Spend the morning at the Giza Plateau. Marvel at the Great Pyramid and take the classic "nine-pyramid" photo from the panoramic viewpoint. After lunch, be among the first to explore the fully opened Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), housing the complete collection of King Tutankhamun.

• Overnight: Cairo

Catch an early flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, visit the High Dam, then take a traditional motorboat to the Philae Temple, a romantic complex saved from the rising Nile. In the evening, explore the vibrant Aswan Spice Market.

• Overnight: Aswan

A dawn excursion takes you to Abu Simbel (approx. 3 hours each way or a short flight). Stand before the four colossal statues of Ramses II. Return to Aswan and take the first-class express train (approx. 3 hours) to Luxor, watching the sunset over the rural Nile banks.

• Overnight: Luxor

Witness the "World's Largest Open-Air Museum." Start on the West Bank with the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Cross back to the East Bank to explore the massive Karnak Temple and the atmospheric Luxor Temple as it lights up for the evening.

• Overnight: Luxor

After breakfast, transfer to Luxor Airport for a short flight back to Cairo to catch your international connection. If you have a late evening flight, an optional stop at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) to see the Royal Mummies is highly recommended.