NB-21 · Tour Package · 15 days
Egypt & Morocco: From the Pyramids to the Sahara
This 15-day programme combines the classical wonders of Egypt with an immersive discovery of Morocco's Imperial Cities and Sahara landscapes. It is designed for efficient multi-country travel, linking two of North Africa's most compelling destinations into one seamless itinerary.
Quick answer
This is a 15-day, two-country tour exploring the highlights of Egypt and Morocco. The journey includes Cairo, a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, and a comprehensive circuit of Morocco including Fes, the Sahara Desert, and Marrakech.
Key facts
- Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
- Countries: Egypt & Morocco
- Tour Code: NB-21
- Highlights: Giza Pyramids, Nile Cruise, Fes, Sahara Desert Camp, Marrakech
- Ideal for: First-time visitors seeking a comprehensive North Africa tour
Program overview
This 15-day "Egypt & Morocco: Pyramids to the Sahara" programme (NB-21) is an expertly crafted itinerary designed for discerning tour operators and wholesalers looking to offer a premium, multi-country North African experience. It combines the monumental history of ancient Egypt with the vibrant culture and dramatic landscapes of Morocco, providing exceptional value and a diverse portfolio offering for your clients.
Beginning in Cairo, guests will explore the iconic pyramids of Giza before embarking on a luxurious Nile cruise from Aswan, visiting sites like Kom Ombo and Edfu, and concluding in Luxor. The journey seamlessly transitions to Morocco, with immersive exploration of Imperial Cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech, culminating in an unforgettable desert camp experience in the Sahara. This itinerary is logistically seamless, with all ground arrangements and internal flights expertly handled by Nourbelle DMC.
Operational & Trade Notes
- Flights: This comprehensive ground package does not include international flights to Cairo and from Marrakech, nor the regional flight between Egypt and Morocco. We can quote for these upon request. For clients seeking an extended journey, consider linking this programme with our Egypt, Jordan & Morocco Grand Journey.
- Nile Cruise: The programme is built around a standard 4-night, 5-star Nile cruise. Customization options, such as a 3-night cruise or an upgrade to a Dahabiya (see our Grand Egypt by Dahabiya), are available, potentially impacting the overall length and flow of the Pharaohs & Temples portion. Our exclusive Nile cruise allotments ensure availability even during peak seasons.
- Desert Camp: Clients will enjoy a high-standard Sahara desert camp, featuring private tents with proper beds and ensuite bathroom facilities, including a toilet and hot-water shower.
Plan this program
Contact us to request trade rates and discuss customization options for your client base. As your trusted B2B DMC, Nourbelle is dedicated to supporting your sales and operations.
Why this tour works for your clients
- Combines two major, in-demand destinations into a single, efficient itinerary, increasing trip value for clients.
- Features an ideal blend of iconic ancient sites, vibrant cultural experiences, and dramatic natural landscapes.
- Logistically seamless, with all ground arrangements, internal flights, and expert guidance handled by a single trusted DMC.
- Offers a journey of contrasts, from the monumental history of the Pharaohs to the colourful markets and kasbahs of Morocco.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Cairo
Arrival in Cairo
Arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI) · Meet, assist, and transfer to hotel
Upon arriving at Cairo International Airport (CAI), your clients will be personally welcomed by a Nourbelle representative before immigration. Our team provides priority assistance with visa procedures and customs, ensuring an expedited and smooth entry into Egypt. Once formalities are complete, they will be escorted to a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a direct transfer to their Cairo hotel. The rest of the day is unscheduled, giving your clients time to relax and adjust to the city's dynamic pace. To offer maximum flexibility, no meals are included on this first day.
Meals: — · Overnight: Cairo
Day 2 · Cairo
Giza Pyramids & Saqqara
Giza Plateau: Pyramids and Sphinx · Saqqara necropolis and Step Pyramid · Memphis open-air museum
Following breakfast, your clients will meet their private Egyptologist guide and begin a full-day tour in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The day starts at the Giza Plateau, the site of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, and the iconic Great Sphinx. After exploring these monumental structures, the journey continues to the Saqqara necropolis to discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser, a crucial innovation in ancient architecture. The final stop is Memphis, Egypt's ancient capital, where the guide will interpret the artifacts of its open-air museum, including the impressive fallen colossus of Ramesses II.
Meals: B · Overnight: Cairo
Day 3 · Cairo → Aswan
Museum & Flight to Aswan
Egyptian Museum · Transfer to Cairo Airport for domestic flight · Arrival in Aswan and transfer to Nile cruise ship
The day begins with a guided tour of the renowned Egyptian Museum, where your clients' Egyptologist guide will illuminate the highlights of its vast collection of pharaonic antiquities. After immersing themselves in ancient history, Nourbelle will manage a seamless transfer to Cairo's airport for the domestic flight to Aswan. Upon landing, another of our representatives will greet them for a private transfer to their Nile cruise ship. Your clients will check in and have lunch on board, with the remainder of the afternoon free to relax and enjoy the views from the ship, docked in Aswan.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Nile Cruise (docked in Aswan)
Day 4 · Aswan
Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple
Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple on Agilkia Island · Felucca sailing on the Nile
Today's guided explorations in Aswan contrast modern marvels with ancient wonders. The morning begins at the Aswan High Dam, a monumental feat of 20th-century engineering. Next, a short motorboat ride leads to Agilkia Island to visit the beautifully preserved Philae Temple, saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. The afternoon offers a classic Nile experience: a tranquil sail aboard a traditional felucca, navigating the river's cataracts and islands. For those interested, an optional excursion to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel can be arranged.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Nile Cruise (docked in Aswan)
Day 5 · Sailing: Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor
Sailing to Kom Ombo & Edfu
Temple of Kom Ombo · Temple of Edfu
Your clients will enjoy a full day of scenic cruising down the Nile. The first stop is the Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two deities: the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. After exploring its dual design, the ship continues sailing to Edfu. Here, horse-drawn carriages will transport your clients to the Temple of Horus. Guided by their Egyptologist, they will discover the best-preserved pharaonic temple in Egypt. Later, the cruise continues towards Luxor, passing through the Esna lock after dinner, an interesting feature of Nile river travel.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Nile Cruise (docked in Luxor)
Day 6 · Luxor
Luxor's West Bank Necropolis
Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon
This morning, your clients cross the Nile to explore Luxor's legendary West Bank, the necropolis of ancient Thebes. The day's highlight is the Valley of the Kings, where they will enter several royal tombs, with their Egyptologist guide recommending the best-preserved examples open that day. The tour proceeds to the stunning, colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically set against a cliff face. A final photo stop will be made at the massive Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship. The afternoon is free for relaxation on board. For an unforgettable perspective, an optional hot-air balloon ride over the West Bank can be arranged at sunrise.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Nile Cruise (docked in Luxor)
Day 7 · Luxor → Cairo → Casablanca
Luxor's East Bank & Flight to Casablanca
Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Transfer to Luxor Airport for flight to Casablanca
After breakfast and check-out, the final leg of the Egyptian journey explores Luxor's magnificent East Bank. The morning begins at Karnak, an immense and breathtaking temple complex of sanctuaries, pylons, and obelisks built over centuries. The tour continues to the elegant Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the city. Following the visits, your clients are transferred to Luxor Airport (LXR) for their flight sequence to Morocco. They will fly via Cairo (CAI) to connect with their onward international flight to Casablanca (CMN). Upon arrival in Casablanca, they are met by our representative and transferred to their hotel.
Meals: B · Overnight: Casablanca
Day 8 · Casablanca → Rabat
Casablanca to Rabat
Hassan II Mosque · Kasbah of the Udayas · Hassan Tower · Mausoleum of Mohammed V
After breakfast, your clients will be met by their private guide and driver. The day commences with a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, where they will marvel at its grand scale and intricate architecture from the exterior. Afterwards, they will settle into their comfortable vehicle for the northbound journey to Morocco’s capital, Rabat. Upon arrival, the afternoon is dedicated to a comprehensive city tour. The guide will lead them through the charming blue-and-white alleyways of the Kasbah of the Udayas, then to the iconic Hassan Tower and the revered Mausoleum of Mohammed V, providing historical context at each stop.
Meals: B · Overnight: Rabat
Day 9 · Rabat → Meknes → Volubilis → Fes
Rabat to Fes via Meknes & Volubilis
Bab Mansour gate in Meknes · Roman ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage site)
The journey continues inland towards the cultural heart of Morocco, Fes. The private vehicle and driver ensure a comfortable trip, stopping first at the imperial city of Meknes. Here, your clients will witness the sheer grandeur of the Bab Mansour, one of North Africa's most beautiful gates. The tour then steps further back in time at the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis. They will explore the remarkably preserved Roman ruins, discovering ancient mosaics, villas, and public buildings before continuing the scenic drive to Fes. Nourbelle handles all logistics for a smooth check-in at their hotel for the evening.
Meals: B · Overnight: Fes
Day 10 · Fes
Fes City Tour
Fes el-Bali (the old medina) · Medersa Bou Inania or Al-Attarine Madrasa · Chouara Tanneries (from a viewing terrace) · Nejjarine Fountain · Souks of Fes
Today is a deep immersion into the spiritual and cultural capital of Fes. A licensed local guide, an expert in the city's history, will lead an unforgettable walking tour through the medieval Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As this is a vast pedestrian zone, your clients will navigate the labyrinthine alleyways on foot. The itinerary includes a visit to an ancient madrasa (Quranic school), the ornate Nejjarine Fountain, and the famous Chouara Tanneries, viewed from a private terrace. The guide’s expertise is invaluable in the bustling souks, providing cultural context and ensuring a seamless, enriching exploration.
Meals: B · Overnight: Fes
Day 11 · Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Erfoud/Merzouga
Fes to the Sahara Desert
Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains · Ziz Valley viewpoint · 4x4 transfer to desert camp · Sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes
This is a long but scenic travel day, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains towards the Sahara. The route passes through Ifrane, known for its alpine architecture, and the cedar forests where Barbary apes may be seen. After a stop for lunch near Midelt, the landscape transitions as the road descends through the Ziz Valley's palm groves. Upon reaching the desert's edge, clients transfer to 4x4 vehicles for the final drive to their camp at the base of the Erg Chebbi dunes for dinner and overnight.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Sahara Desert Camp
Day 12 · Sahara → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Sahara to the Dades Valley
Sunrise over the Sahara dunes · Todra Gorge · Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
An early start is rewarded with the unforgettable spectacle of sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After this magical experience, clients will enjoy breakfast at the camp before rejoining their private vehicle to begin the journey west. Today's drive showcases Morocco’s dramatic and shifting landscapes. The first major stop is the Todra Gorge, a breathtaking canyon with soaring rock walls. Here, there will be ample time for a leisurely walk along the riverbed to fully appreciate its immense scale. The tour then continues along the famed 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,' a scenic route dotted with ancient fortified villages, arriving in the Dades Valley.
Meals: B · Overnight: Dades Valley Area
Day 13 · Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech
Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO World Heritage site) · Drive over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas
After breakfast, the journey continues towards Marrakech, featuring some of Morocco's most iconic sights. The first destination is the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site. Your clients will explore the ancient, fortified mud-brick village, a backdrop for numerous films, and learn about its history as a caravan stop. Afterwards, the adventure continues with a breathtaking drive over the High Atlas Mountains. The route twists and turns through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), offering stunning panoramic views. The Nourbelle driver will expertly navigate the mountain roads before descending towards the plains of Marrakech for hotel check-in.
Meals: B · Overnight: Marrakech
Day 14 · Marrakech
Marrakech City Tour
Djemaa el-Fna square · Koutoubia Mosque (exterior) · Bahia Palace · Saadian Tombs · Souks of Marrakech
A full day is dedicated to unraveling the magic of Marrakech, the 'Red City.' Your clients will be met by their expert local guide for a tour of the city’s most important historical landmarks. They will explore the intricate tilework and serene courtyards of the Bahia Palace and discover the preserved Saadian Tombs. The tour also includes an exterior view of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and a visit to the pulsating heart of the city, Djemaa el-Fna square. In the afternoon, the guide will expertly lead them through the labyrinthine souks, a sensory explosion of colors, sounds, and scents, before leaving the evening at leisure.
Meals: B · Overnight: Marrakech
Day 15 · Marrakech
Departure from Marrakech
Private transfer to Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK)
On the final day of their tour, your clients will enjoy breakfast at their hotel. Depending on their flight schedule, the morning may offer a last chance for souvenir shopping or to relax. At the pre-arranged time, a Nourbelle representative will facilitate a smooth checkout and escort them to a private vehicle for a comfortable and punctual transfer to Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK). Our representative will provide assistance, ensuring a seamless conclusion to their North African adventure.
Meals: B · Overnight: —
Meal basis: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Confirmed in your quote.
Included
- Meet and assist services at all airports upon arrival.
- All airport and hotel transfers in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Accommodation for 7 nights in hotels and 4 nights on a Nile cruise.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Private, licensed Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing in Egypt.
- Private, licensed guide for all sightseeing in Jordan.
- Entrance fees to all sites and museums mentioned in the itinerary.
- Jeep tour in Wadi Rum for approximately 2 hours.
- Meet and assist service upon arrival and departure
- All transfers via private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation for 8 nights as per the selected category
- Meals as specified: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Private touring with a professional, licensed guide
- Entrance fees to all historical sites mentioned in the itinerary
- 4x4 vehicle transfer to and from the Sahara desert camp
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Not included
- International airfare to Cairo and from Amman.
- Domestic and regional flights within the itinerary.
- Entry visas for Egypt and Jordan.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff.
- Optional tours (e.g., Abu Simbel, hot air ballooning in Luxor).
- Travel insurance, personal expenses, and beverages with meals.
- International airfare
- Entry visa for Morocco
- Travel and health insurance
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Tipping for guides, drivers, and local staff
- Optional activities or any items of a personal nature
Trade notes
- Flights: This itinerary requires a domestic flight in Egypt (Cairo-Aswan) and an international flight between Egypt and Jordan (usually Luxor-Amman via Cairo). These flights are not included in our ground package and should be booked in addition. We can provide a quote for these flights upon request.
- Nile Cruise Component: The program is based on a standard 4-night, 5-star Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. This can be customized to a 3-night cruise, or replaced with a more intimate dahabiya sailing, which would affect the itinerary's length and pacing.
- Flights: This itinerary requires clients to book international flights into Casablanca (CMN) and out of Marrakech (RAK). Regional flights from Casablanca to Amman or Cairo can be added for multi-country extensions.
- Desert Camp Note: Camps used are of a high standard, featuring private tents with proper beds and ensuite bathroom facilities including a toilet and hot-water shower.
Price upon request — net rates are shown after your agency is approved.
Frequently asked questions
How does the travel between Egypt and Morocco work?
On Day 7, clients fly from Luxor to Casablanca via Cairo (LXR-CAI-CMN). The domestic flight (LXR-CAI) is included in the ground package. The international flight (CAI-CMN) is not included and is quoted separately to allow for flexibility with airline choice and fares.
What are the desert camps like in the Sahara?
We use comfortable, permanent camps. Tents are private and spacious, equipped with real beds, quality linens, and an ensuite private bathroom with a toilet and hot-water shower. This provides a comfortable 'glamping' experience, not basic camping.
What are the driving times like in Morocco?
The itinerary includes some long driving days to cover the diverse landscapes, particularly the journey to and from the Sahara. These are full-day transfers on paved roads in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, broken up with scenic stops for photos, meals, and sightseeing.
Is this a fast-paced tour?
As a two-country itinerary, the pace is comprehensive to ensure all key highlights are covered. While some days involve early starts or long drives, the programme is well-structured with multi-night stays in key locations like on the Nile cruise, Fes, and Marrakech to provide balance.
