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The pyramids of Giza

Egypt in Depth

Roundtrip Cairo - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Sanctuary Sun Boat III
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Embark on a 15-day cruise aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat III. Cruise along the Nile and retrace the path of ancient pharaohs while exploring Egypt’s iconic landmarks and remote villages. This comprehensive journey takes you to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the impressive Temples of Ramses II, and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel. It offers a deeper look into Egypt’s vast history and culture. From massive temples to desert landscapes, experience the country’s grand scale at every turn. Enjoy a relaxed cruise on the Nile, uncover archaeological sites, and unwind on the Red Sea coast—all while gaining firsthand insight into Egypt’s enduring legacy.
Camels laying down in the sunsetBeautiful Egyptian CarvingsFelucca Nile cruiseProfile of the Great Sphinx of GizaVisit the ruins of EgyptCamels in the desert of EgyptThe pyramids of Giza
Highlights
  • Tour the Great Pyramids and marvel at the icon Sphinx
  • Discover the Osiris temple complex of Philae
  • Relax on the sparkling shores of the Red Sea
  • See the impressive monument dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Cairo

  • 1 Dinner
Begin your journey with a three-night Special Stay in Giza, ideally situated near the iconic Great Pyramids.  

Take panoramic views of these ancient structures, standing for over 4,500 years as the last remaining of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This stay offers a rare opportunity to engage with the site's historical significance and remarkable engineering.

Sunset Drinks
Enjoy drinks and canapes as the sun sets over the magnificent pyramids.

Please book your flight to arrive in Cairo before 02:00 PM.

Day 2: Giza

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Experience the awe-inspiring scale of the pyramids and stand before the Sphinx, a 20-meter-high limestone figure that has watched over the necropolis for millennia. Then, delve into the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb that shed light on the life and legacy of the young pharaoh.

A key museum feature is the Solar Boat exhibit, showcasing a fully restored cedar wood vessel from 2500 BC. Discovered beside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, this ancient barge reflects the advanced craftsmanship and funerary traditions of the time, revealing how Egyptians prepared their rulers for the afterlife.

Day 3: Giza

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Visit the ancient capital of Memphis and the remarkable Step Pyramid of Saqqara, one of Egypt's earliest pyramids. Delve into the Imhotep Museum, named after the pyramid's architect, which showcases an impressive collection of artifacts unearthed from the Saqqara site, offering a deeper understanding of Egypt's rich archaeological heritage.

Day 4: Fly from Giza to Aswan

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Fly early to Abu Simbel, where you can witness the awe-inspiring World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. These colossal monuments, carved out of solid rock, are among Egypt's most spectacular and showcase the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture and artistry.

Later, fly to Aswan for a two-night Special Stay. Soak in the stunning vistas of the Nile, a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection on the day's historic explorations.

Day 5: Aswan

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Choose from a range of experiences and continue to explore Aswan. In the evening, learn more about the history of your hotel, which hosted icons like Princess Diana, Winston Churchill, and Agatha Christie, during pre-dinner drinks at The Terrace.

Freechoice:

Nubian Museum: Explore the Nubian Museum, which is dedicated to Nubian culture and civilization and showcases a history that can be traced back to at least 2000 BC.

Visit a Nubian Village: Gain a unique insight into one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, the Nubians. Walk through the village with your Nubian guide and visit a private home to learn about life on the Nile.

Kalabsha Temple: Visit the beautiful but often-overlooked Kalabsha Temple on the shores of Lake Nasser. View the pylon, court, hall, sanctuary, and the richly carved reliefs.

Day 6: Embark | Nile Cruise

Board the elegant Sanctuary Sun Boat III and settle into your suite. Discover the captivating Philae Temple Complex, dedicated to Isis and celebrated as one of the burial sites of Osiris, making it a significant center for both Isis and Osiris worship.

Afterward, glide along the Nile on a traditional felucca, a classic wooden sailboat used on the Nile for centuries. Glide gently along the river, soaking in the serene landscapes and historical banks. End your day with a lively Nubian dance performance, immersing yourself in the rich culture of Egypt.

Day 7: Nile Cruise

Trace the path ancient pharaohs' processions once took as you cruise south along the Nile. Admire the rural villages and majestic temples that dot the riverbanks. Explore the Esna Temple, one of ancient Egypt's holiest sites, revered for its beautifully preserved hypostyle hall and intricate carvings dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed god of the river. Later, sail to the striking Kom Ombo Temple on the East Bank. This unique double temple is dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God, and Horus the Elder, reflecting the duality of ancient Egyptian theology.

As the sun sets, the onboard atmosphere livens with a colorful Galabeyya party. Enjoy an evening of Egyptian delicacies, vibrant music, and dancing, celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage.

Day 8: Nile Cruise

Explore the open-air Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious sites in the world, spanning over 200 acres. Marvel at the enormity of the Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 towering columns, each intricately engraved with hieroglyphs, depicting the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian mythology and history.

Cross to the West Bank of the Nile and admire the well-preserved, vibrant hieroglyphics that decorate the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Later, see the Queen Hatshepsut monument.

Day 9: Nile Cruise

Unwind on board your cruise and observe the vibrant daily life along the mighty Nile as you journey toward Dendera. There, visit the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt, renowned for its magnificent capitals and the Dendera Zodiac ceiling relief. This temple dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, showcases exquisite architecture and intricate carvings that reveal the sophistication of ancient Egyptian religious practices.

After exploring Dendera, visit the majestic Luxor Temple. Situated in the heart of ancient Thebes, Luxor Temple is a grandiose testament to Egyptian civilization's architectural prowess, featuring colossal statues of Ramesses II and amenities originally built by Amenhotep III, which illuminate the religious and political significance of the temple throughout history. Conclude your day with a farewell Gala Dinner alongside the captain and crew, a memorable end to your Nile cruise.

Day 10: Disembark | Luxor

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
After disembarking, visit the Valley of the Nobles, a site with hundreds of rock-cut tombs belonging to ancient Egyptian nobility. These tombs, richly adorned with vibrant frescoes, provide a fascinating glimpse into their inhabitants' daily activities and cultural practices. That's because the detailed wall paintings in each tomb showcase the artistic mastery of the time while also offering valuable insights into ancient Egypt's social and economic structures, depicting scenes of agriculture, trade, and festivities that animated their world.

Check into your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy some time at leisure to bask in an atmosphere steeped in history, romance, and adventure.

Day 11: Luxor | Red Sea

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Journey across the desert to your opulent hotel, nestled on the shores of the Red Sea. Enjoy a two-night Special Stay at this luxurious resort on the shores of the Red Sea, taking in your serene surroundings.

Sunset Drinks
Raise your glass as the colors change across the desert and seascapes.

Day 12: Red Sea

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Savour a relaxing day by the Red Sea, known for its warm, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. This unique body of water is one of the world's most saline seas and a premier destination for diving and snorkeling, famed for its lush coral reefs and diverse ecosystems. Enjoy the tranquil beauty or an optional snorkeling boat trip to discover the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea.

Day 13: Red Sea | Cairo

  • 1 Breakfast
Fly to Cairo and settle into your hotel for a two-night stay. Discover Egypt's rich heritage at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, a highlight of which is the Royal Mummies' Hall, featuring meticulously preserved mummies of Egypt's ancient royalty. Explore other key exhibits that showcase artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era, each telling a story of Egypt's complex and fascinating history.

Day 14: Cairo

Choose from various experiences to explore Cairo, also known as "The City of a Thousand Minarets," due to its rich history and abundance of historic Islamic architecture. This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner.

Freechoice:

Coptic Cairo: Find yourself winding through the streets of Old Cairo. Visit Cairo's Coptic Museum, which contains one of the world's largest collections of Egyptian Christian artifacts. Continue to the Hanging Church and have a chance to visit Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Historic Cairo: Tour the heart of medieval Cairo, featuring the stunning Sultan Hassan Mosque. Learn about Arabic calligraphy and explore local community projects in Souq al-Silah and Bayt Yakan.

Roda Island: Discover Roda Island in central Cairo, visiting the ancient Nilometer and the Manial Palace Museum, which showcases the life and times of Prince Muhammad Ali and marks a significant era in Egyptian history.

Day 15: Depart for Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to your tour director and new friends as you are transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward journey, where you take cherished memories with you.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Ship/Hotel

Sanctuary Sun Boat III

Exterior 3
Cleopatra's Oasis
The Verandah

Cairo - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Oct 3, 2025from $12,400
  • Nov 10, 2025from $11,900
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Deal available

Deals

Special Deals 27517
Book your Scenic Eclipse cruise for select 2025-2027 departures between April 1 - July 6, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $2000 per suite on select departures. Savings vary by departure.

Free air offers are also available based on suite category and destination when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 120 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $500 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to GP, OP, OT, SB, SA, S or P cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 120 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $250 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select 2025-2027 Scenic Eclipse Cruises

Special Deals 27518
Book your Scenic River cruise for select 2025-2026 departures between April 1 - July 6, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $1,500 per suite on select departures. Savings vary by departure.

Free air offers are also available based on suite category and destination when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $500 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to RP, RR, RO, R, RA, RD, RS or RJ cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 90 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $125 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select 2025-2026 Scenic River Cruises

Per person starting at
$11,900
Select a Date
Nile Deck Cabin
55.8 ft². Twin or King beds. A/C, window, private bath with shower & hairdryer, satellite TV & in-house movies, and mini-bar.
Select a Date
Promenade Deck Cabin
55.8 ft². Twin or King beds. A/C, window, private bath with shower & hairdryer, satellite TV & in-house movies, and mini-bar.
Select a Date
Presidential Suite
95.1 ft². Queen bed. A/C, window, private bath with bathtub & hairdryer, satellite TV & in-house movies, and mini-bar.
Select a Date
Royal Suite
118.1 ft² Twin or King beds. A/C, window, private bath with bathtub & hairdryer, satellite TV & in-house movies, and mini-bar.

Notes

All Prices are per person, twin share and include taxes and surcharges. Single supplement pricing available upon request.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Porterage
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Complimentary beverages
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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