Photography by Christian Del Rosario

ENCHANTING EGYPT

FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 2, 2026

An amazing 12-day EGYPT ADVENTURE

WITH CHRISTIAN DEL ROSARIO  

Discover Egypt through the lens of renowned travel photographer Christian del Rosario—an exclusive journey combining adventure, culture, and artistry.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is your chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of Egypt, capturing breathtaking photos with Christian's expert guidance. Whether you're keen to hone your photography skills or simply want stunning images of your trip, Christian's talent ensures that you'll come home with a collection of spectacular memories.

Not into photography? No problem! Christian will personally take incredible photos of you enjoying every moment of this luxurious adventure.

From the moment you touch down in Cairo, we've got it all covered: elegant accommodations, meticulously curated meals, and unforgettable daily tours hand-picked by Christian himself. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of every detail while you soak in the wonders of Egypt.

Check out the daily itinerary below and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

THIS SPECIAL TOUR IS OPEN TO 20-24 PARTICIPANTS ONLY . SO RESERVE QUICKLY.

CURRENT ITINERARY

( MAYBE SUBJECT TO MINOR CHANGES )

DAY 1 - FEB 19, THURSDAY -GUEST arrivals IN CAIRO AND WELCOME DINNER

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Cairo International Airport, where your dedicated Tour Manager will personally assist you through customs and immigration. From the moment you step off the plane, relax knowing everything is taken care of. From there you will be transferred to your luxury accommodations at Cairo Pyramids Steigenberger Hotel, situated on the iconic Giza Plateau.

This evening, we dine overlooking the Pyramids at the excellent seafood restaurant, Cheristo (Welcome Dinner)

Overnight at Cairo Pyramids Steigenberger Hotel

DAY 2 - FEB 20, FRIDAY - (Cairo) Sphinx / Giza Pyramids

After enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet, you will meet our Egyptologist - your walking encyclopedia of knowledge, and your guide for great photography as well. The adventure begins with a private visit to the iconic Sphinx. Standing between its majestic paws is a privilege rarely offered to tourists, but Christian has arranged this extraordinary opportunity exclusively for you. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient Egypt in style - and have the best pictures you can get!

Next, we explore the rest of the Giza Plateau, home to the legendary Great Pyramid—a testament to the ancient world's power and ingenuity. You'll also visit the other pyramids and take in a panoramic view of the plateau, experiencing firsthand one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Throughout each day, listen closely as you hear the incredible sounds of the entire city being called to prayer.

Afterward, we will enjoy lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge while enjoying the spectacular view.

In the afternoon, step into the Grand Egyptian Museum—a treasure trove of history and culture showcasing Egypt's incredible eras. It's the perfect introduction to the "open-air museum" that is the rest of your journey.

We will end the day with a delicious Egyptian dinner; part of the full board arrangement included throughout your whole tour. Enjoy a relaxing evening.

Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner
Overnight at Cairo Pyramids Steigenberger Hotel

Photography by Christian Del Rosario

DAY 3- FEB 21, SATURDAY - Cairo / Abu Simbel / Aswan

After breakfast, we transfer to Cairo Airport and take a short flight to Abu Simbel via Aswan. When we arrive at Abu Simbel, we will visit Abu Simbel Temple, which was built by the greatest of the Pharaohs, Ramses II. This huge rock-cut temple marked the southern boundary of the Egyptian Empire with Nubia at the peak of its power during the new Kingdom, and the Colossi are world-famous. You will see a stunning example of Egyptian art, architecture, and worship, all in one building.

Following lunch, you can watch the scenery or grab a nap as we take an air-conditioned coach back to Aswan. Then we check in on our private boat, a dahabeya, one of the sailing vessels that date back to the time of Caesar and Cleopatra.

(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Overnight on our private cruise ship

DAY 4- FEB 22, SUNDAY - Aswan / Philae Temple

This morning, we wake up early, take a short coach ride to the lakeshore, then transfer to a motorboat for the island of Philae Temple, consecrated to Isis, Egypt’s Divine Mother. Take ample time here to experience this island, which represents a fusion of three great civilizations: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. Feel a connection to the Great Cosmic Mother, to the power of creation, and Egyptian magic. After lunch, we will visit Aswan Market in the afternoon, locally known as Sharia as-Souq. A colorful bazaar that offers Egyptian and African goods. It is the most famous place to buy souvenirs in Aswan and will delight you with your experience of the locals.

We will then take a felucca, a traditional and ancient sailboat, for a relaxing journey to the opposite bank of the Nile. On our way to a local Nubian Village, you will experience a joy-filled camel ride. Walking along the banks of the Nile by camel is a wonderful way to experience this bucket list item. At the village, learn about the Nubian culture, traditions, daily life, homes, and costumes. They have their unique language that they never teach to an outsider. Visit their beautiful souvenir shop, where you can buy local spices and try their food.

(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Overnight on our private cruise ship.

DAY 5- FEB 23, MONDAY - Kom Ombo/EDFU

In the morning we set sail toward the captivating town of Kom Ombo. After a delightful breakfast on board, we'll step ashore to explore the remarkable Kom Ombo Temple, the only dual temple in Egypt. This awe-inspiring site, perched picturesquely along the Nile’s banks, is a treasure trove of history and symbolism.

Dedicated to two gods—Sobek, the crocodile god of strength, fertility, and rebirth, and Horus, the hawk-headed son of Isis and Osiris—the temple beautifully embodies duality. The interplay of light and dark, conscious and unconscious, yin and yang, is etched into its ancient walls, offering a profound reflection on balance and harmony.

After lunch, we will spend the afternoon sailing to Edfu, one of the most gracious and restful parts of your whole week sailing along the Nile.

(Breakfast, lunch, Dinner)

Overnight on Nile Cruise

DAY 6 - FEB 24,TUESDAY - Edfu Temple

This morning visit Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God. Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples of the Ancient World. Approaching the temple complex, become aware of its enormous dimensions, with its vast courtyard, forest of towering columns and high ceilings. The side chambers of the Temple of Horus show the complexity of ancient rites; they include a healing chamber, a perfumery, and singers’ rooms. One chamber, called the House of Life, stored all of the sacred texts used in seasonal and daily rituals. Horus is associated with higher vision and clarity, and the temple is a stunning example of the Egyptian architecture.

(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Overnight on our private cruise ship

DAY 7- FEB 25, WED - Nile Cruise / Photography workshop/ Esna LOCKS

Today fully enjoy sailing the Nile, a laid-back day where you will watch the farmers and the countryside of Egypt, as we cross Esna Lock. This is one of the favorite days of most guests, as it is a day of idyllic sailing from a time gone by. This afternoon, enjoy a customized photography workshop given by your host, Christian Del Rosario. Late afternoon, cross Esna Lock and experience a lock from the inside, as you traverse the two levels of the Nile. Great photo opportunity!

By dinner time, you will be in Luxor.

(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Overnight on our private cruise ship

DAY 8- FEB 26,THURS-Valley of Kings/Hatshepsut Temple/Memnon STATUE

At dawn, you can take a Hot Air Balloon Ride (optional), seeing the Nile River and the West Bank of ancient Thebes from the air as you float above. This morning after breakfast, take a bus ride to explore the West Bank of ancient Thebes. You will visit the Valley of the Kings, with its Royal Tombs, including Tutmoses III, and visit the mortuary Hatshepsut Temple. On your way back, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, where they are now uncovering the Temple of Mut, which will be larger than Karnak Temple once it is excavated. Finally, we will visit Howard Carter House. Across the mesmerizing west bank of Luxor, resides the house of the British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter, the man who led the team excavating the tomb of Tutankhamun. His home has been perfectly maintained and is like stepping back in time to the mid-1800s, just after Carter uncovered the most important tomb ever found.

(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Overnight on our private cruise ship

DAY 9- FEB 27, FRIDAY - Luxor (Karnak Temple / Luxor Temple)

This morning, we will visit the magnificent Karnak Temple. Karnak is the biggest temple complex in Egypt – and an incredibly special place, dedicated to the Gods Amun and Mut. As you enter, walk between a row of ram-headed sphinxes, which originally connected Karnak with Luxor Temple, two miles away, and now is almost fully restored. The looming pillars are some of the best-preserved architecture in Egypt, and the original Death on the Nile was partly filmed here.

In the evening under the stars, visit the Temple of Luxor, located in the East Bank of the Nile River. Here you can see that this temple is built like a human body – the outer layers represent the feet and as you move deeper into the temple, you make your way towards the head, where the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctuary, is located. Be sure to stop to view the early Christian paintings on the walls, see the mosque built right into the temple (several stories up!), and the open-air museum. Late this evening, explore the Luxor Night Market, El Souk, located on the East Bank of the Nile, around a five-minute walk from Luxor temple. Here all the local vendors and the sights and sounds will delight you.

(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Overnight on our private cruise ship

DAY 10- FEB 28,sat-Luxor/Cairo / Khan Al Khalili Market / Al Muizz ST

In the morning we will bid farewell to the cruise ship and transfer to Luxor Airport for a short flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, enjoy a delightful local lunch, preparing you for an afternoon in the vibrant energy of Cairo's iconic markets and historic streets.
This afternoon, you'll have the chance to explore the legendary Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, renowned as the oldest and most famous open-air market in the Middle East. Lose yourself in the maze-like alleyways that evoke the spirit of medieval markets, brimming with color, life, and treasures waiting to be discovered. We’ll also visit Al-Muizz Street, a historic thoroughfare within Cairo’s walled city. Dating back to the 10th century and the Fatimid dynasty, this street offers a glimpse into Cairo’s ancient past. Its rich architecture and lively atmosphere provide a sensory experience often overlooked by tourists—a true gem for an authentic local adventure.

(Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Overnight at the Four Seasons First Residence Hotel

DAY 11-MAR1,SUN-Cairo(Salah El-DinCitadel/ArRafaiMosque/Khan BAZAAR

After breakfast, experience the Citadel; one of Cairo's main attractions and probably the most popular Islamic monument in Cairo. Ruler Salah El-Din built it in 1176 AD; it was the home of most of Egypt’s rulers for 700 years, between the 9th and 12th centuries. Mohammed Ali was the last ruler of the Citadel. Then it’s on to Ar Rafai Mosque - almost rectangular in shape. It consists of two sections: the prayer house and the royal tombs and mausoleums and is another stunning example of Islamic architecture, as well as an opportunity to visit a working mosque. Late afternoon you will have the opportunity to go shopping at the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. It is said to be the oldest and most well-known open-air market in the Middle East. The energy of this traditional market, together with the labyrinthine layout of the streets, gives you a glimpse into what medieval markets were like. This evening, head out to New Giza for dinner overlooking the whole plateau at Andrea Restaurant. Delicious mezzes, local grilled chicken and meats, plus a terrific view, will delight you for your farewell dinner.

(Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Overnight at the Four Seasons First Residence Hotel

DAY 12- MAR 2, MONDAY- Final Departure

After breakfast, Transfer to Cairo Airport for Final Departure.

(Breakfast)

Photography by Christian Del Rosario

DETAILS

TRIP Price: $12995 per person (based on double occupancy)

w/ optional $2000 Single Supplement ( Single room of your own ) throughout the tour; limited number of single cabins on the cruise ship, depending on signups.

Admin fee (when paying by credit card) $430

Tour Price Includes

• Hotel Accommodation are per person, based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room or king room with private bath

• 2 nights Steigenberger Pyramids hotel

• 7 nights deluxe private Nile Cruise

• 2 nights Four Seasons First Residence

• Greeting and assistance at airports in all cities in Egypt

• All touring and transfers in air-conditioned motor coach.

• Transfers from and to the airport / hotels in all cities

• Entrance fees to all visits mentioned in the above itinerary

• Domestic flights within Egypt

• Cairo -> Aswan

• Aswan -> Abu Simbel

• Luxor -> Cairo

• Private / exclusive visit between the Paws of the Sphinx

• Private / exclusive chartered Nile cruise

• Daily buffet breakfast at hotel (12 Breakfasts)

• Daily Lunches (11 Lunches)

• Daily Dinners (11 Dinners)

• Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the trip

• 3-hour Photography workshop with Christian Del Rosario

• All hotels taxes, service charges and government sales tax

• Luggage handling at all airports

• Tips for drivers / guards on sites / and hotel staff

• AND OF COURSE, AMAZING PHOTOS OF OUR TRIP THAT CHRISTIAN TOOK HIMSELF. PRICELESS!!!!

Tour Price Does Not Include

• International Air tickets

• Excess baggage charges

• Drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc,

• Tips of for tour guides/photographer assistants. $450 cash per guest.

• Travel & health Insurance and other items of a personal nature

• Any tour not mentioned in the itinerary

PAYMENTS & Cancellation

• AN INITIAL DEPOSIT OF $3500 IS REQUIRED TO IMMEDIATELY RESERVE AND SECURE A SPOT . THERE ARE ONLY 20-24 SPOTS AVAILABLE.

• THIS DEPOSIT IS FULLY REFUNDABLE IF CANCELLED ON OR BEFORE August 15, 2025. AFTER August 15, 2025, THIS DEPOSIT IS NOT REFUNDABLE.

• FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 2025.

• PREFERRED PAYMENT METHOD IS DIRECT BANK TRANSFER TO CHRISTIAN’S BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT.

• GUESTS CANCELING PRIOR TO OCTOBER 15, 2025 WILL RECEIVE A FULL REFUND LESS THE INITIAL $3500 DEPOSIT

• GUESTS CANCELING PRIOR TO NOV 30, 2025 WILL RECEIVE A 50% REFUND OF ALL MONIES ABOVE THE INITIAL DEPOSIT

• NO REFUND ON OR AFTER NOV 30 , 2025

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

All travelers need a passport valid for at least six months AFTER the date of entering Egypt.

Your passport MUST BE VALID through at least AUGUST 2026 or you must renew before travel. Please note that this rule is enforced by EGYPT.

Got a question?

Please contact Halle - halle@toursandretreats.com or Christian via FB Messenger or via email at tripswithxtian@gmail.com

Christian’s commitment to giving back to help animals

As many of you know, I am very passionate about animals. I have committed to give back all my charity contributions to helping animals in Africa, Asia, North America, etc. This will include but not limited to donations to elephant programs that rescue them from logging camps and giving tourist rides. I will also donate to help educational programs around Africa that aid in helping educate African communities to promote harmonious existence between their communities and the animals. By being a participant in these tours, you are also in turn a participant in helping me protect these beautiful animals and the people that live amongst them. So THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

I can’t wait to share with you this amazing experience!!! See you in Egypt!!!

THIS TOUR IS OPEN TO 20-24 PARTICIPANTS ONLY PER GROUP. SO RESERVE QUICKLY.