Nile Cruise
(15 days - 14 nights)
Cairo - Aswan - Abu Simbel - Luxor - Dahab - Cairo
Day 1: Welcome to Cairo
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the airport and a smooth transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to embrace the city’s energy. Consider a walk through the medieval beauty of
Islamic Cairo, a treasure hunt in the
Khan el-Khalili bazaar, or a sunset
Nile cruise to see the city lights from the water.
Day 2: Icons of Antiquity & The Sleeper Train
Dive into history at the Egyptian Museum, housing over 100,000 ancient relics. After a guided highlights tour and some solo exploration, stand in awe before the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. In the evening, board your first-class sleeper train to drift south toward the wonders of Upper Egypt.
Day 3: The Grandeur of Ancient Thebes
Wake up in Luxor and transfer to your Nile Cruiser. Modern Luxor sits atop the ancient city of Thebes and boasts the world’s largest collection of ancient ruins. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the monumental Karnak and Luxor Temples.
Day 4: Valley of the Kings & Sailing to Esna
Cross the Nile to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, home to over 60 pharaonic tombs, including Tutankhamun’s. Marvel at the elegant Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the towering Colossi of Memnon before setting sail for Esna in the afternoon.
Day 5: The Temple of Horus
Enjoy a scenic sail to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus. Dating back to 327 BC, it is the most perfectly preserved temple in Egypt. Afterward, relax on deck as we sail onward to Kom Ombo.
Day 6: Riverside Temples & Aswan
Visit the unique dual Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. After lunch on board, arrive in Aswan to see the engineering marvel of the High Dam and the romantic, island-bound Temple of Philae.
Day 7: The Majesty of Abu Simbel
Start early for a sunrise pilgrimage to the breathtaking Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II. Whether you choose the 3:00 AM desert drive or a morning flight, the sight of these massive statues is unforgettable. Spend a relaxing afternoon and final night on board your cruiser.
Day 8: Botanical Beauty & Return Sailing
Board a traditional felucca for a peaceful sail around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands. Enjoy views of the Botanical Gardens and the Aga Khan Mausoleum perched on the western cliffs. In the afternoon, begin the gentle journey back toward Edfu.
Day 9: Cruising Back to Luxor
Savor a full day of relaxation on the Nile as the ship sails north. Enjoy the changing river landscapes and a final evening on board once we dock back in Luxor.
Day 10: From the Nile to the Red Sea
Fly from Luxor to Sharm el-Sheikh and transfer to the laid-back coastal town of Dahab. Swap the desert sands for the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.
Day 11: Dahab & The Midnight Trek
Enjoy a slow day of sun and sea. After an afternoon nap, we depart at 11:00 PM to begin the 2,285-meter ascent of Mount Sinai, reaching the summit just in time for a world-class sunrise.
Day 12: St. Catherine’s & A Well-Earned Rest
After sunrise, descend to visit the historic Monastery of St. Catherine. Return to Dahab for a well-deserved nap and a free afternoon to relax by the beach.
Day 13: The Blue Hole & Return to Cairo
Spend your final day snorkeling the vibrant coral reefs of the world-famous Blue Hole. In the evening, board a comfortable overnight bus for the final leg of your journey back to Cairo.
Day 14: Final Moments in the Capital
Arrive in Cairo and check into your hotel. Use this final free day to revisit a favorite site, do some last-minute shopping at the bazaar, or enjoy one last Egyptian feast.
Day 15: Farewell to Egypt
Enjoy a final breakfast before your private transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flight, carrying a lifetime of memories.