Full-Board Nile Cruise & Great Pyramids - Egypt

It's time to unearth the secrets of Ancient Egypt and get to know the vibrant culture of Egypt's most emblematic cities and sights. Arrive at your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Cairo.

You will be met at the airport by a tour representative who will help you with your visa, luggage, and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can get settled in or go exploring. Overnight stay in Cairo.

Breakfast in the hotel. Visit the only remaining ancient Seven Wonders of the World Today. Head to the Giza plateau, home of the three Great Pyramids, built over 4,500 years ago and dedicated to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt! Explore the pyramids and learn about their fascinating history as you walk in the footsteps of the pharaohs. Afterwards, continue to the amazing Great Sphinx, the symbolic guardian of the pyramids. The afternoon is free at your leisure to explore Cairo at your own pace. We recommend an optional excursion to Memphis and the necropolis of Sakkara. Overnight stay in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Luxor*. On arrival, transfer to the port to board your Nile Cruise Boat, your home for the next seven nights on a full board basis. Get settled in your cabin and enjoy lunch and the views of the river Nile. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Karnak, a huge complex of ruined temples, columns and other buildings. On the way back to the ship, stop at the impressive Temple of Luxor, dedicated to Amun-Ra, Mut and Khonu and built by Amenophis III and Ramses II. Back on the ship, enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure.We recommend an optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show. Dinner and overnight on board.

Begin your day with a visit to the legendary Valley of the Kings, the burial site of pharaohs from the 18th to 20th Egyptian dynasties and home to the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. Ancient Egyptian temples were often built on the west bank of the Nile, symbolizing death, rebirth, and the afterlife—a theme echoed in this sacred valley. After exploring the valley, visit the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, with its grand terraces nestled beneath the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Next, marvel at the Colossi of Memnon, two towering stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. In the afternoon, your cruise sets sail toward Esna, where you’ll pass through the iconic Esna Lock, continuing your journey upriver toward the Nile cataracts and rapids.

Full-board on board. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a day at your leisure. Watch the scenery float by and soak up the amazing panorama from the cruise boat as you drift along the Nile. The Nile provides life, water and works for over 80% of the population making for fascinating scenes as you travel along. Gain a real insight into the life of everyday Egyptians and take advantage of the sundeck to haggle with the local vendors who float alongside the cruise boat in their rowing boats, trying to sell their wares. Overnight on board.

Full-board on board. Today, enjoy a tour of Aswan to uncover the sights of this fascinating city. Explore the famous granite quarry, where the building blocks of many of ancient Egypt's monuments were produced. Next, board a traditional felucca, a typical fishing boat, to sail around the Nile cataracts, admiring the stunning scenery and natural islands in the narrowest parts of the river. Afterwards, return to the ship and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend exploring the souks of Aswan or relaxing in a local cafe with a traditional water pipe. Overnight on board.

Full-board on board. This morning, we recommend an optional visit to the amazing temples of Abu Simbel. Today, it's time to discover the impressive High Dam of Aswan, the world's largest embankment dam, which was built during the 1960s. This mighty Dam is so important because it helps to controls flooding, generates power, and improves navigation across the Nile. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to relax and enjoy the Nile scenery at your own pace. Overnight on board.

Full-board on board. Set off for Kom Ombo, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival explore the twin Temples of Haroeris (Horus), the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. Next, investigate the amazing Nilometer, used to measure the rising and falling levels of the Nile, an important source of life in Egypt. Overnight on board.

Full-board on board. Disembark the ship and take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the magnificent Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the famous, falcon-headed Egyptian god, Horus. Considered to be one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt it is said that the temple was built upon the battleground of a mythical fight between the gods Seth and Horus. Explore the atmospheric temple ruins as you trace the footsteps of the Pharaohs. Return to the ship and continue sailing north to Luxor. Overnight on board. (Please be advised, due to concerns about animal welfare, the horse-drawn carriage ride may not take place. This change will not impact your visit to the Temple of Edfu. Thank you for your understanding.)

Breakfast on board. At the indicated time, disembark the ship and transfer to Luxor airport for a short flight back to the capital of Cairo. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon free to enjoy a wander around the bazaar to pick up some last-minute souvenirs, indulge in delicious Egyptian cuisine or simply relax at your own pace. We recommend rounding it off with an evening tour of Cairo. The tour includes a walk around the most beautiful corners of Cairo (Tahrir Square, Zamalek, Cairo Tower and the Opera House) before heading to the restaurant where you will enjoy a delicious dinner with an Egyptian show. Finish the evening with a visit to the famous Mirror Café. Overnight stay in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will learn about the roots of the Egyptian civilization and pharaonic history during a visit to the legendary Egyptian Museum. In the afternoon, we recommend taking an optional excursion to the Saladin Citadel,* home to the breathtaking Alabaster Mosque. Overnight stay in Cairo. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opened in October 2024 (the day before Michelle and I had to fly home). Although items will be transferred from the Egyptian Museum, you don't want to miss this opportunity the GEM if possible.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.