Simply Egypt

Best time to go: October - April
Best for: River Cruises, First Time Visitor, Historical

Simply Egypt is a short journey for those who want a snapshot of Egyptian culture and history. So you pair Cairo with a three-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Along the way, you see the headline sights of the Nile Valley. It is perfect for anyone a little short on time. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to you, with expert guides throughout.

A Short Snapshot

The idea here is simple: the essentials, beautifully done. So you focus on Cairo and the core of the Nile. Meanwhile, the cruise covers the great temples efficiently. The pace, in turn, stays comfortable. As a result, you see a great deal in a short week.

Cairo: Pyramids and Museums

Begin in Cairo, arriving on a Wednesday for two nights. So you have a full day for the Pyramids and the superb Egyptian Museum. There you see treasures gathered from across Egypt. End the day with a stroll through the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. The Giza pyramids are an unforgettable start. A private guide and driver whisk you around the city.

South to Aswan

Next, fly to Aswan, undeniably Egypt’s most picturesque city. So the dunes of the Sahara roll down to meet the glistening Nile. On the way, you can opt to see the great temples of Abu Simbel. On arrival, explore a little of Aswan itself. The gentle pace of Aswan is a lovely contrast to Cairo.

The Nile Valley

Here you see the striking Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam. A surprisingly interesting visit takes in the ancient quarries that supplied stone for the monuments. Then board your ship and cruise north. So you stop at the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu en route. As you go, rural Egypt drifts gently past.

Luxor and the West Bank

The cruise ends at Luxor, known as Thebes in ancient times. So you begin with the temples of Karnak and Luxor that afternoon. The next day brings the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank. The painted tombs of the royal valley are extraordinary. After disembarking, fly home via Cairo, or extend your stay.

Where You Stay

Naturally, the stays are chosen with care. In Cairo, the historic Mena House, right by the Pyramids. On the Nile, the lovely Acamar, a small and characterful ship. Of course, we can tailor either to suit you.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits travellers short on time. For example, it is ideal for a first, focused taste of Egypt. Equally, it rewards anyone wanting the essentials without the rush. Couples enjoy it most.

A Focused Itinerary

Because it is compact, the trip wastes no time. So the internal flight saves a long drive south. Meanwhile, the cruise links the great temples neatly. The guiding, in turn, brings each one to life. As a result, you gain a real sense of Egypt in just a few days.

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 Snapshot to Treasure

In the end, this short trip punches well above its length. So you see pyramids, temples and tombs in a few days. Meanwhile, the cruise keeps it relaxed. As a result, many guests return for more.

A Land of Layers

The joy here is the depth of history. First come the pyramids of Giza. Then the temples of Philae. Soon after, Kom Ombo and Edfu. Finally, the tombs of the Valley of the Kings. So the ancient world unfolds in order.

Easy to Extend

Finally, this short trip extends with ease. For example, add a few nights on the Red Sea. Equally, linger longer in Luxor or Cairo. As ever, we shape the whole journey around you.

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 Great Introduction

For a first taste of Egypt, this is ideal. So you gather the essentials without the rush. Meanwhile, the comforts stay high throughout. As a result, you leave already planning to return.

A Seamless Trip

Above all, the short trip flows easily. So the flight and cruise link the sights neatly. Meanwhile, your guides handle every detail. As a result, you simply enjoy the wonders.

A Snapshot Worth Taking

In the end, this short break shows Egypt beautifully. So you gain pyramids, temples and tombs in a few days. Meanwhile, the relaxed cruise keeps it easy. As a result, it is the ideal first taste, or a perfect add-on to a wider trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is it?

The trip departs on a Wednesday and concludes on a Monday. So it suits a short break or an add-on. We can extend it if you wish.

Which way does the cruise sail?

This itinerary sails from Aswan to Luxor over three nights. We will confirm the exact departures. Longer sailings are also possible.

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.

Guide Pricing

Starting At

  • LOCATION:
  • £1500P.P
    Price per person including all accommodation, private transfers, unique experiences and excluding international flights. We can arrange international flights should you wish.

    Highlights

    • A short trip departing on a Wednesday and concluding on a Monday.
    • Combine Cairo with a three-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor.
    • See all the main sights of the Nile Valley.
    • Perfect for those who are somewhat short of time.
    • Travel privately, with expert guides throughout.

    Day 1-2

    Mena House

    Day 6

    DaysLocationHotel
    Day 1-2 Cairo Mena House
    Day 3-5 Nile Valley Acamar Cruise
    Day 6 Luxor Fly Home

    Suggested Hotels

    Day 1-2
    Mena House

    Mena House

    $ $ $ $ $  

    The Mena House is Cairo’s landmark hotel, located right beside the Great Pyramids of Giza. Set within 40 acres of jasmine-scented gardens, the hotel affords one of the best locations in Cairo.

    View hotel
    Day 3-5
    Acamar Cruise

    Acamar Cruise

    $ $ $ $ $  

    The 49-cabin Acamar Cruise is an elegant cruise ship operating between Luxor and Aswan along the Nile Valley in Egypt. 

    View hotel

    Further Itinerary Suggestions

    Oberoi Philae & the Red Sea

    Cairo - Aswan - Luxor - Hurghada  

    From the desert oasis of the Sahara to the myriad of fish and coral in the Red Sea, Egypt is an eternal land of contrast, mystery, intrigue, and romance. This delightful suggested itinerary combines Cairo, a Nile cruise on the Oberoi Philae & the Red Sea. 

    11 days from £4750 p. p.

    Boutique Egypt

    Cairo - Luxor - Aswan  

    Explore Egypt on this privately-guided suggested itinerary combining Cairo, Luxor and Aswan without taking a cruise along the Nile.

    10 days from £3800 p. p.

    Egypt & Jordan Tour

    Cairo - Luxor - Aswan - Amman - Petra - Wadi Rum - Dead Sea  

    Delve into timeless antiquity in undoubtedly two of the world’s most historically rich destinations, Egypt & Jordan. 

    16 days from £3465 p. p.

    Oberoi Zahra Cruise

    Cairo - Luxor - 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.

    11 days from £3995 p. p.

    Classic Egypt & Nile Cruise

    Cairo - Luxor - Aswan  

    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. 

    9 days from £2445 p. p.