Destinations: Saqqara, Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Nile River Luxor, Aswan Governorate, Abu Simbel
Destinations: Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Nile River Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Sharm El...
Discover the magic and mystery of Ancient Egypt on this once-in-a-lifetime ten-day, luxury small-group tour and Nile River cruise (max. 16 travellers). Witness the majesty of the pyramids and pharaohs while staying in the height of five-star luxury, with stays including Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence and the magnificent Hilton Heliopolis Cairo Hotel. Step beneath the shadow of the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World, and walk through the astounding Valley of the Kings, home to Tutankhamun’s legendary resting place.
Your journey takes you to: Cairo — Memphis – Saqqara – Giza – Cairo – Luxor — Aswan — Abu Simbel — Cairo.
Destinations: Saqqara, Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Nile River Luxor, Aswan Governorate, Abu Simbel
Destinations: Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Nile River Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Sharm El...
After a delicious buffet breakfast, meet your tour coordinator in the hotel’s lobby for an introduction to your resident Egyptologist. The study of Egypt’s ancient language, history and architecture has obsessed archaeologists and linguists for centuries, and Egyptology has grown to become an iconic discipline across the world. Head to Cairo’s National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, a landmark institution covering 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, including the celebrated corpses of Hatshepsut, Thutmose III and Seqenenre Taa II.
Enjoy a set menu lunch at La Pacha 1901, an iconic floating palace moored off the bank of the great Nile, before returning to your accommodation for an afternoon of leisure. In the evening, savour a sumptuous welcome dinner at the hotel to celebrate your first full day spent in Egypt.
Today, experience one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, with a full day dedicated to the extraordinary pyramids.
Begin with the legendary city of Memphis, which was founded around the third century BC by Menes, the Pharaoh, 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.
Next, move on to Saqqara, the former necropolis for the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis and the place where the very first pyramids were built as tombs for kings. Instead of the smooth sides featured on other pyramids, the pyramids here feature six steps on the outside, representing 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.
Enjoy lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge in Giza, serving traditional Egyptian cuisine on authentic Bedouin seating overlooking the spectacular pyramids of Giza.
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 the mummies of the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. The pyramids are truly monumental in scale, with the largest, Khufu’s, constructed from an estimated two million blocks.
Nearby sits the enigmatic Sphinx with the body of a lion and the face of a man wearing a royal head cloth, which workers may have based on King Khafre to guard his enormous funerary monument. About a thousand years after the Sphinx was built it was covered in sand until a young prince had a dream in which the Sphinx told him that if he cleared the sand away, he would become Pharaoh. This story is told on the famed Dream Stele that was placed between the Sphinx’s paws by King Tuthmose IV.
Return to your accommodation in Cairo for another evening spent in Egypt’s cosmopolitan capital.
This morning wander through 7,000 years of history at the Egyptian Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian art. Explore the many priceless antiquities with your private Egyptologist guide and uncover the treasures of the boy-king Tutankhamun, including his golden mask, the solid gold sarcophagus that held his mummy, and his beautiful throne.
Next visit the Citadel, a medieval fortress perched high on limestone hills above Cairo, which was built in the 12th century to protect the city from crusaders. Today, the citadel complex houses mosques and museums, including the National Military Museum.
Enjoy lunch at Al-Azhar Park before stopping at the incredible Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. It was completed in 1363 and with its grand, soaring architecture and rich decoration, it is one of the finest mosques in Egypt. Next door, discover the much newer Refai Mosque, completed in 1912 with well-preserved, colourful decoration. Entombed are an Islamic saint, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Egypt’s last royal family and the last Shah of Iran.
Return to your hotel late this afternoon with the rest of the evening at leisure.
Transfer to Cairo airport for your included flight to Luxor, where you will be transferred to your luxury vessel for your four-night Nile cruise.
En route, visit the majestic Temple of Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient sanctuary dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship in Egypt.
Continue to your luxury vessel and check-in to your stateroom. Elegant interiors, opulent cabins, serene surroundings and lavish, freshly prepared meals – all complemented by daily sightseeing along the river – make a luxury cruise along the Nile an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy a welcome zaffa – a traditional band procession consisting of bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, dancing and dramatic flaming swords – onboard before enjoying a delicious lunch in the ship’s restaurant.
After lunch, enjoy a tour of the West Bank of Luxor to explore the fabled Valley of the Kings. Explore the tombs of the Valley of the Queens – including the temple of Queen Hatshepsut – and pass by the famed Colossi of Memnon, built to depict King Amenhotep III in a resting position and known for the mournful sounds they’re said to make at dawn.
Enjoy afternoon tea in the cruise ship’s lounge and enjoy the early evening at leisure before meeting the boat manager over fresh canapes and refreshments. Tonight, enjoy a gourmet dinner beneath the Egyptian stars.
After a delicious breakfast buffet, visit the Karnak Temple Complex, a vast collection of temples, pylons and historic landmarks before sailing to Esna after lunch onboard.
Join your Egyptologist on a guided tour of the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum in Esna. Beautifully preserved and dedicated to the ancient ram-headed Egyptian god of creation, highlights of the complex include the Great Hypostyle Hall, built during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius and excavated from silt caused by centuries of Nile floodings.
You may wish to enjoy an optional luxury hot air balloon flight over the Luxor skies – as you soar over the ancient city, your pilot-guide will point out notable landmarks and talk about the area’s rich history.
Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea onboard, followed by a mouth-watering dinner and a movie night.
Optional Activity:
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Egypt’s largest and best-preserved Pharaonic temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Built to venerate ancient Horus, god of the Sun – later identified by the Greeks as Apollo – the site is a breathtaking glimpse into Hellenistic Egypt.
Enjoy a cooking lesson onboard the vessel before continuing to the temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the ferocious crocodile god Sobek, god of fertility and mythological creator of the Nile River. Kom Ombo is positioned on a bend in the river where sacred crocodiles basked in the sunlight – originally called Nubt, or ‘City of Gold,’ the settlement historically had great control over the river trade between Nubia and the Nile Valley.
Return to your vessel and continue to cruise towards Aswan. In the evening, enjoy an ‘Egyptian Night’ costume party, with a chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian jellabiyas, loose-fitting traditional garments strongly associated with the Nile Valley, and enjoy a lavish buffet of local delicacies.
Following breakfast on board, visit the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae on the magical island of Agilika. Both sites are of extreme historical importance – the Unfinished Obelisk’s original creation was ordered by Hatsheput and stands as one of the largest of its kind. The Temple of Philae is a beautiful complex overlooking the gentle waters of the Aswan Low Dam.
Lunch awaits back on board. This afternoon, take a traditional Felucca (sailboat) out on the Nile around Elephantine Island, Aswan Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum, before taking afternoon tea to the melodious sounds of an oud trio.
A farewell gala dinner is served on board tonight – enjoy the finest white-gloved cuisine and service, accompanied by belly dancing and a whirling dervish show.
After your final buffet breakfast upon the languid waters of the Nile, disembark and transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW) for your ongoing flight to Abu Simbel.
Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex hewn entirely out of stone by Ramses II – one of Egypt’s longest-ruling Pharaohs – and stands as one of the most enduring symbols of Egypt. Wander through the two mighty temples, including the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte – flanked by massive states of Rameses, dedicated to Queen Nefertari. The two great temples were moved in the 1960s when the creation of Lake Nasser threatened their existence. The relocation of the temples, organised by UNESCO, is still today one of the greatest feats of dismantling and reassembling the world has ever seen.
After your sightseeing, take a flight back to Cairo, where you will be transferred to your luxury hotel located within easy access to the airport. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
After breakfast, collect your luggage and depart for Cairo International Airport. Say goodbye to Egypt’s dazzling cultural treasures and deep-seated mysteries as you continue your onward journey.
The Accommodation – Indulgent Four Seasons & Hilton luxury
Combine the perfect location with world-renowned luxury at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, offering classical grandeur in the city’s heart. Spend four nights in unparalleled splendour, with breathtaking views of the Nile or the distant pyramids, and first-class service sure to impress even the most discerning traveller. Staff are on-hand to cater to your every need, offering intuitive service and recommendations, and ensuring a seamless stay.
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 10 restaurants, a fitness room, two outdoor pools with cabanas, and impeccable service.
The Nile Cruise – Opulent cruising, unforgettable sights & extraordinary Nile nights
Soak up Egypt’s sights from a unique viewpoint on the ancient Nile River, on a four-night cruise aboard either Sanctuary Nile Cruise Nile Adventurer, Sun Boat IV or Sun Boat III (Nile, Main, Bridge or Promenade Deck Cabin) (varies by departure date, see Fine Print for details).
Experience true luxury on the Nile aboard the Sun Boat IV Cruise, an Art Deco-inspired ship that puts an intimate spin on cruising. Sail past incredible ancient history while revelling in modern elegance and uncompromising luxury. All cabins feature elegant teak flooring, modern furniture and lavish floor-to-ceiling windows, offering unsurpassed views of the Nile and its ancient wonders. Spend time lazing on the chic open-plan deck lounge or swimming in the ship’s heated private pool.
The Sanctuary Nile Adventurer effortlessly blends contemporary Egyptian style with authentic tradition. Offering a true five-star river cruise experience, the vessel boasts extensive and elegant sun decks, a private cabana-flanked pool and just 32 boutique cabins, each featuring a wealth of luxurious flourishes.
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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.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.
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