Egypt
12 nights 14 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookExploring Egypt’s ancient past, the ‘full Nile cruise’ crosses four thousand years of regal and rural life, revealing the tales and tombs of pharaohs, and the temples of the Gods
Sprawling wide around river islands, tightening to its narrowest point between the Gebel el-Silsila cliffs, tamed at the High Dam of Aswan, and dropping 25ft at the barrage of the Esna Lock, the Nile cuts a swathe through reed beds, palm groves, and rural scenes of almost biblical simplicity, on its 600-mile flow from Abu Simbel, on the shores of Lake Nasser, to Cairo’s chaos of history and modernity.
Visiting Egypt’s most famous sites and less-visited gems, the downriver journey is a feast of antiquity, sailing from Nubian scenes in serene Aswan to the Ptolemaic temple of Edfu; through ancient Thebes/modern Luxor, ‘the world’s greatest open-air museum’, where the Nile slips between its exquisite east-bank temples and atmospheric west-bank Valley of the Kings; to legends of Cleopatra at the Temple of Denderah, intriguing hieroglyphs in the Seti I Temple of Abydos, tales of Akhenaten and Nefertiti in Amarni, and to the tombs and catacombs of Tuna el-Gebel and Beni Hassan; concluding with Cairo’s Coptic old city, Tutankhamun’s treasures at the Egyptian Museum and explore the long awaited newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum and perhaps the most famous and most photographed monuments, the pyramids of Giza and magnificent monolith of the Sphinx.
Fly from London Heathrow to Aswan via Cairo. Transfer to the 5-star Mövenpick MS Darakum for your 12-night cruise. (D)*
Visit the High Dam for views of Lake Nasser; take a boat trip to the Philae Temple, moved to Agilika Island to saved it from submersion in the lake; and sail for birdwatching on the river and a visit to the beautiful botanical gardens of Kitchener Island. Visit the Nubian Museum, displaying the culture and heritage of Nubia’s ‘Land of Gold’ era; and enjoy an afternoon tea, overlooking the river, at the Old Cataract Hotel, from where Agatha Christie wrote the ‘Death on the Nile’.
(B, L, D)
Enjoy a day to relax, explore Aswan and its souk, or join us on an optional tour to Abu Simbel, leaving early this morning (4hrs each way by road, pre-bookable). Created by Ramses II in the 13th century BCE, the heroic proportions of the two temples were matched by the massive task of moving them up onto the plateau from their original site, which was soon to disappear into Lake Nasser. Cruise to Kom Ombo to visit the riverside ‘double deity’ temple, dedicated the crocodile-headed Sobek and falcon-headed Horus. Sail to Edfu and enjoy a talk on hieroglyphics, and a Nubian show aboard.
(B, L, D)
Visit west-bank Edfu’s temple, its huge edifice among the best-preserved and most atmospheric of Egypt’s ancient monuments. Enjoy a film about the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb as we sail to Luxor, where our Special Event is viewing the ‘Luxor Temple by Night’, with a cocktail at the Old Winter Palace, where Howard Carter announced the discovery.
(B, L, D)
Optional Luxor hot air balloon flight (early morning start before sunrise, pre-bookable). Visit the Theban necropolis, the Valley of the Kings, viewing the huge Colossi of Memnon. Among several of the 60+ tombs of the pharaohs, we may visit those of Tutankhamun or Seti 1 (subject to viewing restrictions, at extra charge). Continue to visit Carter’s house, now a museum with maps and writings by the archaeologist; and afternoon visit to the Temple of Karnak, its acres of temples, courts, and colonnades linked to Luxor Temple by the two-mile Avenue of Sphinxes.
(B, L, D)
Sail to Qena and visit Denderah’s well-preserved Temple of Hathor, the largest of three on the site. Built by Ptolomy XII and Cleopatra, its courtyard and hypostyle hall are carved with depictions of the queen and her son, and of the goddess Hathor. Birdwatching presentation aboard.
(B, L, D)
Enjoy a talk on the agriculture, irrigation, and village life of the Nile as we sail to El Balyana, and travel inland to ancient Abydos, to visit the New Kingdom temple of Seti I, where carvings include a ‘List of Kings’ and intriguing hieroglyphs, said to show futuristic transport. Navigate the locks and pass the railway bridge at Naga Hammadi enroute to the city of Sohag, a centre of Coptic Christianity; with an insightful talk on modern Egypt, and a Galabeya party this evening.
(B, L, D)
Sail to the provincial town of Asyut and pause to view the monastery of heroic Prince/Saint Tawadros from the Nile, enroute to mooring at Tel el-Amarna. A talk on-board introduces you to the lives of Akhenaten and Nefertiti.
(B, L, D)
Visit the northern tombs and the Royal Tomb of Akhenaten at Amarna, its temple dedicated to Aten, God of the setting sun, the pharaoh’s sarcophagus carved with sun discs and images of Nefertiti. Continue to Tuna el-Gabel to see the catacombs of animal burials and tombs of priests. Sail to modern Minya. Folklore show onboard.
(B, L, D)
Visit the Middle Kingdom tombs of Beni Hassan, rock-hewn and richly adorned with colourful frescoes. Sail to riverside Beni Suef, with its bridge across the Nile. Quiz night onboard.
(B, L, D)
Cruise to Cairo, with a talk on the Pyramids enroute. Visit the walled old city, ‘Coptic Cairo’, to view the Hanging Church, and visit Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church and Coptic Museum of Christian antiquities. Enjoy an Oriental Takht music performance. (B, L, D)
(B, L, D)
A full-day of discovery begins at Giza to view the enormous, enigmatic Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the World; followed by a visit to the Egyptian Museum to view treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Transfer to the vessel for lunch and after, head over to the world’s largest archaeological museum, the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum. Featuring, the Grand Hall, housing the statue of King Ramesses II, 10 Statues of Senusret, Victory Column of Merenpetah and Ptolemaic King and Queen Statues, the extraordinary Hanging Obelisk, the remarkable Grand Staircase and the recently opened galleries hosting a wealth of artefacts.
(B, L, D)
Morning at leisure and lunch onboard before disembarking and transfer to the airport for return flight to London Heathrow.
(B, L)
Fly from London Heathrow to Cairo and transfer to the 5-star Mövenpick MS Darakum, the vessel for your 14-night cruise, for a three-night mooring in Cairo.
A full day of touring begins at the Egyptian Museum, to view treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Visit the walled old city, ‘Coptic Cairo’, to view the Hanging Church, and visit Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church and Coptic Museum of Christian antiquities. Transfer to the vessel for lunch and in the afternoon explore the Great Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the famously enigmatic Sphinx, stretching 73m long and 20m high. Enjoy an Oriental Takht music performance.
(B, L, D)
This morning, tour to the ruins of Egypt’s first capital, Memphis, and its oldest pyramid at Saqqara. Return to the ship for lunch, before an afternoon visit to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, featuring the Grand Hall, housing the statue of King Ramesses II, 10 Statues of Senusret, Victory Column of Merenpetah and Ptolemaic King and Queen Statues, the extraordinary Hanging Obelisk, the remarkable Grand Staircase and the recently opened galleries hosting a wealth of artefacts. Manager’s Cocktail party aboard this evening.
(B, L, D)
Enjoy the ship’s facilities and the Nile scenery as you begin your journey through almost biblical landscapes, cruising to Beni Suef, with its bridge across the Nile for overnight mooring. A talk on the agriculture, irrigation, and village life of the Nile.
(B, L, D)
Sit back on the sundeck or take a dip in the pool as the ship floats, through somnolent scenes of rural life, to modern Minya, for a two-night mooring. View a documentary on board about birdwatching in the area.
(B, L, D)
A morning tour visits Tuna el-Gabel to see the catacombs of animal burials and tombs of priests; and the afternoon sees you amid the Middle Kingdom tombs of Beni Hassan, rock-hewn and richly adorned with colourful frescoes. Folklore show on board.
(B, L, D)
A talk on board introduces you to the lives of Akhenaten and Nefertiti as you sail to Tell el-Amarna to visit the northern tombs and the Royal Tomb of Akhenaten. Its temple is dedicated to Aten, God of the setting sun, and the sarcophagus of the ‘heretic pharaoh’ is carved with sun discs and images of Nefertiti. View the monastery of heroic Prince/Saint Tawadros from the Nile, enroute to an overnight mooring in the provincial town of Asyut. Galabeya party this evening.
(B, L, D)
An insightful talk on modern Egypt, education, and hieroglyphs as you cruise to the city of Sohag, a centre of Coptic Christianity, for overnight mooring. Quiz night this evening.
(B, L, D)
Cruise to El Balyana and travel inland to ancient Abydos, to visit the New Kingdom temple of Seti I, where carvings include a ‘List of Kings’ and intriguing hieroglyphs, said to show futuristic transport. Continue to Naga Hammadi, known for its railway bridge, for overnight mooring.
(B, L, D)
Sail to Qena and visit Denderah’s well-preserved Temple of Hathor, the largest of three on the site. Built by Ptolomy XII and Cleopatra, its courtyard and hypostyle hall are carved with depictions of the queen and her son, and of the goddess Hathor. Cruise to Luxor and explore the remarkable Luxor Temple, laid out parallel to the riverbank, the temple has been in almost continuous use as a place of worship right up to present day and played an essential role in the annual Opet Festival which celebrated the Nile River floods. This evening, enjoy some unique experiences as you view ‘Luxor Temple by Night’ followed by a cocktail at the Old Winter Palace, where Howard Carter announced the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Two-night mooring in Luxor.
(B, L, D)
Early this morning, an optional hot-air balloon ride gives you a sunrise view of Luxor, the modern city wrapped around its ancient tombs and temples (pre-bookable). Tour the west-bank necropolis of ancient Thebes, the Valley of the Kings, where iconic landmarks include the monumental Colossi of Memnon, the statues soaring 60-feet high, and the tiered tomb of Queen Hatshepsut. Among over sixty tombs of pharaohs, we may visit those of Seti I and Tutankhamun (subject to viewing restrictions, at extra charge). Continue to Carter’s house, now a museum with maps and writings by the archaeologist.
(B, L, D)
A morning tour explores the Nile’s east bank, the magnificent Temple of Karnak, the second largest ancient religious site in the world, with its Great Hypostyle Hall, courts, colonnades, and obelisks, linked to Luxor Temple by the two-mile Avenue of Sphinxes. Leave Luxor and navigate the Esna Lock enroute to Edfu, for overnight mooring.
(B, L, D)
Begin the day with a visit to Edfu’s temple. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, and dedicated to Horus, the god of fertile Nile-side lands, its huge edifice is revered as one of the country’s most atmospheric ancient monuments. Cruise to Kom Ombo to visit the riverside ‘double deity’ temple of crocodile-headed Sobek and falcon-headed Horus; and continue to Aswan for your final two-night mooring.
(B, L, D)
Visit the High Dam of Lake Nasser, and sail to the Temple of Philae, saved from a watery grave in the lake by moving it to Agilika island. After lunch aboard, visit the Nubian Museum for its display of the culture and customs of Nubia’s ‘Land of Gold’ era; and enjoy a sundowner, overlooking the river, at the Old Cataract Hotel, from where Agatha Christie wrote the ‘Death on the Nile,’ and a Nubian show aboard.
(B, L, D)
Disembark the MS Darakum and transfer to Aswan airport for the return flight, via Cairo to London Heathrow.
(B)
Whilst the vessel carries more, sightseeing will be limited to 25 guests.
Temple, tomb and pyramid visits are on foot with steps and uneven surfaces.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or to enhance your experience at certain sites.
*For 26 April and 27 September 2025 departures, dinner will be a cold plate served in your cabin due to the late arrival of the flight.
Abu Simbel optional excursion is not possible on the 14-night cruise.
Luxor Temple by Night, Cocktail at Old Winter Palace & Afternoon Tea at the Old Cataract During this cruise you’ll enjoy a private cocktail reception at the Victorian Lounge in the Old Winter Palace, a memorable visit to the illuminated Luxor Temple and an afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, with fine views of the Nile.
This charming vessel was specially designed for the ‘long cruise’ with attentive Egyptian staff and Moroccan inspired interior. A spacious restaurant offers assorted dishes over a buffet combining Egyptian and international cuisine. The elegant lounge with bar adjoins a comfortable outdoor lounge for observing the continually changing riverside scenes. The large sun deck has a plunge pool, loungers and seats with sunny and shaded areas. Small gym, jewellery and gift shop and WiFi (free/limited). Jules Verne guests receive three small bottles of water per day free of charge. 52 tastefully designed air-conditioned, outside cabins spread over three decks with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV. 44 twin/double cabins (215 sq. ft.), two Deluxe Cabins (279 sq. ft. – Deck Two), two Senior Suites (430 sq. ft. – Deck Three), two Senior Suites (430 sq. ft. – Deck Four) and two Panorama Suites (366 sq. ft. – Deck Three). All cabins have large picture windows except Lower Deck cabins which have sealed marine windows.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
A highlight of any journey to Egypt is a visit to the rock temples of Abu Simbel. The construction of the Aswan high dam resulted in the flooding of a vast area and a huge operation was mounted by UNESCO in the mid-60s to rescue amongst many other sites the great temple in statues of Ramesses II from the rising waters or what later became known as Lake Nasser, the two immense rock statues of Rameses II and his queen Nefatari were dismantled into over 1000 blocks hand cut from the original rock face and reconstructed some 65 metres above on a rocky outcrop of the mountains which overlooked the Nile at this point.
Take to the skies above Luxor in a hot-air balloon and enjoy panoramic views of the world's greatest open-air museum. Leaving at sunrise, enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the sun rising over the east bank of the Nile, illuminating the land of the ancient Pharaohs on your scenic flight over Egypt's iconic monuments, this experience promises to be one of the highlights of your journey, as you drift over the Valley of the Kings & Queens, getting a bird’s eye view off the tombs and the Nile delta in a hot air balloon.
Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
Pyramids & the Nile
7 Mar 25,19 Sep 25 and 10 more
The pyramids of Giza are the country’s most photographed monuments, the timeless Nile is its most vital asset. These two icons of Egypt come together on a tour of tombs, temples, and treasures
From £3125 pp
incl Flight
A Royal Steamer Restored
13 Jan 25,27 Jan 25 and 11 more
A wonderful week on a unique vessel, this cruise is aboard ‘the most luxurious steamship on the Nile’, the SS Misr, the former floating palace of King Farouk; sailing upstream and down again between Luxor and Aswan, to visit major sites and highlights
From £4295 pp
incl Flight
Treasures of the Nile
12 Apr 25
A fabulous ‘return to Egypt’ for those who have seen its most famous sites, this cruise focuses on the less-visited length of the Nile, between Cairo and Luxor, travelling through tranquil scenery to unsung tombs, temples, and towns, off the tourist track
From £4625 pp
incl Flight
Secret Nile
17 Mar 25,13 Sep 25 and 5 more
In a full fortnight of discovery, this is the classic ‘long cruise’ from Cairo to Aswan, with a different perspective, as it sails to the lesser-known landmarks of ancient Egypt, beside the Nile, in Luxor, and on Lake Nasser; and adds an insight of local culture
From £6125 pp
incl Flight
The Original Nile by Royal Steamer
2 Apr 25,10 Apr 26
Aboard the royal steamer SS Misr, this fabulous cruise takes you to Egypt’s most famous and almost forgotten sites, from Cairo’s Sphinx to the ‘living museum’ of Luxor, and Aswan’s High Dam
From £7195 pp
incl FlightWe need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07 Feb 25 (12 nights) | No Single Supplement (1 Room Remaining) | £5495pp | £6925pp | Book now |
| 19 Feb 25 (14 nights) | No Single Supplement (2 Rooms Remaining), 14-Night Itinerary | £6195pp | £7870pp | Book now |
| 05 Mar 25 (12 nights) | £5545pp | £6975pp | Book now | |
| 26 Apr 25 (12 nights) | No Single Supplement (1 Room Remaining) | £4995pp | £4995pp | Book now |
| 27 Sep 25 (12 nights) | No Single Supplement (2 Rooms Remaining) | £5595pp | £7115pp | Book now |
| 09 Oct 25 (14 nights) | No Single Supplement (1 Room Remaining), 14-Night Itinerary | £6325pp | £6325pp | Book now |
| 23 Oct 25 (12 nights) | No Single Supplement (1 Room Remaining) | £5695pp | £7215pp | Book now |
| 13 Feb 26 (12 nights) | No Single Supplement (3 Rooms Remaining) | £5925pp | £7500pp | Book now |
| 25 Feb 26 (14 nights) | No Single Supplement (2 Rooms Remaining), 14-Night Itinerary | £6595pp | £8430pp | Book now |
| 11 Mar 26 (12 nights) | No Single Supplement (3 Rooms Remaining) | £5925pp | £5925pp | Book now |
| 06 Apr 26 (12 nights) | No Single Supplement (3 Rooms Remaining) | £5695pp | £5695pp | Book now |
| 27 Sep 26 (12 nights) | No Single Supplement (3 Rooms Remaining) | £6095pp | £7755pp | Book now |
| 09 Oct 26 (14 nights) | No Single Supplement (2 Rooms Remaining), 14-Night Itinerary | £6745pp | £8680pp | Book now |
| 23 Oct 26 (12 nights) | No Single Supplement (3 Rooms Remaining) | £6095pp | £7755pp | Book now |
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 12/14 night-cruise, full board on cruise vessel, itinerary as described, excursions, Egyptian Tour Manager / Egyptologist, local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, visa procurement fee, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan Hotel
(per night) Standard (twin/double) £115 (2026 £145)
Single supplement £95 (2026 £130)
Arrival or departure transfer £15
Sofitel Old Cataract
Rooms and prices are on request, please call our Sales Team for more information.
Arrival or departure transfer add £15