Wonders of Egypt and the Nile
12 days, Cairo to Cairo
Itinerary Notes
On the evening of day 8 our boat will moor overnight just outside of Luxor.
However, please note that sometimes the ship is directed to arrive in Luxor earlier on day 8 and therefore, the free time on board on this day will be swapped with the activities on day 10. Day 10 will then become a free day to explore Luxor on your own.
Itinerary
Day 1Cairo
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
If you arrive early there are plenty of things to see and do in this amazing city. Visit the Saladin Citadel of Cairo one of the most popular attractions in the city, or to really get a feel for the place, get lost in the bazaars and join the locals for a coffee in a local cafe.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Cairo/Alexandria
Embark on a guided tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Continue to the historic Mediterranean city of Alexandria.
We begin with one of the key highlights of any visit to Egypt, the Great Pyramids of Giza. While once located in remote desert, they now touch the suburbs of modern Cairo. Also visit the mysterious Sphinx, with its lion’s body and man’s face. In the afternoon we drive to Alexandria, where we will spend the next two evenings.
Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour
Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your CEO has all the facts about these massive structures.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Solar Boat Museum Visit
100EGP per personEnjoy a visit to the Solar Boat Museum. It displays one of the pharaoh’s funerary barges - it may just be the oldest boat in existence! Please note, there is an additional 50 EGP fee to take photos in the museum.
Camel Ride
300EGP per personTake a short camel ride through the desert around the Great Pyramids and Sphinx.
Explore a Pyramid
100-400EGP per personEver wonder what's inside the pyramids? Here's your chance to find out. Spend your free time further exploring one of the many pyramids in the area, such as Cheops, or the 2nd or 3rd pyramid - the choice is yours!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Alexandria
Spend the day exploring this ancient seaside city, including Pompey's Pillar, the catacombs, and the new Alexandria Library. In the afternoon opt to explore the city further on a guided tour, or see the sights at your own pace. It's up to you!
We have plenty of time to explore all the incredible sites this ancient city has to offer. Founded by Alexander the Great around 331BC, Egypt's only Mediterranean city is characterized by a distinctly European atmosphere and a refreshing sea breeze. Don't miss the chance to enjoy an optional seafood dinner at one of the city's many outdoor seaside restaurants this evening.
Pompey's Pillar Visit
The name "Pompey's Pillar" is actually a misnomer, as it has nothing to do with Pompey, having been erected in 293 for Emperor Diocletian, possibly in memory of the rebellion of Domitius Domitianus.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Visit
These tombs were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine Emperors (2nd century AD) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion of Egypt. They represent the last existing major construction of the old Egyptian religion.
Alexandria Library Visit
The Ancient Library of Alexandria was probably the largest and certainly the most famous of the libraries of the ancient world. It flourished during Greek rule and functioned as a major centre of scholarship, at least until the time of the Roman conquest of Egypt, and probably for many centuries thereafter. The old library was destroyed in a fire around the 1st century BC. The magnificent new library was opened in 2002 very close to the site of the ancient one.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Alexandria/Cairo
Head back to Cairo with a tour inside the monasteries of Wadi Natrun en route. Visit the Egyptian Museum with the option to see the mummy room before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
Please note that you should be modestly dressed this morning with shoulders and knees covered for our visit to the monastery.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Monasteries of Wadi Natrun Visit
Take a tour with a local monk at the the monasteries of Wadi Natrun. The history of the Wadi and its importance to Coptic Christians dates back to the 4th century AD and they constitute some of the earliest Christian monasteries in the world.
The Egyptian Museum
With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, this massive museum is a fantastic place to learn about the country. There is plenty of free time for you to explore the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East on your own. Please note, there is an additional 50 EGP fee to take photos in the museum.
Overnight Train (beds)
Our accommodation will be in comfortable twin-share bunk-bed compartments with lockable doors. The beds convert into seats when not in use and luggage is stored under the bottom bunk. Bedding is provided and there is a small wash basin with soap and towel provided. Shared toilet facilities are at the end of each carriage. A simple “airline style” dinner is provided, but most guests prefer to eat before boarding the train. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase and there is a bar car for socializing.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Egyptian Museum Mummy Room
180EGP per personVisit the famed Mummy Room and view the ancient remains of some of Egypt’s most important rulers
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 5Cairo/Aswān
Arrive early to Aswan and opt to explore the busy Aswan market. Later, take a scenic felucca ride on the Nile to a Nubian village and enjoy a home cooked dinner with locals.
Aswan has a distinctively African feel to it. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing.
Late in the afternoon, board a local boat, known as a felucca, to take a trip along the Nile. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the river in this busy port city. Our final stop is on the largest of the Nile islands in this area to enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Free Time
Spend time strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts, or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating fresh fish.
Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal
Board a local boat, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Nubian Museum Visit
140EGP per personEnjoy a the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about the culture and customs of Aswan's local people.
Visit the Souk
FreeExplore the Souk at your leisure, soaking in the scent and colour of spices and perfumes, and rummaging through beautiful scarves and baskets.
Philae Temple Visit
Sail across the Nile to the beautiful island of Agilkia and explore the Greco Roman history of the Temple of Philae, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis. This temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after the flooding of Lake Nasser, the word "philae" meaning "the end" in reference to this island's placement on what was once the southernmost border of Egypt.
Philae Temple Sound and Light Show
70USD per personAs the sun sets, sail across the Nile to Philae island. Watch the Philae Temple turn into a time machine through a magnificent sound and light display.
Camel Ride at the West Bank
300EGP per personCross to the West Bank by motor boat, and enjoy a camel ride in the sand dunes of Aswan.
Tour of Aswan
1300EGP per personEnjoy a guided tour of this wonderful city that was the source of marble for many of ancient Egypt's grand buildings. Close to town, in one of these ancient quarries, lies a gigantic unfinished obelisk cut out of local stone.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Aswān
Early in the morning, fly to the famed temples of Abu Simbel for a guided tour. Later, board our river cruise ship for the night. Opt to visit the Aswan high dam.
Plane
Sit back and enjoy the views from above on a short flight between Aswān and Abu Simbel.
Abu Simbel Visit (Flight)
Visit the fantastic twin temples of Abu Simbel by short flight there and back. Enjoy a guided tour then free time to wander through the different temples to learn more about the construction, history, and relocation of these magnificently preserved structures. The temples, built by Ramses II between 1274-1244BC, would now be under Lake Nasser if not for the wonders of modern engineering.
Plane
Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the short flight between Abu Simbel and Aswān.
3-night Nile Cruise
Enjoy floating down the Nile on a comfortable river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. In between excursions, relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Tour of Aswan
1300EGP per personEnjoy a guided tour of this wonderful city that was the source of marble for many of ancient Egypt's grand buildings. Close to town, in one of these ancient quarries, lies a gigantic unfinished obelisk cut out of local stone.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Aswān/Kom Ombo
Spend your day floating down the Nile on a luxury river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. Relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands and enjoying the scenery
Following breakfast, we set sail. Before too long it is time for our first shore excursion, with a visit to Kom Ombo, a temple dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god. It still contains an ancient mummified crocodile.
3-night Nile Cruise
Enjoy floating down the Nile on a comfortable river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. In between excursions, relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands.
Kom Ombo Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to this temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago.
Free Time
Enjoy some time relaxing onboard our Nile river boat.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Kom Ombo/Luxor
Continuing cruising the Nile, relaxing and taking in the desert scenery while observing daily life along the river. Arrive to Luxor in the evening.
Our boat will moor overnight just outside of Luxor this evening.
3-night Nile Cruise
Enjoy floating down the Nile on a comfortable river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. In between excursions, relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands.
Edfu Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Edfu Temple, which is located in the middle of a bustling village. It is the most completely preserved temple in Egypt.
Free Time
Sit up on the deck and relax, watching the Nile landscapes.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 9Luxor
Enjoy a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile.
After checking in to our hotel, our day starts with a visit to the exciting ancient sites located on Luxor's West Bank and the famed Valley of the Kings. View key sites and opt to visit the the Tomb of Tutankhamun, whose treasures you saw at the Egyptian Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional lunch in a local family home.
*If you have pre-booked the Valley of the Kings Hot Air Balloon Ride you will be flying on Day 9.
Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon Visit
Rise early to cross the Nile to the west bank, passing through farmers fields on your way to the Valley of the Kings.
Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead.
Continue on to visit to the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops - a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. End the day with a stop at the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon. Please note, there is an additional 300 EGP fee to take photos in the Valley Of Kings.
Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family
Sit down to a traditional lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Tomb of Tutankhamun Visit
300EGP per personDescend down into the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Valley of the Kings' most famous pharaoh. While the treasure has been moved to the Cairo Museum, it is fascinating to enter the tomb that held one of the most intact collection of treasures found in all of Egypt.
DUPE - Valley of the Kings Hot Air Balloon Ride
1700EGP per personWhat an incredible way to enjoy unparalleled views of the tombs and monuments of ancient Egypt. Fly over the West Bank aboard a hot air balloon on a 1-hour flight. The wind dictates where you go and what you see, so there isn't a flight that is ever the same. Round-trip transfer included.
Horse and Carriage Ride
50-150EGP per personEnjoy a horse and carriage (calèche) ride and get oriented in the city.
Bazaar Visit in Luxor
FreeExplore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure, checking out the sights, sounds and wares for sale. Pick up a few if you like! Please note that this visit is self-guided.
Camel Ride
300EGP per personMount your trusty, humped steed and set off for a ride through the desert.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 10Luxor
Enjoy an excursion to the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor. In the afternoon, use free time to explore the bazaar, museums or opt to take a guided tour of the temples of Habu, Ramsseum and Deir El Medina.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Karnak Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.
Free Time
Opt to visit Luxor Temple and the mummification and Luxor museums.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Horse and Carriage Ride
50-150EGP per personEnjoy a horse and carriage (calèche) ride and get oriented in the city.
Bazaar Visit in Luxor
FreeExplore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure, checking out the sights, sounds and wares for sale. Pick up a few if you like! Please note that this visit is self-guided.
Mummification Museum Visit
100EGP per personLearn all there is to know about the ancient art of embalming with a self-guided exploration of the world's only Mummification Museum.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Luxor/Cairo
Catch a flight back to Cairo and enjoy another day exploring this wonderful city. Visit the bazaar, any museums you missed or opt to explore nearby Sakkara and Memphis on a guided tour.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Explore Cairo on your own or take an optional tour.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Visit
FreeRummage through the stalls of bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar and check out the fine brassware, copper, perfumes, leather, silver, gold, and antiques it is famous for. Pick up a trinket for yourself if you'd like!
Coptic Cairo Guided Tour
1200EGP per personCoptic Cairo can be found in Old Cairo, one of the oldest sections of the city. Explore some ancient churches and key sites in "Coptic" Egypt's history, including the Hanging Church, Greek Church, Monastery of St. George, and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Pyramids Sound and Light Show
1150EGP per personEnjoy a magnificent sound and light show at the pyramids. Learn about the history of Egypt, and the secrets of the pyramids, as told from the mouth of the Sphinx.
Explore Memphis and Sakkara
Travel through desert and farm lands to Sakkara the site of Egypt's first pyramids. Delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most important archeological sites before continuing on to explore the streets of Memphis, the ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch.
Dinner Cruise on the Nile
1350EGP per personEnjoy a dinner, and entertainment on a fine cruise boat while sailing the Nile. End the night with a traditional belly dancing and sufi dancing show. A perfect night out in Egypt. Round-trip transfer included. Minimum 2 passengers required.
Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur
2200EGP per personThis trip gives you the opportunity to explore three ancient villages in one day, with the help of a guide. Visit the famous bent pyramid at Dahshur, see the first pyramid ever built in Egypt in Saqqara, and wander through the streets of Memphis; the ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch. Round-trip transfer included. Minimum 2 passengers required.
Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour
Explore Cairo’s fascinating architectural, cultural, and historical contrasts on a tour of Coptic and Islamic Cairo. Visit the iconic Citadel of Saladin, the Mohamed Ali Mosque, the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Cairo
Depart at any time.
Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.