An Egypt honeymoon works because it combines world-class sights with some of the most atmospheric hotels anywhere. You wake to the Great Pyramid outside your window at Mena House, take tea on the terrace where Agatha Christie wrote at the Old Cataract, and drift above the Valley of the Kings at sunrise in a hot-air balloon.
We have built in slow time on purpose. Sightseeing is done early each day, afternoons are for the pool or a spa, and the private touches (a felucca at sunset with a picnic, a candlelit dinner on the Nile, a room upgrade request) are arranged in advance.
The last three nights are on the Red Sea, where you can snorkel coral reefs and lie on a quiet beach before the long flight home.
Journey highlights
- Pyramid-view room at the Marriott Mena House
- Private tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum's Tutankhamun galleries
- Three nights at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan
- Private sunset felucca with a picnic on the Nile
- Abu Simbel by air
- Sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Luxor's West Bank
- Two nights at the Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor
- Three nights on the Red Sea at Sahl Hasheesh
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day1
Arrive in Cairo, Mena House
Your representative meets you at the gate and helps you through arrival formalities before a private transfer to the Marriott Mena House. We request a pyramid-view room so the Great Pyramid is the first thing you see the next morning.
- Day2
Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Walk to the Giza Plateau with your Egyptologist at opening time for the pyramids, the panoramic viewpoint and the Sphinx. In the afternoon, take a private tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum, including Tutankhamun's gold mask and Khufu's Solar Boat.
- Day3
Saqqara, Dahshur and a Khan el-Khalili dinner
Visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur, where you may have the burial chamber to yourselves. In the evening, wander Khan el-Khalili and stop for mint tea at the historic El Fishawy café.
- Day4
Fly to Aswan, Old Cataract
Fly to Aswan (about 1 hour 20 minutes) and check in to the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, a 1899 palace on a granite bluff above the river. Watch the sun set over the First Cataract with a drink on the terrace.
- Day5
Philae and a private sunset felucca
Take a boat to Philae Temple in the morning. In the late afternoon, board your own felucca for a slow sail past Elephantine and Kitchener's Island, with a picnic and the sunset over the West Bank dunes.
- Day6
Abu Simbel by air
Fly to Abu Simbel (about 45 minutes) to see the temple Ramses II built for himself and the one he built for his wife Nefertari. Spend the afternoon at the Old Cataract's spa or pool.
- Day7
Drive to Luxor via Kom Ombo and Edfu
Drive north by private car, about 3.5 hours with stops at the riverside temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Check in to the Sofitel Winter Palace and see Luxor Temple lit up at night.
- Day8
Sunrise balloon and the West Bank
Board a hot-air balloon before dawn for about 45 minutes over the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple and the green fields of the West Bank. After breakfast, explore the royal tombs and Hatshepsut's temple on foot. Enjoy a candlelit dinner in the Winter Palace gardens.
- Day9
Karnak, then drive to the Red Sea
Visit Karnak early, before the heat and crowds, then drive about 4 hours across the Eastern Desert to Sahl Hasheesh on the Red Sea, south of Hurghada.
- Days10–11
Red Sea at leisure
Two free days for the beach, the house reef, a couples' spa treatment or a private boat trip to snorkel the Giftun Islands. We can book anything you like in advance.
- Day12
Fly to Cairo and depart
Transfer to Hurghada airport (about 25 minutes) for the one-hour flight to Cairo and your connection home.
Where you’ll stay
| Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Giza, 3 nights | Marriott Mena House (pyramid-view room) or similar |
| Aswan, 3 nights | Sofitel Legend Old Cataract or similar |
| Luxor, 2 nights | Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor or similar |
| Red Sea, 3 nights | The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh or similar |
What’s included
- 11 nights in luxury hotels with daily breakfast (honeymoon amenities requested)
- Domestic flights Cairo–Aswan, Aswan–Abu Simbel–Aswan and Hurghada–Cairo
- Private Egyptologist guide on all touring days
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver for all transfers and touring
- Sunrise hot-air balloon flight in Luxor
- Private sunset felucca with picnic in Aswan
- Entry fees to all sites in the itinerary
- Airport meet-and-assist service and 24/7 local support
Not included
- International flights from Australia (we can quote and book these)
- Egypt visa fee
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Spa treatments, drinks and meals not listed
- Optional activities on the Red Sea
- Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff
Destinations on this journey
Cairo & Giza · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Luxor · Red Sea Coast
Egypt Honeymoon: 12 Days of Balloons, Feluccas and the Red Sea: FAQs
Is Egypt a good honeymoon destination?
Yes. Egypt combines bucket-list sights with historic luxury hotels, romantic Nile sailing and a beach finish on the Red Sea, all for less than many comparable long-haul honeymoons. Our cost guide explains typical budgets.
Is the Luxor balloon flight safe?
Luxor's balloon flights are regulated, operate only in suitable weather, and are cancelled when the wind is too strong. We use established operators. Flights last about 40–60 minutes, and the transfer leaves around 4:30–5am.
Can we add a Nile cruise instead of driving?
Yes. Many couples swap the Aswan–Luxor drive for a three-night cruise or a dahabiya, which is especially romantic. Read our Nile cruise guide.
What should I wear in Egypt as a couple?
Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees work best for sightseeing and mosques. Swimwear is fine at resorts and on the Red Sea. See what to wear in Egypt.
Do you arrange honeymoon extras?
Yes. We request upgrades, flowers and cakes from each hotel, and can arrange private dinners, photographers and spa treatments. Let us know on our plan my trip form.
