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!

• 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

Arrival in Cairo – The Land of the PharaohsWelcome 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 

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

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

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

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

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.

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 

Overnight: Nile River Cruise

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

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

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 & Light Dinner

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

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

Enjoy a final breakfast before your transfer to Cairo International Airport.
Our team will assist with check-in and departure formalities.