Experience the wonders of Egypt with a Nile cruise vacation. Your journey will commence in Cairo, where you’ll explore the iconic Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum. From there, you’ll take a flight to Luxor to board a Nile cruise ship. Over the course of a luxurious 5-day cruise, you’ll uncover captivating ancient ruins and soak in the breathtaking natural scenery along the route between Luxor and Aswan. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an excursion to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temple before returning to Cairo.
Overview
Start the tour by exploring the wonders of Cairo and the mystique of the Giza Pyramids. Then immerse yourself in Egypt’s rich history as you cruise along the Nile River on a luxurious five-star Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Finally make an excursion trip to Abu Simbel Temple before flying back to Cairo. You will experience the most wonders of Egypt in comfort and style.
Trip Highlights
- Discover the Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
- 4N/5D Cruise on the River Nile from Luxor to Aswan
- Travel to the Valley of the Kings
- Excursion to Abu Simbel Temple
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, our English-speaking representative will be there to greet you and provide assistance with all necessary formalities. You will enjoy a private transfer in an air-conditioned van from the airport to your hotel in Cairo. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can check in, unwind, and freshen up. Your overnight stay will be in Cairo.
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be greeted by our English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide to begin your first-day tour. Your day will commence with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, including those of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. These three pyramids stand as monumental symbols of greatness, accompanied by the iconic limestone Sphinx guarding the entire area. Following this, have lunch at one of our local restaurants.
Afterward, you will continue your journey to the city of Sakkara, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the Step Pyramid of King Djoser. This pyramid has a fascinating history: King Djoser tasked his chief architect, Imhotep, with creating something entirely unique for his burial. Imhotep's innovative response, the Step Pyramid, astonished the king and marked a groundbreaking achievement for its era.
Finally, drive to Memphis, where you will visit the Open Air Museum, home to the marvelous monuments of King Ramses II. After concluding your day tour, you will return to your hotel in Cairo for an overnight stay.
Begin your Cairo City tour with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, one of Egypt's most significant museums, housing a remarkable collection of Pharaonic monuments, including those of the renowned King Tutankhamen. Following your museum visit, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will be transported to the Old Cairo area, where you can explore the Citadel of Salah El-Din, a historically vital fortress that played a pivotal role in Egypt's defense for over 700 years.
Next, continue your journey to one of Egypt's most fascinating and ancient markets, Khan El-Khalili, known as one of the most captivating bazaars in the Middle East.
Once your day tour is complete, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cairo for an overnight stay.
After enjoying breakfast at your Cairo hotel, you will check out and proceed to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, your guide will meet you and escort you to a luxury cruise ship, where you will spend the next four nights.
In the afternoon, you will explore the East Bank of Luxor, which includes the Karnak Temple and the Temple of Luxor. The Karnak Temple stands as the second largest temple complex globally, with Angkor Wat in Cambodia being the largest. During your visit, you'll stroll along an avenue lined with ram-headed sphinxes, enter the awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall, view the obelisks of Tuthmosis I and Hatshepsut, and admire the beautiful reliefs on the pylons.
Luxor Temple, a smaller counterpart to Karnak Temple, is unique as it is not dedicated to a specific god or pharaoh but may have been the site of many ancient Egyptian coronations.
Your adventure continues with a relaxing cruise on the Nile.
Following breakfast on the cruise, your day's excursion will commence with a visit to the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor. This renowned necropolis is the resting place of the kings of ancient Egypt.
Afterwards, you will proceed to explore the remarkable Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari. This temple stands as one of the most splendid examples of ancient Egyptian architecture, as it was entirely carved into the mountainside.
Concluding the tour, you will visit the Colossi of Memnon, associated with King Amenhotep III. Following this, you will return to your cruise ship for lunch. The afternoon is free for leisure, allowing you to relax and enjoy the amenities of the cruise. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided on the cruise.
After breakfast on the cruise, you will embark on a guided tour to visit one of Egypt's most magnificent temples, the Temple of Horus in Edfu. This temple is renowned for its exceptional preservation, making it one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Following your visit to the Temple of Horus, you will return to your ship for lunch, which will be served on board while sailing to the city of Kom Ombo.
In the afternoon, your journey continues as you explore the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique sanctuary where the gods Sobek and Haroeris were once worshipped. You can also take in the breathtaking views of the majestic Nile River from the sun deck. Along its banks, the ancient Egyptian civilization thrived and left a lasting legacy.
Enjoy the evening cruising down the Nile to Aswan.
After breakfast on board, you will be accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to explore the great city of Aswan, which includes the High Dam, constructed by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1960 AD to protect Egypt from Nile floods. Following this, you'll enjoy a motorboat ride on the Nile River to reach Agilika Island, where you'll visit the Temple of Philae. This temple dates back to the Greco-Roman period and is dedicated to the goddess Isis, the mother of the god Horus. To cap off your day, you'll be escorted to one of Aswan's marvelous attractions, the Unfinished Obelisk, carved from red granite and dedicated to the god Amun Ra. After completing your day tour, you will return to your ship. Lunch will be served on board, followed by afternoon tea. In the evening, you'll have free time to relax and enjoy leisure activities.
After receiving your breakfast box from your Nile cruise and checking out, you will be transferred by a private air-conditioned van to Abu Simbel (or you can upgrade by air). The original site, known as Meha in ancient times, was first documented during the 18th Dynasty when Ay and Horemheb commissioned the hewing of rock-cut chapels in the southern hills. Upon arrival, visit the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples ( twin temples of Abu Simbel), both built by King Ramses II. The first and largest temple is dedicated to the renowned god Rahorakhty, while the second, smaller temple is devoted to the king himself and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. After the visiting, return back to Aswan and fly back to Cairo.
Upon your arrival at Cairo airport, our Cairo Representative will be met and transferred you to your Cairo hotel.
You have a free day today. Participate in one of the optional trips to Alexandria or join any other optional sightseeing tours of Cairo.
After breakfast, our representative will escort you to the airport for departure according to your flight schedule.
The Trip Cost Includes
- 1. Accommodation
- - 5 nights in twin-share rooms onboard a luxury 4/5 star Nile cruise ship full board basis
- - 4 nights in twin-share rooms at 4/5 star Cairo hotel with breakfast
- * Please be aware that all accommodations are subject to change until 2-4 weeks before the departure date. Final accommodation details will be provided to you with your finalized travel documents.
- 2. Guide: Experienced English-speaking guide throughout tour
- 3. Meal: 9 Breakfasts /4 Lunches/ 4 Dinners
- *This tour offers Vegetarian, Vegan and Halal food options on request. Simply let us know the food option that you prefer.
- 4. Transportation:
- - Domestic Flight Cairo/Luxor, Aswan/Cairo
- - Ground tour with A/C vehicle.
- 5. Entrance tickets: Entrance fees for the included sightseeing.
- 6. Other fees: Government tax and travel agency handling fee.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- 1. Egypt Visa of Egypt.
- 2. Any optional visits/tours for an additional cost(Please contact our team of Travel Experts if you want to add some of them to your tour.)
- - Visit to any of Giza Pyramids from inside.
- - Visit to any tombs in the Valley of the Kings requiring extra tickets.
- - Any optional visits/tours are available during the river cruise.
- - Sound & Light show at the Pyramids
- 3. Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- 4. Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- 5. Travel insurance.
- 6. Tipping to your guide & driver.
- 7. International Flights arrival at & Departure from Cairo
Frequently asked Questions
Tourists from many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and EU nations, can easily obtain a renewable, single-entry visa upon arrival at select Egyptian airports (listed below). These tourist visas typically allow for a 30-day stay and cost $25. Alternatively, travelers have the option to apply for a multiple-entry visa for $60. Currently, there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for entering Egypt.
However, guests who travel with us receive visa services as a standard inclusion in their trip. For all nationalities eligible for visa on arrival, the visa fee is already included in the trip price. Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will assist in getting your passport stamped, allowing you to proceed directly to the luggage carousel.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Egyptian eVisa website or contact the nearest Egyptian consulate or embassy.
To apply for an Egyptian tourist visa, you will need a passport with at least six months of validity and at least one blank page. Visa on arrival entry points in Egypt are available at the following airports:
- Cairo International Airport
- Hurghada International Airport
- St Catherine International Airport, St Catherine
- Borg El Arab International Airport, Alexandria
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
- Luxor International Airport
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The ideal time to visit Egypt is during the months from October to April when you can expect pleasant temperatures and abundant sunshine. Among these, the winter months of November to February are the most popular for tourists seeking to escape colder climates and explore attractions like Cairo and the pyramids.
Spring and autumn also offer excellent weather conditions with fewer crowds, making them great choices for planning your Egypt holiday packages. The shoulder months of October, March, and April, in particular, provide pleasant weather and fewer tourists, ideal for visiting the main attractions and enjoying a Nile River cruise.
On the other hand, the summer months, from May to September, can be quite hot with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to over 100°F. During this time, tourist numbers decrease due to the harsh daytime sun, but it’s a good period to explore Egypt’s coastal areas and relax at seaside resorts.
Egypt had been actively working to ensure the safety of tourists, and many areas in the country were considered safe for travel. However, it’s important to note that the safety situation can change, and it’s advisable to check the latest travel advisories and updates from your government’s foreign affairs department or embassy before planning your trip.
Here are some general safety tips for traveling to Egypt:
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the current political and security situation in Egypt through reliable news sources and government travel advisories.
- Follow Local Advice: While in Egypt, follow the advice of local authorities and respect any curfews or safety measures that may be in place.
- Be Cautious in Certain Areas: Some regions, particularly near the border areas, may have specific safety concerns. Research your itinerary and exercise caution in these areas.
- Secure Your Belongings: Like in any other destination, take precautions to secure your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items in public.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs, traditions, and dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites.
When planning your trip to Egypt, here are some must-visit destinations and attractions:
- Cairo: Start your journey in the capital city where you can explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Don’t miss the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, home to countless ancient artifacts.
- Luxor: Visit Luxor to delve deeper into the wonders of ancient Egypt. Explore the Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, and the impressive Temple of Ramesses III.
- Aswan: Aswan is known for its serene beauty and historic sites. Explore the Temple of Philae, Edfu, and Kom Ombo temple complexes.
- Red Sea Resorts: Consider adding a beach stay in Hurghada or El Quseir, where you can relax, swim, and snorkel in the stunning coral reefs of the Red Sea.
- Alexandria: Head north to Alexandria to discover its Greco-Roman history, including sites like the Qaitbay Citadel and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
- Optional Jordan Extension: Many travelers combine their Egypt trip with a visit to Jordan to explore the ancient city of Petra and other historical sites.
The best way to travel across longer distances in Egypt, such as from Cairo to Luxor, is by taking a domestic flight. For shorter distances and local exploration, it’s convenient to use private cars with a guide or choose organized tours.
Another popular and scenic way to explore Egypt is by taking a cruise along the Nile River. A Nile cruise typically runs between Luxor and Aswan, allowing travelers to discover the ancient civilizations and historic sites that flourished on the banks of the Nile. It provides a unique perspective on Egypt’s rich history and culture while offering a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (LE or EGP), and it is divided into 100 piastres (PT). Banknotes are available in denominations of LE5, LE10, LE20, LE50, LE100, and LE200, while coins come in LE1, PT50, and PT25 denominations. You can use credit cards in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for transactions in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available in major towns, and currency exchange can be done at banks and Forex outlets.
Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of Egypt. However, you’ll predominantly hear people speaking the Egyptian dialect, a colloquial variety of Modern Standard Arabic with some distinct words and pronunciation. Egyptian Arabic is widely understood across the region because Egyptian cinema and soap operas are popular in the Arab world.
English is also commonly spoken in tourist areas, and many guides, hotel staff, and service workers are proficient in English. In larger cities and towns, you should have no trouble communicating in English. However, in more remote areas, especially in Upper Egypt, English proficiency may be limited, and it’s helpful to have some basic Arabic phrases for communication.
The time zone in Egypt is UTC+2 from October to April and UTC+3 from April to October.
The duration of a flight from the United States to Egypt can vary depending on your departure city and the specific flight route. On average:
- From New York to Cairo: It takes approximately 11 to 15 hours, depending on the flight route and any layovers.
- From Los Angeles to Cairo: The flight duration is typically around 22 hours, including layovers.
The exact duration may vary based on factors such as the airline, flight route, and layover times. It’s advisable to check with airlines for specific flight options and schedules. Delta, Air France, and other major carriers often operate flights to Egypt from various U.S. cities.
When visiting Egypt as a tourist, it’s advisable to dress modestly and respectfully. Here are some clothing recommendations:
- Modest Attire: Choose clothing that covers your shoulders, chest, and knees. For women, this may mean wearing tops with sleeves (short sleeves are generally acceptable) and bottoms that extend below the knee. For men, long trousers are appropriate.
- Loose-Fitting Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting garments made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Loose clothing not only adheres to modesty but also helps you stay comfortable in Egypt’s climate.
- Avoid Revealing Outfits: Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight, transparent, or shows too much skin. This applies to both men and women.
- Footwear: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking and sightseeing, as they protect your feet from dust, sand, and uneven terrain. Sandals are acceptable in beach areas or resorts.
- Head Covering for Women: While it’s not mandatory for female tourists to cover their heads, carrying a scarf or shawl that can be draped over your head and shoulders when entering religious sites is a respectful gesture.
- Swimwear: Swimsuits are appropriate for beach resorts and hotel pools. However, it’s advisable to cover up when you’re not in these specific areas.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and dress codes, especially in more conservative areas or when visiting mosques and temples. It’s essential to show respect for the culture and traditions of Egypt.
By dressing modestly and respectfully, you can not only navigate Egypt comfortably but also demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect for the local population.
Egyptian cuisine is a flavorful and diverse blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African influences. Staple foods include bread, rice, and fava beans, with lamb, chicken, and fish commonly used as protein sources. Spices like garlic, cumin, and coriander, along with herbs like parsley, add depth to the dishes. Street food delights include koshari, ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), and shawarma. Desserts like baklava, basbousa, and mahalabiya satisfy sweet cravings. Popular beverages include hibiscus tea (karkadeh) and mint tea. Egyptian cuisine showcases a rich tapestry of flavors and dishes, making it a delightful exploration for food enthusiasts.
Bargaining is a common practice in Egyptian markets (souks). Start by offering a lower price and be prepared to negotiate until both parties reach a fair deal.
Egyptians are generally hospitable and friendly. It’s polite to greet with “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you). When visiting mosques or homes, remove your shoes, and be respectful of local customs and traditions.
It’s generally not recommended to drink tap water in Egypt. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth to avoid stomach issues.
