Tombs closed to the public
Private access to newly excavated noble tombs at Saqqara, then single malt whisky at sunset on a platform overlooking the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Salt-rock desert lodges, hyper-saline lakes, and a premium Nile cruise
See Pricing & Inclusions ↓OverviewCrafted specifically for sophisticated world travelers and history enthusiasts who crave raw desert isolation alongside classic river luxury. This circuit ventures off the beaten path to contrast the newly excavated tomb chambers of Saqqara with the remote, salt-rock architecture of the far western Siwa Oasis, before joining a premium cruise to explore the ancient river temples of Upper Egypt.
| Best For | Discerning travelers seeking the extraordinary — places where history, isolation, and natural beauty converge |
| Duration | 10 Days / 9 Nights |
| Route | Cairo → Saqqara → Siwa Oasis → Luxor → Nile Cruise → Aswan → Cairo |
| Group Size | Private or small group — your party, or join a small departure |
| Price From | $12,800 per person sharing (estimated) |
Private access into newly excavated noble tombs at Saqqara, not open to the general public, with extraordinarily preserved wall paintings
Single malt whiskies served at sunset on a private platform overlooking the Step Pyramid of Djoser — the oldest colossal stone building in history
Private charter flight deep into the Western Desert to the remote, salt-rock eco-lodge of Adrère Amellal in Siwa Oasis
Floating effortlessly in a crystal-clear, hyper-saline desert lake beside a luxury breakfast spread of fresh olives, dates and Siwan bread
Standing at the Oracle Temple of Alexander the Great, where the conqueror was declared the son of Amun in 331 BC
Hot air balloon flight over the Siwa basin's olive groves and shimmering salt pans at dawn
Ultra-luxury Nile cruise aboard the Sonesta Star Goddess through Luxor, Kom Ombo, and Aswan
Open-air dinner around a fire pit on a panoramic terrace overlooking the First Cataract of the Nile

Cairo → Saqqara → Siwa Oasis → Luxor → Nile Cruise → Aswan → Cairo. Day-by-day scrollspy markers to follow.
VIP tarmac handling at Cairo International Airport, then a private guide transfer to Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. If arriving before 4:00 PM, a private guided tour of Islamic Cairo, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
The day culminates in an exclusive welcome dinner overlooking the illuminated Nile, where you meet your private Egyptologist guide and pilot for a briefing on the journey ahead.
A dedicated day exploring the Saqqara Necropolis, standing before the Step Pyramid of Djoser — the oldest colossal stone building in history, designed by Imhotep over 4,600 years ago. Private access into newly excavated noble tombs not open to the general public, their wall paintings preserved in extraordinary condition.
In the late afternoon, single malt whiskies and premium wines are served on a private platform overlooking the desert dunes of Saqqara, with the Step Pyramid silhouetted against the setting sun.

A private charter flight west to the remote Siwa Oasis near the Libyan border, with dramatic aerial views of the Sahara's shifting dunes before descending into lush green palm groves. You check into the ultra-luxury eco-lodge Adrère Amellal, carved entirely from salt-rock and clay.
The afternoon is yours to relax in profound isolation — a refreshing dip in a natural spring or a walk through the palm groves. Dinner at the lodge features traditional Siwan cuisine.
You explore the ancient ruins of the Shali Fortress, a mud-brick citadel built from kershef, eroded over centuries into hauntingly beautiful sculptural forms. You also visit the Oracle Temple of Alexander the Great, where he was declared the son of Amun in 331 BC.
A luxury breakfast spread with fresh olives, dates and Siwan bread is set up on the shores of a crystal-clear, hyper-saline desert lake, where you float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters surrounded by the Great Sand Sea.

Rising before dawn, you board a hot air balloon or private scenic charter to glide silently over the olive groves, palm canopies, and shimmering salt pans of the Siwa basin. After landing, a celebratory champagne toast and gourmet brunch follow.
In the afternoon, a private charter flight carries you directly across the country to Luxor. Upon arrival, you board your luxury Nile cruise ship, the Sonesta Star Goddess, welcomed with chilled champagne.
You cross to the West Bank to explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri, and the towering Colossi of Memnon. You also visit the Valley of the Kings, exploring the royal tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs.
In the evening, you visit Luxor Temple, dedicated to Amun-Ra, beautifully illuminated at night with its grand columns glowing in golden light.
You relax on the sun deck as the ship sails upriver, watching the timeless landscape of feluccas, water buffalo, and farmers along the banks. In the afternoon, you dock for a private tour of the Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.
You explore the fascinating collection of mummified crocodiles and the ancient medical instruments depicted on the temple walls. Dinner is served as you continue sailing toward Aswan.
You arrive in Aswan, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Nile cataracts. In the afternoon, a private sailing cruise on a traditional felucca around Kitchener's Island, gliding past lush botanical gardens.
The day culminates in a majestic open-air dinner around a central fire pit on a panoramic stone terrace overlooking the First Cataract of the Nile, the sound of rushing water and brilliant desert stars above.

A deeply respectful cultural immersion day spent privately with elders of the indigenous Amazigh (Siwan) heritage, learning about the Siwi Berber language and traditional silver jewelry crafting passed down through generations of desert nomads.
The highlight is a private performance of historic desert folk music. The day concludes with a celebratory multi-course farewell dinner on board paired with vintage wines.
A relaxed luxury breakfast on deck watching the Nile flow gently by. You check out and board your private charter aircraft back to Cairo, where you are transferred to your city hotel for a complementary spa session.
Your airport transfer for the connecting international flight home is timed precisely to your departure schedule.
We are here for that. Every Finders & Keepers Safaris itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed departure — the pace, the lodges, the length, the dates and the party travelling can all be reshaped around you. Tell us what you would change and a specialist will rebuild the journey and price it honestly, before you commit to anything.
Tailor This Journey →
The Egypt most visitors miss: newly excavated tombs at Saqqara and a private flight to the salt-rock lodge at Siwa Oasis.
Private access to newly excavated noble tombs at Saqqara, then single malt whisky at sunset on a platform overlooking the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
A charter flight deep into the Western Desert to Adrère Amellal Eco-Lodge, a float in a hyper-saline desert lake, the Oracle Temple of Alexander the Great and a dawn balloon over the salt pans.
Luxor, Kom Ombo and Aswan, sailing aboard the Sonesta Star Goddess.
Hold 2027 for half the usual deposit
Confirm any 2027 departure with a 15% deposit instead of the usual 30%, booked before 31 December 2026.
30% off the single supplement
Travelling on your own? We cut the single traveller supplement by 30% across selected 2027 departures.
Bring three, the fourth travels free
Book four guests on a 2027 group departure and the fourth guest’s safari cost is on us.
The same unforgettable journey, priced by season.
Reserve today with a low early deposit to lock in your 2027 dates and pricing.
Spread the rest across convenient instalments, at a pace that suits you.
Final balance due one month before departure — nothing more to pay once you fly.
No fixed minimum — varies by activity
Duffel, safari hat, vest and hooded jumper
Nile cruise schedules are fixed by the operator
River cruise itineraries between Luxor and Aswan run to fixed weekly schedules set by the cruise operator, so touring days are set in advance rather than fully flexible. Modest dress is appreciated at religious and cultural sites.
Visa on arrival or e-Visa, from $25
Private, tailor-made departures on your dates, or join a small group