the Classic egypt
ASWAN • LUXOR • CAIRO
12 Nights | 13 Days
The Egypt You’ve Always Dreamed Of—And So Much More
For the traveler coming to Egypt for the first time, this journey brings together many of the places that have lived in your imagination for years—the Pyramids of Giza, the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, the Nile and the temples of ancient Egypt.
But with Takemet, seeing the classics doesn’t mean racing from one monument to the next.
We believe some of the most memorable moments happen in between.
A slow lunch after a morning inside the temples. An afternoon massage before heading back out for the evening. Wandering through a local market with nowhere you need to be. Sitting at a café over tea or shisha. Watching the sun disappear behind the Nile. Finding the perfect piece of Egyptian gold or meeting the craftspeople who still work with alabaster on Luxor’s West Bank.
The Classic Egypt is our version of a first journey through this extraordinary country—filled with the places you came all this way to see, but with enough space to actually feel them.
And remember, this is only a sample.
Your journey may look a little—or completely—different. We’ll create yours together.
ASWAN
Where the Journey Slows Down
There is something about Aswan that invites you to exhale.
The Nile widens between granite islands, feluccas drift across the water and Nubian culture gives southern Egypt a rhythm all its own. Rather than beginning your journey at full speed, we start here—with beauty, warmth and time to settle into Egypt.
DAY ONE | CAIRO → ASWAN
Welcome to Southern Egypt
Fly from Cairo to Aswan, where we’ll meet you and begin your journey along the Nile.
Today is intentionally gentle. Settle into your hotel, rest from your travels and begin adjusting to the rhythm of Egypt.
Depending on your arrival time, we may take a relaxed walk, enjoy our first meal together or simply let you disappear into the spa, pool or your room for a few hours.
Tonight, we gather for dinner and toast to what lies ahead.
Today may include:
Flight to Aswan • Private transfer • Hotel check-in • Rest & spa time • Welcome dinner
DAY TWO | ISIS, THE NILE & OLD-WORLD ELEGANCE
SACRED WATERS
We begin early, while the morning is still quiet, traveling by boat across the Nile to the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae.
Rescued stone by stone from the rising waters created by the Aswan High Dam, Philae feels almost as though it belongs to the river itself. Here, we’ll explore the mythology of Isis and Osiris, ancient ritual and the final chapters of temple worship in Egypt.
Then comes an experience very different from simply visiting a temple.
Near the old arches of the temple, those who feel called can enter the Nile for a symbolic baptism—an opportunity to pause, set an intention and allow the waters that have sustained Egypt for thousands of years to become part of your own story.
Afterward, we slow everything down.
Lunch, time to rest, journal, enjoy the spa or simply sit somewhere beautiful and take in the fact that you are finally here.
As the afternoon gives way to evening, we’ll make our way to the legendary Old Cataract Hotel. Perched above the Nile and filled with more than a century of history, this iconic landmark invites us to step into another chapter of Aswan's story.
We'll settle in for sunset, watching the golden light soften over the river, the islands and the distant desert landscape. With a beautiful dinner, sweeping Nile views and an atmosphere of timeless elegance, it's a lovely way to end a day that began among the sacred waters of Isis.
Morning: Philae Temple • Temple of Isis • Nile experience
Afternoon: Lunch • Rest • Spa • Reflection time
Evening: Old Cataract Hotel • Sunset • Nile views • Dinner
DAY THREE | THE SOUL OF ASWAN
MARKETS, HISTORY & NUBIAN TRADITIONS
Today is less about checking sites off a list and more about experiencing Aswan itself.
We’ll wander through the old Aswan market, where spices, baskets, fabrics, perfumes and everyday life spill into the narrow streets. This is the kind of place where we encourage you to slow down, look around and let curiosity lead.
After lunch, there’s time to rest, enjoy the pool or simply take in your surroundings.
Later, we'll make our way along the Nile to a Nubian Village, where brightly painted homes, warm hospitality and Nubian traditions offer a glimpse into a culture that has shaped southern Egypt for thousands of years.
We'll wander through the village, meet local people and experience another side of Aswan beyond its ancient monuments. It's an opportunity to connect with the people, stories and traditions that make this part of Egypt so special.
As evening settles in, we'll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the village and share a meal, allowing the day to unfold at its own gentle pace.
Morning: Old Aswan • Local market • Shopping & wandering
Afternoon: Lunch • Rest • Pool time
Evening: Nubian Village • Nile journey • Dinner
THE ROAD TO LUXOR
DAY FOUR | ASWAN → KOM OMBO → EDFU → LUXOR
Following the Nile North
Today, the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Rather than simply flying between Aswan and Luxor, we travel north through the Nile Valley, stopping at two extraordinary temples along the way.
First is Kom Ombo, an unusual double temple dedicated to two sets of deities, including Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Its symmetrical design and riverside setting make it unlike any other temple you’ll visit.
Farther north, we stop at Edfu, home to the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus. Walking through its enormous gateway and into its courtyards offers one of the clearest opportunities to imagine the scale and ceremonial life of an ancient Egyptian temple.
Between the sites, watch the landscape outside your window—villages, farmland, palms and the Nile Valley unfolding around you.
By evening, we arrive in Luxor.
And for Mostafa, we’re arriving home.
Today: Kom Ombo Temple • Temple of Horus at Edfu • Nile Valley drive • Arrival in Luxor • Relaxed evening
LUXOR
Ancient Thebes, Lived Slowly
Luxor holds one of the greatest concentrations of ancient monuments anywhere in the world.
But it is also a living city.
Over the next several days, we’ll move between tombs and temples, cafés and markets, the East Bank and West Bank, ancient history and modern Egyptian life—giving you time not only to see Luxor, but to begin knowing it.
DAY FIVE | VALLEY OF THE KINGS & HATSHEPSUT
Into the Mountains of Ancient Thebes
We begin early on Luxor’s West Bank, crossing into the landscape ancient Egyptians associated with the setting sun and the world beyond.
Our morning takes us into the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs created elaborate tombs deep within the desert mountains. Inside selected tombs, vivid colors, sacred texts and extraordinary scenes reveal ancient Egyptian beliefs about death, rebirth and the journey into eternity.
From there, we visit the dramatic mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most fascinating rulers. Built directly against the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, the temple is as striking for its architecture as it is for the story of the woman who commissioned it.
By midday, we leave the ancient world behind for a while.
Enjoy lunch on the West Bank followed by a long afternoon to rest, book a massage, swim, journal or simply do absolutely nothing.
As evening approaches, we head back out for dinner and a relaxed night in Luxor.
Morning: Valley of the Kings • Hatshepsut Temple
Afternoon: Local lunch • Spa • Rest • Reflection
Evening: Dinner • Relaxed local evening
DAY SIX | VALLEY OF THE QUEENS & MEDINET HABU
Stories Beyond the Pharaohs
This morning we return to the West Bank, but today reveals a different side of ancient Thebes.
At the Valley of the Queens, beautifully decorated tombs tell the stories of royal women and children. Depending on availability and your interests, we’ll choose the tombs that make the most sense for your journey.
Then we continue to Medinet Habu, the magnificent mortuary temple of Ramesses III—and one of Mostafa’s favorite temples in Egypt. Its towering entrance, deeply carved reliefs and surviving color make it extraordinary, yet it can feel wonderfully peaceful compared with some of Luxor’s better-known sites.
After lunch on the West Bank, we shift from ancient craftsmanship to living craftsmanship.
Spend some time exploring the West Bank’s alabaster workshops and scarf shops, meeting local makers and finding pieces you may actually want to bring home—not simply souvenirs you’ll forget about in a drawer.
Then it’s back to the hotel for rest and spa time.
Morning: Valley of the Queens • Medinet Habu
Afternoon: West Bank lunch • Alabaster & scarf shopping • Rest • Spa
Evening: Dinner • Free evening
DAY SEVEN | KARNAK BY DAY & THE NILE AT SUNSET
Monumental Egypt
This morning belongs to Karnak.
Built and expanded over roughly two thousand years, Karnak is less a single temple than an enormous sacred complex. We’ll walk among colossal columns, obelisks, sanctuaries and carved walls while Mostafa helps unravel the rituals, gods, kings and stories held within them.
And because Karnak deserves more than a rushed visit, we give it the morning.
After lunch, the afternoon slows down again.
Rest. Book a treatment. Sit beside the pool. Look through your photographs. Write. Nap.
Then, as the heat begins to soften, we return to the Nile.
Tonight we’ll take a sunset cruise, watching Luxor shift into evening from the water before returning to Karnak after dark for its nighttime light experience—a completely different atmosphere from the temple you explored that morning.
Morning: Karnak Temple
Afternoon: Lunch • Rest • Spa
Evening: Sunset Nile cruise • Karnak at night
DAY EIGHT | LUXOR, PAST & PRESENT
A Day to Experience the City
Our final full day in Luxor brings ancient and modern life together.
We’ll visit the Luxor Museum, a beautifully curated collection where fewer objects and thoughtful presentation allow you to actually slow down and understand what you’re seeing.
Then we wander.
Walk along the Corniche beside the Nile. Explore the old Luxor market. Browse Egyptian gold and jewelry. Stop when something catches your attention. Have lunch somewhere we love.
The afternoon is deliberately open for whatever you need at this point in the journey—spa time, shopping, resting or perhaps returning somewhere that captured your heart.
After dark, we visit Luxor Temple.
Illuminated against the night sky, its columns, statues and ancient processional spaces take on an entirely different character after sunset.
And because we want you to experience Luxor as more than an archaeological destination, we’ll end the night at one of our favorite local cafés over tea, fresh juice, shisha if you’d like, and conversation.
By now, hopefully, Luxor feels a little less like somewhere you visited.
And a little more like somewhere you know.
Morning: Luxor Museum • Corniche • Old Luxor • Gold & market shopping
Afternoon: Lunch • Free time • Spa • Rest
Evening: Luxor Temple at night • Favorite local café • Drinks & shisha
CAIRO & GIZA
Ancient Wonder Meets Modern Egypt
From Luxor, we travel north by flight or train to Cairo.
Cairo is energy.
Millions of people, minarets and church bells, traffic and markets, ancient walls and modern neighborhoods all exist side by side. Rather than trying to tame Cairo, we let you experience its beautiful intensity—while making sure you always have somewhere peaceful to return to.
DAY NINE | LUXOR → CAIRO
From Upper Egypt to the Capital
Today is our transition north.
Depending on your preferences and the flow of your journey, we’ll travel from Luxor to Cairo by flight or train.
After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is intentionally light. Rest, enjoy the hotel, book a treatment or join us for a relaxed dinner.
Tomorrow is a big one.
Today: Travel to Cairo • Hotel check-in • Rest • Spa • Dinner
DAY TEN | THE GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM & PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
Face to Face With the Icons
We begin at the Grand Egyptian Museum, where thousands of years of Egyptian history are brought together within sight of the pyramids themselves.
Rather than trying to absorb everything, we’ll focus on the pieces and stories that help connect everything you’ve experienced throughout your journey.
After lunch and a little breathing room, we head to Giza.
No photograph truly prepares you for standing beneath the Great Pyramid.
We’ll explore the Giza Plateau, talk about what we know—and what still inspires questions—about these extraordinary monuments, and give you time to simply stand there and take it in.
As the day softens, we trade sightseeing for something a little more magical: a sunset camel ride with the pyramids rising behind you.
Tonight, dinner comes with one final ingredient:
A pyramid view.
Morning: Grand Egyptian Museum
Afternoon: Lunch • Giza Plateau • Great Pyramid • Sphinx
Sunset: Camel ride overlooking the pyramids
Evening: Dinner with a pyramid view
DAY ELEVEN | OLD CAIRO
Lose Yourself in the City
Today we step away from monumental Egypt and into the winding streets of Cairo.
We’ll spend the day exploring historic Cairo, walking through neighborhoods where centuries of Egyptian life, Islamic architecture, artisans, cafés and markets exist side by side.
This is a day for wandering.
Peek into shops. Drink tea. Look up at centuries-old architecture. Bargain for something you love. Stop for food when we’re hungry. Let the streets reveal themselves rather than racing through them.
We’ll build in time to return to the hotel and rest before heading back out.
Tonight, we’ll take you to one of our favorite local restaurants in the heart of old Cairo—ending the day not somewhere created for tourists, but somewhere we genuinely love.
Morning & Afternoon: Historic Cairo • Walking • Local shops • Markets • Lunch
Late Afternoon: Hotel • Rest • Refresh
Evening: Favorite local restaurant in Old Cairo
DAY TWELVE | THREE FAITHS & ONE LAST NIGHT ON THE NILE
The Many Layers of Cairo
Our final full day begins in Old Cairo’s historic religious quarter, where some of the city’s most important Islamic, Christian and Jewish heritage can be experienced within a remarkably small area.
Mosques, churches and a historic synagogue reveal another layer of Egypt’s story—one shaped not only by the pharaohs, but by thousands of years of faith, community and cultural change.
After lunch, we leave the afternoon open for some final shopping. Perhaps there is Egyptian cotton you’ve been thinking about, jewelry you passed earlier, spices to bring home or gifts still waiting to be found.
Then it’s back to the hotel to rest, begin organizing your suitcase and get ready for one last evening together.
Tonight, we return to the river where so much of Egypt’s story began.
Over dinner aboard a Nile cruise, watch Cairo glow around you and take in just how much you have experienced since those first quiet days in Aswan.
We’ll return to the hotel at a reasonable hour so you have time to finish packing and settle in before tomorrow’s travels.
Morning: Historic religious Cairo • Islamic, Christian & Jewish heritage
Afternoon: Lunch • Final shopping • Packing • Rest
Evening: Farewell dinner cruise on the Nile
THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
This journey is called The Classic Egypt because it brings together many of the places first-time travelers dream of seeing.
But there is nothing “standard” about the way we believe Egypt should be experienced.
Maybe you want another day in Luxor because ancient temples are the reason you’re coming. Maybe you’d rather trade shopping for another afternoon on the Nile. Perhaps you want more spa time, fewer early mornings, professional photography, private site access or a sacred experience woven into your journey.
Or perhaps something you saw here has sparked an entirely different idea.
That is exactly what these sample journeys are meant to do.
They are not packages you have to fit yourself into. They are simply a glimpse into what is possible.
When we create your Egypt journey, we start with you—always.
Curious what else is possible? Explore another sample journey: Sinai & The Red Sea · Desert Dream · Upper Egypt Love · Cairo & Alexandria: City & Sea · A Taste of Egypt
DAY THIRTEEN | UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
EGYPT IN YOUR HEART
After twelve nights of discovery, connection and unforgettable moments, it's time to say goodbye to Egypt—for now.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a few final moments to reflect on the journey we've shared before your private transfer to Cairo International Airport.
You arrived as our guest, but somewhere between the ancient temples, shared meals, laughter and stories, we hope you've come to feel like family.
And while your journey through Egypt may be coming to an end, the memories, friendships and connections you've made are yours to carry home.
Until we meet again.
Morning: Breakfast • Final farewells • Reflection time
Afternoon/Evening: Private airport transfer • Departure (according to flight schedule)