Few places inspire with ancient sites and treasures untold quite like Egypt does... home to a storied legacy of history that dates back to the days of Neolithic Age in 6000 BC. Considered a cradle of civilization, Egypt's enduring achievements are chronicled in temples, tombs and pyramids thousands of years old, in humble
feluccas and sailing ships seaworthy still, along the banks of the life-giving Nile, and in traditions and celebrations timeless all.
Cruise the Nile in search of ancient Egyptian temples and antiquities on a 10-day journey that includes 4 nights aboard a luxury riverboat, and shore excursions in Aswan, Luxor, and Old Cairo. Begin with visits to the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, with an overnight stay at Mena House, a luxury hotel with gardens and terraces overlooking the pyramids. Fly to Luxor for private visits to the tomb of Tutankhamun, then set off on a Nile River odyssey to sites that include the Temples of Karnak and the Avenue of Sphinxes... the twin Castle of the Falcon and House of the Crocodile, with its collection of crocodile mummies, at Kom Ombo... the massive, stunningly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu... the Philae Temples on Agilika Island, a complex of temples, sculptures, and monuments that span architectural periods from ancient Egyptian to Byzantine... Abu Simbel, the grand lakeside temple with colossal statues of Ramses II, cut from the side of a mountain; in 1968 Abu Simbel was disassembled and moved to its present location, a feat of engineering as astonishing as the temple itself. With only 22 luxury suites your Oberoi riverboat offers spacious accommodations, large windows, and panoramic views. Shore excursions include felucca boat rides, dining at local restaurants, and visits to Old Cairo landmarks, including the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Al Rifai Mosque, and the Khan El-Khalili Market.
HighlightsTAUCK EXCLUSIVE – An after-hours private visit to the Valley of the Kings and King Tutankhamun's tomb
A 4-night Nile River cruise aboard Oberoi Philae or Oberoi Zahra with included shore excursions to Egypt's must-see sights
Guided exploration of the Great Pyramids of Giza, including the Sphinx
A boat ride to Agilkia Island to see the Temple of Isis at Philae
Private charter flight to Abu Simbel
Arrive Cairo
Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Marriott Mena House, Cairo. A transfer is included from Cairo International Airport to the Marriott Mena House, Cairo, a sumptuous former royal hunting lodge. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner that celebrates your arrival in this historic land.
Pyramids of Giza & Grand Egyptian Museum
Drive to nearby Giza this morning for a guided tour of its storied pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, that have stood as defining symbols of Egypt for millennia. View the most instantly recognizable statue in the world, crafted in limestone with the body of a lion and the head of a king – the Great Sphinx has been mysteriously reclining atop its Giza plateau for more than 3,000 years, guarding still the unanswered secret of who built it and why. Enjoy lunch followed by a guided visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest archaeological museums in the world and home to King Tut's largest collection of treasures. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Cairo as you please.
Fly to Luxor and Embark Ship
The River Nile has been an invaluable source of life for the people in Egypt throughout history as it provides them with food, water and an important transportation route. Fly to Luxor this morning, site of the ancient city of Thebes and an extraordinary open-air museum, where your Nile cruiser awaits, embarking ship in time for an onboard lunch. This afternoon, join us for an excursion to the Valley of the Queens, where the antiquities amaze. Continue to the Valley of the Kings for an after-hours private visit that includes entry to King Tutankhamun's tomb, renowned for the wealth of valuable antiquities it contained when it was discovered unopened in 1922. Return to your ship for dinner at leisure.
Temples of Luxor & Cruise to Esnu
With three main temples and several smaller ones constructed over hundreds of years, Luxor's Temple of Karnak is the largest complex of its time ever built, developed over a thousand years. Explore the site with an expert guide who shares insights about its history and construction, including the 134-columned Great Hypostyle Hall. A locally guided visit to Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes, and dating back to the 1300s BC, follows. Return to your Nile cruiser for lunch and a leisurely afternoon cruise to Esna.
Temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo
Sail from Esna early morning and disembark at Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus, considered to be among the most beautiful and best-preserved temples in Egypt, with its roof still intact. It took 180 years for the temple to be built, and during your guided visit you'll discover why. Massive statues of Horus as a falcon guard entrances and the reliefs on its interior walls relate the story of the birth of Horus and depict Ptolemaic rulers making offerings to the gods and destroying their enemies. Following your visit, sit down with an Egyptologist and ask all your burning questions with a scholar who has dedicated their entire career to the study of Ancient Egypt. Return to your ship and cruise to Kom Ombo, where its unusual twin temples are just a walk away from your ship. Temple reliefs here feature a unique engraving thought to depict the first representation of medical and surgical instruments.
A sacred temple and an evening felucca sail
This morning begins with a short drive to the river, followed by a boat ride across the Nile to Philae Temple, set on its own island and approached just as it has been for centuries – by water. With a local guide, explore the beautifully preserved sanctuary dedicated to Isis, then continue to the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering landmark that reshaped the Nile's flow and Egypt's future. Return to your Nile cruiser for lunch at leisure and a relaxed afternoon on board, with time to enjoy the river views or simply unwind. Later, set out for a sunset felucca sail, gliding quietly across the Nile as the light softens over Aswan's shoreline – a timeless experience. Back aboard your ship, dinner is served at leisure as the river settles into evening.
Disembark Ship and Fly to Abu Simbel
A morning flight brings you to the Nubian village of Abu Simbel for a locally guided visit to its massive temples cut into a solid rock cliff and created during the reign of Ramesses II in the 1200s BC. The Great Temple stands 98 feet high with four seated colossi flanking the entrance and smaller statues depicting Ramessess' conquered enemies lining up below. The smaller temple, some 40 feet high, is adorned by four colossi depicting Ramesses and two of his queen Nefertari at a height of 32 feet. Your journey continues with an afternoon flight back to Cairo where you'll check into your riverside hotel, The St. Regis Cairo, with outstanding views of the Nile and Old Cairo. Enjoy dinner tonight at the hotel.
Daily life in Cairo
Begin your day with a visit to the City of the Dead to explore a tomb and meet the family that cares for the deceased. Established in the 7th century as a burial ground filled with grand mausoleums, the area has, over time, been transformed into a living community – home to nearly a million people who dwell among the dead. Pause for lunch in nearby Al-Azhar Park, a lush green space beloved by locals, before a visit to the Al Rifa'i Mosque or the Sultan Hassan Mosque. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Treasures of Old Cairo
On the right bank of the Nile River, explore the sites of historic Old Coptic Cairo, dating to the 6th century BC, including places associated with the Holy Family – Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. A guided tour includes Roman ruins, ancient Coptic churches, and mosques, with visits to The Hanging Church and St. Sergius Church. After exploring Coptic Cairo, drive to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and enjoy lunch at Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, named after Egypt's most celebrated writer. Spend time wandering the market's lanes filled with textiles, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs. Join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight.
Journey Home
Tour ends: Cairo. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the The St. Regis Cairo to Cairo Airport. Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
