For many people, the highlight of a visit to classical Egypt are the tombs and temples of the Nile and the pyramids of Giza. The combination of a stay in Cairo with a cruise along the Nile is, therefore, the perfect introduction to Egypt - ideal for those who wish to experience as much of the rich history of ancient Egypt as possible. Furthermore, many of the treasures of the Nile Valley are now housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The hustle and bustle of Cairo forms an excellent counterpoint to the timeless character of the Nile. We feature two classic options allowing for a 10 night or 7 night holiday, depending on the duration of the Nile cruise.
Day 1: Cairo
Depart London Heathrow with the scheduled flight service of Egypt Air. Arrive in Cairo and transfer to Mena House Oberoi hotel - Cairo for a three night stay.
Day 2: Cairo
Optional full day excursion to the iconic Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza. After lunch visit the famous Step Pyramid and decorated tombs of Saqqarah.
Day 3: Cairo
Optional full day city tour starting with a visit to the fascinating Egyptian Museum, to see the country’s most valuable treasures. After lunch continue to the ancient Citadel before shopping in the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Day 4: Luxor
Fly to Luxor with the domestic scheduled flight service of Egypt Air. Arrive in Luxor and transfer to your chosen Nile boat. Visit the magnificent Temple of Karnak, and the Temple of Luxor, linked by an avenue of Sphinxes.
Optional Excursion to a Sound & Light show at Karnak Temple.
Day 5: The West Bank
After breakfast leave by coach for the West Bank, and visit two or three tombs in the Valley of the Kings and at least two more in the Valley of the Queens. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Day 6: Temple of Horus in Edfu & Kom Ombo
A morning visit to the Temple of Horus, the falcon god, in Edfu. After afternoon tea sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Temple shared by the gods Haroeris and the crocodile deity Sobek. Continue to Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city.
Day 7: Aswan & Philae
After breakfast visit the High Dam, the ancient granite quarries and the Unfinished Obelisk before continuing to the Island of Philae, with its Temple of Isis, set in a stunning location surrounded by water. Sail on the Nile in a traditional felucca around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Island.
Day 8: Return to the UK
Breakfast followed by disembarkation. Optional excursion to Abu Simbel (from £95 per person). Return flight to UK via Cairo.
Note: If you prefer to stay in a different hotel in cairo , let us know.
Included in this cruise:
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3 nights bed & breakfast in 5* Hotel in Cairo.
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4 night Nile cruise on board the 5* M/S Nile Premium based on full board (including, breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea).
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Excursions as detailed above (excluding optional excursions), accompanied by a fully qualified English-speaking Egyptologist.
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Scheduled return flights from London Heathrow to Cairo; domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor; returning to the UK from Luxor.
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All Private transfers with an air-conditioned vehicle
Food & Drink
Hotel in Cairo is BB based and Nile Cruise is Full board basis, Breakfast, Lunch , Diner and and afternoon tea included
Departure Dates
All year around - Nile Cruise departing every Mondays all year around