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Visit the great pyramids of Egypt.

Nile Package: Cruise and Land

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Nile Adventurer
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This luxury Egyptian tour combines a Nile River Cruise with additional time in Cairo, exploring the region's most impressive ruins for a complete Egyptian adventure. Begin your journey in Cairo, visiting attractions such as the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. Fly to Luxor to embark on the luxury river ship, the Nile Adventurer, for a 4-night cruise to Aswan. Conclude your journey by returning to Cairo for additional sightseeing.
Sleepy camels at the Pyramids of GizaA view of the Citadel from the parkPhilae TempleEnjoy the art that decorates the architecture in Egypt.Vast Valley of Kings and Valley of QueensCabanas on Sun DeckVisit the great pyramids of Egypt.
Activities
  • River Cruises
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Cairo

Arrive at the Cairo International Airport and meet the Tour Coordinator. Spend the night at the Fairmont Nile City hotel in Cairo.

Day 2: Memphis, Saqqara and Pyramids

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Spend the day exploring ruins and attractions in Cairo.

Founded around 3,100 BC during the Old Kingdom, Memphis is the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. According to tradition, he first created dikes to protect the area from Nile floods and then started building. Much of what we know of Memphis comes from its necropolis, texts and papyrus from other parts of Egypt, and Herodotus, who visited the city. Early on, Memphis was probably a fortress from which Menes controlled the land and water routes between Upper Egypt and the Delta. Later, this great city became the administrative and religious center of Egypt, was home to a cosmopolitan community, and most likely was one of the largest and most important cities in the ancient world.

Across the Great Court of the Pyramid Complex of Zoser in Sakkara stands the Step Pyramid, the oldest known of Egypt’s 107 pyramids. Sakkara was built by Imhotep, one of the world’s most famous historical figures. This architect of the world’s first freestanding stone structure is often also recognized as the world's first doctor, as well as a priest, sage, poet, and astrologer. Although the original structure was a burial chamber 28 meters underground, Imhotep enlarged it several times to eventually reach a six tiered rectangle 60 meters high. Sakkara seems to have been the first area where limestone was employed, not only for the outer casing of the pyramid but also to cover interior walls.

Savor lunch at Khan El Khalili restaurant, named after the famous Cairo market. Next visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, the only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The pyramids were built about 4500 years ago as giant tombs for the mummies of the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, who were a father, son and grandson(Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus are the Greek forms of their names). In the ancient Egyptian religion, the sides of the pyramids were likened to sun rays on which the Pharaoh ascended to heaven. The pyramids are truly monumental in scale, with the largest, Khufu's, made of over 2 million blocks. The pyramids were not built by slaves but by Egyptian peasants who paid their taxes to the Pharaoh through this labor, and were fed, clothed and housed by him.

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 "Dream Stela" that was placed between the Sphinx's paws by King Tuthmose IV.

Overnight at the Fairmont Nile City.

Day 3: Luxor / Embark on Nile Adventurer

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Transfer to the Cairo International Airport via the Tour Coordinator to board your flight to Luxor.

In Luxor, check-in at noon on the 5-star deluxe Nile cruise boat, the "Sanctuary Nile Adventurer", moored in a private dock in Luxor. Be welcomed by the reception staff, who offer chilled fruit juice and assist with check-in.

Visit the Temple of Karnak, built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. The Great Hypostyle Hall is an incredible forest of giant pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral. Next join the Egyptologist on a tour of the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor, dedicated to the god Amun.

Tonight be greeted by the Boat Manager, who introduces the boat staff and reviews on-board facilities and the cruise program for the next few days. Complimentary Egyptian wine and local beer are served.

Day 4: Valley of the Kings & Queens / Hatshepsut Temple

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit the West Bank of Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings, a vast City of the Dead where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, decorated richly, and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of Pharaohs. Have the chance to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens.

Next explore Hatshepsut Temple. Rising out of the desert plain in a series of terraces, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (Ancient Egypt's only female Pharaoh) merges with the sheer limestone cliffs that surround it, as if nature herself had built this extraordinary monument. On the way back to the river Nile, pass by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn.

While cruising to Esna, enjoy afternoon tea and lunch on board. Tonight’s dinner is an “Egyptian Night” costume party for all guests, with a chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian “galabeyyas”. Dinner is a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by oriental music and dancing for everyone.

Day 5: Esna Temple / Edfu Temple

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Join the Egyptologist on a tour around the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna. The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius.

Cruise to Edfu to explore the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic – albeit Greek-built – temple in Egypt, the extraordinary Temple of Horus at Edfu.

En route to Kom Ombo, participate in an Egyptian cooking lesson prior to dinner.

Day 6: Kom Ombo Temple / Philae Temple

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank.

Next cruise to Aswan and take a short motorboat ride to visit the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka. Proceed to the Granite Quarries, which supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples, and still hold a huge unfinished obelisk. In the afternoon (weather permitting) take a ride on a felucca, a typical Egyptian sail boat, around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (life jackets are provided).

Tonight’s farewell dinner is a gala dinner (jacket required), with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine.

Day 7: Disembark / Cairo

  • 1 Breakfast
Check out at 8:00 AM and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to the Aswan Airport.

An optional Abu Simbel Excursion by flight is offered. Abu Simbel Temples, built by the Great Ramses II, Egypt’s longest ruling pharaoh, are some of the most recognizable images in the country. The Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, fronted by the four colossal statues of Ramses II, and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses’ favorite wife Queen Nefertari, were moved to their current location when the creation of Lake Nasser threatened their existence.

Board a return flight to Cairo via Aswan. Upon arrival at the Cairo airport, meet with the Tour Coordinator. Overnight at the Fairmont Nile City.

Day 8: Egyptian Museum of Antiquities/Citadel/Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
At the Egyptian Museum, tour 7,000 years of history. This museum houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian art in the world, including treasures of the boy-king Tutankhamun. View his gold mask, the solid gold sarcophagus that held his mummy, and his beautiful throne.

Enjoy lunch at Al Azhar Park. Situated in the heart of Islamic Cairo, this beautiful park was created for the citizens of Cairo by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Next visit the Citadel, perched high on limestone hills above Cairo. The Citadel is a medieval fortress built by Salah El Din (Saladin) in 1176 to protect the city from Crusaders. The Citadel has always had a military use, and was expanded over the centuries by Egypt's rulers who often resided there. Today, the Citadel complex has mosques and museums, including the National Military Museum.

Proceed to the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, completed in 1363. With its grand, soaring architecture and rich decoration, the Mosque is one of the finest in Egypt. In recesses around its open courtyard, each of the four schools of Sunni Islam was taught to students, and in its mausoleum, Sultan Hassan's sons are buried.

Complete the tour with a visit to the fascinating Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions. As one wanders through the labyrinth of narrow streets, find workshops and stalls selling all manner of things from woodwork, glassware and leather goods to perfumes, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities.

Day 9: Cairo / Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Transfer to Cairo International Airport to complete this tour of the Nile River and ancient Egypt.

Ship/Hotel

Nile Adventurer

Pyramids of Giza

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,895
Spacious and comfortable suite
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Standard Cabin - Nile Deck
Approx. 14.2 - 16.5M². Suites feature exquisite amenities, mini bar, hair dryer, satellite television and LCD screens.
stand
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Standard Cabin - Main Deck
Approx. 14.2 - 16.5M². Suites feature exquisite amenities, mini bar, hair dryer, satellite television and LCD screens.
stand 2
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Standard Cabin - Bridge Deck
Approx. 14.2 - 16.5M². Suites feature exquisite amenities, mini bar, hair dryer, satellite television and LCD screens.
stand 3
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Standard Cabin - Promenade Deck
Approx. 14.2 - 16.5M². Suites feature exquisite amenities, mini bar, hair dryer, satellite television and LCD screens.
Deluxe King
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Deluxe Cabin - Junior Suite
Approx. 21.3M². Fully air-conditioned with individual control, mini bar, hairdryer, satellite television and LCD screens.
Presidential Suite King Bed
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Presidential Suite
Approx. 42.4M². Air-conditioned room, private bathroom with bathtub, shower, hairdryer, mini bar and LCD screens with satellite television.

Notes

Please note that the single cabins are subject to a single supplement fee. Please inquire for details.

*Children aged 15 years and younger are required to share with an adult. An extra bed can be provided on a case by case basis in Nile deck cabins and Presidential Suites. Baby cot and baby chairs are provided for upon request.

*There is a casual dress code onboard. Guests should pack cool and comfortable clothing. Jerseys and heavier jackets are needed for spring and winter, light t-shirts and shorts can be worn during summer. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are essential.

Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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