After a delicious breakfast, journey to the legendary city of Memphis, founded almost 5,000 years ago by the Pharaoh Menes, who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Memphis became the capital of the Old Kingdom and the heart of Egypt’s busy import-export activity, with traders from around the world giving it a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Visit the necropolis of Saqqara, where the very first pyramids were built as tombs for kings. Instead of the smooth sides featured on other pyramids, these stepped pyramids represent the pharaoh’s stepladder to heaven. Discover the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest known pyramid in Egypt and the world’s first freestanding stone structure. Then refuel with lunch at nearby Pharana Restaurant.
After lunch, head to Cairo’s National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. This landmark institution covers great swathes of the nation’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum’s crown jewel is the fascinating Royal Mummies’ Hall, which displays embalmed pharaohs from Egypt’s distant past.
Later, return to your luxurious accommodation in Cairo for another evening spent in Egypt’s capital.
Fairmont Nile City stay
Today, experience one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Great Pyramids of Giza are the only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built over 4,500 years ago as giant tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Truly monumental in scale, the largest of these ancient structures is estimated to have taken over two million blocks to complete.
Nearby rests the enigmatic Sphinx, watchful guardian of the colossal funerary monuments. Covered by the desert sands, about a thousand years after its construction, a young prince had a dream in which the Sphinx promised him the title of Pharaoh if he cleared the sand away. See the story for yourself, carved on the famed Dream Stele placed between the Sphinx’s great paws.
Enjoy a lunch of traditional Egyptian cuisine at Khufu’s restaurant and relax overlooking the spectacular pyramids of Giza.
This afternoon, visit The Grand Egyptian Museum for a guided tour through its impressive collection of artifacts, including the fascinating collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures. This newly opened space boasts a grand staircase that acts as an open-air gallery with over 60 towering, historically significant artifacts from the museum’s collection.
Please note: Entry to the Pyramids of Giza is not included.
Fairmont Nile City stay
Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before stepping into the layers of Cairo’s storied past. Begin with a visit to the imposing Citadel of Mohamed Ali, a hilltop fortress with sweeping city views and the iconic Alabaster Mosque, known for its grand domes and Ottoman flair.
Continue to Islamic Cairo, where centuries-old minarets pierce the skyline. Wander through the Sultan Hassan Mosque, a masterpiece of Mamluk architecture, then visit the neighbouring Refai Mosque – the final resting place of Egyptian royals and Iran’s last Shah.
Pause the history walk for a well-earned lunch at Sky Rim Restaurant, perched on the edge of Mokattam Hills. With floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views over Cairo’s sprawl, it’s the ideal spot to relax and reflect over a flavour-packed Egyptian feast.
Then, continue to Coptic Cairo for a visit to the famed Hanging Church of al-Muallaqa, over a thousand years old and home to the sacred painting of the Virgin Mary.
Fairmont Nile City stay
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR).
Before heading to the hotel, you’ll transfer to the Valley of the Queens and Temple of Ramesses III in Medinet Habu. The latter is a must-see historical site in Luxor, covered in impressive reliefs and inscriptions which reveal an incredible legacy of ancient Egyptian kingship. Afterwards, visit Habu City, a well-preserved complex built by Ramesses III in the 12th century BCE. Hear from your Egyptologist guide as they describe the scenes of centuries past and the significance of your ancient surrounds.
Later, transfer to the Sonesta St. George Hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure before tomorrow’s Nile River cruise.
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour
After an early breakfast, depart the hotel for a trip to the East Bank Karnak Temple Complex. Enter a vast structure of towering pylons, colossal columns, and sacred sanctuaries that reveal over 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian religious devotion.
After lunch, continue to your vessel and check into your comfortably furnished room on the Mövenpick MS Sunray. Luxuriate in elegant interiors, opulent cabins and serene surroundings with freshly prepared meals at the ready – all complemented by daily sightseeing along the river.
Later, arrive at Luxor Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient sanctuary often called the world’s greatest open-air museum.
Please note: This cruise is not all inclusive, so all meals will be provided but any drinks must be purchased at own expense.
Nile River cruise aboard the Mövenpick MS Sunray
Enjoy breakfast onboard your Nile cruise before crossing to Luxor’s fabled West Bank. Begin your morning exploring the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs. Step inside King Tut’s tomb, the boy king Tutankhamun, whose modest resting place held treasures that captivated the world.
Continue to the grand mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut – an architectural marvel nestled beneath limestone cliffs – then pause for photos at the towering Colossi of Memnon, silent guardians of the Theban Necropolis.
Return to the cruise by early afternoon for lunch as you begin sailing onward. The rest of the day is yours to relax and take in life on the Nile.
Today, enjoy another leisurely onboard breakfast before disembarking for a tour of Edfu Temple.
Return to the MS Sunray before lunch for a meal and leisure time as you cruise further south towards Kom Ombo Temple.
By late afternoon, dock and disembark at the 2400-year-old structure from the Graeco-Roman period. The sacred site is home to a unique double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and falcon-headed Horus. Walk alongside your guide through its twin sanctuaries and learn about the ancient medical tools carved into its stone. Back onboard, set sail towards Aswan, watching the riverbank scenes drift by as you settle in for the night.
Today, set off to visit the monumental High Dam – an epic feat of modern engineering that forever changed Egypt’s landscape. Continue to the ancient Unfinished Obelisk, lying in situ in a granite quarry, offering insight into the techniques of ancient stonemasons.
Next, board a private motorboat and glide across the water to the enchanting island of Philae. Explore the beautifully restored Temple of Isis, relocated stone by stone to save it from rising waters. Return to the cruise for lunch and a relaxed afternoon.
Later, set sail aboard a traditional felucca, drifting peacefully around Aswan’s islands before returning to your floating hotel for your final overnight on the Nile.
Rise early for your transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW) and board your short flight south to Abu Simbel. Breakfast will be on the go, with a breakfast box from your cruise arranged the evening prior.
On arrival, meet your local guide and walk beneath the awe-inspiring statues of Ramesses II, carved directly into the rock. Just beside it lies the smaller, but no less striking, Temple of Nefertari – built in honour of the pharaoh’s beloved queen.
By mid-morning, return to the airport for your flight back to Aswan, then transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours, perhaps opting for a relaxed afternoon by the hotel pool.
Travel time: Flight 1 – approx. 45 minutes / Flight 2 – approx. 45 minutes
Abu Simbel visit
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a morning at leisure – perhaps unwind by the pool, sip coffee with Nile views, or take a final stroll through Aswan’s colourful streets.
In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to your hotel in the city.
Later, enjoy a farewell dinner at the Four Seasons’ Aura Restaurant, raising a glass to an unforgettable journey.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 75 minutes
Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel and wave goodbye to Egypt as you are transferred to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your onwards journey.