Classic tour of Cairo with a Nile Cruise through the Nile Valley
Highlights
Iconic Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza, Egyptian museum, 5-star cruise down the Nile visiting Karnak & Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatchepsut, Medinat Habu & Philae Temples
Itinerary
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel close to the Pyramids for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow’s arrangements.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo – 5 star hotel
| EXTRAS: Extra night - pre-tour, Single Room Supplement - Egypt
Our tour of Egypt starts with a visit to the Giza Plateau, home of Egypt's world famous Great Pyramids, proclaimed by the Greeks to be among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. We visit the great Pyramids of Giza and their guardian Sphinx, Memphis-first capital of the ancient kingdom to see the statue of Ramses II, then to Sakkara to see the Step pyramid.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo (deluxe)
This moring we transfer to Cairo airport of an early flight to Luxor. We begin our tour of the West bank of the Nile starting at the Colossi of Memnon we then get to explore the dusty Pharaonic tombs located at the world famous Valley of the Kings. We also visit the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut and see the colourful hieroglyphics at Medinat Habu temple before crossing back into Luxor. Your afternoon is free to relax on board your 5-star Nile cruise boat or to explore Luxor's markets. In the evening we take a walking tour of the beautiful Luxor Temple which is spectacularly lit up at night.
| OVERNIGHT: On board - 5 star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you have the chance to take a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West bank of the Nile. After breakfast, our tour of Luxor today is to the huge temple complex of Karnak which features towering columns and numerous temples and structures - rightly justifying Luxor's reputation as the largest open air museum in the world! In the afternoon the boat starts sailing up the Nile, through the lock at Esna and on to Edfu where we | OVERNIGHT: (Note - Nile cruise boat itineraries are subject to slight alterations en-route).
| OVERNIGHT: On board - 5 star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Luxor
After breakfast we visit the nearby Edfu Temple which is dedicated to the god Horus. We then continue upriver towards Kom Ombo, watching traditional rural Egyptian life pass us by on the banks of the Nile. You may want to enjoy a relaxing soak in the plunge pool on the boat's sun deck. At Kom Omombo we tour the temple which sits scenicly by the banks of the Nile and is home to mummified crocodiles amongst other things! The cruise then continues onwards to Aswan.
| OVERNIGHT: On board - 5 star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start our tour of Aswan with a trip to the island temple complex of Philae visiting the impressive Aswan High Dam en-route. The Philae temple remains one of Egypt’s most romantic and picturesque sites having been completely relocated following work on the Dam. The rest of the day is free to explore the colourful souks and markets found in the town or watch the sunset over the River Nile.
| OVERNIGHT: Aswan - 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Abu Simbel overland
This morning we have the option of taking an early start for the drive to the UNESCO world heritage site at Abu Simbel. These amazing temples built by Ramses II are one of Egypt's main highlights and attractions. Those not visiting Abu Simbel can explore Aswan's markets this morning, walk up and down the Corniche on the banks of the river or visit the Nubian Museum which has a fascinating collection covering the development of the Nubian people in the region.
Later the cruise begin sailing back towards Luxor and the night will be spent onboard close to Edfu.
| OVERNIGHT: Edfu- 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Abu Simbel overland
After leaving Edfu this morning, we'll continue our journey back to Luxor.
After breaking the journey in Esna, the cruise boat will continue to Luxor where you'll spend the night onboard.
| OVERNIGHT: Luxor- 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After leaving Edfu this morning, we'll continue our journey back to Luxor, making a stop on the way to visit the lesser known Esna Temple, dedicated to the God Khnum. In Ancient Egypt, Khnum was known as the ram-headed god of creation. The temple was first founded during the reign of Tuthmosis the 3rd, in the 18th Dynasty, however throughout history, additions were made by the Ptolomies and Romans, who recorded their names on the temple walls.
After breaking the journey in Esna, the cruise boat will continue to Luxor where you'll spend the night onboard.
| OVERNIGHT: Luxor- 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we transfer to Luxor airport for a flight back to Cairo. This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure, or to take an optional half day tour to discover Cairo's old churches and synagogues in Coptic Cairo, visit the Citadel overlooking the city, and explore the narrow streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Finally, an optional dinner cruise on the Nile is available this evening.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
We start our tour of Cairo with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world-renowned Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Accompanied by your certified Egyptologist, you'll stroll through the halls highlighting each historical period of this ancient land. In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We'll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egypt's unofficial national dish, Kushari before returning to our hotel.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
| OVERNIGHT: N/A
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Extra night - post-tour
included with
Domestic flights
All hotel accommodation in 5-star hotels
7-night 5-star Nile cruise from Luxor-Aswan-Luxor
All transport and transfers
24-hour airport arrival abd departure transfer service
Services of a local Egyptologist tour guide for all sightseeing tours
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
excluded by
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Entrance fees (allow approx. US$159)
Tipping kitty (allow US$70)
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tour guide tips
Hotel gala dinners on 24 and/or 31 Dec (budget up to $180 p/p, see Tour notes)
Any other items not mentioned above
Detailed Description
Embark on a timeless journey through the wonders of ancient Egypt with our classic 12-day tour, designed to immerse you in the rich history and majestic landscapes of this captivating land. Throughout your adventure, indulge in luxurious accommodations at a 5-star hotel in Cairo and experience the serene beauty of the Nile aboard a luxurious cruise ship as you traverse the enchanting landscape of Upper Egypt.
Your odyssey begins in Cairo, where you'll be greeted by the iconic sight of the Great Pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the ancient allure of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. Marvel at these architectural wonders and delve into the mysteries of Egypt's past as you explore the fascinating monuments that have stood the test of time.
Next, a brief internal flight whisks you away to Luxor, the gateway to the ancient treasures of the Nile Valley. Here, embark on a seven-night voyage aboard a prestigious 5-star cruise ship, journeying from Luxor to Aswan and back again. As you glide along the tranquil waters of the Nile, witness the timeless beauty of the Egyptian countryside unfolding before your eyes from the sun-drenched decks of your luxurious vessel.
En route, discover the majestic temples of Edfu and Komombo, where the echoes of ancient rituals still resonate within the hallowed halls. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of rural Egyptian life, observing the daily activities of local villagers as you sail leisurely along the timeless river.
In Aswan, be captivated by the serene splendor of the island temple of Philae, a testament to the enduring legacy of Egypt's ancient civilization. Experience the gentle breeze on a felucca sailboat excursion, drifting peacefully along the tranquil waters of the Nile, before setting course once more towards Luxor.
On your return journey, pause to explore the lesser-known temple of Esna, a hidden gem nestled along the banks of the river, its ancient ruins whispering tales of a bygone era. Finally, your expedition culminates in Cairo, where you'll delve deeper into Egypt's storied past with a visit to the renowned Egyptian Museum.
Here, marvel at the priceless treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb, each artifact a testament to the grandeur of Egypt's ancient pharaohs. Conclude your journey with a leisurely stroll through the bustling backstreets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of Egypt's vibrant culture await.
From the timeless splendor of the pyramids to the tranquil beauty of the Nile, our classic tour offers a truly unforgettable experience, combining luxury, history, and adventure in equal measure. Embark on this unforgettable journey and uncover the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt.
Private tour option
If our scheduled departure dates don't work for you, or you would prefer not to travel with a group, then we can also run this tour privately for you. Please contact us for more information and prices
