Spain and Egypt with Nile Cruise and Abu Simbel - 17 days from Madrid

After arriving at Madrid-Barajas Airport, we will be greeted and transferred to our hotel.

We will have the rest of the day to relax and begin enjoying the capital of Spain.

Madrid, lively and awake at all hours, is famous for being an open city where people of all kinds and from anywhere come together.

In addition to its well-known museums, lively avenues with all kinds of shops, world cuisine restaurants, and incomparable nightlife, Madrid surprises with quiet historic corners full of charm for strolls.

There, we will find centuries-old taverns with family traditions where friends gather for a drink, neighborhoods of all styles, and alternative cultural centers away from the more touristy circuits.

At the same time, this city has an authenticity that is hard to match. It is hospitable, diverse, and undoubtedly one of the most interesting in Europe.

Greca Tip: As in any other large city, the center of Madrid offers a diverse variety of gastronomic venues to suit all tastes, where you can taste the traditional local tapas.

We will begin the day with breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, we will meet at our office, located at C/ San Nicolás, 15, to begin a panoramic tour of Madrid. We will explore the streets of the historic center on foot, discovering some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza de la Villa.

We will then continue the tour by bus to discover other highlights of the city. We will pass by Madrid’s oldest bridge, offering magnificent views of the Royal Palace, and continue along Gran Vía until reaching the Las Ventas Bullring.

The tour will continue past the Cibeles Fountain and Puerta de Alcalá, the most famous of Madrid’s five historic gates, as well as the recently renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

On the way back, we will pass through the elegant Calle Serrano and by Atocha Station, concluding the tour at the Plaza de Oriente parking area, in front of the Royal Palace.

The afternoon will be free to enjoy Madrid at your own pace.

Greca Tip: Make the most of your free afternoon to explore Madrid at your own pace. The historic center offers an excellent combination of lively squares, pedestrian streets, shops, and terraces, making it an ideal setting to continue discovering the city after the panoramic tour.

The morning unfolds with the thrill of setting out westward, toward Extremadura, cradle of daring conquistadors who once dreamed of distant worlds. After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, your journey takes you through landscapes of timeless beauty until you arrive in Mérida, a city where the past refuses to fade.

Once the Roman capital of Lusitania, Mérida still wears its history with pride. As you explore during your free time, you’ll walk the same paths once trodden by emperors and gladiators. The Roman theatre stands majestic and silent, as if awaiting the next performance, while the vast amphitheater whispers tales of courage and spectacle. The ancient bridge over the Guadiana River connects not only two shores, but two eras.

In the afternoon, the road leads you to Córdoba, city of philosophers, poets, and caliphs. Once the glittering capital of Al-Andalus, Córdoba invites you to lose yourself in its narrow streets and centuries-old soul.

Upon arrival, settle in for the evening in your selected hotel category accommodation.

Greca Tip: Don’t rush Mérida. Even a brief pause at the theatre steps, eyes closed, can transport you back two thousand years, no ticket required.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will start the panoramic tour to Córdoba, you will visit the city including the interior of the famous Mosque/Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter.

Córdoba was an important Roman city and a great Islamic center during the Middle Ages. Its buildings and architecture reflect the coexistence of various religions throughout its history: Christian, Jewish, and Islamic.

After visiting this beautiful city, you will continue the route to Seville where you will have free time to start knowing the city and then check in the hotel where you will stay.

Greca Tip: Seville is the cradle of tapas and although many cities dispute this title, it is said that the origin of tapas goes back to the 16th century when King Alfonso XIII to prevent dirt from getting into his glass, the waiter used a slice of ham to cover the glass.

After a delicious breakfast, we will visit the city accompanied by our guide and explore its most important landmarks. Seville is an emblematic city with a rich historical, cultural, and artistic heritage, making it a favorite destination for visitors from around the world.

We will start our visit at Maria Luisa Park, designed by the French landscape architect Forestier for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. Here, you can appreciate the "neosevillian" style that served as inspiration and influence for other Spanish public parks in the early 20th century.

Next, our tour will take us to the Plaza de España, a semi-elliptical square symbolizing Spain's embrace of its former American territories. It is known as the masterpiece of Sevillian architect Aníbal González and covers a total area of 50,000 square meters, making it undoubtedly the most colossal square in Spain.

The tour concludes with an exterior view of the impressive Cathedral and the Giralda (the name of the bell tower) and a visit to the typical Santa Cruz neighborhood with its streets, squares, and narrow alleys.

The rest of the day will be free for you to continue enjoying this wonderful city.

Greca Tip: Don't forget to visit an authentic Sevillian "tablao" to enjoy a typical regional dance show, "las sevillanas."

After a delicious breakfast, we will head towards our next destination, Ronda, along the White Towns Route.

Ronda is a charming town situated on a gorge overlooking the Guadalevín River. Its historic center is a treasure trove of iconic monuments, including its renowned bullring, one of the most famous in the world. The town is also known for its ancient bridge and Arab baths, adding to its historical and monumental appeal.

You will have free time to explore this beautiful Andalusian town before continuing your journey to the Costa del Sol, a modern and popular tourist destination.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the Puente Nuevo, also known as the New Bridge or El Tajo, a majestic structure with over 200 years of history, symbolizing the city of Malaga.

After breakfast, we will head to the city of Granada. As we reach Sabikah Hill, prepare to be captivated by the rosy walls of the Alhambra Palace. With our "skip-the-line" access, we will enter the palace without delay and embark on a tour of this extraordinary masterpiece.

The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, will transport you to a realm of opulence and beauty. From the royal palace to the palatial city and fortress, every corner tells a fascinating story.

Accompanied by our guide, you will explore the intricately designed rooms, courtyards, and gardens, discovering the rich history of this 9th-century fortress. The Alhambra showcases a unique blend of Islamic and Renaissance architecture, with the Nasrid and Charles V Palaces showcasing the harmony of these different styles.

Greca Tip: The name "Alhambra" derives from Arabic, meaning "red castle," owing to the reddish hues of its towers and walls.

After a delicious breakfast, we will head north, gradually watching the magnificent city of Madrid emerge before us. Upon arrival, we will go to our hotel to rest after a long day of travel.

Greca Tip: if you still have some energy left, take advantage of the sunset to enjoy a short walk around the hotel area; Madrid reveals itself even in the smallest details.

You will enjoy your breakfast and, at the indicated time, you will be transferred to Madrid-Barajas International Airport to board your next flight.

After you arrive in Cairo, the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, a person from our English-speaking team will be waiting at your departure to assist you during the visa process, inform all the details of your trip, and clear any type of doubt or query that you have as well and make a brief presentation of the city and its day to day.

The transfer to the hotel will be made by one of our private air-conditioned vehicles.

At the hotel, your assistant will help you with the registration. The rest of the day is for you to relax, and begin to enjoy the comforts of your hotel.

Greca Tip: Learn everything you need to know about this incredible country before your arrival, in our blog section: all about Egypt.

After enjoying a delicious and hearty breakfast featuring traditional regional products, we will begin our journey through the most iconic landmarks of the largest metropolis on the African continent.

Accompanied by our official English-speaking guide, we will start with the majestic Pyramids of Giza, where the only surviving wonder of the ancient world still stands: the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

This extraordinary funerary complex is guarded by the legendary Sphinx, bearing the head of Pharaoh Khafre and the body of a lion. We will admire it both from the panoramic esplanade and from up close. 

As an optional experience, we may include lunch and an excursion to the Saqqara necropolis, home to the extraordinary Step Pyramid of Djoser—the first monumental stone structure built in Egypt. This impressive site was conceived as a city for the king’s eternal life.

To end the day in style, you may choose to witness the Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show or enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile—both optional and available upon request with your travel assistant.

Greca Tip: Beyond its famous pyramid, Saqqara also shelters richly decorated mastabas and tombs of nobles and high priests—hidden gems of ancient Egyptian art and history.

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast served in the hotel dining room, followed by a free day in Cairo to enjoy at your leisure.

For those seeking an immersive experience, we offer an optional full-day tour to Cairo, where you will explore the significant landmarks of this historic city.

The journey starts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, situated in the heart of the city. Inside, you will encounter a vast collection of invaluable artifacts, including the renowned treasures of Tutankhamun, magnificent sarcophagi, well-preserved mummies, and sculptures of indescribable beauty.

Next, venture into the captivating historic district of Cairo, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area has been home to caliphs and their mosques since the 10th century. One notable attraction is the Citadel of Saladin, which was fortified to safeguard the city against Crusader invasions nearly a thousand years ago.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Khan el Khalili bazaar, where you will have the opportunity to test your negotiation skills during some free time.

Before returning to the hotel, you will personally explore the Coptic neighborhood, a melting pot of different religions. Stand in awe of the Hanging Church, a remarkable structure built on the foundations of the Babylon Fortress.

There, you should visit the Saints Sergius and Wachus Church, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their escape from Herod, and discover the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest in the country.

At the designated time, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport to catch your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, embark on a memorable cruise ship journey along the legendary Nile River. Indulge in comfortable accommodation and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard.

Greca Tip: Don't forget to inquire about the optional excursions available during the cruise, such as the unforgettable balloon ride in Luxor, offering a truly unique and breathtaking experience.

Start your day in Edfu with a memorable experience of witnessing one of Egypt's most beautiful sunrises. After indulging in a delicious breakfast onboard, prepare to embark on an enchanting carriage ride to the Temple of Horus.

This remarkable sanctuary holds the distinction of being the best-preserved Egyptian temple, having been concealed beneath the sand for centuries until its discovery by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in the mid-19th century.

Following your visit to the Temple of Horus, return to the motor ship for a delectable lunch as you set sail towards Kom Ombo. Here, an exciting excursion awaits you at the temple dedicated to Haroeris, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god.

As part of your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore an exhibition showcasing remarkably preserved mummified crocodiles, providing fascinating insights into the culture of Ancient Egypt.

As the day draws to a close, a delightful dinner will be served onboard before you embark on a serene night sailing towards Aswan.

Greca Tip: Make sure not to miss the chance to savor a cup of traditional Turkish coffee, infused with the aromatic flavors of cardamom, for an authentic and delightful experience.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before we embark on a memorable felucca ride, a traditional Egyptian wooden boat, that will take us along the enchanting waters of the Nile.

This scenic journey showcases Elephantine Island, known for its historic ivory trade, and Kitchener Island, famous for its botanical garden and panoramic view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum.

Next, we'll proceed to visit the Aswan High Dam, an impressive hydraulic engineering feat initiated by the British Empire and completed by the Egyptians in the mid-20th century. This monumental structure was designed to control the flooding of the Nile River.

Afterward, we'll set sail to explore the island of Philae. Here, we'll have the opportunity to witness the magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Like Abu Simbel and other Egyptian temples, it had to be relocated to safeguard it from the risk of being submerged by the Nile's flooding.

As the day concludes, we'll return to the motor ship and spend the night on board in Aswan.

Greca Tip: Make the most of this opportunity to savor karkadé, a Nubian infusion made from hibiscus flowers. This delightful beverage can be enjoyed either hot or cold, adding a unique touch to our experience.

After a delicious breakfast and a brief rest at your hotel in Aswan, we'll embark on an afternoon excursion to the Temples of Abu Simbel.

These remarkable structures, originally relocated to protect them from the Nile's mighty flow, are a testament to Ramses II's grand vision. Explore the rock-carved temples, dedicated to powerful deities, and marvel at the iconic Temple of Ramses II with its majestic statues.

Don't miss the exquisite temple dedicated to Nefertari, the pharaoh's beloved wife. As night falls, immerse yourself in a captivating light and sound show, revealing the secrets of these ancient wonders in a truly unique way.

Afterward, return to the hotel for a delicious dinner and comfortable accommodations.

Greca Tip: Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes and stay hydrated with a bottle of water.

After a delicious breakfast in the hotel, and at the established time, you will transfer to the Aswan Airport to take the domestic flight to Cairo.

After you arrive in Cairo, our team will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel in Cairo.

Greca Tip: Optionally, you can enjoy a buffet dinner with a show in a floating restaurant on the Nile.

At the indicated time, one of our vehicles will take you to the Cairo International Airport to check in your luggage and, if necessary, process any tax refund on tax-free products that you have purchased.

From Greca, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you will say yourself: “Rihlat Jayida!”.

Greca Tip: If you feel that your stay in Egypt has not revealed all its secrets yet, you can add more nights to this fantastic city.