Classic Egypt & Nile Cruise
Best for: River Cruises, Historical, First Time Visitor
Uncover the ancient world of Egypt on this classic tour of Egypt. Explore Cairo and the Pyramids before cruising down the Nile from Luxor to Aswan.
Cairo
Begin in Cairo, home to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the fabulous Egyptian Museum. Here, see the remarkable treasures uncovered from the Valley of the Kings and elsewhere in Egypt. Marvel at the horde of artefacts on display, such as those of King Tutankhamun which was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. In Cairo, we offer the finest Egyptologist private guides. See the Pyramids with your guide, with the option to enter one of them.
For those who want to delve deeper, we suggest adding on a night or two and seeing the ancient city of Memphis and burial ground at Saqqara. You might also like to take an immersive walking tour through Islamic Cairo. Maybe see some of the fabulous Coptic Churches.
Luxor
Fly to Luxor, known as Thebes in ancient Egypt. Here, you will board your luxury Nile cruiser for the next four nights. The guiding is conducted with fellow guests from your cruise. We can, of course, offer private guiding should you wish. Explore the remarkable tombs of the Valley of the Kings as well as the temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank.
Your cruise then takes you along the glorious scenery of the Nile Valley to Aswan. We can select a range of ships to suit any style and budget. You usually stop at the temple of the falcon-headed god Horus at Edfu. Continue to Kom Ombo, and the temples dedicated to Horus the Elder and the crocodile god Sobek.
Aswan
You then arrive in Aswan, possibly the most scenic city in Egypt. The sands of the Sahara sweep down majestically to join the slow-flowing waters of the Nile. Traditional felucca sailing boats can be seen as the sun sets to the east over the dunes beyond. Whilst here, explore the stunning Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk and a trip to the Aswan High Dam and the vast Lake Nasser.
Disembark from your ship, and we will take you to your hotel for the final two nights. You might like to visit the Nubian Museum, to see a little of local Egyptian life and culture. Many guests just like to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved pool time set within tropical gardens. You can also make a side-trip to Abu Simbel, possibly Egypt’s finest temple. You can fly down here and back in the day, or head straight back to Cairo after seeing it.
Extensions
For those who like some beach time, we suggest doing the cruise in reverse (Aswan to Luxor). You can then be driven four hours to the beach resort of Hurghada and a stay at the delightful Oberoi. Needless to say, this itinerary is entirely flexible and can be completely tailor-made. The only restriction is the sailing dates of the Nile cruise – usually departing Luxor on a Monday.
Guide Pricing
Starting At
| £2145 | - | £3495 |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | Gold |
Highlights
- See the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and souqs in Cairo
- Take a four-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan
- See the major archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Kings
- Conclude your trip in Aswan for two days of R&R
Day 9
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Cairo | Belle Epoque Four Seasons First Residence |
| Day 3-6 | Nile Cruise | Sonesta Star Goddess The Oberoi Philae |
| Day 7-8 | Aswan | Mövenpick Resort Aswan Soiftel Legend Old Cataract Hotel |
| Day 9 | Fly home |
Day 1
Cairo
Arrive in Cairo where you will be met and have a private transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2
Cairo Tour
Today, you will be met by your private driver and guide and taken to the Great Pyramids at Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, embark on a voyage to pharaonic times at the Solar Boat Museum. Visit the mysterious Sphinx before heading to the Khan Khalili Bazaar for a short walk and lunch in a traditional Egyptian restaurant. After lunch, visit the iconic Egyptian Museum, the repository of many of the glories of antiquity, including the spectacular treasures of King Tutankhamen. Then, descend into the past to experience the 11 royal mummies in the world-renowned Mummy Room.
Day 3
Fly to Luxor
Fly to Luxor where we will meet you and transfer you to your Nile cruise ship. In the afternoon, explore the temple complex of Amon-Ra at Karnak and the imposing Temple of Luxor. Your Nile sightseeing is conducted as part of a small group of fellow cruise passengers.
Day 4
Valley of the Kings
Early this morning, you will head to the West Bank of the Nile to visit to the beautifully painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, Colossi of Memnon and the rock-cut temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Return to your ship and sail to Edfu.
Day 5
Edfu & Kom Ombo
Today, explore the temple of the falcon-headed god Horus at Edfu. The Temple of Horus is one of the most complete buildings surviving from the age of the Pharaohs. You then sail onto Kom Ombo where you will see the temples dedicated to Horus the Elder and the crocodile god Sobek. After your visit, you will sail onto Aswan.
Day 6
Aswan
Today, you will explore Aswan. Aswan is possibly one of the most beautiful spots in Egypt, where the desert sands of the Sahara meet the Nile. Felucca sailing boats drift across the tranquil waters between ink granite boulders and emerald islands. Your tour today includes the beautiful Temple of Isis on Philae Island, Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971) and the Quarries of the Pharaohs, where you can see the Unfinished Obelisk.
Day 7
Aswan
This morning, disembark from your Nile cruise for the last time this morning and enjoy a private visit to the Nubian Museum followed by tea (payable locally) on the terrace of the iconic Old Cataract Hotel. You then have two days of R&R in your Aswan Hotel.
Day 8
Abu Simbel
Day at leisure, or an optional visit to Abu Simbel.
Day 9
Fly home
Today, take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo, and onward flight home. We can arrange for a night close to Cairo’s airport depending on the flight timings.
Suggested Hotels
Itinerary Experiences
