Best of Egypt with Cruise on the Nile

Egypt welcomes you with its mighty Nile and magnificent monuments, the beguiling desert and lush delta, and with its long past and welcoming, story-loving people.

Pyramids & More

With sand-covered tombs, austere pyramids and towering Pharaonic temples, Egypt brings out the explorer in all of us. Visit the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, where Tutankhamun’s tomb was unearthed, and see the glittering finds in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Hop off a Nile boat to visit Dendara, Edfu or one of the other waterside temples, cross Lake Nasser to see Ramses II’s masterpiece at Abu Simbel, or trek into the desert to find the traces of Roman trading outposts. You never know – your donkey might stumble across yet another find, for that is the way many previous discoveries were made.

Two Religions

Egypt once ruled an empire from Al Qahira – Cairo, the City Victorious. The metropolis is packed with soaring minarets and medieval schools and mosques, some of the greatest architecture of medieval Islam. At the same time, Egypt’s native Christians, the Copts, have carried on their traditions that in many respects – such as the church’s liturgical language and the traditional calendar – link back to the time of the pharaohs. Tap into the history in Cairo's early churches and in remote desert monasteries.

Beaches & Beyond

That empty beach with nothing but a candlelit cabin, and a teeming coral reef offshore: they’re waiting for you in Egypt. The coast along the Red Sea has a rugged desert beauty above the waterline and a psychedelic vibrancy below – rewarding to explore on a multiday outing to one of the globe’s great dives or on an afternoon’s snorkelling jaunt along a coral wall. There is even more space and just as much beauty in Egypt’s vast deserts. Whether you’re watching the sun rise between the beautiful shapes of the White Desert or the shimmering horizon from the comfort of a hot spring in Siwa Oasis, Egypt’s landscapes are endlessly fascinating.

Going With the Flow

The old saying that Egypt is the gift of the Nile still rings true: without the river there would be no fertile land, no food and a lot less electricity. Although people's lives are increasingly physically detached from the water, the Nile still exerts a uniquely powerful role. Luckily for visitors, the river is also the perfect place from which to see many of the most spectacular ancient monuments, which is one reason why a Nile cruise remains such a popular way to travel.

 

Photos

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrival Cairo / Day at leisure

  Arrival Cairo … the land of the Pharaohs !
  
  Meet & greet by our representative, transfer to hotel for check in
  
  Cairo is chaos at its most magnificent, infuriating and beautiful. From above, the distorted roar of the muezzins' call to prayer echoes out from duelling minarets. Below, car horns bellow tuneless symphonies amid avenues of faded 19th-century grandeur while donkey carts rattle down dusty lanes lined with colossal Fatimid and Mamluk monuments.
  
  This mega-city's constant buzz and noise is a product of its 22-or-so million inhabitants simultaneously crushing Cairo's infrastructure under their collective weight and lifting its spirits up with their exceptional humour. Your nerves will jangle, your snot will run black from the smog and touts will hound you at every turn, but it's a small price to pay to tap into the energy of the place Egyptians call Umm Ad Dunya – the Mother of the World.
  
  Blow your nose, crack a joke and look through the dirt to see the city's true colours. If you love Cairo, it will definitely love you back.
  
  Rest of the day at leisure to explore Cairo on your own … We recommend, you immerse in experiencing the bustling Khan Al-Khalili bazaar
  
  The market dates back to the 14th century when Emir Daja harks Al-Khalili built a large market complex on the site of the Za’afran Tomb, which had been the burial place of the Fatimid rulers of Egypt. This construction was part of the process of re building started under Sultan Barquq (ruled 1382-1399) to help the city recover from the ravages of the Black Death throughout the 13th and 14thcenturies.
  
  Today the market has been modernized significantly, but there are still portions that display the original Mamluk style architecture, which featured great archways and vaulted ceilings .
  
  There is a spice market where you can by fresh spices of any variety. The perfume market is awash with countless mixing scents of essential oils. Deeper into the market there are gold vendors and antiques shops full of interesting pieces. There are fabric shops and carpet vendors and sellers of just about anything you might desire.
  
  If you cannot find what you are looking for, do not hesitate to ask a vendor because there is a good chance they will know where to find it. Even if you are not looking to buy taking a walk through the winding alleys of this labyrinthine district, you are sure to find something that will catch your eye.
  
  The market has several restaurants and cafes spread throughout where you can take a break from shopping.
  
  Overnight at Cairo

• Day 2

  Cairo / Sightseeing of The Great Pyramids

  After breakfast at the hotel, start your full day exploration of Cairo
  
  Start with visiting the Egyptian Museum of antiquities
  
  On display is a rare collection of 5000 years of art the largest most precious collection of Egyptian art in the world. Over 250,000 genuine artifacts are presented, including an exhibit dedicated to the Tutankhamen collection of treasures, gold, and jewelry, as it was enclosed in his tomb for over 3,500 years before it was discovered in the 1920s when his tomb was excavated.
  
  Next, visit the Great Pyramids
  
  The last remaining wonder of the ancient world; for nearly 4000 years, the extraordinary shape, impeccable geometry and sheer bulk of the Giza Pyramids have invited the obvious questions: ‘How were we built, and why?’. Centuries of research have given us parts of the answer. Built as massive tombs on the orders of the pharaohs, they were constructed by teams of workers tens-of-thousands strong. Today they stand as an awe-inspiring tribute to the might, organisation and achievements of ancient Egypt.
  
  Ongoing excavations on the Giza Plateau, along with the discovery of a pyramid-builders' settlement, complete with areas for large-scale food production and medical facilities, have provided more evidence that the workers were not the slaves of Hollywood tradition, but an organised workforce of Egyptian farmers. During the flood season, when the Nile covered their fields, the same farmers could have been redeployed by the highly structured bureaucracy to work on the pharaoh’s tomb. In this way, the Pyramids can almost be seen as an ancient job-creation scheme. And the flood waters made it easier to transport building stone to the site.
  
  But despite the evidence, some still won’t accept that the ancient Egyptians were capable of such achievements. So-called pyramidologists point to the carving and placement of the stones, precise to the millimetre, and argue the numerological significance of the structures’ dimensions as evidence that the Pyramids were constructed by angels or aliens. It’s easy to laugh at these out-there ideas, but when you see the monuments up close, especially inside, you’ll better understand why so many people believe such awesome structures must have unearthly origins.
  
  Enjoy a panoramic view of the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus.
  
  Next is a close-up look at Sphinx
  
  Known in Arabic as Abu Al Hol (Father of Terror), this sculpture of a man with the haunches of a lion was dubbed the Sphinx by the ancient Greeks because it resembled their mythical winged monster who set riddles and killed anyone unable to answer them. A geological survey has shown that it was most likely carved from the bedrock at the bottom of the causeway during Khafre’s reign, so it probably portrays his features.
  
  Later back to the hotel
  
  Overnight at Cairo

• Day 3

  Cairo to Aswan Flight / Local sightseeing / Board Cruise

  After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Aswan
  
  On the northern end of the First Cataract, marking ancient Egypt's southern frontier, Aswan has always been of great strategic importance. In ancient times it was a garrison town for the military campaigns against Nubia; its quarries provided the granite used for so many sculptures and obelisks.
  
  There are plenty of things to see, but it is not a place to hurry. The river is wide, languorous and beautiful here, flowing gently down from Lake Nasser around dramatic black-granite boulders and palm-studded islands. Colourful Nubian villages run down to the water and stand out against the backdrop of the west bank's desert escarpment.
  
  The large island of Seheyl and the village of Gharb Seheyl, situated just north of the old Aswan Dam, have various laid-back guesthouses and offer an opportunity to swim in the river. These are perfect places to linger for a few days and recover from the rigours of travelling and temple-viewing.
  
  Upon arrival at Aswan, meet & greet by our representative, proceed to a short sightseeing tour with visit to The High Dam and The Philae temple
  
  Get an up close look at the dam that divides the Nile from Lake Nasser. Discover the incredible wonders of this engineering miracle. Built in the 1960s, this impressive structure allows travelers to look out over Lake Nasser towards the Kalabsha temple and take in unique views of the huge power plant further to the north.
  
  Make your way to the Philae Temple—what is possibly Aswan’s most famous site. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, Philae Temple has a beautiful setting on an island in the river which has been landscaped to match its original site. Learn how this great temple was moved after the High Dam caused rivers to rise dangerously close to the ancient relic.
  
  Transfer to the Cruise, Embarkation, Lunch on board, Sail to Kom Ombo, Afternoon Tea.
  
  Visit the Temple Shared by the Two Gods Sobek and Haroeris.
  
  Sail to Edfu.
  
  Built on a rise above the broad river valley, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, having escaped destruction from Nile floods, is the most completely preserved Egyptian temple. One of the last ancient attempts at building on a grand scale, the temple dominates this west-bank town, 53km south of Esna. Its well-preserved reliefs have provided archaeologists with much valuable information about temple rituals and the power of the priesthood. Walking through the large, gloomy chambers, visitors are sometimes overwhelmed by a sense of awe at the mysteries of ancient Egypt.
  
  Modern Edfu, a centre for sugar and pottery, is a friendly, buzzing provincial centre. Although it is an agricultural town, many people seem to live off tourism. Hantour drivers can be a bit of a hassle, and visitors must brave the persistent salesmen to reach the temple.
  
  Dinner & Disco party on board cruise
  
  Overnight at Edfu

• Day 4

  Cruise / Edfu to Luxor

  Breakfast on board
  
  Visit The Temple of Horus in Edfu.
  
  This Ptolemaic temple, built between 237 and 57 BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Preserved by desert sand, which filled the place after the pagan cult was banned, the temple is dedicated to Horus, the avenging son of Isis and Osiris. With its roof intact, it is also one of the most atmospheric of ancient buildings.
  
  Later Sail to Luxor.
  
  Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum, but that comes nowhere near describing this extraordinary place. Nothing in the world compares to the scale and grandeur of the monuments that have survived from ancient Thebes.
  
  The setting is breathtakingly beautiful, the Nile flowing between the modern city and west-bank necropolis, backed by the enigmatic Theban escarpment. Scattered across the landscape is an embarrassment of riches, from the temples of Karnak and Luxor in the east to the many tombs and temples on the west bank.
  
  Thebes’ wealth and power, legendary in antiquity, began to lure Western travellers from the end of the 18th century. Depending on the political situation, today’s traveller might be alone at the sights, or be surrounded by coachloads of tourists from around the world. Whichever it is, a little planning will help you get the most from the magic of Thebes.
  
  Afternoon Tea, Dinner on board & Galabya party on board
  
  Overnight at Luxor

• Day 5

  Cruise / Luxor sightseeing

  Breakfast on board. Later sightseeing of Luxor.
  
  Cross to the West Bank to visit Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
  
  Excursion to the Necropolis of Thebes, on the Western bank.
  
  Crossing the Nile, drive to the Valley of Kings; visit the tombs of various Dynasties, The Temple of Deir El Bahari.
  
  On the return journey, stop at the Colossi of Memnon which are two gigantic sitting statues representing Amenopis III facing the Nile.
  
  Then visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
  
  Lunch on board. Afternoon free at leisure. Afternoon Tea.
  
  Overnight at Luxor

• Day 6

  Luxor to Hurghada / Day at leisure

  Breakfast on board. Disembark.
  
  We recommend 2 Optional activities
  
  Hot Balloon : Should you want to make your stay in Luxor an unforgettable one, drift peacefully over the Valley of King, Valley of the Queens and the Mountain on the Nobles. The flight is approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on the weather
  
  Full Day Tour East Bank : Karnak and Luxor Temple excursion to the Luxor Temple to see its courtyard and the granite statues of Ramses the Great. Proceed by carriage or bus to Karnak, which has a series of temples built in different reigns. Starting by the Avenue of Sphinxes visit the Unfinished Propylon, the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 gigantic columns, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tutomosis III, the temple of Amon adorned with lotus and papyrus designs, the Granite Scarbeus of Amenophis III and the Sacred Lake.
  
  Later departure by an AC vehicle to Hurghada … 300 kms. / 4 hrs. drive
  
  Plucked from obscurity during the early days of the Red Sea’s tourism drive, the fishing village of Hurghada has long since morphed into today’s dense band of concrete that marches along the coastline for more than 20km. Still, it's a convenient destination for combining a diving holiday with the Nile Valley sites. Further offshore there is still superb diving aplenty; local NGOs are helping the town clean up its act, and the southern resort area and Sigala's sparklingly modern marina have brought back some of Hurghada's sheen.
  
  Unfortunately, the rampant construction has left the coast blighted by half-finished shells of pleasure palaces never realised, while the coral reefs closest to the shore have been degraded by illegal landfill operations and irresponsible reef use. Hurghada’s star has largely lost its lustre with package holiday-makers, while independent travellers prefer to press on to Dahab, El Gouna or further south to Marsa Alam.
  
  Check in at hotel upon arrival
  
  Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beach at Hurghada
  
  Overnight at Hurghada

• Day 7

  Hurghada / Day at leisure

  Breakfast at the hotel
  
  Day at leisure to enjoy the beach at Hurghada
  
  As an activity option, we recommend, a Jeep Safari
  
  Transfer by Jeep 4×4 to the desert (35 ksm) to reach the Bedouin Village, where your guide will show you the Bedouin life
  
  At sun set time you will climb the mountains for a glorious view
  
  After the sun set you will have Barbeque Dinner followed by a Bedouin party
  
  Later transfer back to the hotel
  
  Overnight in Hurghada

• Day 8

  Hurghada to Cairo / Local sightseeing

  After breakfast, departure to Cairo … 470 km. / 6 hrs. drive
  
  Check in at hotel on arrival
  
  Later, time permitting, start your tour of Sakkara … 27-Km Southwest of Cairo
  
  Visit the step-Pyramids of Sakkara (The first proper Pyramids built for the king Zoser, it is considered evolution of the Pyramid from the simple Mastaba to the Pyramid in its known form) Followed by a visit to The Pyramids of Unas & Oser-Kaf the Mastaba.
  
  Tomb of Mereruka, Ti & Pta-Hotep (carved and painted tombs), Then Memphis the ancient capital of Egypt where Colossal Statue of Ramses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx.
  
  Then we visit the Old part of Cairo, as Egypt was one of the first countries to embrace Christianity. We visit The Church of Abu-Sergah and St. Barbara, The Hanging Church; we will also visit The Old Jewish Synagogue Ben Ezra Synagogue.
  
  Later sound and Light Show at Pyramids area before driving back to the hotel
  
  Overnight at Cairo

• Day 9

  Departure from Cairo

  Breakfast at the hotel
  
  Later our representative will transfer you to the airport for onward flight

Notes

Round the year Destination ... Extension recommended to Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh & Countries across Africa & Europe

Hotels

Barcelo Pyramids Hotel Cairo

Cairo

Le Meredien Pyramids Hotel Cairo

Cairo

Nile Cruise Ship Egypt

Aswan / Luxor

Seagull Resort Aqua Park Hurghada

Hurghada

Hilton Resort Hurghada

Hurghada

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