Tour Description

Throughout the year the inside of Abu Simbel Temple remains in darkness except for two occasions in February and October.
The light which streams deep into the complex reflects on Ramses II and Sun God’s seated statues, illuminating the entire place and highlighting its brilliant architecture.
The Sun Festival takes place when the light hits the statues.
Throughout this phenomenon there is one statue that remains in darkness, Ptah, the Goddess of darkness.
Ramses built the temple at Abu Simbel so that the inner chamber would light up at just two times of the year, which are on February 22, the anniversary of his ascension to the throne and on October 22nd, which is his birthday.

Pink Lotus Tours specialises in small group tours to Egypt, we believe Egypt has to be experienced not just visited as a tourist.
We prefer to provide you with extra time in each of the sites to allow you to really explore and learn about the Ancient mysteries.
Our Egyptologist's have over 15 years experience leading groups through this magnificent country so your holiday will be like a living history lesson as you visit each site and listen to the stories from the walls of the Temples.
Along with all the historical acts there are always lots of unique local experiences blended into our trips.

Our service starts when you land at Cairo International Airport and continues until you leave Egypt.
There is nothing for you to think about, simply relax and enjoy!
Group size 2-12
Single Supplement USD1400

Tour Highlights

Pyramids of Giza
Egyptian Museum, including the famous Funerary Mask of King Tut
Nile River Cruise
Abu Simbel Sun Festival
Temples of Philae, Komombo, Karnak & Luxor
Tombs in the Valley of the Kings
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Sailing in a felucca as the sun set on the Nile
...and so many more magical moments

Day 1: Arrival Day

Wednesday 18th February 2026
Sunday, 18 October 2026

Arrival in Cairo – The Land of the Pharaohs

Welcome to Egypt!

Your Pink Lotus Tours representative will meet you before passport control at Cairo International Airport, assisting you with your entry visa and arrival procedures.

Relax during your private transfer to your hotel near the majestic Pyramids of Giza. The drive is a vibrant introduction to Cairo—have your camera ready for glimpses of everyday Egyptian life.

Upon arrival, check in to your room

Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for our Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant featuring authentic Egyptian cuisine.

Hotel: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Saqqara and Egyptian BBQ

Thursday 19 February 2026
Monday 19 October 2026
Begin your journey at the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara—Egypt’s first monumental stone structure, dating back over 4,700 years. This necropolis continues to reveal new discoveries and hidden tombs.
At Saqqara, you’ll visit the Pyramid of Unas, a fascinating site built over 4,300 years ago for the last king of Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty. Though modest in size, it holds enormous historical importance — inside are the earliest known Pyramid Texts, beautifully carved hieroglyphs that describe the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife.
As you walk through the narrow passageways and gaze up at the star-covered ceiling, you’ll step back in time to the dawn of Egyptian religious writing and the origins of later temple traditions.
OPTIONAL: Enter inside the Step Pyramid to view the internal struture of the first pyramid.
We’ll enjoy a delicious open-air Egyptian BBQ lunch amidst a rural setting before returning to the hotel to rest or explore the local area.
Visit and Egyptian perfumery to learn about the oils used in the times of the pharoahs.
Hotel: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Pyramids and Museum

Friday 20 February 2026
Tuesday 20 October 2026
The Great Pyramids, Sphinx & Cairo’s Living Museum
Stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only surviving Ancient Wonder of the World. Walk the sands of the Giza Plateau, meet the mighty Sphinx, and (optionally) take a camel ride across the golden Sahara.
Lunch is served overlooking the Pyramids
Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the treasures of Tutankhamun and more than 120,000 ancient artefacts.
Hotel: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Flight to Aswan - Philae Temple

Saturday 21 February 2026
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Fly to Aswan – Goddess Isis & Island Temple
Fly to the serene southern city of Aswan, known as the jewel of the Nile.
On arrival, we board a motorboat to the sacred Temple of Philae, devoted to Isis—goddess of love, healing, and magic.
Stroll through Aswan Market before returning to your hotel.
Hotel: Local Aswan hotel or guesthouse (TBC)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Abu Simbel Sun Festival

Sunday 22 February 2026
Thursday 22 October 2026
Abu Simbel Sun Festival – Sacred Illumination
Rise early for the once-in-a-lifetime Abu Simbel Sun Festival. Witness the magical sunrise as it illuminates the innermost chamber of Ramses II’s Great Temple, a phenomenon that occurs only twice a year.
Visit both the Great Temple and the Temple of Hathor, built for Queen Nefertari—his beloved.
Return to Aswan
Hotel: Aswan hotel or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast Box

Day 6: Nile River Cruise

Monday 23 February 2026
Friday, 23 October 2026
Embark Your Nile River Cruise – Felucca & Museum
After breakfast, we check out and board our luxurious 5★ Nile Cruise.
Enjoy lunch onboard before visiting the fascinating Nubian Museum, then sail the Nile by traditional felucca (or motorboat, weather permitting) around Elephantine Island.
Cruise: Nile River Cruise (3 nights)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Nile River Cruise

Tuesday 24 February 2026
Saturday 24 October 2026
Sailing to Kom Ombo – Nile Life Unfolds
Today is dedicated to the rhythm of the river. Enjoy the sights of rural Egypt as we cruise northward to Kom Ombo, where crocodiles once roamed.
Relax on the sun deck, enjoy the pool, or sip hibiscus tea as life floats by.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Luxor Temple

Wednesday 25 February 2026
Sunday 25 October 2026
After a relaxed morning on board, we visit Edfu Temple, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, dedicated to Horus.
Arriving in Luxor, we’ll explore the luminous Luxor Temple at night—an unforgettable sight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Valley of the Kings

Thursday 26 February 2026
Monday, 26 October 2026
Disembark and explore the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings before visiting the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh.
We also visit a local alabaster workshop to see how ancient crafts continue today.
Hotel: Sonesta St. George, Luxor (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Karnak Temple

Friday 27 February 2026
Tuesday 27 October 2026
Karnak Temple & Afternoon at Leisure
Explore the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, a vast complex with towering columns, sacred lakes, and hidden sanctuaries.
Later, you’ll have time to shop for a custom cartouche or simply enjoy the riverside calm.
Free afternoon
Hotel: Sonesta St. George, Luxor (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Free Day in Luxor

Saturday 28 February 2026
Wednesday 28 October 2026
Free Day in Luxor – Optional Experiences
Today is yours to enjoy Luxor your way.
Optional tours include:
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Day trip to Dendera’s Temple of Hathor (Highly recommended)
Visit Luxor Museum
High Tea at the Winter Palace
Hotel: Sonesta St. George, Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Cairo City Tour and Khan el Khalili Bazaar

Sunday 1st March 2026
Thursday 29 October 2026

Return to Cairo – City of Contrasts Coptic Cairo, Islamic Cairo & Farewell Lunch or Dinner

After breakfast, fly back to Cairo.
Explore spiritual Cairo today: the Hanging Church, Abu Serga, and Ben Ezra Synagogue, then continue to the Citadel of Saladin and Mohamed Ali Mosque.

Shop for treasures in the vibrant Khan el Khalili Bazaar, then gather for a magical Farewell Lunch or Dinner to celebrate your Egyptian odyssey.

Hotel: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner

Day 13: Departure Day

Monday 2nd March 2026
Friday 30 October 2026
Enjoy a final breakfast before your transfer to Cairo International Airport.
Our team will assist with check-in and departure formalities.
Meals: Breakfast

Package Includes

Meet and greet service tour representatives at Cairo airport.
All transfers to/from airport and hotel by a private air-conditioned vehicle.
Accommodation at 5-star hotels including breakfast.
Internal Flights - Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo.
Accommodation for 3 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise on full board.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during Nile River Cruise.
Either lunch or dinner most days, depending on our schedule
All sightseeing tours in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan as mentioned in the itinerary.
All sightseeing tours on the cruise are private guided tours.
Transportation and entrance tickets to Sun Festival
Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary.
English-speaking tour guide during your tours.
Bottled water during your tour and transfers.

Package Excludes

International Airfare.
Travel Insurance.
Entry Visa to Egypt.
Any optional tours.
Pre or post tour accommodation.
Personal spending.
Hot Air Balloon.
Tips for services. A tipping kitty will of USD150 will be collected on Day 2 for distribution throughout the tour by your guide.
Tip for our tour guide. Industry standard, between $US10-15 per person per day, however tipping is a personal choice and relative to how much you enjoyed the tour.