Highlights of Ancient Egypt by Nile Cruise
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the highlights of Ancient Egypt. Start in Cairo, exploring the wonders of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and vibrant bazaars. Transition to a luxurious Nile cruise, uncovering treasures in Luxor, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. Marvel at historical sites like Karnak and Philae Temple, with a day trip to Alexandria. This tour blends history and relaxation, providing an unforgettable exploration of Egypt's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome
Day 1 Welcome
Thursday. Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in a shared coach with other members of the tour.
The evening is yours at leisure to explore the vibrant streets of Cairo, or perhaps relax at the hotel, preparing for the Egyptian adventure ahead!
Day 2 The Mighty Pyramids
Day 2 The Mighty Pyramids
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, before venturing out for a guided tour to one of the seven wonders of the world - the Pyramids of Giza. Make sure to visit the Cheops Pyramid, as its interior burial chambers are open for visits by the public.
Not far from the Pyramids, you will also visit the Great Sphinx of Giza. This unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lion's body. Following this, enjoy a quick visit to either the papyrus institute or a perfume shop.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon visit to the ancient capital of Memphis and Sakkara, home to the world's oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid, built for Pharaoh Zoser in 2700 BC. Afterwards, return to the hotel, and the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 3 Egyptian Museum
Day 3 Egyptian Museum
Explore the rich history of Egypt with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to over 120,000 artifacts spanning various eras, including statues, jewels, and Tutankhamen treasures. Then, enjoy lunch at an oriental restaurant before embarking on an afternoon tour of the Citadel, featuring the impressive mosque of Mohamed Ali. The Citadel stands as a medieval masterpiece and a prominent landmark on Cairo's skyline.
Venture into the lively Khan El Khalili bazaars, renowned for their narrow alleyways and distinctive charm. Enjoy some leisure time to stroll through the bustling markets before returning to your Cairo hotel, where the evening is at leisure.
Day 4 Amazing Alexandria
Day 4 Amazing Alexandria
Cairo - Alexandria - Cairo. Kickstart your day with an early breakfast in Cairo before venturing to Alexandria via the desert road (approximately 225 km). Explore the city's highlights, including Pompey's pillars, the Catacombs, and Montazah Gardens. Catch glimpses of the iconic Alexandrina Bibliotheca and Qaitbay Citadel.
Lunch at a local restaurant is followed by a return journey to Cairo.
Day 5 Nile Cruiser
Day 5 Nile Cruiser
Cairo - Luxor. After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, board your Nile Cruiser - home for the next few nights!
In the afternoon, we will explore the East Bank with visits to the Karnak and Luxor Temples. These iconic structures showcase the magnificence of ancient Egyptian civilization. As the day comes to a close, enjoy dinner and music on board as we dock for the night.
Day 6 Valley of the Kings
Day 6 Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Esna - Nile Cruising. Wake up bright and early this morning for breakfast, before venturing out for an exploration of Luxor's West Bank. Unearth the ancient secrets within the Valley of the Kings, and marvel at the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Following our temple exploration, we'll head back to the cruiser for lunch on board. We then set sail past Esna, cruising along the Nile and enjoying the changing landscapes along the way. Enjoy an onboard dinner, complemented by a Captain's welcome cocktail and a lively disco, as we cruise towards our overnight destination.
Day 7 Kom Ombo
Day 7 Kom Ombo
Nile Cruising - Kom Ombo - Aswan. Today, start your day with breakfast, with the morning spent at leisure.
After lunch, our journey continues as we set sail to Kom Ombo. Here, delve into the mysteries of the Temple shared by two gods, Sobek and Haroeris. As the day unfolds, our journey continues towards Aswan, where we'll dock for the night. During the cruise, relish dinner, followed by an Egyptian Galabeya party. Join in the tradition of wearing this traditional Egyptian gown for a festive and enjoyable evening onboard.
Day 8 Philae Temple
Day 8 Philae Temple
Start your day with breakfast onboard and embark on a guided tour to explore the marvels of Aswan. Visit the High Dam, an engineering marvel constructed in 1960 to shield Egypt from the annual floods of the Nile. Witness the colossal unfinished obelisk, ordered by Hatshepsut, and marvel at its colossal size. Learn about the restoration efforts in the 1960s, where the Philae Temple was relocated stone by stone to a higher elevation due to seasonal flooding.
Afterward, enjoy lunch onboard as you sail on the Nile by felucca around Kitchener’s Island, catching a glimpse of the Agha Khan mausoleum. Return to the cruiser for dinner and night entertainment featuring a Nubian Show.
Day 9 Optional Abu Simbel
Day 9 Optional Abu Simbel
Aswan - Abu Simbel (optional) - Cairo. After breakfast, disembark from the cruise and transfer to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
For those seeking an extraordinary experience, consider an optional tour to Abu Simbel. Early breakfast and disembarkation are followed by a flight to Abu Simbel. Either join a guided journey to Abu Simbel or opt for a self-guided exploration by exploring the temples at your own pace.
Day 10 Goodbye
Day 10 Goodbye
Saturday. Your Egyptian adventure comes to an end. After hotel breakfast and check out, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Just a stone's throw from the Pyramids, the Pyramids Resort (formerly the Oasis Hotel) is a classic Egyptian hotel with beautiful expansive gardens. Rooms are very spacious with comfortable beds and fantastic en suite facilities. Wi-Fi is available and the buffet breakfast offers a good spread. In the evening the outdoor pool and fountains are lit up making the restaurant and bar the perfect place to spend an evening sipping on a cold glass of beer.
Ideally located in the heart of downtown Cairo, the Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir is right by the lively Tahrir Square. Guestrooms offer peace and quiet away from the high-energy of the city, with contemporary decor and sound-proofed windows overlooking views of Cairo. The wellness facilities are state-of-the-art, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool and sauna and massage rooms. Be sure to take advantage of the poolside bar and delicious hotel restaurant, or enjoy the option of 24-hour in-room dining.
Embark on a captivating voyage along the Nile aboard the Ramdais I, a luxury cruiser that promises a seamless journey from Luxor to Aswan and back. Revel in the comfort of well-appointed cabins, each featuring ensuite facilities and panoramic wall-to-wall windows, providing an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking scenery. Indulge your taste buds with exciting international cuisine at the onboard restaurant. The spacious lounge invites you to unwind and connect with fellow travelers, creating a social and relaxed atmosphere.
Embark on a journey aboard the M/S Princess Sarah, a luxurious five-star Nile cruise. With its panoramic windows, central air conditioning, and private bathrooms, the cruise offers a sophisticated retreat along the scenic Nile. Indulge in international cuisine at the onboard restaurant, with a diverse range of flavours. The bars and disco provide refined spaces for relaxation and entertainment, while the fully equipped gym, sauna, swimming pool, and jacuzzi ensure moments of rejuvenation. Whether immersing in vibrant nightlife or basking in the sun on the deck, the M/S Princess Sarah promises an unparalleled blend of opulence and enchantment.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
Abu Simbel by flight (Air only. Private tours)
Embark on a journey to the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel with our add-on flight package from Aswan.
Abu Simbel by flight (Air, transfers & guiding. Private tours)
Embark on a journey to the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel with our add-on flight package from Aswan.
Tour Upgrades
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