Destinations: Cairo, West Bank, Edfu, Markaz Kom Ombo, Aswan Governorate, Luxor Governorate, Giza Govern...
Destinations: Wadi Rum, Amman, Madaba Governorate, Mount Nebo, Cairo, Aswan Governorate, Giza Governorat...
Walk among the pharaohs and the pyramids on this once-in-a-lifetime nine-day, small-group tour with Nile River cruise (max. 16 travellers). Staying in InterContinental and Hilton luxury on land, and taking to the mighty Nile onboard the opulent MS Mayfair, prepare to be awed by iconic Egyptian sites. Stand in the shadow of the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World — the Great Pyramid of Giza — stroll the astounding Valley of the Kings, home to the tomb of Tutankhamun, and watch the sunset on the incredible Temple of Luxor – truly the stuff of legend.
Let Cairo’s Grand Bazaar enchant you, and relax while sailing up the Nile River, with stops including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Theban Necropolis burial site and the Temple of Edfu. Your tour includes five-star accommodation, a four-night luxury Nile cruise, daily breakfast and a selection of gourmet experiences. Sit back and relax with all internal flights, private transfers and transportation, the services of expert local guides and all sightseeing and entrance fees. Guests seeking even more Egyptian adventure can embark on an optional tour of the magnificent Abu Simbel.
Your journey takes you to: Cairo — Giza — Luxor — Nile River — Edfu – Kom Ombo – Aswan — Abu Simbel (optional) — Cairo.
Destinations: Cairo, West Bank, Edfu, Markaz Kom Ombo, Aswan Governorate, Luxor Governorate, Giza Govern...
Destinations: Wadi Rum, Amman, Madaba Governorate, Mount Nebo, Cairo, Aswan Governorate, Giza Governorat...
Welcome to Cairo. On arrival at Cairo Airport (CAI), you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the world-renowned luxury of InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, an IHG Hotel – a desert oasis overlooking the mighty Nile. If you arrive early, why not unwind by the hotel’s glistening rooftop pool or explore the exciting bazaars of old Cairo located just steps from your front door?
Prepare for an exceptional day of cultural discovery. Begin your day in the first capital of the Old Kingdom, Memphis, which dates back to 3200 BC. Follow this adventure with a visit to the Saqqara Complex – an ancient burial ground home to the world’s oldest step-shaped pyramid. This afternoon, you will get up close and personal with Egypt’s most renowned attractions, the pyramids of Giza. These iconic images of Egypt, rising from the Giza Plateau, are some of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. Their sheer scale and impeccable geometry even have some believing they have unearthly origins. Your expert guide will lead you to these incredible pharaonic tombs, explain their construction, and outline some of the myths and legends associated with them.
Return to Cairo and spend the evening at leisure.
Your in-depth discovery of the vibrant city of Cairo continues today as you immerse yourself in a collection of artefacts at the Grand Egyptian Museum. After lunch, head to the vivid Islamic street of Moezz and explore its countless treasures with your expert local guide. Meander until you stumble across the bustling bazaar of Khan el-Khalili, where you can lose yourself in the bright colours and fragrances of one of the world’s oldest marketplaces. Watch vendors prepare local flavours at the iconic Feshawi Café or explore the Al Attarin spice and El Sagha gold markets.
Take the time to discover the city at your own pace or revisit your favourite sights as you spend the evening at leisure.
After breakfast you will be transferred to Cairo Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR), formerly known as Thebes. The ruins of this extraordinary city are often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum.
Today you will embark on your five-star Nile Cruise onboard the MS Mayfair with premium facilities onboard, including an outdoor pool. After settling into your comfortable cabin, you’ll dock at Luxor, where you will visit the Great Temple of Amun at Karnak. This is one of the world’s most celebrated temple complexes, built over a period of some 2000 years, with sections dating back to 2,055 BCE.
Afterwards, take in Luxor Temple, dedicated to the Gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu – marking it one of the most significant in Egypt. This evening, witness the temple come to life with an evening stroll through the beautifully lit complex.
This morning glide past Luxor towards the stunning Valley of the Kings, where you will visit three royal tombs and learn the significance of many paintings and hieroglyphics. Afterwards, step back onboard your stylish river cruise and enjoy a delicious locally prepared lunch. Then, uncover the remnants of ancient civilisations as you visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, a pair of 17-metre-high statues that used to flank the entrance of the funerary temple of King Amenhotep, Tutankhamun’s grandfather. This evening, watch the sunset from the deck as you set sail towards enchanting Edfu.
Step into a horse-drawn carriage to begin the day by discovering the treasures of ancient Edfu, including one of the best-preserved monuments in Egypt – Edfu Temple, which dates back to 237-57 BCE. The temple is dedicated to the god Horus, one of the principal deities of ancient Egypt.
Continue sailing upstream to the town of Kom Ombo, an agricultural settlement that has remained relatively unchanged for over a thousand years. Stroll through the charming village with your guide as you admire the traditional architecture and learn about the villagers’ way of life before reaching Kom Ombo temple. Built in approximately 181 BCE, the temple is dedicated to the Horus and Sobek and includes remarkable artefacts including mummified crocodiles.
This evening retire to your ship for an evening of local delicacies with a traditional onboard dinner.
Sail to the city of Aswan and begin your morning with a visit to the Philae Temple. Originally located near the Nile in Upper Egypt, the temple complex was relocated to protect it from the rising waters of the Low Aswan Dam project. This beautiful temple honours Isis – the goddess of health, marriage and wisdom. The temple has decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt’s finest carvings.
Following your visit to the temple, you will visit impressive sites including the semi-carved Unfinished Obelisk, and the impressive Aswan High Dam.
This afternoon you will swap modern comfort for Egyptian tradition with a sunset felucca experience. Feluccas are boats carved from wood, that have been used to explore the Nile for centuries. Step onboard and set sail toward the impressive Kitchener’s Island, where you’ll visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens, before taking in the golden sunset as you return for a final evening onboard your ship.
Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the phenomenal Abu Simbel complex on a fantastic optional excursion. A must-see for all history and archaeology enthusiasts, the two massive temples were carved into the bedrock in impressive detail to honour the rule of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo (CAI). You will be transferred to the Hilton Cairo Heliopolis for a relaxing evening at leisure.
Optional Activity:
Bid farewell to Cairo as your Egyptian adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Meet in the lobby for your included transfer to Cairo Airport (CAI) to continue your onward journey.
The Accommodation – Indulgent InterContinental & Hilton luxury
Combine the perfect location with world-renowned luxury at the InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, an IHG Hotel, located on the banks of the Nile. Spend three nights in unparalleled comfort, with breathtaking views of downtown Cairo and the Nile River. The hotel’s location is second to none, offering easy access to the pyramids, while the exciting bazaars of old Cairo are located just steps from your front door. After days spent exploring ancient wonders, return to the comfort of your well-appointed Standard Room, offering panoramic vistas from the spacious balcony. A refreshing dip in the rooftop pool is the perfect way to wake up or wind down, while the spa stands ready to pamper when relaxation is on the menu.
Upon your return to Cairo, finish your tour at Hilton Cairo Heliopolis, the winner of a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2022 award. Part of the world-renowned Hilton brand, this five-star retreat perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Cairo. Discover outstanding amenities, including multiple dining options, a fitness room and outdoor pool, and impeccable service.
The Nile Cruise – Boutique cruising & unforgettable sights
Experience true luxury on the Nile aboard the MS Mayfair, a boutique ship that puts a personal spin on cruising. Sail past incredible ancient history while revelling in modern elegance and uncompromising luxury. All cabins feature floor-to-ceiling windows that open to a French balcony for unsurpassed views of the Nile and its ancient wonders. During the low season travel in style aboard the elegant Mövenpick Sun Ray or Hamees.
The Experiences – Ancient pyramids, priceless treasures, bustling cities & river vistas
From sweeping deserts to bustling cities, majestic temples to colourful souks, Egypt is full of charming locations just waiting for you to explore. Your journey takes you to a plethora of UNESCO Heritage-listed sites, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, which stands as the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the towering Great Sphinx of Giza, the Valley of the Kings – where Tutankhamun’s tomb was found – and so much more.
Lose yourself in Egypt’s captivating capital, Cairo, and browse bustling bazaars, see beautiful old mosques and churches, and delve into ancient history at the Egyptian Museum – a treasure trove of priceless artefacts including the fabled Mask of Tutankhamun.
Explore the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of the Kings in Luxor, a site of incredible archaeological significance which houses tombs of pharaohs and nobles dating between the 16th and 11th centuries BC, including that of the legendary Tutankhamun.
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Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
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Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
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