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ULTIMATE EGYPT

Explore the pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile and visit the Valley of the Kings.

Destination
Starts at

Cairo

Destination
Ends at

Aswan

Destination
Duration

9 days

Destination
Group Size

Maximum 16

Destination
Physical Rating

light Information

Destination
Style

discovery Information

About your trip

Step back in time on this epic nine-day voyage of discovery through Egypt. After the unforgettable experience of exploring the Sphinx, the Great Pyramid of Giza and the stalls of the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar in the historic centre of Cairo, we’ll continue our journey south, first by sleeper train and then by luxury cruise ship on the Nile. Marvel at ancient temples, kayak on the river and overload the senses at the Souq of Luxor. Wrap up your trip in Aswan, where you’ll enjoy an authentic Nubian dinner on your final evening.

Trip Highlights

  • Gaze in awe at the Great Pyramid and Sphinx of Giza
  • Discover the overlooked architectural wonders of Cairo's historic centre
  • Explore the ancient Luxor Temple illuminated by candlelight
  • Cruise down the Nile on a luxury ship
  • Experience authentic Nubian hospitality and cuisine
  • Kayak down the Nile, exploring the islands of Aswan

Your Itinerary

After touching down in Cairo, you’ll be whisked off to your hotel where you’ll meet our Local Insider who will accompany the group throughout the trip. At 6pm, get to know your fellow travellers before sitting down to a welcome dinner together. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep ahead of an action-packed day at the pyramids tomorrow.

Accommodation

President Hotel Cairo

Activities Included
  • Welcome dinner

Explore two of the most iconic landmarks in Egypt today – the Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids, the largest of which is the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. It’s worth taking your time to fully appreciate these colossal feats of human endeavour. Later on you’ll continue the historical theme with a visit to the brand new, and hotly anticipated, Grand Egyptian Museum.

Accommodation

President Hotel Cairo

Activities Included
  • Sphinx and Giza Pyramids visit
  • Grand Egyptian Museum entry
  • Great Pyramid of Giza entry

You’ll have some free time this morning before heading into the historic centre of Cairo early in the afternoon. Admire the extensive array of Islamic architecture on Moez Street and embrace the chaos of the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar – a labyrinth of stalls selling jewellery, exotic spices, handcrafted souvenirs and much more. We’ll continue our tour at the Al Attarin spice and El Sagha gold markets, and take a break for tea at the iconic Feshawi cafe, before heading for a traditional Koshari lunch – a dish that combines rice, macaroni, and lentils with a spiced tomato sauce. Later, at an old bookbinding store, you’ll have the chance to treat yourself to a personalised leather notebook. Next, it’s time to board the overnight sleeper train from Giza station to Luxor.

Accommodation

Sleeper train

Activities Included
  • Moez Street entry
  • Khan Al-Khalili bazaar
  • Abdelzahers bookbinding store visit
  • Traditional Koshari Lunch

No trip to Egypt would be complete without visiting several of the inspiring temples that form an integral part of the country’s heritage, starting with Karnak Temple. This majestic 4,000-year-old temple, in a complex spanning more than 100ha (247 acres), is believed to be the largest religious building in the world – larger, even, than some entire ancient cities. You’ll then return to Luxor and check into our hotel on the Nile. Set out on an evening tour of the Luxor Temple, and witness the ancient sandstone glowing gloriously in candlelight.

Accommodation

Steigenberger Nile Palace

Activities Included
  • Karnak Temple morning visit
  • Luxor Temple evening visit

Today we explore the west bank of the Nile, starting early as we head to the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of many pharaohs during the New Kingdom (1539BCE-1075BCE). Venture into the tombs of Ramses V and VI before moving on to the temple of Hatshepsut, a striking tribute to one of the first female pharaohs. Next, stop by the Colossi of Memnon – two 18m (59ft) tall stone monuments depicting Pharaoh Amenhotep III – before hopping on the cruise ship for lunch and to begin our journey down the Nile.

Accommodation

Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise

Activities Included
  • Valley of the Kings entry
  • Ramses V and VI tomb entries
  • Hatshepsut Temple entry
  • Colossi of Memnon visit

After breakfast, you’ll have some time to explore for yourself before a late-morning walk of the vibrant Souq of Luxor, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy a refreshing hibiscus tea, known as karkade. Head back to the ship at noon and set sail on your journey towards our next stop, Edfu.

Accommodation

Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise

Activities Included
  • Souq of Luxor walking tour

Fancy taking it easy this morning? It’s entirely up to you – but if you’re keen for an adventure, the Temple of Edfu is worth seeing. Built between 237BCE and 57BCE, it’s relatively young by Egyptian temple standards and therefore extremely well preserved. You can get here either by foot or horse-drawn carriage. On your return to the ship, you’ll sail to Kom Ombo, home to another impressive temple. Overlooking the Nile, it comprises two symmetrical temples split down the middle. Explore here for a couple of hours before setting off on the last leg of your cruise.

Accommodation

Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise

Activities Included
  • Kom Ombo Temple visit

This morning, you’ll swap the cruise ship for a kayak in Aswan, allowing you to experience the Nile from a totally different perspective. Navigate the river waters and visit islands, such as Elephantine and Soheil, at your own pace. Post-kayak, round off your trip in style with an authentic Nubian dinner in the warm company of the locals.

Accommodation

Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise

Activities Included
  • River Nile kayaking
  • Farewell dinner

The time has come to pack your bags and bid farewell to your fellow travellers. Those who have pre-purchased an Abu Simbel day trip as an optional activity will depart early this morning. The Nile cruise finishes at noon, at which point you can either head to the airport for your flight home.

Accommodation

Activities Included
  • -

What's Included

  • 4 nights luxury cruise liner accommodation
  • 3 nights premium hotel accommodation
  • 1 night tourist class sleeper train
  • Private and local transport
  • 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
  • Local Insider
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Sphinx and Giza Pyramids visit
  • Grand Egyptian Museum entry
  • Moez Street entry
  • Khan Al-Khalili bazaar
  • Abdelzahers bookbinding store visit
  • Karnak Temple visit
  • Luxor Temple tour
  • Valley of the Kings entry
  • Ramses V and VI tomb entries
  • Hatshepsut Temple entry
  • Colossi of Memnon visit
  • Souq of Luxor walking tour
  • Kom Ombo Temple visit
  • River Nile kayaking

What's Not Included

  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Flights to and from the destination

Customer Reviews

Accommodation

President Hotel Cairo

Image #1 of President Hotel Cairo
Image #2 of President Hotel Cairo

There’s no hotel that better displays the Egyptian capital’s youthful spirit than this trendy spot in the hip Zamalek district. Work spaces, gym and spa facilities all speak to the hotel’s modern feel, but the President’s greatest asset is its dining – from the atmospheric Cairo Cellar restaurant to the lounge bar, cafe and, our personal favourite, the stunning 11th floor La Terrace restaurant, where you’ll be having breakfast with a view.

Steigenberger Nile Palace

Image #1 of Steigenberger Nile Palace
Image #2 of Steigenberger Nile Palace
Image #3 of Steigenberger Nile Palace
Image #4 of Steigenberger Nile Palace
Image #5 of Steigenberger Nile Palace

You can’t miss the Steigenberg, standing tall on the east bank of the Nile. This impressive hotel offers a range of spa treatments, a sauna and health club, as well as two gorgeous outdoor pools overlooking the river. Worked up an appetite in the pool? Take your pick from a selection of eight restaurants, cafes and bars, catering to just about every taste imaginable.

Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise

Image #1 of Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise
Image #2 of Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise

Sail down the Nile in style on this luxury ship with 56 deluxe ensuite cabins. And don’t forget to bring your swimmers for the pool. Come evening, head to the Salon Deck and gaze out the panoramic windows – after you’ve ordered your tipple from the bar, of course.

COVID Safety

Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority, so we’ve put the following measures in place on all our TRIPS:

  • Our average group size is 10 people (max 18), which gives you all the security of being in a group whilst avoiding a crowd.
  • Where possible, we use small/ boutique accommodation – this means fewer guests and reduced exposure to other travellers.
  • We require all accommodation providers to share protocols around the extra health and hygiene measures they are taking.
  • Included activities are exclusive to our group wherever possible, to minimise contact with others.
  • Covid-19 negative test results or vaccine certificates may be required. Please check the entry requirements for the destination you are travelling to. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.
  • We recommend you confirm all guidance on official government sites and check that you are able to travel with your travel insurance issuer. Your travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel against government advice. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.

Important Info

  • You must be aged 25 years or over to join this trip.
  • Please be sure to check whether or not you need a visa to enter the country you're travelling to. Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for further information.
  • If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or accessibility requirements, please notify our Customer Support team as soon as possible.
  • We won't charge you extra if you travel alone – you'll be allocated a twin room with another traveller of the same gender.
  • To upgrade to a private room, share a room with a friend, or book pre- and post-trip accommodation and/or airport transfers, please contact our Customer Support team.
  • Please be aware that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers.
  • Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. While unlikely, these changes can happen due to circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure minimal impact on your experience.
  • Please be aware images on this page are for illustrative purposes and may not reflect your itinerary exactly.
  • Customers who have booked a single room, please note this excludes the night spent on the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor on Day 3, where you will share a twin cabin with a traveller of the same gender.
  • If you have pre-purchased an Abu Simbel day trip for Day 9, you will take an early bus to the temples of Abu Simbel – around a 3.5hr journey each way through the desert. Carved into the mountainside, these spectacular temples – built by Ramses II during the 13th century BCE – were dismantled in the 1960s and relocated here, to prevent them from being flooded by Lake Nasser.

 

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