Egypt
10 nights 11 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookThis very special tour of ancient Egypt starts with a stay in Cairo, in the shadow of the pyramids, takes to the river for Nile-side temples and tombs of the pharaohs in Luxor, and cruises Lake Nasser to barely known and rarely visited treasures
With three nights land-based in Cairo and its surrounds, a flight to Aswan for four nights aboard-ship on Lake Nasser, and a three-night, downstream cruise of the Nile to the ‘living museum’ of Luxor, this tour is an enthralling introduction for first-time visitors to Egypt, and tempts returning travellers with the extra dimension of little-known sites and less-visited places. Accompanied by an Egyptologist or knowledgeable local guide, the tour combines excellent value with exemplary standards of comfort and service, all the way. It includes all meals on the seven days of cruising; takes in the trio of Egypt’s greatest antiquities, the Pyramids of Giza, Temple of Abu Simbel, and tombs of the pharaohs in Ancient Thebes; visits the major monuments of each city and port of call; and gives you the rare opportunity to sail to several of Lake Nasser’s temples, and to see the atmospheric Sound & Light show at Abu Simbel. From the gaze of the Sphinx in the arid sands of Cairo to the lush green islands of Aswan, on the cataract of the Nile, via Memphis and Saqqara, Kom Ombo and Edfu, this intriguing journey reveals the history and mystery, legends and lifestyles which shaped inimitable Egypt.
Fly from London Heathrow to Cairo and transfer to the premium Crown Plaza Hotel for a three-night stay.
A full day of touring begins at Giza to view the Great Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, rising from the desert sands surprisingly close to the modern city, and the famously enigmatic Sphinx, stretching 73m long and 20m high. Lunch is included, and we continue to the ruins of Egypt’s first capital, Memphis, and its oldest pyramid at Saqqara.
(B, L)
On a second full day in Cairo, explore the walled old citadel, ‘Coptic Cairo’, where landmarks include the Hanging Church, and the Museum of Christian antiquities, followed by a visit to the Egyptian Museum to view the treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Enjoy one of our Unique Experience’s by taking lunch aboard a traditional felucca on the Nile. After lunch, head over 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. (B, L)
Fly to Aswan and transfer to the mooring to embark on the luxurious Steigenberger Omar El-Khayam, the vessel for your four-night foray of Lake Nasser. Enjoy a Nubian show on board, and overnight in Aswan.
(B, L, D)
Visit the first of five temple sites which were all moved in the 1960s to save them from being submerged in the imminent flood of the reservoir. A secret treasure on the waters’ edge, the sanctuary, columns and hypostyle hall of Kalabsha Temple were built in 30BC, and carved with Egyptian and Roman motifs and Christian imagery. Return to Aswan and continue to Wadi El-Sebua for overnight mooring, and join your fellow travellers at the captain’s cocktail party this evening.
(B, L, D)
Discover the desolate Nubian temple of Wadi El-Sebua (‘Valley of Lions’), where a line of sphinxes leads to the central courtyard, with statues and carvings of Ramesses and Osiris. Sail to the Temple of Amada, the oldest ever found in Nubia. Originally dedicated to the god Amun, greatly altered in following eras, all but forgotten for centuries, and small enough to be lifted in one piece, it is nevertheless a little gem, with fine reliefs in still-vibrant colours. Enjoy the ship’s Galabeya party tonight. Overnight in Amada.
(B, L, D)
View the private Kasr Ibrim island from the water as you sail to Abu Simbel. Explore the temple created by Ramesses 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, 65m higher and 210m northwest of their original site. Enjoy an unmissable event of the Sound & Light show at the temple. Overnight at Abu Simbel.
(B, L, D)
Travel by road (4hrs approx.) to Aswan to embark on the Mövenpick MS Hamees for your 3-night cruise down the Nile. In the afternoon, visit the High Dam and take a boat trip to the Temple of Philae, now set on Agilika Island, its watery grave avoided. Overnight mooring in Aswan.
(B, L, D)
Cruise to Kom Ombo to visit the riverside ‘twin’ temples, dedicated to two gods, the falcon-headed Horus and crocodile-headed Sobek; and continue downstream to the Temple of Edfu, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, its huge edifice among the best-preserved and most atmospheric of Egypt’s ancient monuments. The ship navigates the Esna lock enroute to its final two-night mooring in Luxor. Enjoy another Galabeya party on the Hamees.
(B, L, D)
An optional, early morning ride in a hot-air balloon gives you a bird’s eye view of ‘modern’ Luxor, wrapped around its ancient tombs and temples (pre-bookable). Later, tour the west-bank Theban necropolis, the Valley of the Kings, where iconic landmarks include the monumental Colossi of Memnon, the tiered tomb of Queen Hatshepsut, and over sixty tombs of nobles and pharaohs (we may visit those of Tutankhamun or Seti I (subject to viewing restrictions, at extra charge). After lunch aboard, explore the Nile’s east bank temples; visit the Temple of Karnak with its Great Hypostyle Hall, courts, colonnades, and obelisks. Explore the connecting Avenue of Sphinxes from Luxor Temple; laid out parallel to the riverbank, it has been in almost continuous use as a place of worship right up to present day.
(B, L, D)
Disembark the Mövenpick MS Hamees and transfer to Luxor airport for the return flight to London.
(B)
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 congestion at certain sites.
Sail on the mighty River Nile, soak in the views and enjoy a special lunch on a traditional felucca. Revisit the temples of Abu Simbel at night, to experience the magical ambiance while you’re transported back in time at the Sound and Light show.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
A first-class hotel in the heart of Sheikh Zayed with 178 rooms and a selection of restaurants, bar, pool, sauna, gym and WiFi (free). 178 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Refurbished in 2018, this lovely vessel has spacious public rooms, and a restaurant with a combination of waiter and buffet service. Evening entertainment, lounge, bar, gift shop, laundry, a large panoramic sundeck with plunge pool and WiFi (free/limited). 70 air-conditioned outside cabins (233 sq. ft.) with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and mini-fridge. All cabins have picture windows except the Lower Deck and the two Main Deck single cabins (161 sq. ft.), which have portholes.
The Steigenberger Omar El-Khayam is a fabulous 5-star deluxe vessel oozing quality, with its spacious layout and stylish Egyptian décor; perfect for exploring the sacred sites and scenery of Upper Egypt. The vessel has the fabulous “Abu Nawas” restaurant located on the lower deck serving Egyptian and international cuisines, three luxurious lounge bars, a large sundeck with a swimming pool, Jacuzzis and a pool bar with sun loungers and shaded seating terrace area where you can relax and admire the scenery. Gym, gift shop, Billiard room, library, lift and WiFi (free/limited – only available in Aswan and Abu Simbel). Jules Verne guests will receive one bottle of water which can be refilled. 80 authentically decorated spacious air-conditioned cabins with private balcony spread over four decks with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
68 twin/double cabins (258 sq. ft – upper decks)
8 Grand Suites (376 sq. ft – main & upper decks)
4 Royal Suites (753 sq. ft – main & upper decks)
Note: Jules Verne guests will be allocated cabins on either upper deck 1 or 2.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
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.
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
The 600-Mile Nile
7 Feb 25,19 Feb 25 and 12 more
Exploring 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
From £4995 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
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
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Jan 25 (10 nights) | £3695pp | £4815pp | Book now | |
| 21 Feb 25 (10 nights) | £3895pp | £5100pp | Book now | |
| 14 Mar 25 (10 nights) | £3895pp | £5100pp | Book now | |
| 17 Oct 25 (10 nights) | £3845pp | £5050pp | Book now | |
| 14 Nov 25 (10 nights) | £3695pp | £4815pp | Book now | |
| 09 Jan 26 (10 nights) | £4095pp | £5335pp | Book now | |
| 06 Feb 26 (10 nights) | £4195pp | £5465pp | Book now | |
| 13 Mar 26 (10 nights) | £4195pp | £5465pp | Book now | |
| 16 Oct 26 (10 nights) | £4145pp | £5415pp | Book now | |
| 20 Nov 26 (10 nights) | £4195pp | £5465pp | Book now | |
| 27 Nov 26 (10 nights) | £4145pp | £5385pp | Book now |
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 3 nights’ hotel accommodation, 7 nights cruising, breakfast daily, 2 lunches in Cairo, full board on cruises, itinerary as described, excursions, Egyptian Tour Manager/Egyptologist and 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.