey, we experience the icons—standing beneath the pyramids of Giza, exploring the temples of Luxor, and cruising the Nile—but we go further, weaving in moments that reveal Egypt as a living, breathing culture. You’ll stay in a traditional Nubian guesthouse, explore villages where daily life unfolds at an unhurried pace, and connect with the people whose stories give this country its depth and soul.
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Adventure is woven throughout the experience. In Fayoum Oasis, we trade city streets for desert landscapes—sandboarding down golden dunes, exploring by 4x4, and hiking above sweeping desert views. Along the Nile, we slow the pace, sailing between ancient temples and vibrant river life, with time to reflect, connect, and take it all in.
This journey is designed for curious, open-minded travelers who want more than a checklist of sights. It’s for those who want to feel history beneath their feet, share meals and laughter with locals, and experience Egypt in a way that feels both adventurous and deeply human
What Type of Challenge Is This?
Physical Challenge:
This adventure is considered low to moderate physical intensity, but it is not entirely passive. Guests should be comfortable walking through historical sites, standing for guided tours, and navigating uneven terrain at times.
In Fayoum Oasis, we’ll spend time hiking on sand dunes, sandboarding, and exploring the desert by 4x4. Camel riding around the pyramids also requires balance and comfort being seated on an animal for short periods. While no technical skills are required, travelers who are comfortable staying active throughout full days will have the best experience.
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Accommodations:
Accommodations on this journey range from comfortable 3–4 star hotels to a traditional Nubian guesthouse and a multi-day Nile River cruise. We select lodging based on a balance of comfort, safety, location, and cultural authenticity.
Rather than placing guests exclusively in international-style luxury resorts, we choose accommodations that reflect the places we visit. While rooms and amenities may differ from what travelers are accustomed to at home, all stays are carefully vetted for cleanliness, comfort, and a welcoming atmosphere. Guests who arrive with flexibility and curiosity often find these accommodations to be a meaningful part of the experience.
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Mental Challenge:
Egypt is vibrant, energetic, and busy. Navigating new customs, languages, and sensory-rich environments can be stimulating and challenging. Flexibility and patience go a long way here.
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Reward Level:
Exceptionally high. Few places on Earth offer this level of historical significance, cultural depth, and adventure packed into one itinerary.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 – Welcome to Egypt (Cairo)
Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel in Giza with pyramid views. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Egyptian cuisine, followed by a nighttime felucca boat ride on the Nile.
Meals: Dinner
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Day 2 – Giza Plateau & Saqqara
Wake up to views of the pyramids. Explore the Giza Plateau, ride camels, visit the Great Sphinx, tour an Egyptian carpet school, and discover the ancient site of Saqqara.
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 – Cairo & the Grand Egyptian Museum
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Tour the Grand Egyptian Museum with a local guide, home to King Tutankhamun’s treasures. Enjoy lunch at a traditional koshari restaurant, visit historic mosques, explore Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, and stop at Cairo’s oldest café.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 4 – Fayoum Oasis Adventure
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Journey into the desert to Fayoum Oasis. Visit Wadi El Rayan waterfalls, enjoy a boat ride on Qaroun Lake, try sandboarding, explore dunes by 4x4, and hike Modawara Mountain before returning to Cairo.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 5 – Cairo to Aswan
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Enjoy a morning in Cairo visiting the Royal Mummies Hall, and the Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque. Lunch at a downtown shawerma spot. Fly to Aswan in the afternoon and check into your authentic Nubian hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 6 – Aswan
Enjoy a ferry across the Nile to Philae Temple. Afterwards, explore a local Nubian village, including local tea and spice shops, a perfume shop, and tea. Return to your authentica Nubian hotel for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Days 7–10 – Abu Simbel & Nile River Cruise
An early wake up will have you wisked away into the southern desert to see the incredible Abu Simbel temple. Afterwards, return to Aswan and check in to your Nile River Cruise. Spend four unforgettable days cruising the Nile, visiting world-renowned sites including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and more. Enjoy hot air balloon rides, carriage rides, onboard meals, and nightly entertainment before flying back to Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 11 – Departure
Transfer to Cairo Airport for your departure home. Carry your memories of Egypt with you long after the journey ends.
WanderWell Donation
At Authentica, we believe that travel should leave the world better than we found it. That’s why every trip directly fuels our WanderWell Fund—a commitment to supporting the landscapes, wildlife, and communities that make our journeys so meaningful. With each booking, guests become active partners in conservation and cultural preservation. Your adventure doesn’t just take you across new horizons—it helps protect them for generations to come.
Our Impact in Egypt
For this Egypt adventure, contributions from the WanderWell Fund will support Educate Me, a nonprofit organization based in Giza. Educate Me is dedicated to transforming education in underserved communities by providing holistic, learner-centered programs that empower children with critical thinking, creativity, and life skills. Your journey through ancient wonders helps invest in a brighter future for Egypt’s next generation.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
Exclusions
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Airport pick-up and drop-off
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All in-country transportation and transfers
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Professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide
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All accommodations in 3+ star hotels
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Four-day Nile River cruise including accommodations, meals, tours, and transport
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Entrance fees to all temples, museums, and historical sites on the itinerary
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Fayoum Oasis tour including activities at oasis
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Domestic flights within Egypt (Cairo–Aswan, Luxor–Cairo)
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In-country taxes, tariffs, and road tolls
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All daily tours outlined in the itinerary
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Pre-Trip zoom meeting with Authentica Travel's Cultural Liaison
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International flights
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Egypt entry visa (~$25)
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Alcohol and additional beverages
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Meals not listed in itinerary
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Tips for guides, drivers, and staff
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Souvenirs and personal purchases
Your Trip Host
Daniel B.
Daniel brings a calm, knowledgeable presence to this journey through Egypt. With a passion for cultural immersion and meaningful travel experiences, he ensures each guest feels supported while fully engaging with the history, people, and energy of Egypt.
Trip Cost:
$3,800.00/person
To secure your spot on this Egypt adventure, a deposit of $600 is required at the time of booking.
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All deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another Egypt itinerary if you’re unable to join the trip you originally selected.
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Final payment is due on December 1, 2025.
Get in Touch
For questions regarding remaining trip spaces, itinerary, locations or other details, please send us a message!
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In order to put your deposit down to secure your place, please contact us via the form provided!
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inc