Ultimate Tour of Italy and Egypt (25 Days)

A Private Luxury 25-Day tour

Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.
Photo by Maridav | Bigstock

The Ultimate Luxury Tour of Italy and Egypt. Deluxe Dahabiya Yachts on the Nile – cruise the same way the Pharaohs did. Private Egyptologist. Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle and Private Chauffeur. Enjoy Italy with visits to Assisi, Florence, Perugia, Orvieto, Pompeii, Reggio Calabria, Rome, San Gimignano, Siena, Tivoli, Torgiano, Lucca, Vatican City, Venice, Verona & Villa d’Este. Combine With Jerusalem and Israel

DAY 1 – CAIRO – Thursday – Weekly in Cairo, year round – VIP Arrival Hall At Cairo Airport
Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. If you are able to book with us at least 60 days in advance, then we will be able to use the VIP Hall at Cairo Airport for expedited VIP service at the airport including the the visa processing. Entry visa into Egypt may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as American, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. will meet you with a sign that carries your name after you clear the passport and customs formalities. After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private air-conditioned vehicle at all times with private chauffeur of course) to the hotels: The Nile Plaza Four Seasons (Nile View room), or the Four Seasons First Residence.

DAY 2 – CAIRO – Friday (BL)
On your first full day in Egypt we show you the Egyptian Museum including the “Mummies Room” and King Tut gold treasure pavilion. Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant: Naguib Mahfouz or one of the restaurant at Hadaik El-Azhar, on to the Citadel of Saladin, and Mohammed Ali Mosque, made of alabaster. Conclude your tour with a walking tour of Muizz Ledeenallah and Khan El – Khalili Bazaar ancient districts.

Day 3 – Saturday – Cairo to Luxor and board your deluxe air conditioned Felucca
Very early morning breakfast and transfer to Cairo Airport. Flight is included in our rate, in business class, tax included. Morning arrival at Luxor. We’ll meet you at the airport, and escort you to your deluxe air conditioned Nile cruise felucca or dahabiya.

Board Luxor (or Aswan). Embarkation in Luxor for a relaxing week sailing the Nile on a luxuriously appointed Dahabiya. After lunch, excursion to the West Bank for visits to the burial places of the Pharaohs – the Valley of the Kings – where Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922. Continue to the adjacent Valley of the Queens, the temple of Medinet Habu and the Colossi of Memnon.

Overnight moored on the Nile banks of Luxor. Sample Deluxe Felucca / Dahabiya: Sonesta Dahabiya or similar

Queen Nefertari’s Restored Tomb

Day 4- Sunday – Luxor – On board your Yacht Nile Cruise – Private Opening of Queen Nefertari’s Tomb- Luxor
A very special day. Today we proceed to the West bank for a private opening of:

Queen Nefertari’s tomb – The Queen for whom the sun shines
Long before Cleopatra humbled the ruler of Rome, an Egyptian queen held power over the heart and soul of Ramses, Egypt’s greatest pharaoh. In the 12th century BC, a brokenhearted Ramses built a grand funerary tomb for Queen Nefertari, “the Beautiful one,” in the Valley of the Queens. It’s been exquisitely restored with the aid of an American endowment, and is among the rarest sights in all Egypt: the only great tomb ever built by a pharaoh for his late queen. Artistically, it is the closest thing you could ever come to see the original Ancient Egyptian art in all of its glory and finesse. Because of its fragile nature, only a limited number of visitors are allowed entry each day. We are the only company to include a visit to Nefertari’s tomb in our daily program. Because of the limited access we must rise early for our visit – appropriate as Ramses named Nefertari “the one for whom the sun shines”, then transfer to your luxuriously appointed dahabiya.

Today as well, we visit the magnificent temple complex of Amon-Ra at Karnak, with its vast hypostyle hall of 137 columns, followed by the imposing 28 th Dynasty Luxor Temple, and Luxor Museum, then on to: Deir El Medinah is on Luxor’s west bank you get a totally different perspective on ancient Egyptian life, at the ancient workers’ settlement of Deir el-Medinah. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and decorated the tombs.

Here we’ll see the excavated homes shared by laborers with their domestic animals. These quarters were surprisingly large, with three good-sized rooms, courtyard, kitchen, and even storage cellars. While ancient Egypt might not have been a workers’ paradise, we’ll see that artisans and builders were highly regarded in their community. We are proud to be the only operator to offer regular visits to this singular ancient settlement in its tour and cruise programs, we include as well a tour of Madinet Habu and the Ramesseum.

Overnight moored in Luxor. In the evening your guide will call on you for a horse-drawn carriage ride throughout Luxor and the water front.

Day 5- Monday – Luxor to Esna – On board your Yacht Nile Cruise
Today will be a leisurely day. After breakfast, commence sailing to Esna where your Dahabiya will moor

Enjoy your honeymoon or Anniversary on a Nile cruise in Egypt

Day 6- Tuesday – Edfu – On board your Yacht Nile Cruise
This morning you will sail to Edfu to visit the wonderfully preserved Temple of Edfu. Overnight on board as we will look for an island in the middle of the Nile where we moor.

Day 7- Wednesday – Kom Ombo – On board your Yacht Nile Cruise
Today you will sail to Kom Ombo visit see the Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus, god of the morning sun. Overnight moored beside a Nile island.

Day 8- Thursday – Aswan – On board your Yacht Nile Cruise
A leisurely day sailing to Aswan where the dahabiya moors overnight. In the evening you ‘ll enjoy Sound and Light show at Philae Temple.

Day 9- Friday – Aswan – On board your Yacht Nile Cruise
Today you will visit the Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971); the Old Dam (completed in 1902) and the ‘unfinished obelisk’, lying in situ since the days of the pharaohs. You will also visit the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a structure rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. In the evening we will call on you once again for a horse-drawn carriage ride throughout Aswan and the local souks.

Philae Temple of Isis, Agilkia Island, Aswan, Egypt. Video by SP9WUN Travel Channel.

Day 10- Saturday – Aswan – Abu Simbel – Fly back to Cairo- (Breakfast and lunch box) Breakfast aboard the dahabiya and check-out.
We bid farewell to the crew, switch transportation modes, and head for Aswan Airport and your flight back to Abu Simbel.

Breakfast aboard the dahabiya and check-out. Fly over Lake Nasser (flights Aswan Abu Simbel Aswan may only offer economy class), watching the sky lighten and the sacred sun rise above the horizon. We reach the great temples where your “Private guide”, Private driver and Private air-conditioned vehicle awaits you.

In the larger temple, colossal figures of Ramses are seated with the gods and attended by his queen and daughters. The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, who appears as Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and fertility, symbolized by the benevolent cow. We explore these fine temple, admiring their ancient aura and artistry, after which retire to a comfortable hotel for our lunch, and refreshments. Just as planeloads of visitors arrive to throng the temples we head for Abu Simbel Airport and fly back to Cairo – air fare always included in economy class with all taxes. In Cairo, we’ll assist of course with your transfer to your hotel: The Nile Plaza Four Seasons (Nile View room), or the Four Seasons First Residence.

Day 11- Sunday – Cairo (BL)
Today we drive to the edge of the Sahara and Giza: Tour includes the Sphinx, the Pyramids of Giza, complimentary short Camel ride is included, to allow you a photo opp with the Pyramids in the background. Time is limited, so please do not go for what the camel driver tries to convince you, i.e. go for a long ride around the Pyramids. Lunch is included at the Mena House. On to Memphis, Sakkara and the Step Pyramid. We return to your hotel late afternoon. Dinner is included at Abu El Seid Restaurant or La Bodega.

DAY 12 – Cairo – Venice – Monday (B)
Our representative escorts you to the airport for your Italy bound flight. Air fare is included in our rate in business class Egypt – Italy.

There is no non-stop flight between Cairo and Venice, so you’ll have to change planes in Europe and we will confirm all details at the time of booking.

Welcome to VENICE! Our representative meets you at Venice Airport and assists with the transfer to your hotel by private boat. Welcome to Venice, your base for three nights. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish, wandering the serpentine paths, bridges and canals of this magical city.

Day 13 – VENICE and its ISLANDS – Tuesday
After breakfast, your local English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a tour of St. Mark’s Square, once called the “gathering place of Europe.” You will enter and tour its two outstanding landmarks: St Mark’s Basilica, a triumph of Byzantine-style architecture nicknamed the “church of gold,” and the Palace of the Doges, with it famous arcades.

Time for lunch. What will it be? Whatever you wish! Your guide can suggest good restaurants in a variety of styles, or you can sit down in any place that catches your fancy.

In the afternoon, your boat takes you on a private tour of the islands of the Venice lagoon, including Murano, famous for its glass-blowing artistry and Burano, known for the making of fine, delicate lace. After your visit to the islands, your boat returns you to your hotel through the canals of Venice, with the evening free to enjoy as you wish.

Day 14 – VERONA – Wednesday
Our representative will meet you at your hotel after breakfast and assist in your transfer by private boat to Venice’s Piazzale Roma, where your private air-conditioned vehicle awaits you. Your English-speaking driver will take you through the Italian countryside to Verona.

Arriving in the fabled city of Romeo and Juliet, you will meet your English-speaking guide, who will show you Verona’s extremely well-preserved Roman amphitheater; the Arena, still used for performances of opera; Piazza dei Signori, the medieval square; Piazza delle Erbe, the center of Veronese life in Roman times, and the city’s oldest square; and the famous Giulietta balcony, straight out of Romeo and Juliet’s love scene.

Sample the cuisine of Verona as you wish at lunch, choosing a restaurant with the help of your knowledgeable local guide.

In late afternoon, you return to Venice and your hotel, with the evening at leisure.

Day 15– Introduction to FLORENCE – Thursday
Our representative meets you at your hotel after breakfast and assists with your transfer by private boat to Piazzale Roma and Venice Railway Station, where you board a high-speed train, take your seats in First Class, and enjoy the ever-changing panorama of the Italian countryside as the train takes you to Firenze (Florence), a trip of about two hours. At the Firenze railway station, you rendezvous with our representative who assists with your transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel, your home for the next four nights.

Lunch is as you wish, as usual. Dine at your hotel, or ask the concierge for suggestions of a good place nearby.

In the afternoon, your local guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a half-day tour of Florence. You will visit the Academia Museum, with its sublime statue of David by Michelangelo; admire the magnificent façade of the Duomo, Florence’s cathedral, and the famous bronze doors of the Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery). You will then continue to the Piazza della Signoria, the hub of Florence; and the best-known bridge crossing the River Arno, the much-photographed Ponte Vecchio, lined with shops as in medieval times.

The evening is yours to enjoy as you like, relaxing at your hotel or wandering the beguiling streets of Florence.

Day 16– The ART of FLORENCE – Friday
This morning you concentrate on Florence’s claim to fame: some of the history’s greatest works of art. You visit the Uffizi Gallery, home of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, and then pay homage to some of Italy’s greatest artists, scientists, authors and musicians with a visit to the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce, the burial-place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini.

You’ve heard of culinary delights with “Florentine” in their name. Here’s your chance to find your own delights: wander through Florence on your own, find the restaurant of your choice, and sit down to a memorable Florentine mid-day repast, followed by an afternoon on your own, exploring or resting as you like.

Day 17 – LUCCA and PISA – Saturday
After breakfast in your Florentine hotel, you drive in air-conditioned comfort to the quaint walled city of Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini, arriving mid-morning. You meet your private local English-speaking guide and proceed to the city’s historical center for your tour of Lucca’s top sights.

After lunch on your own, where you can find the differences between Luccan and Florentine cuisine, you depart for the one-hour drive to Pisa.

In Pisa, you visit the famous Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) dominated by the Duomo (Cathedral) (outside view); its Baptistery (outside view) and of course, the Campanile (Bell Tower) also known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa (outside view).

With images of this world-famous landmark in your head—and in your camera—you return to Florence by private vehicle in time for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Day 18- SIENA and SAN GIMIGNANO – Sunday
After breakfast, drive through the Italian countryside for less than two hours to Siena, one of Italy’s most beloved cities. Your local guide will show you all the points of interest in its historic center, including the plaza that is the site of Siena’s most famous event, the biennial horse race known as the Palio.

Siena is famous among Italians for its cuisine. Sample it yourself today as you enjoy lunch, with restaurant suggestions from your guide.

After lunch we depart for the charming hillside town of San Gimignano, known for its medieval architecture and encircling fortress-like walls with numerous towers. After strolling along its historic streets and squares, and enjoying views of the countryside from this hillside vantage point, we return to Florence in time for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Day 19 – FLORENCE TO PERUGIA or TORGIANO VIA ASSISI – Monday
Depart for Assisi after breakfast, and after a drive of just over two hours through the countryside, meet your local guide in the center of Assisi. Take a leisurely walking tour of the town’s historic center, the “birthplace of the Franciscan order,” visiting the San Francesco Basilica (a World Heritage Site), and the massive Gothic Santa Chiara Basilica. For lunch, find any restaurant that appeals to you, assisted by restaurant suggestions from your guide.

In early afternoon, depart for Perugia (or Torgiano, if you prefer), about an hour’s drive, to enjoy its famous hilltop views, narrow winding streets, and “Baci” chocolates. Tour the historic city center, including the elegant Renaissance Palazzo Capitano del Popolo on the Piazza Matteotti, and the 14th-century Cathedral. In late afternoon, return to Florence, and your hotel, for a restful evening.

Day 20– FLORENCE and VICINITY AS YOU WISH – Tuesday
After breakfast—always included at your hotel—enjoy today as you wish. Your private air-conditioned vehicle and private English-speaking chauffeur are at your disposal from 9 AM until 6 PM for any touring or shopping you wish to enjoy.

Day 21 – PERUGIA or TORGIANO TO ROME VIA ORVIETO – Wednesday
Meet your driver after breakfast and depart for the one-hour drive to the dramatically-situated Umbrian town of Orvieto, surrounded by sheer cliffs. Your local guide shows you the historic town center, including the Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral which holds Luca Signorelli’s frescos of the Last Judgment; the Torre del Moro, the “Tower of the Moor” (named after a figure on the building’s coat of arms) which gives sweeping views of the city; and the Piazza del Popolo, followed by some time to wander around on your own and enjoy this charming setting.

After lunch on your own, as you like, you depart for the 2-1/2-hour drive to Rome, arriving in the Eternal City, and your hotel, in the late afternoon.

Day 22 – FULL DAY TOUR OF ROME – VATICAN CITY, PLAZAS and FOUNTAINS – Thursday
After breakfast, your guide conducts you to the Vatican Museum, one of the greatest in the world, featuring some of the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art; the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s crowning artistic achievement, the ceiling frescoes; the massive and spectacular St. Peter’s Basilica, the holiest of Catholic sites and the greatest building of its age.

After lunch on your own—lots of great restaurant choices in Rome!—your guide takes you on a tour of Rome’s Plazas & Fountains. You visit Piazza Navona, built on and following the shape of a 1st-century stadium; the famous Baroque Trevi Fountain; the Spanish Steps, the widest staircase in Europe and Rome’s most popular gathering-place; and the vast Piazza del Popolo, which was once the traveler’s first view of Rome. The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Day 23 – HALF DAY TOUR OF ANCIENT ROME – Friday
Today you tour the timeless classics of ancient Rome: the Coliseum; the Roman Forum, meeting-place of ancient Rome and now a site of archeological wonder; and the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains), the home of Michelangelo’s statue of Moses.

Now that you know your way around Rome a bit, after lunch at a restaurant of your choice, on your own, the rest of the afternoon is yours for your own explorations.

Day 24 – ROME AS YOU LIKE IT – Saturday
Today is yours to design as you wish. Return to a landmark for a closer look, plunge into Rome shopping, or take an excursion out of the city. Your private air-conditioned vehicle and private English speaking chauffeur are at your disposal from 9 AM until 6 PM for any touring or shopping you wish to enjoy today.

Day 25 – Departure – Rome – Sunday
After breakfast, your English speaking escort will assist with your private transfer from your hotel to Palermo Airport. Bon Voyage. Compare with the 26 in-depth version.

Peak Season: Easter season (2 weeks), Christmas and New Year season (2weeks): Please add: % 20 to the listed rates.

Child: Younger than 12 year of age at time of travel must share with 2 adults to enjoy a 15 % discount.

The St. Regis Rome Hotel – The Ultimate in Luxury and comfort. Stay in a deluxe room when you choose the Ultra Deluxe Category.

Prices include:

• One way air fare between Cairo and Venice (expect one stop and change of planes in Europe), in business class, and including tax.
• Locally private guided sightseeing and all ground transportation always on a private basis (deluxe private air conditioned vehicle) as indicated, private chauffeur.
• An English speaking tour escort in Italy.
• American or buffet breakfast daily, plus 1 lunch in Italy.
• American or buffet breakfast daily in Egypt plus meals as listed including B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
• Accommodation including tax, and service charges.
• All Entrance fees in Italy and Egypt.
• First-class, reserved-seat train tickets as indicated in Italy.
• Ferry tickets in Italy as indicated.
• All airfares within Egypt in business class except for Abu Simbel flights that may not offer but economy “Y” class, with all taxes included.
• Private air conditioned car /driver for all transfers within Egypt.

In Egypt Ultra Deluxe Dahabiya Nile Cruise such as Sonesta Dahabiya
Always Outside Cabin and including on the Nile cruise:

• Tea/ coffee and afternoon tea while on board the Deluxe Nile Cruise
• One large bottle of water (for each guest) delivered to your cabin daily while on board the cruise.
• One small bottle of water for each guest, with each meal, every day while on board the cruise
• An Egyptian Gallabiya (100% Egyptian Cotton) with our compliments, delivered to your cabin
• A welcome fruit basket, awaits you in your cabin upon arrival with our compliments.
• Dahabiya Nile cruise private guided shore excursions with all the guided sightseeing as listed including all entrance fees, all as per itinerary.
• Private Egyptologist and private car/driver for the cruise portion, Cairo and Abu Simbel tours as listed including all entrance fees.
• All meals on board the DELUXE Yacht / Dahabiya Nile cruise: Pre set meals as listed including B = Breakfast,, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Come to Egypt and enjoy your honeymoon or Anniversary cruise
on the Ultra Deluxe Sonesta Dahabiya

Not Included:

• Personal expenses, beverages, and meals not specifically included.
• Gratuities for local personnel porterage.
• Drinks/beverages.
• Travel insurance
• International airfares from/ to home country.