Destinations: Cairo, Nile River Valley, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor
Destinations: Sharm El Sheikh, Saint Catherine's Monastery
Discover the magic and mystery of ancient Egypt and cruise the river Nile in indulgent comfort on this unforgettable tour. Witness the majesty of the pharaohs and the sprawling sands of their kingdom in the height of five-star luxury, with a stay at the opulent Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence. 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.
Brush up on historic treasures with your expert Egyptologist and local guides to lead you, from the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation to the great temples of Abu Simbel. Travel in absolute comfort with airport transfers, internal flights and a private air-conditioned coach to take you between Egypt’s most exciting spots. Take to the sparkling waters of the Nile on your decadent Nile River cruise and immerse yourself in the traditional dance, music and dining of the region’s vibrant cultures. See sunrise and sunset over idyllic sailboats and sands that have known millennia of human history.
Superior Upgrade: Select the Superior Package during checkout for upgraded accommodation at your hotel in Cairo and onboard the Nile River Cruise.
Destinations: Cairo, Nile River Valley, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor
Destinations: Sharm El Sheikh, Saint Catherine's Monastery
Ahlan wa sahlan! The grandeur and glory of Egypt await as you arrive at Cairo International Airport and take your transfer to the spectacular Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence, tucked between lush gardens on the western bank of the Nile.
Steeped in ancient mystery, buzzing with modern vibrancy, cosmopolitan Cairo is a city alive with culture. Fed by the lifeline of the glittering Nile River, Egypt’s capital is known as the ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’ thanks to its spectacular collection of preserved Islamic Caliphate architecture.
Enjoy the day at your leisure to relax and enjoy your timelessly elegant surroundings, before savouring a sumptuous welcome dinner at your luxurious hotel.
After a delicious buffet breakfast, meet your resident Egyptologist tour guide. The study of ancient Egyptian language, history and architecture has obsessed archaeologists and linguists for centuries, and Egyptology has become a respected discipline across the world.
Waste no time mining your guide’s expert knowledge as you 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, including the remains of celebrated figures Hatshepsut, Thutmose III and Seqenenre Taa II.
Enjoy a set menu lunch at Le Pacha 1901, an astounding floating palace moored on the bank of the great Nile, then return to your accommodation for an afternoon of leisure.
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, 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.
Enjoy a lunch of traditional Egyptian cuisine at 9 Pyramids Lounge and relax in Bedouin-style 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 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.
Return to your luxurious accommodation in Cairo for another evening spent in Egypt’s vibrant capital.
This morning pay a visit to the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval fortress perched high on limestone hills above Cairo. Built in the 12th century to protect the city from crusaders, today the citadel complex houses various historic sites, including the National Military Museum and the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
Delve further into Cairo’s Islamic history when you stop at the incredible Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan. With its soaring heights and rich decoration, this is one of the finest mosques in Egypt. Next door, discover Refai Mosque, completed in 1912 and housing the tombs of an Islamic saint, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Egypt’s last royal family and the last Shah of Iran.
Enjoy a set lunch overlooking expansive Cairo at Sky Rim, then continue to the Egyptian Museum. Wander through 7,000 years of history as you peruse the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian art. Explore the many priceless antiquities with your private Egyptologist guide and uncover the treasures of Tutankhamun, from his golden mask to his solid gold sarcophagus and regal throne.
Return to your hotel late this afternoon with the rest of the evening at leisure.
Transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR), where you will be transferred to your luxury vessel for your four-night Nile River cruise.
En route, visit the majestic Temple of Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient sanctuary often called the world’s greatest open-air museum.
Continue to your vessel and check in to your comfortably furnished room. 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.
Partake in a filling lunch onboard and enjoy a welcome zaffa – a traditional band procession that pairs wooden-framed bendir drums, horns and a mesmerising dance of flaming swords.
Later, set out to explore the West Bank of Luxor and uncover the fabled Valley of the Kings. Witness the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, then take the chance for an optional visit to one of the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Queens. On your return, pass 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.
Back onboard, enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge and meet your boat manager over canapes and refreshments. Tonight, indulge in a memorable gourmet dinner beneath the stars.
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour.
After an energising buffet breakfast, set sail for the East Bank and the Karnak Temple Complex. Spend the morning digging into the vast collection of temples, pylons and historic landmarks. Take your lunch onboard your luxury cruiser and glide further along the Nile.
You may wish to enjoy an optional luxury hot air balloon flight over the Luxor skies, catching the breeze that sweeps the Nile and taking a new view of the ancient city. Your pilot will guide you as you spot notable landmarks and learn more about the area’s rich history.
Back aboard your vessel, enjoy a refreshing afternoon tea and laze in the Egyptian sun, then savour a mouth-watering dinner and cosy movie night.
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Egypt’s largest and best-preserved Pharaonic temple – the Temple of 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.
Back onboard, get hands-on with an aromatic Egyptian cooking lesson and reap the fruits of your labour over lunch as you cruise onward to the millennia-old agricultural settlement of Kom Ombo, positioned on a bend in the river where sacred crocodiles once basked in the sun. Follow your guide to the unique double temple, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Haroeris, the falcon god of the sky.
Return to your vessel and continue towards Aswan. In the evening, partake in an ‘Egyptian Night’ party, with the chance to don traditional Egyptian jellabiyas – loose-fitting garments associated with the Nile Valley – and enjoy a lavish buffet of local delicacies.
Following breakfast aboard, visit the island of Agilika and the historic sites it holds. Marvel at the enormity of granite quarries and survey the gargantuan Unfinished Obelisk, then meander through the majestic Philae Temple Complex and study the storied walls of the Temple of Isis.
Enjoy a delectable lunch back onboard before taking to the water in a traditional felucca – a unique wooden boat used along the Nile for centuries. Sweep by Elephantine Island, Aswan Botanical Gardens and the Agha Khan Mausoleum, before taking afternoon tea to the melodious sounds of an oud trio.
Mark your final evening cruising the Nile with an extravagant farewell gala dinner. White-gloved waiters and fine dining service are accompanied by a belly dancing performance and hypnotic whirling dervish show.
After one more buffet breakfast out on the waters of the Nile, disembark and transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW) for your flight to Abu Simbel.
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex hewn entirely out of stone, Abu Simbel was constructed under the command of 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 statues and dedicated to Queen Nefertari.
These magnificent temples were moved in the 1960s when the creation of Lake Nasser threatened their existence. Organised by UNESCO, the relocation of these structures remains one of the greatest feats of preservation in history.
Later, take a flight back to Cairo, where you will be transferred to your luxury hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours for the taking, whether you wish to explore Cairo’s vibrant street life or settle in for indulgent comfort at your accommodation.
Travel time: Flight 1 – approx. 45 minutes / Flight 2 – 2.5 hours.
Savour one more breakfast, then collect your luggage and depart for Cairo International Airport (CAI). Say goodbye to Egypt’s dazzling treasures and colourful culture as your journey comes to a close.
Glide through desert landscapes and discover ancient Egypt’s marvels on a captivating four-night Nile River cruise. Enjoy attentive service and opulent cabins on-board, offering lavish hospitality amid serene surroundings, complemented by daily riverbank sightseeing. Plus, stay at the glamorous Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence on the banks of the River Nile. From sophisticated, classic design to world-class dining, Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence is a luxury haven set among lush riverside gardens. Finally, visit the awe-inspiring, rock-carved Abu Simbel Temples, with return flights included.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your Traveller Details in full.
Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
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 the hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Transfers
Please Note:
Travel Insurance
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Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins and ends at Cairo International Airport (CAI) with return airport transfers. The Sharm el Sheikh extended tour ends at Cairo International Airport (CAI) after transferring from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH).
Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**
Please book your flights to arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI) by 5pm on Day 1 and depart from Cairo International Airport (CAI) anytime on Day 10 or for guests on the Sharm el Sheikh extended tour, after 1pm on Day 13 .
Return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Egypt
Time zone: GMT+2 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Telephone: +20
Currency: Egyptian pound (LE) but USD is often accepted at tourist sites
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. There is a shortage of small change; large bills can be difficult to break.
Language: Arabic
Climate: Mild winter (November-April) and hot summer (May-October). Temperatures range between an average minimum of 14°C in winter and an average maximum of 30°C in summer.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.
Optional experiences