SK Travel · Egypt Stays & Tours
Ramesses Trail 9-Day
CulturalLuxury

9 days · 8 nights · Cairo, Luxor, Abu Simbel

Ramesses Trail 9-Day

Following Pharaoh Ramesses II's monuments

4.9 · 92 reviewsPrivate journey

All tours are private. Your group only — no strangers, no shared coaches, no fixed departures.

Journey highlights

  • Stand before the Great Pyramid of Giza, last surviving ancient wonder
  • Encounter the Sphinx face-to-face on the Giza Plateau
  • Discover Tutankhamun's treasures at the Egyptian Museum
  • Walk the colossal hypostyle hall of Karnak Temple in Luxor
  • Witness sunrise over the Valley of the Kings

About this journey

This 9-day luxury cultural introduces you to the very best of Cairo, Luxor, Abu Simbel, crafted by Egypt Stay & Tours' specialists with over 20 years of Egypt expertise. From the moment your private chauffeur greets you at the airport to your final farewell, every detail has been considered. You'll travel with an expert Egyptologist (or local equivalent) who brings ancient history to life, stay in carefully selected luxury accommodations, and experience moments most travellers miss.

Unlike generic group tours, this itinerary is fully customisable. Add experiences, extend stays, upgrade hotels, or adjust the pace — we tailor every journey to suit your style. With 24/7 in-country support, transparent pricing, and direct relationships with all suppliers (including our own seven hotels in Egypt), you'll experience Egypt the way it should be experienced: seamlessly, authentically, and without compromise.

Egyptologist's note

What this trip really shows you

Nine days following Ramesses II's monumental program from his Delta capital at Pi-Ramesses (modern Qantir) through Memphis, Thebes, and Nubia to Abu Simbel. He ruled for 67 years, sired around 100 children, fought the Hittites at Kadesh, and built or co-opted more monuments than any other pharaoh. Tracking him in geographic and chronological order is one of the strongest single-theme itineraries in Egyptology.

Historical context

Ramesses II (r. 1279–1213 BCE) inherited an empire from his father Seti I and spent his reign making sure no one would forget him. The Battle of Kadesh against the Hittite king Muwatalli II in 1274 BCE produced the first known peace treaty in history (sealed in 1259 BCE). Ramesses' building strategy was deliberate: he carved, recarved, or extended at virtually every major sanctuary in Egypt. By the time you finish this itinerary you can read his cartouche before the guide points it out.

What you'll experience

  • Memphis colossus and the Ramesseum at Thebes — his mortuary temple, partly collapsed and unforgettable
  • His Karnak additions and the smaller temples at Abydos
  • His tomb (KV7, partial access) and his sons' tomb KV5 (the largest in Egypt) from the outside
  • The Battle of Kadesh reliefs at Abu Simbel and the parallel reliefs in the Ramesseum
  • Abu Simbel main and small temples — Ramesses for himself, Nefertari's temple beside it
  • The Tanis museum or Pi-Ramesses dig site (if accessible) on the Delta day

Insider tip from your guide

Visit Abu Simbel a second time after dark for the sound-and-light show. The English commentary is a bit florid but the lighting actually shows Ramesses' propaganda program more clearly than daytime, when the colossi flatten in direct sun.

Best for

Travellers with a single-theme intellectual focusHistory students or amateur EgyptologistsRepeat travellers who want a different angle on familiar sitesAnyone who has read 'Ramesses: Egypt's Greatest Pharaoh' and wants to follow it

Day-by-day itinerary

Meet your representative at Cairo Airport, private transfer to hotel. Welcome briefing with your Egyptologist guide. Evening at leisure.

What's included

  • Private airport transfers (arrival & departure)
  • All accommodation (8 nights) on bed & breakfast basis
  • All sightseeing and excursions per itinerary
  • Expert local guide
  • All entry fees to monuments and sites
  • All transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water during tours
  • All taxes and service charges
  • 24/7 emergency support during your trip
  • Lunch on touring days
  • Welcome dinner on day 1
  • Domestic flights (where included in itinerary)
  • VIP fast-track at airports

What's not included

  • International flights to/from your home country
  • Egypt entry visa (USD $25 on arrival or e-visa available)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory — we can recommend providers)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, minibar)
  • Optional excursions and activities
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (USD $8–12 per person per day suggested)
  • Drinks with meals (unless specifically stated)
  • Anything not specified in 'Inclusions'

Practical information

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit
October to April (cooler weather, peak season)
Departure Dates
Daily departures · Year-round
Languages Available
English, Arabic, German, French, Italian, Spanish (on request)
Physical Rating
Easy to moderate — comfortable for most travellers, some walking on uneven surfaces at sites
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. 50% refund 30-59 days. No refund within 30 days. (Christmas/NYE/peak holiday departures: 90 days for full refund.)
Deposit Required
20% at booking, balance 30 days before departure

Frequently Asked Questions