Ahlan wa sahlan (welcome in Arabic)! We are warmly received at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel. Check in starts from 2:00 PM. Relax and recover from jetlag, or take part in some of the many optional tours we offer, such as a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (contact for details).

Overnight: OPTION 1 – Cairo Marriott Hotel (5-star – Nile Deluxe Room)/OPTION 2 – Kempinski Nile Hotel (5-star – Deluxe Nile Room), Cairo (3 nights)

This is a day to go back in time, starting with a visit to the most famous of the Egyptian sphinxes, the Great Sphinx of Giza. We then discover the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Completed around 2600 BC, this pyramid was 146 meters (478 feet) high and consisted of more than 2 million limestone blocks weighing over 2 tons each. We also experience the Chephren and Mycerinus pyramids. For an added touch of adventure, opt for a camel ride, offering a unique perspective of the pyramids as we traverse the golden sands like the explorers of old bygone days (at additional cost, contact Bestway to pre-book). Next, we visit Memphis and the Saqqara Step Pyramid, the world’s first great stone structure. (B)

We spend the morning exploring the monumental Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world’s largest archaeological museum complex dedicated to a single civilization. Upon arrival, we pass the Hanging Obelisk, the first suspended obelisk in history, before entering the majestic Grand Hall, dominated by the colossal 3,200-year-old red granite statue of Ramses II. As we ascend the Grand Staircase lined with monumental statues of pharaohs and gods, we take in panoramic views looking out toward the Great Pyramids of Giza. Our guided visit leads us through the main galleries spanning three millennia, from the Prehistoric era through to the Greco-Roman period, showcasing ancient Egyptian society, kingship, and spiritual beliefs. The highlight of our tour is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s tomb treasures, including his famous solid gold funerary mask, golden throne, and ceremonial chariots, displayed together in their entirety for the first time. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to explore Cairo at leisure. (B)

Stop at Tahrir Square, the historic centre of political transformation in Egypt, before diving into Islamic Cairo, home to one of the largest and densest concentrations of historic architecture in the Muslim world. We see the graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque and the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city. Originally built by Salah El-Din in 1176 ACE to fortify the city against the Crusaders, the Citadel is now a complex of three mosques and four museums.

Afterwards, we explore Coptic Cairo, one of the oldest areas of the city and a historic sanctuary for Egyptian Christianity with roots dating back to the 1st century AD. This ancient district preserved centuries of early Christian tradition and served as a vital refuge during pivotal moments in the region’s religious history.

Our last stop is the maze-like Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, founded as a watering stop for the caravanserai in the 14th century and now reputed to be the largest souq in the Middle East. After our tour, we return to our hotel. In the evening, there is an option to view the spectacular Sound & Light Show at the foot of the Great Pyramids (at additional cost, contact for details). (B)

A short flight to Luxor, where we are transferred to the boat that will be our home for the next four nights. Over this stretch, we will enjoy an essential Egypt experience: cruising on the Nile. Watch rural life along the river banks and visit some of the world’s most impressive ancient sites. A private Egyptologist guide will be included throughout our cruising experience.

Afternoon, we explore the massive Karnak Temple Complex which is composed of three temples, (the size of about 10 cathedrals!) The immense courtyard, the great hypostyle hall with 134 colossal columns and the six monumental entrances are relics of pharaohs eager to leave behind marvelous testimonials to their name. Head to the Temple of Luxor, built by Amenophis III and Ramesses II. The first complex boasts a great courtyard and chapel that once served as a storehouse for boats, whilst the second hall includes an immense entrance and colonnade, a courtyard crowned with tall columns. Return to our ship for dinner.

Dahabiya Option: For a more intimate journey, upgrade to a traditional Dahabiya sailboat for your cruise. These luxurious boats carry far fewer passengers than typical Nile cruise ships, allowing access to more exclusive sites where only small ships can go and a more personalized sailing experience. Contact for details.

Overnight: OPTION 1 – Nile Style Cruise/OPTION 2 – Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise (4 nights) (B, L, D)

We begin our day with an exploration of the West Bank of Luxor. The highlight is a visit to the Valley of the Kings, a vast City of the Dead where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, richly decorated, and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of pharaohs. As we wander the tombs, we’ll be astonished by how well-preserved the paintings are – as if they were done recently, and not thousands of years ago! We will also experience impressive Queen Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Sail to Esna, where we have the unique experience of crossing the Esna Lock. Then, continue on to Edfu. (B, L, D)

Morning, discover the meticulously-preserved Greek built Temple of Horus. This temple, built during the reigns of six generations of Ptolemys, is not only the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but also the second largest after Karnak. Afternoon, sail for Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. It stands at a bend in the Nile where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank, and we can even find mummified crocodiles on display here. We then sail on to Aswan for our overnight. (B, L, D)

Today, we explore Aswan’s monumental structures, starting with the colossal Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel of the modern era. We then board a boat to Agilka Island to visit the romantic Philae Temple*, dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Dating back to the 4th century BC, this ancient complex is one of the last places where the classical Egyptian religion was practiced. This afternoon, we take a relaxing ride on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, gliding around Elephantine Island to enjoy views of its lush scenery and visit the Aswan Botanical Garden on Kitchener’s Island. In the evening, we enjoy a special celebration dinner followed by a lively Nubian folk show, experiencing the vibrant music, dance, and traditions of southern Egypt. (B, L, D)

After checking out from our Nile cruise, we transfer to Aswan Airport for our flight to Cairo. You may choose to take an optional excursion to Abu Simbel*, where a local guide leads an exploration of the magnificent 13th-century BC rock-cut temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II (at additional cost, find details in Prices & Dates section). Relocated in an extraordinary UNESCO-led salvage operation to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, these monumental structures feature four colossal 20-metre-tall statues of the king guarding the main entrance. Following our return flight to Cairo, we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel with the remainder of the day free.

Overnight: OPTION 1 – Holiday Inn City Stars Hotel (5-star – Standard Room)/OPTION 2 – InterContinental City Stars Hotel (5-star – Deluxe Room), Cairo (1 night) (B)

Bid farewell to Egypt as we are transferred to the airport in time for our departure flight. Or, continue our adventure with add-on excursions to the coastal Egyptian city of Alexandria, the beautiful desert landscapes of Jordan, and beyond. Contact Bestway Tours & Safaris for details and ideas. (B)

Experience the one-of-a-kind temples of Abu Simbel, famous for both the four colossal statues of Ramses II that guard its entrance as well as for the feat of modern engineering that saved the temples from the rising waters of the Nile in 1968. This half-day trip is by air from Aswan. It includes a guided tour of the Abu Simbel temples and all the transfers required. This excursion is taken on the morning of Day 9.

Recover the romance of centuries past on a luxurious dahabiya boat. These romantic vessels echo the designs of 19th century sailboats and provide an exclusive experience, with generally only 4 to 6 cabins per ship. They are large enough to be more than comfortable on the water, but small enough to drop anchor in less-visited spots.