12 Days | Follow the Nile in style, for a while.
Pharaohs, feluccas, temples and tombs. Pyramids, bazaars, mummies and catacombs. Egypt has myriad possibilities to marvel and discover, and on a 12-day cultural expedition to its highlights, you’ll understand how time has stood still and why you’ll need a history lesson at every turn. Lose yourself in the colour and chaos of Cairo’s Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, stand at the feet of Abu Simbel’s monumental temples, set sail down the iconic Nile and feel grand in the Valley of the Kings. With all your comforts cared for and questions answered by knowledgeable local leaders, Egypt will serve up all the historic, symbolic and pharaonic goods.
Trip overview
- Start
- Cairo, Egypt
- Finish
- Cairo, Egypt
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Egypt
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Comfort
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- XEKI
- Explore the magnificent temples at Abu Simbel and see the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile.
- Brush shoulders with the locals and meet some of the many store owners as you stroll through the famous bazaars of Aswan, Luxor and Khan al-Khalili in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.
- Set sail down the Nile – one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Relax in comfort as scenes of everyday Egyptian life stream by and experience day turn to night from your sundeck.
- Join a local family in a small village near Aswan for a memorable night of Nubian hospitality. Learn about this ancient culture while sharing a special dinner with your hosts.
- Explore the marvels, mythology and mystery of Ancient Egypt, including the Pyramids at Giza and the tombs of iconic pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, with expert guides providing a local insight.
- Egypt can get hot between June and September, but this is normally a dry heat and easier to cope with than humidity. Where possible we try and visit sites in the early morning before it gets too hot.
- The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. At major sites such as the Pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids.
- Cairo is notorious for road congestion and air pollution. Be prepared for one of the busiest cities in North Africa.
- Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.
- The Nile Cruise includes three nights’ accommodation and full board (drinks are not included). Your ship will be docked each night in Aswan, Edfu or Luxor – please see the Itinerary for more details. When docked, Nile cruise ships are moored lengthways alongside each other, and your ship will most likely have a ship on either side. You walk through the other ships to reach the port.
- Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
Private vehicle, Plane, Cruise boat, Felucca, Overnight sleeper train
Hotel (7 nights), Cruise boat (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Cairo - Egyptian Museum
- Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
- Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Alexandria - Fort Qaitbey
- Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries
- Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
- Aswan - Philae Temple
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
- Aswan - Felucca Sail
- Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
- Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)
- Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
- Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
- Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
- Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) - EGP230
- Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP270
- Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour - USD40
- Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - EGP450
- Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Afternoon Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD109
- Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP900
- Cairo - The 3rd Pyramid of Menkawre (entrance fee) - EGP220
- Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD55
- Alexandria - Alexandria National Museum (entrance fee) - EGP180
- Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) - EGP300
- Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) - EGP150
- Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD35
- Aswan - Philae Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD55
- Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP450
- Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) - EGP400
- Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) - EGP300
- Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200
- Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD45
- Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP180
- Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP200
- Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee - EGP200
- Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP2000
- Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings - USD120
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer to have your own room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included, valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. This trip includes a domestic flight. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for transport and entrance tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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