Explore Egypt: Cairo & Nile River Cruise
From pharaohs to the pyramids
Discover ancient monuments you've only seen in history books on this 7-night journey to Egypt! In Cairo, fall in love with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, then experience the beauty of the Nile River on a 4-night cruise.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Cairo (CAI)
- Round-trip airport transfers for all flights
- 2 nights in Cairo at the Sheraton Cairo, or similar
- Cairo Sightseeing Tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)
- One-way, economy class flight from Cairo (CAI) to Luxor (LXR)
- 4-night Nile Cruise on board the M/S Monaco, or similar (including all meals)
- Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)
- Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
- Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)
- Guided Tour of the Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple
- Felucca ride in Aswan, around Agha Khan & The Elephantine Island
- One-way, economy class flight from Aswan (ASW) to Cairo (CAI)
- 1 night in Cairo at the Sheraton Cairo, or similar
- Daily breakfast, 5 lunches & 4 dinners
- Sightseeing as indicated, with private, local English-speaking guides
Great Ways to Explore
-
Visit the Valley of the Kings in Luxor where Tutankhamun’s tomb was unearthed!
- Traverse through the Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.
-
Cruise the Nile on a 4-night adventure taking you to countless important sites nestled along the river.
-
Gaze up in wonder at the Temple of Edfu, considered to be one of the most beautiful and preserved temples in Egypt!
-
Breathe in the heady spices at Cairo's Khan El-Khalili bazaar.
From tales of Cleopatra and King Tut, Egypt has fascinated travelers for centuries. On this 7-night vacation, get a crash course on Egyptian culture and history as you explore the country's most iconic sites.
Fly into Cairo and spend two nights in Egypt's vibrant capital. On a full-day tour, see a bustling bazaar, fascinating museum, the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx - two monuments at the top of almost every traveler's bucket list.
You'll then fly to Luxor for your 4-night cruise of the Nile, Egypt's lifeline. Aboard a luxurious ship, cruise the famous river and explore the famous temples and tombs that straddle it: Luxor, Karnak, Kom Ombo and Edfu. Your trip ends in Cairo, where you'll have one night to experience the city on your own.
Helpful links for travel to Egypt:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Cairo (CAI)
- Round-trip airport transfers for all flights
- 2 nights in Cairo at the Sheraton Cairo, or similar
- Cairo Sightseeing Tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)
- One-way, economy class flight from Cairo (CAI) to Luxor (LXR)
- 4-night Nile Cruise on board the M/S Monaco, or similar (including all meals)
- Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)
- Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
- Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)
- Guided Tour of the Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple
- Felucca ride in Aswan, around Agha Khan & The Elephantine Island
- One-way, economy class flight from Aswan (ASW) to Cairo (CAI)
- 1 night in Cairo at the Sheraton Cairo, or similar
- Daily breakfast, 5 lunches & 4 dinners
- Sightseeing as indicated, with private, local English-speaking guides
-
Visit the Valley of the Kings in Luxor where Tutankhamun’s tomb was unearthed!
- Traverse through the Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.
-
Cruise the Nile on a 4-night adventure taking you to countless important sites nestled along the river.
-
Gaze up in wonder at the Temple of Edfu, considered to be one of the most beautiful and preserved temples in Egypt!
-
Breathe in the heady spices at Cairo's Khan El-Khalili bazaar.
From tales of Cleopatra and King Tut, Egypt has fascinated travelers for centuries. On this 7-night vacation, get a crash course on Egyptian culture and history as you explore the country's most iconic sites.
Fly into Cairo and spend two nights in Egypt's vibrant capital. On a full-day tour, see a bustling bazaar, fascinating museum, the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx - two monuments at the top of almost every traveler's bucket list.
You'll then fly to Luxor for your 4-night cruise of the Nile, Egypt's lifeline. Aboard a luxurious ship, cruise the famous river and explore the famous temples and tombs that straddle it: Luxor, Karnak, Kom Ombo and Edfu. Your trip ends in Cairo, where you'll have one night to experience the city on your own.
Helpful links for travel to Egypt:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Cairo!
Say hello to Egypt's capital, Cairo! Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and assisted through immigration and customs by a representative who will be holding a sign with your name. After transferring to your hotel, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Transfer to Cairo hotel
The Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino is one of Cairo's premier resorts featuring a fully-equipped casino room, bar, outdoor pool, and other amenities all overlooking the River Nile – all of which makes this luxury resort very deserving of its 5-star rating.
By staying right on the west bank of the River Nile, you'll never be far from some of the city's most noteworthy attractions. Try your luck at the hotel's slots or Blackjack tables in the glittering casino or take a stroll to the nearby Cairo Opera House, Egyptian Museum, or Cairo shopping center. The famous Pyramids of Giza are only 20 minutes away. Indulge in stunning views, convenient amenities, and spacious guestrooms during your stay at this lavish hotel.
This 5-star resort also features 24-hour room service, a 24-hour fitness center, an upscale spa with plenty of rejuvenating treatments. On-site restaurants include Giannini's New York Italian which serves modern Italian cuisine, Rawi which serves local favorites, Sapporo Japanese Restaurant, and more. With seven on-site restaurants (including a cafe and nightclubs), there's always something to eat and see at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino.
Conrad Cairo stands proudly in the heart of the city's vibrant downtown scene and looks over the spectacular Nile River. From here, you will be able to access the city's top attractions with ease, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Spinx and Giza Pyramid. Choose from six incomparable restaurants and bars to indulge in outstanding cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails before a visit to the International Casino or the glamorous Stage One bar. Relax in the sauna, steam room, heated outdoor pool, or with the on-site massage therapies available for your convenience and enjoyment.
Indulge in the height of opulence at InterContinental Cairo Semiramis. Featuring a rooftop pool, fine dining, and a Nile Terrace offering breathtaking views over the river. Ideally located in the heart of the city, the hotel is only steps away from attractions such as the Egyptian museum and the bazaars of old Cairo. Enjoy wellness treatments at the hotel's spa, indulge in top-notch cuisine on-site, or work off your extra energy in the state of the art fitness center.
Located in the heart of Cairo, the Fairmont Nile City places you just moments from the Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, and the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar. This five-star retreat provides breathtaking river views, exceptional service, and world-class amenities — all within easy reach of Cairo’s most iconic attractions.
Indulge in ultimate relaxation at the hotel’s rooftop pool, where you can sip cocktails while gazing out over the Nile and the city skyline. Unwind at the Willow Stream Spa, offering rejuvenating treatments inspired by ancient Egyptian wellness rituals. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's extensive casino and nightclub.
Food lovers will be spoiled for choice with the hotel’s diverse dining experiences, from gourmet Mediterranean cuisine to authentic Egyptian flavors.
Day 2. Cairo
Enjoy a full-day tour taking you to a handful of Cairo's iconic sights including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Cairo Sightseeing Tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)
Begin your tour at the famous Great Pyramid of Giza! Giza is the main part of a complex that included two mortuary temples in honor of Khufu (one close to the pyramid and one near the Nile), three smaller pyramids for Khufu's wives, an even smaller "satellite" pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small Mastaba tombs surrounding the pyramid for nobles. One of the small pyramids contains the tomb of Queen Hetepheres (discovered in 1925), sister and wife of Snefru, and the mother of Khufu.
The next stop takes you to the Lord of the Sphinx. The word sphinx, which means "strangler," was first given by the Greeks to a fabulous creature which had the head of a man and the body of a lion. In Egypt, there are numerous sphinxes, usually with the head of a king wearing his headdress and the body of a lion. The head and face of the sphinx certainly reflect a style that belongs to Egypt's old kingdom and to the 4th dynasty in particular.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Egyptian Museum. Your Egyptologist will escort you on a fascinating tour of 7,000 years of history, as this famous museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts (more than 145,000 items on display). Highlights include the famous Tutankhamen collection with its beautiful gold death mask and sarcophagus, and the Royal Mummy room, which houses an additional eleven Pharaonic dignitaries.
Your final stop takes you to the fascinating Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East, it was originally founded as a watering stop for Caravanserai in the 14th century. As you wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets, you will find workshops and stalls selling all kinds of items from woodwork, glassware and leather goods to perfume, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities.
Day 3. Cairo - Nile River Cruise
Today, transfer to Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, meet a representative and transfer to your Nile Cruise. Settle into your room and enjoy lunch on board. After lunch, enjoy a half-day tour taking you to the Karnak and Luxor temples!
Transfer to Cairo airport (CAI)
Fly to Luxor!
Transfer to cruise ship
Totally renovated and relaunched in 2009, MS Monaco is designed to delight each of its guests. Cruise down the Nile river as you indulge in the opulence of elegant decor and attentive staff aboard this deluxe vessel offering nightly entertainment such as a belly dancer show, the "Gallabiya" party, and more! Unwind at the lounge and discotheque, shop around at the boutique and gift shop, or treat yourself to a new look at the beauty shop. Equipped with a swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, a sundeck, and 24-hour cabin service, MS Monaco has everything you need for the ideal getaway.
Featuring smooth wooden surfaces and modern decor, MS Zen Mojito will whisk you down the River Nile in the height of luxury. Enjoy the calm ambiance and peaceful scenery as you are pampered with 5-star deluxe amenities aboard the vessel. Treat yourself to a spa day after a workout in the gym then a sweat in the sauna or pop into the swimming pool or Jacuzzi on board! Lounge on the sundeck in the afternoon before visiting the restaurant. The MS Zen Mojito also offers a Lounge bar, piano bar, and discotheque for your enjoyment.
Visit ancient historical sites in style on MS Monte Carlo! Equipped with outside cabins, bathrooms with all the modern conveniences, an outdoor pool, and even a discotheque, this cruise ship has everything you need for the ideal vacation. Climb aboard to begin the fun with a non-alcoholic welcome drink and settle in before you get ready to enjoy your nightly entertainment such as the folkloric dance show, peruse the boutique gift shop, or go for a latte at the indoor cafe. There's even an activity room and fitness equipment on board to help you work off an excess energy you might have!
Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)
Discover Karnak, a great temple of Amon Ra known during the Middle Kingdom period as Ipt-Swt, which means the Selected Spot. It was also called Pr-Imn, which means the House of Amon. At the entrance, you will find a ram-headed avenue of Sphinxes, which was built to protect the Temple. There are 20 rams on each side, and as you cross this pylon, it takes you into an Open court, whose dimensions are 325-feet long by 250-feet wide, built during the 22nd Dynasty, and containing rows of bud papyrus columns.
You'll then head to the Temple of Luxor, among the most beautiful temples in Egypt. It was known in the New Kingdom period as Ipt-Rsyt, which means the southern shrine (This was to differentiate between this Temple and Karnak Temple, which was the northern house of Amon Ra). The temple runs close and parallels the river Nile from north to south, and it was constructed on the site of a small temple of Amon, built by kings of the 12th dynasty.
Day 4. Nile River Cruise
Wake up to the glittering Nile River, enjoy breakfast on board, then take a tour of the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail towards Edfu.
Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
Enjoy a tour of the West Bank! Your first stop is the Valley of the Kings. The first king of the New Kingdom, Ahmose of the 18th Dynasty, built a pyramid-like structure at Abydos, which may or may not have been his original tomb. The Valley, known as Biban el-Muluk, "doorway or gateway of the kings," or, the Wadyein, meaning "the two valleys," is actually composed of two separate branches. The main eastern branch, called TA set aat, or "The Great Place," is where most of the royal tombs are located, and in the larger, The Valley is hidden from sight, behind the cliffs, which form the backdrop to the temple complex of Deir el-Bahari.
Next stop: the Temple of Hatshepsut! The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Queen’s architect, Senenmut, designed it and set it at the head of a valley overshadowed by the Peak of the Thebes, the "Lover of Silence," where lived the goddess who presided over the necropolis. His daughter became pharaoh, her father Tutmose I circulated the legend that the God Amon became the father of Hatshepsut and therefore she is half a God. She was married twice unfortunately and her second husband and stepbrother Tutmose III hated her so much that he had all pictures and inscriptions of her destroyed after she died.
Your final stop brings you to the Colossi of Memnon. These two, gigantic figures of Amenhotep III were originally situated in front of his Mortuary temple which was destroyed for unknown reasons. The two colossi are made of sandstone, which during ancient times was brought from Gabal El Silselah. Each colossus, including the pedestal and the crown, is about 70-feet tall and represents King Amenhotep III seated on his throne, wearing the Nimes, or royal headdress, with the divine cobra protecting his forehead.
Day 5. Nile River Cruise
Today, visit the Temple of Edfu, the most well-preserved temple of Ancient Egypt, renowned for its gigantic pylons. You'll also visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. After your tour, have lunch on board and sail to Aswan.
Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)
On this tour, visit the Temple of Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple. Edfu was the 2nd Nome of Upper Egypt and the center of the cult of a triad of Gods, which consisted of Horus of Behdet, Hathor, and their son, Hor-Sama-Tawy. Edfu was known as “Apollo polis Magna” because the Greeks identified Horus with their God Apollo. Construction began during the reign of Ptolemy III (about 237 BC) and was finished during the reign of Ptolemy IV.
You'll then sail to Kom Ombo and visit Kom Ombo Temple. The temple is unique in one respect: it is dedicated to two gods, and the entire temple holds two perfectly symmetrical sections. The sanctuary to the left is dedicated to the falcon-headed sky god Harwer (also written Haroeris), or Horus the elder and his family.
Day 6. Nile River Cruise
In Aswan, explore the High Dam, constructed in the 1960s to tame the mighty waters of the Nile, and Philae Temple, one of Nubia's most important monument sites. You'll also get to experience sailing on a felucca, a traditional sailboat used on the Nile.
Guided Tour of the Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple
Located near Aswan, the world famous High Dam was an engineering miracle when it was built in the 1960s. It contains 18 times the material used in the Great Pyramid of Cheops. The Dam is 11,811 feet long, 3215 feet thick at the base and 364 feet tall.
You'll then visit Philae Temple, dedicated to Goddess Isis and constructed on the beautiful island of Philae. Philae the modern day name is Greek but the ancient Egyptians called the island P-aaleq which amongst other definitions has the dual meaning of "end" and "creation."
Felucca ride in Aswan, around Agha Khan & The Elephantine Island
Enjoy a relaxing ride on a felucca, a traditional sailboat found on Egypt's Nile. Feel the river breeze as you sail around Elephantine, an island forming part of the city of Aswan, and the Mausoleum of Aga Khan.
Day 7. Nile River Cruise - Cairo
Your Nile Cruise ends today. Head to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo where you will spend your final night. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own - you might want to check out Cairo Citadel or the Mosque of Muhammed Ali.
Transfer to Aswan airport (ASW)
Fly to Cairo!
Transfer to Cairo hotel
The Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino is one of Cairo's premier resorts featuring a fully-equipped casino room, bar, outdoor pool, and other amenities all overlooking the River Nile – all of which makes this luxury resort very deserving of its 5-star rating.
By staying right on the west bank of the River Nile, you'll never be far from some of the city's most noteworthy attractions. Try your luck at the hotel's slots or Blackjack tables in the glittering casino or take a stroll to the nearby Cairo Opera House, Egyptian Museum, or Cairo shopping center. The famous Pyramids of Giza are only 20 minutes away. Indulge in stunning views, convenient amenities, and spacious guestrooms during your stay at this lavish hotel.
This 5-star resort also features 24-hour room service, a 24-hour fitness center, an upscale spa with plenty of rejuvenating treatments. On-site restaurants include Giannini's New York Italian which serves modern Italian cuisine, Rawi which serves local favorites, Sapporo Japanese Restaurant, and more. With seven on-site restaurants (including a cafe and nightclubs), there's always something to eat and see at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino.
Conrad Cairo stands proudly in the heart of the city's vibrant downtown scene and looks over the spectacular Nile River. From here, you will be able to access the city's top attractions with ease, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Spinx and Giza Pyramid. Choose from six incomparable restaurants and bars to indulge in outstanding cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails before a visit to the International Casino or the glamorous Stage One bar. Relax in the sauna, steam room, heated outdoor pool, or with the on-site massage therapies available for your convenience and enjoyment.
Indulge in the height of opulence at InterContinental Cairo Semiramis. Featuring a rooftop pool, fine dining, and a Nile Terrace offering breathtaking views over the river. Ideally located in the heart of the city, the hotel is only steps away from attractions such as the Egyptian museum and the bazaars of old Cairo. Enjoy wellness treatments at the hotel's spa, indulge in top-notch cuisine on-site, or work off your extra energy in the state of the art fitness center.
Located in the heart of Cairo, the Fairmont Nile City places you just moments from the Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, and the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar. This five-star retreat provides breathtaking river views, exceptional service, and world-class amenities — all within easy reach of Cairo’s most iconic attractions.
Indulge in ultimate relaxation at the hotel’s rooftop pool, where you can sip cocktails while gazing out over the Nile and the city skyline. Unwind at the Willow Stream Spa, offering rejuvenating treatments inspired by ancient Egyptian wellness rituals. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's extensive casino and nightclub.
Food lovers will be spoiled for choice with the hotel’s diverse dining experiences, from gourmet Mediterranean cuisine to authentic Egyptian flavors.
Day 8. Depart Egypt
Your Egypt vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to Cairo airport for your flight home.
Transfer to Cairo airport (CAI)
Fly home!
Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino
Stunning 5-star hotel overlooking River Nile
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