Set off on a self-driving adventure down the Nile from Cairo to Aswan to discover a mix of ancient wonders and modern attractions in Beni Suef, Asyut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, and Aswan. This journey offers a unique exploration of Egypt's rich heritage and contemporary life.
- Explore the Meidum Pyramid, showcasing the architectural evolution from step pyramid to smooth-sided design
- Discover Sanur Cave's ancient rock art
- Visit Basuna Mosque, known for its intricate islamic architecture
- Visit the Red Monastery, famed for vibrant Coptic Christian artwork
- Enjoy a traditional felucca ride on the Nile
- Explore the well-preserved Dendera Temple
- Visit the Valley of the Kings, burial site of numerous pharaohs including Tutankhamun
- Explore the Tombs of the Nobles, known for vibrant colours
- Experience a lively Nubian Zaffa celebration
- Visit the relocated Philae Temple
- Swim at Tingar beach
- Kayak from Tingar beach to Heissa Island
- Explore the Nubian Village
- Sail the Nile
We will meet up at the Emirates Embassy in Heliopolis, with a secondary meeting point at Chillout Gas Station, Wahaat Road, 6th of October, to arrive on the mentioned date of the trip early in the morning to make the most out of the day.
Day 1
Beni Suef
Drive to Beni Suef, an approximately 1.5-hour drive to explore Meidum Pyramid, Egypt's first straight-sided pyramid that partially collapsed in ancient times, and Sanur Cave, which is known for it's unique geology. Then, we'll head to our picnic spot where we'll have lunch before heading to Asyut, an approximately 3.5-hour drive.
- Explore the Meidum Pyramid, showcasing the architectural evolution from step pyramid to smooth-sided design
- Discover Sanur Cave's ancient rock art
- Enjoy a picnic lunch
Day 2
Sohag
After breakfast, we'll make our way to Sohag, an approximately 2.5-hour drive, to explore it's hidden gems. Our first stop will be the Basuna Mosque, the main mosque in the village of Basuna. This mosque was rebuilt after the original 300-year-old structure became too old and unstable. Next, we'll visit the Red Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries from early Christian history. We will then check into our hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we'll enjoy a relaxing felucca ride on the Nile.
- Visit Basuna Mosque, known for its intricate islamic architecture
- Visit the Red Monastery, famed for vibrant Coptic Christian artwork
- Go on a traditional felucca ride on the Nile
Day 3
Qena
We'll start our day with a 2 hour drive to Abydos Temple. We'll then head to Qena, a drive of about 3 hours, to visit the Dendera Temple, one of the best-preserved temple complexes of ancient Egypt. After exploring the temple, we'll continue our journey to Luxor, approximately a 2-hour drive, where we'll spend the rest of the day at our own pace.
- Visit Abydos Temple, known for its detailed carvings
- Explore the well-preserved Dendera Temple
Day 4
Luxor
We'll spend our morning exploring Luxor's West Bank; Valley of the Kings and the Tombs of the Nobles, which showed the world how Egyptians buried their royals and noblemen in such sophisticated and artistic way. We'll stop by a local restaurant in Luxor for lunch before hitting the road to Aswan, which takes around 3 hours. Upon arriving at Heissa Island, a lively Nubian Zaffa will welcome us with traditional dances. Experience the local hospitality and kindness that defines the island's people first hand during our homestay in El Nuba.
- Visit the Valley of the Kings, burial site of numerous pharaohs including Tutankhamun
- Explore the Tombs of the Nobles, known for vibrant colours
- Savour lunch at a local restaurant in Luxor
- Experience a lively Nubian Zaffa celebration
- Enjoy your homestay at an island local's
Day 5
El Nuba, Aswan
After breakfast, we'll hop on the felucca boat heading to Philae Temple, which was deconstructed and reassembled block by block from Philae Island to Agilika Island, about 550 meters northeast of the original location to protect it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser and the Nile. We'll then relax by the beach at Tingar, take a refreshing swim and have some snacks. During sunset, we'll kayak our way back to Heissa Island to shower. You can also use the time while everyone is taking a shower to roam though the streets of the Nubian Village to shop for local souvenirs (optional activity). We'll then meet for dinner with a view at Solaih Restaurant, overlooking Philae Temple.
- Visit the relocated Philae Temple
- Swim at Tingar beach
- Kayak from Tingar beach to Heissa Island
- Roam through the Nubian Village (optional activity)
- Get some local handmade souvenirs (optional activity)
- Enjoy dinner with a view at Solaih Restaurant, overlooking Philae Temple
Day 6
Aswan
Today, we'll have breakfast on a sailing boat while cruising along the serene Nile. After a morning of relaxation, we'll make our way back to Cairo.
Departure is expected to be around 1 PM.
- Sail the Nile
- Enjoy breakfast aboard
Miss Egypt Hotel - Asyut
Rooms
- single and double rooms with private bathrooms
Dining Area
Ms Coral Hotel - Sohag
Rooms
- single and double rooms with private bathrooms
Iberotel Hotel - Luxor
Rooms
- single and double rooms with private bathrooms
Yasser's Guest House - Heissa Island, El Nuba, Aswan
- seating area overlooking the Nile
Rooms
- double, triple, and quadruple rooms (feature a traditional Nubian layout and are decorated in the authentic Nubian style)
- shared bathrooms
- note that based on your chosen room category when booking, you may share accommodation with one or two fellow travelers
Bathrooms
- two shared bathrooms inside the house
- additional bathrooms available outside
Sally's House - Heissa Island, El Nuba, Aswan
- seating area overlooking the Nile
- seating area inside the house
Rooms
- double, triple, and quadruple rooms (feature a traditional Nubian layout and are decorated in the authentic Nubian style)
- shared bathrooms
- note that based on your chosen room category when booking, you may share accommodation with one or two fellow travelers
Bathrooms
- two shared bathrooms inside the house
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals mentioned on the itinerary
- All sightseeing tours and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
- All service charges and taxes
What is NOT included in the tour
- Meals other than mentioned in above itinerary
- Transportation
- Drinks and beverages
- Optional activities
- Personal spending
- Tipping
The Adventure Leader's primary role is to ensure your journey flows seamlessly. As your main point of contact throughout the trip, they're dedicated to enhancing your experience. Whether it's offering recommendations on activities or attractions, or facilitating interactions among travelers, they ensure everyone feels connected, although often connections form naturally.
Our groups are filled with solo travelers and like-minded individuals who share a passion for adventure and connecting with others. You'll feel right at home exploring with us.
We use private buses, either a Hiace for smaller groups of 10 or a Coaster for larger groups of 19.
In Egypt, the power supply is Type C and F, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz.
You can expect a reliable network connection throughout the trip, however, be prepared for some inconsistencies in network connection while on the road traveling from a city to another.
- Comfortable Clothing
- Comfortable Shoes
- Slippers
- Bathing Suit
- Towel
- Sun Protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Insect Repellent
- Power Bank
- Camera / Waterproof GoPro (if available)
- Speakers (if available)
- Snacks
Tipping directly supports local communities, benefiting drivers and suppliers. The tourism sector heavily depends on this support. While not obligatory, your tip is a meaningful 'thank you' for their service.
Meet Sally, our local guide in Aswan and one of Heissa Island's oldest and most respected residents. Sally was the first to welcome travelers to the island and introduce homestays in El Nuba, paving the way for authentic cultural experiences. Known for his kindness, generosity, and extreme dedication, Sally goes above and beyond to ensure that every moment is memorable for his guests, always adapting to their needs with a warm smile. Despite his age, Sally is full of energy and moves with impressive speed. Let him guide you through his hometown and experience unparalleled warmth and hospitality.
