A Journey Through Ancient Wonders from Cairo to Aswan, Along the Timeless Nile
Overview
Enjoy 7 nights and 8 days exploring Egypt with a cruise on the Nile, combined with visits to Cairo’s pyramids, ancient temples, and historical landmarks. The tour includes time in Luxor, Aswan, and Giza, with guided excursions, domestic flights, and a Nile River cruise.
Highlights
- Cairo's Pyramids of Giza: Visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Sphinx.
- Luxor's West Bank: Explore the Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III.
- Karnak Temple Complex: A magnificent historical site dedicated to the god Amun.
- Luxor Temple: Marvel at the temple built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II.
- Edfu's Temple of Horus: One of the best-preserved temples from ancient Egypt.
- Kom Ombo Temple: Unique dual temple dedicated to both Sobek and Horus.
- Aswan's Philae Temple: Temple of Isis, saved from flooding after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
- Mini Nile Cruise on Felucca: Sail around Aswan and visit Kitchener's Island.
- Esna's Lock Passage: Experience the engineering marvel of Esna lock on the Nile.
- Optional Abu Simbel Tour: A monumental site featuring statues of Ramses II.
Itinerary
Your Egyptian adventure begins in Cairo, one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world, stretching along both banks of the Nile. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be welcomed by a tour representative who will assist with entry formalities. After that, you will be transferred to your 5-star hotel, Le Passage Hotel & Casino (or a similar option), for check-in. Depending on the arrival time of your flight, you may choose to spend the night on the boat. Otherwise, enjoy a restful evening at your hotel, relaxing and preparing for the exciting journey ahead.
Meals: None on this day (hotel stay included)
Accommodation: Le Passage Hotel & Casino (or similar)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Luxor, one of the most historically significant cities in Egypt. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be taken to your Nile cruise ship, the luxurious MS Zeina (or a similar 5-star vessel), where you will check in and enjoy lunch onboard.
In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable tour of Thebes, Egypt's ancient city of the dead, located on the west bank of the Nile. Here, you'll explore:
The Valley of the Kings: A burial site for the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom, you’ll visit three tombs of the Pharaohs.
The Mortuary Temple of Ramses III (Medinet Habu): A grand and well-preserved temple built by Ramses III.
The Colossi of Memnon: Two imposing statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, standing as silent sentinels over the ancient site.
After the tour, return to the cruise for dinner. In the evening, the ship will sail towards Esna, giving you time to relax and enjoy the views of the Nile.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MS Zeina Nile Cruise (or similar)
Start the day with breakfast as your ship sails towards Edfu. After arriving, you'll set out to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples and a marvel of Ptolemaic architecture. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, the temple’s grand pylons and reliefs showcase incredible artistry.
After your visit, return to the ship for lunch and continue sailing towards Kom Ombo. Along the way, relax onboard, take in the scenic views of the Nile, and perhaps enjoy a drink on the sun deck as you sail through the Egyptian countryside.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MS Zeina Nile Cruise (or similar)
n the morning, you will visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple, a rare double temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The temple’s symmetry and dual design make it one of the most interesting ancient sites in Egypt. Don’t forget to visit the small museum housing mummified crocodiles near the temple!
After the visit, the ship will sail on to Aswan, the southernmost city in Egypt and a beautiful gateway to Africa. After lunch onboard, you will embark on an afternoon tour to:
Aswan High Dam: One of the world’s most impressive engineering feats, built to control the Nile’s flooding.
Philae Temple: Originally located on the island of Philae, this temple dedicated to the goddess Isis was moved to another island to protect it from rising waters caused by the construction of the dam.
In the evening, enjoy dinner onboard and a relaxing night in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MS Zeina Nile Cruise (or similar)
Begin the day with breakfast onboard. The morning is free for you to explore Aswan at your own pace or relax on the ship. Alternatively, you may opt for an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most famous and awe-inspiring ancient sites. Located 260 km south of Aswan, Abu Simbel features colossal statues of Ramses II, carved directly into the mountainside, as well as the nearby temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. This site was rescued from flooding by the UNESCO project in the 1960s.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a felucca sail (traditional Egyptian sailboat) around Kitchener’s Island, known for its beautiful botanical gardens. The rest of the evening is free to relax and explore Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MS Zeina Nile Cruise (or similar)
After breakfast, you will spend a leisurely day onboard the cruise as it sails back towards Esna. This day is free for relaxation—sit on the sundeck, enjoy the calm breeze, or take in the tranquil scenery along the banks of the Nile.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MS Zeina Nile Cruise (or similar)
Your day begins early as the ship passes through the Esna lock before arriving back in Luxor. After breakfast, you’ll start the day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, a vast collection of temples and chapels built over 2,000 years. The massive Hypostyle Hall, with its towering columns, is one of the most impressive structures in Egypt.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Luxor Temple, which was constructed to honor the god Amun-Re. This temple played a vital role in Egypt’s religious life, particularly during the annual Opet Festival, where the god’s statues would travel from Karnak to Luxor.
In the evening, an optional Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple is available, where the history of the temple is narrated with a dramatic display of light and sound.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MS Zeina Nile Cruise (or similar)
After breakfast onboard, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Great Pyramids of Giza:
The Pyramid of Khufu (Great Pyramid): The largest of the three pyramids, it was built around 2650 BC and was the tallest structure in the world for more than 4,000 years.
The Pyramid of Khafre: Although slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid, Khafre’s pyramid appears taller due to its elevated position.
The Pyramid of Menkaure: The smallest of the three pyramids, but no less fascinating.
The Great Sphinx: A lion’s body with a human face, this colossal statue guards the pyramids and is one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt.
After the tour, enjoy lunch near the pyramids. Depending on your flight schedule, you will then be transferred to the airport for your international departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
What to expect
Inclusions
- Transfers by minibus or coach based on group size.
- 7 nights onboard a 5-star Nile cruise (or 6 nights cruise, 1 night in Cairo).
- Excursions and tours as listed.
- Ground transport with group-sized vehicles.
- Special evening events on the cruise.
- Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.
- Local Egyptologist guide (French-speaking).
- Airport assistance by tour representatives.
- Hotel taxes and service charges.
Exclusions
- International flights.
- Cancellation/multi-risk insurance.
- Personal expenses and extras.
- Mandatory tips for guides and drivers.
- Visa and tips payable in cash upon arrival (70 EUR per person).
FAQs
Yes, it is available on arrival for 70 EUR per person.
No, international flights are not included, but domestic flights are covered.
Accommodation is provided on a 5-star Nile cruise boat, with one night potentially spent at a hotel in Cairo.
Yes, the trip is suitable for families, offering a mix of historical sites and leisurely activities.