Classic Egypt & Nile Cruise

Uncover the ancient world on this classic tour of Egypt. So you explore Cairo and the Pyramids, then cruise the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Along the way, the great temples and tombs of the pharaohs unfold. You travel with the finest Egyptologist guides throughout. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to you. It is the perfect first encounter with Egypt.

Cairo and the Pyramids

Begin in Cairo, home to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the fabulous Egyptian Museum. So you marvel at the treasures of Tutankhamun, found by Howard Carter in 1922. See the Pyramids with a private guide, with the option to step inside. The Giza plateau is an unforgettable opening. You stay at the Four Seasons First Residence or the boutique Belle Époque.

Delve Deeper

For those who want more, we suggest adding a night or two. So you can see the ancient city of Memphis and the burial ground at Saqqara. Equally, take a walking tour of Islamic Cairo. The lovely Coptic churches are worth a visit too. As a result, the capital rewards however long you give it.

Luxor and the Nile

Next, fly to Luxor, ancient Thebes, and board your Nile cruiser for four nights. So that afternoon you explore the temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank. The scale of Luxor is simply staggering. We can match the ship to your style and budget. You sail aboard the Oberoi Philae or the Sonesta Star Goddess.

The Valley of the Kings

Early the next day, cross to the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings. So you enter the beautifully painted royal tombs. You also see the Valley of the Queens and the Colossi of Memnon. The royal valley is a highlight of any tour. Meanwhile, your guide brings the hieroglyphs vividly to life.

Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan

Then sail south, pausing at the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the most complete from the age of the pharaohs. Continue to Kom Ombo, dedicated to Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. On arrival in Aswan, explore the lovely Philae Temple. Here the Sahara’s dunes roll down to meet the Nile.

R&R in Aswan

Finally, disembark for two nights of rest in Aswan, Egypt’s most beautiful city. So you visit the Nubian Museum and take tea on the terrace of the historic Old Cataract. For the keen, an optional flight reaches Abu Simbel. You stay at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract or the Mövenpick Resort Aswan.

Where You Stay

Naturally, the hotels and ships are chosen with care. In Cairo, the Four Seasons or Belle Époque. On the Nile, the Oberoi Philae or Sonesta Star Goddess. Finally, the Old Cataract in Aswan.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, autumn to spring is ideal on the Nile. By contrast, high summer is extremely hot. Winter, meanwhile, is peak season and especially pleasant. So we tailor the timing to your plans. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

A Land of Layers

The joy here is the sheer depth of history. First come the pyramids of Giza. Then the temples of Karnak. Soon after, the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Finally, the calm of Aswan. So the ancient world unfolds in order.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits first-time visitors to Egypt. For example, it gathers the headline sights in one classic loop. Equally, it rewards anyone who loves ancient history. Couples and families enjoy it alike.

Designed Around You

As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the pace, the hotels and the cruise to suit. In the end, the trip is entirely your own.

A Classic for Good Reason

This route endures because it simply works. So you see the must-see sights in a logical order. Meanwhile, the cruise links them effortlessly. The pace, in turn, stays comfortable throughout. As a result, it remains our most popular Egypt tour.

A Rewarding Finish

The two nights in Aswan are a real treat. So you wind down after the temples and tombs. Meanwhile, tea on the Old Cataract terrace is unforgettable. As a result, the trip ends in calm.

A Land of Wonders

In the end, few places match Egypt for sheer awe. So you stand before pyramids, temples and tombs in turn. Meanwhile, the river ties it all together. As a result, the trip stays with you long after.

A Seamless Journey

For all it covers, the trip feels easy. So the cruise carries you gently between sights. Meanwhile, your guides handle every detail. As a result, you simply enjoy the wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the cruise?

The classic route uses a four-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Of course, longer sailings are possible. We will shape the length to suit you.

Is the guiding private?

In Cairo, your guiding is private. On the cruise, you usually explore with fellow passengers, though private guiding can be arranged.

When is the best time to go?

Generally, autumn to spring is most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates.

Can it be tailored?

Entirely. The pace, the hotels and the cruise are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.