Nile Valley and Red Sea: An 11-Day Journey Through Ancient Egypt and Coastal Paradise
From the temples of Luxor to the shores of Hurghada, an adventure that spans millennia and coastlines.
This Egypt Nile Valley and Red Sea tour combines four days of immersive archaeological discovery in Luxor with seven nights of relaxation along the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. Designed for travelers who want both cultural depth and coastal comfort, this 11-day itinerary is graded easy and suits a wide range of experience levels.
Luxor, built on the ruins of ancient Thebes, remains one of the world's most concentrated archaeological landscapes. Visitors encounter vast temple complexes, elaborately decorated royal tombs, and a museum collection that contextualizes centuries of pharaonic civilization in a manageable, walkable setting.
Hurghada offers a compelling contrast: a modern coastal resort city on the western shore of the Red Sea, known for warm, clear water, accessible coral reefs, and a range of water-based activities. The transition from antiquity to beach relaxation gives this tour a natural rhythm that appeals to a broad audience.
A dedicated Elite Trip representative meets every traveler on arrival in Luxor, manages luggage, handles all check-in procedures, and provides a full orientation briefing before any sightseeing begins. The same level of support continues through the return journey on Day 11.
Tour Highlights
Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple, a forest of 134 towering columns that stand as one of ancient Egypt's most impressive architectural achievements.
Explore the Luxor Temple on the east bank of the Nile, a monument begun by Amenhotep III around 1400 BCE and expanded by Ramses II, still remarkably preserved today.
Descend into the Valley of the Kings, where over 60 elaborately decorated royal tombs were carved into the cliffs of the west bank during Egypt's New Kingdom period.
Visit the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, a three-tiered colonnaded structure integrated seamlessly into the natural limestone cliffs.
Spend seven nights at a beachfront Red Sea resort in Hurghada and Makadi Bay, with access to snorkeling, diving, and a wide range of water sports along vibrant coral reefs.
Attend the Luxor Sound and Light Show at Luxor Temple, where dramatic illumination and narration bring the stories of pharaohs and gods to life after dark.
Experience a desert safari near Hurghada, including quad biking across golden dunes and a visit to a traditional Bedouin village at sunset.
Itinerary Overview
Fly direct from London Gatwick to Luxor, a journey of approximately five hours departing on Mondays or Thursdays. An Elite Trip representative meets you on arrival, manages all luggage, escorts you to your five-star bed and breakfast accommodation, and conducts a detailed orientation briefing covering the full itinerary.
After breakfast, visit Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever constructed, spanning over 2,000 acres and featuring contributions from Thutmose III, Ramses II, Hatshepsut, and Alexander the Great. The afternoon is devoted to Luxor Temple on the east bank of the Nile and a visit to the Luxor Museum, where carefully curated artifacts including colossal statues and treasures associated with Tutankhamun are displayed in a spacious, well-lit environment.
Cross to the west bank of the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings, the sacred burial ground of New Kingdom pharaohs including Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Seti I. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, then explore the Valley of the Queens before returning to Luxor Temple for the evening Sound and Light Show.
Following breakfast, travel from Luxor to Hurghada and check into a beachfront five-star resort on the Red Sea, where you will stay for the following eight days and seven nights. The resort serves as a base for optional activities including snorkeling at Giftun Islands, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat excursions, windsurfing, and a desert safari to the surrounding dunes.
Enjoy a flexible program of beach relaxation, water sports, and optional excursions including dolphin-watching, visits to Coptic monasteries, and Bedouin village tours. The Red Sea's coral reefs are accessible directly from the resort area, offering snorkeling and diving conditions that are considered among the best in the world.
After breakfast on Day 11, collect a packed lunch box and prepare luggage for departure. An Elite Trip representative escorts the group from the resort to Luxor Airport for the return direct flight to London Gatwick. Assistance is available throughout the departure process.
What Is Included
Included
- Return direct flights between London Gatwick and Luxor
- Airport meet-and-greet with a dedicated Elite Trip representative
- All luggage handling on arrival and departure
- Four nights in five-star bed and breakfast accommodation in Luxor
- Seven nights in a five-star beachfront resort in Hurghada or Makadi Bay
- Guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Luxor Museum, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Valley of the Queens
- Luxor Sound and Light Show
- Full itinerary orientation briefing on arrival
- Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada on Day 4
- Transfer to Luxor Airport on Day 11 including packed lunch
Not Included
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional excursions such as desert safari, diving, and dolphin-watching tours
- Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
Ready to Explore Egypt?
Secure your place on this 11-day journey through the Nile Valley and the Red Sea. Places are limited on each departure, and the tour operates on fixed Monday and Thursday schedules from London Gatwick.
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