From the desert sands of the Sahara to the coral of the Red Sea, Egypt is a land of contrast and intrigue. This delightful journey combines Cairo, a Nile cruise aboard the Oberoi Philae and a beach finale. So you blend ancient wonders with proper relaxation. You travel with expert guides throughout. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to you.
Begin in Cairo, where spice bazaars and medieval mosques meet glass towers along the Nile. So you see the Pyramids of Giza, Memphis and Saqqara, a fascinating start. Another day takes in the Egyptian Museum and a walk through Islamic Cairo. These collective wonders have drawn travellers for centuries. The Giza plateau rarely disappoints. You stay at the Four Seasons First Residence.
Next, fly to Aswan and board the Oberoi Philae, a modern, sophisticated ship. So your journey is relaxing yet stimulating. As the sugar-cane fields drift by, you enjoy fine food and old-world service. On the way down, you can stop at the great temples of Abu Simbel. The colossi there are unforgettable.
From Aswan, explore the beautiful Philae Temple and the High Dam. Then sail north, pausing at the stunning Temple of Horus at Edfu. So you see one of the most complete temples from the age of the pharaohs. The cruise culminates at Luxor, ancient Thebes. There the monuments of Karnak and the West Bank await.
At Luxor, cross to the West Bank to see the Valley of the Nobles, Deir el-Medina and the Temple of Hatshepsut. So you walk among some of Egypt’s finest tombs. In the afternoon, explore the vast temple of Karnak. The scale of Luxor is breathtaking. As a result, the cruise ends on a real high.
Finally, transfer about four hours to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. So you spend five nights unwinding on the coast. There you can swim, snorkel or simply relax by the pool. The warm, clear water is a perfect contrast to the temples. As a result, the trip ends in pure relaxation.
Naturally, the journey is built around lovely stays. First, the Four Seasons First Residence in Cairo. Then the Oberoi Philae on the Nile. Finally, a fine resort on the Red Sea at Hurghada.
Generally, autumn to spring is ideal for both the Nile and the coast. By contrast, high summer is extremely hot inland. The Red Sea, meanwhile, stays pleasant much of the year. So we tailor the timing to your plans. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.
The charm here is the contrast. First come the temples and tombs of the river. Then the coral and warm water of the coast. Meanwhile, the cruise links them seamlessly. As a result, you blend culture with proper rest.
Above all, this suits travellers who want history and a beach. For example, it is ideal for a first trip to Egypt. Equally, it rewards anyone who likes to end on the sand. Couples and families enjoy it alike.
For all it covers, the trip is well paced. So the cruise carries you gently between temples. Then the Red Sea offers days of pure rest. Meanwhile, every transfer is handled for you. As a result, you never feel rushed.
As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the pace, the hotels and the beach to suit. In the end, the trip is entirely your own.
The Oberoi Philae makes the cruise a pleasure. So the cabins are elegant and the service old-world. Meanwhile, the food is excellent throughout. As a result, the journey feels indulgent yet relaxed.
In the end, this trip blends the best of Egypt. So you pair ancient wonders with golden sand. Meanwhile, the comforts make it effortless. As a result, you return both inspired and rested.
In the end, the contrast is the whole appeal. So you move from ancient temples to coral seas. Meanwhile, the journey flows from one to the next. As a result, you return both inspired and refreshed.
Above all, every detail is handled for you. So the transfers and timings simply work. Meanwhile, the guiding brings the history alive. As a result, you relax from start to finish.
In the end, the mix is hard to beat. So you gain both wonder and rest in one trip. Meanwhile, the cruise makes the middle effortless. As a result, you leave thoroughly content.
This itinerary sails from Aswan down to Luxor. Cruise timings mean it usually starts in Cairo on a Sunday. We will confirm the exact dates.
You have five nights on the Red Sea. Of course, this can be shortened or extended. We will shape it to suit you.
Generally, autumn to spring is most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates.
Entirely. The pace, the hotels and the beach are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.
| £4750P.P |
|---|
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Cairo | Four Seasons First Residence |
| Day 4-8 | Nile Valley | The Oberoi Philae |
| Day 9-12 | Hughada | Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh |
| Day 13 | Hughada | Fly Home |
Arrive in Cairo, where you are met and privately transferred to the Four Seasons First Residence. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Meet your private guide and driver for the Great Pyramids at Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, followed by the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum.
Begin with the less-visited pyramids at Dashur, including the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. Continue to Saqqara and a walking tour of historic Cairo.
Fly to Aswan, with the option to stop at the great temples of Abu Simbel on the way. On arrival, transfer to the Oberoi Philae.
After an early breakfast, explore the impressive Philae Temple and the High Dam, built between 1960 and 1970, then begin cruising.
Explore the stunning Temple of Horus at Edfu, then sail towards Luxor via the Esna Lock, docking for the night.
Visit the West Bank, including the Valley of the Nobles, Deir el-Medina and the Temple of Hatshepsut. In the afternoon, explore the great temple of Karnak.
Transfer about four hours to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada for five nights of rest.
Take a private transfer to the airport for your flight home, via Cairo.
We can tweak and change any element of this itinerary and you can depart on any day you want, add nights here and there, and we can fully customise your day-to-day experiences depending on your interests. Here are just a few ideas of many that we can look at and discuss when we come to plan your tailor-made itinerary.
Firstly, The Oberoi Philae also offer a longer 6 night / 7 day itinerary. This undoubtedly gives you a more relaxing cruise. Above all, you are rushing out after having a lovely breakfast or dinner. What's more, you tend to see the main sights in more detail.
You can also cruise in the opposite direction from Luxor to Aswan. This generally means you start with the older sites in Luxor, and then see the newer sites in Aswan. However, it is more tricky to then link up with the beach destinations.
Occasionally, we find guests don't fancy an Egyptian beach element. We can also offer a few nights in Aswan or Luxor. There are some superb hotels here for some R&R such as the Old Cataract.
You might not be particularly interested in the attractions of Cairo, maybe except for the Pyramids. You can generally shorten your time here to two nights.
A surprisingly wonderful combination or extension is to continue to Jordan. A Nile cruise coupled with visiting Petra makes for a longer three-week itinerary.
Explore Egypt on this privately-guided suggested itinerary combining Cairo, Luxor and Aswan without taking a cruise along the Nile.
Delve into timeless antiquity in undoubtedly two of the world’s most historically rich destinations, Egypt & Jordan.
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.
The Oberoi Zahra is unquestionably one of Egypt’s most luxurious and iconic Nile cruises. You'll cruise along the Nile, being looked after by the finest Egyptologists. Stay in fabulous cabins and relishing world-class cuisine and spa treatments.
We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.