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Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Rating: 4.4
Rating: 4.4/5 Read 14 reviews

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.

Comfort Level

Superior

Activity

Culture

Overview

Discover ancient pyramids, temples and tombs as you travel through Cairo and cruise from Luxor to Aswan

Unlock the wonders of Ancient Egypt and cruise down the Nile on this adventure led by an expert Egyptologist. Starting in Cairo, we marvel at the Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx, while also taking time to discover the modern side of the capital. Then cruise from Luxor to Aswan along the Nile, watching local life pass, visiting the spectacular temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo. The lush banks and beautiful sunsets, together with the excellent on-board facilities, make this an unforgettable way to travel.

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Key Information

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners
  • All accommodation
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout
  • Group arrival and departure transfers available

Highlights

  • Join an expert Egyptologist to discover ancient wonders and cruise the Nile
  • Marvel at the magnificent Giza pyramids and mysterious Sphinx
  • Uncover thousands of years of history, visiting crumbling temples and pharaoh tombs
  • Journey down the Nile on a stylish boat with a pool and a felucca
  • Discover Nubian culture in the laid-back town of Aswan

Itinerary

  • First Destination: Cairo
  • Next Destination: Aswan
  • Meals included:None
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • First Destination: Cairo
  • Next Destination: Aswan

Welcome to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, where the ancient and modern worlds connect seamlessly. Many flights arrive into Cairo late today, but if you arrive earlier, you may want to head to the hotel pool for a refreshing post-flight dip.

Want more time in Cairo? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative, allowing you extra time to explore the city and relax into the adventure.

Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a pyramid-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Around 7am or 7:30am, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Please have your breakfast beforehand.

Then, to set the scene for our adventures ahead, we visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which contains relics dating back to 4,000 BCE, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb. After, we visit the magnificent National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, where we can see the mummies of iconic pharaohs, such as Ramses II and Hatshepsut, who we learn so much more about later on the trip.

Finally, we navigate the narrow alleys and streets that make up the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. In operation since the 14th century, it is still home to a wonderfully eclectic mix of traders and vendors, offering an intriguing insight into the ancient and modern sides of Cairo.

Please note: When the Grand Egyptian Museum fully opens, we go there instead of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Duration for the visit is 3 – 4 hours.

Your tour leader ensures a big welcome this evening over a group dinner.

Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a pyramid-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Visit the Giza Plateau today, where the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the mysterious Great Sphinx stand as the greatest testament to the Ancient Egyptians. We wander the site, with a chance to grill our tour leader (an Egyptologist) on the incredible structures. Only the throng of sightseers milling around their huge foundations keep you in the 21st century.  If you’d like to venture inside the belly of the pyramids, it is possible to pay for additional tickets locally. After, we drive to a viewpoint to see the grand monuments from another angle.

The rest of the day if free to relax or sightsee.

Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a pyramid-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Meals included:Breakfast

We typically transfer to Cairo airport before sunrise for our flight to Luxor (flight times can vary but we need to be at the airport three hours before the flight so expect a wake up around 2am). A breakfast box is provided, but you’ll also need to pack your day’s essentials into your hand luggage, such as your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

On arrival, we go directly from the airport to the huge Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built more than 1,500 years, Karnak is a mixture of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries, while our early arrival means we miss the big crowds that arrive later in the day. We then tour the smaller Luxor Temple complex, where we see more grand monuments from the ancient world.

After, we arrive at our cruise boat in time for lunch on board before free time in the afternoon to relax or head back into Luxor for more exploration.

Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leave the boat very early (to ensure we are back for the commencement of the cruise) and take a 30 to 40-minute bus ride to the west bank of the Nile.

Here, we visit the Valley of the Kings, which contains the once-hidden tombs of more than 60 pharaohs. A discreet entrance in the hillside takes us underground, a series of corridors and antechambers leading to burial chambers and sarcophagi. The walls are covered in brightly painted images and hieroglyphs – a map of the afterlife to ensure the king’s safe passage.

One ticket allows us to see three tombs, usually into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs. However, if there is time, we recommend a visit to the tombs of Ramses VI and Tutankhamun – these require extra tickets, which can be bought locally.

Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings – each tomb is periodically closed for several weeks. On crowded days, make sure to have a quick visit to each of the included tombs if you want to add extra tombs as your leader will give a fixed meeting time in order to return to the cruise boat before it sails.

After, we visit the nearby Hatshepsut Temple, an architectural masterpiece of the ancient world. Built at the foot of sheer rock cliffs, it is a staggering sight, with a trio of terraces and neat arrangement of pillars. We then visit the Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated representations of the Pharaoh Amenhotep II.

On return to our cruise boat, we begin our voyage along the Nile, travelling upstream and, hopefully, enjoying a sunset to remember.

Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue our exploration of the ancient world today, visiting the Temples of Edfu in the morning. Also on the west bank of the Nile, this grand Ptolemaic temple was dedicated to the falcon-headed god, Horus. In the late afternoon, after a relaxed few hours sailing along the Nile, we visit Kom Ombo temple, unusual in that it was dedicated to two deities: Sobek and Haroeris.

Returning to the boat, we set sail for Aswan, where we stay overnight.

Please note: Exact sailing and excursion times cannot be guaranteed for each individual trip.

Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We wake in Aswan today, a laid-back town that reflects the character of its largely Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. By virtue of its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a trading centre and we thoroughly recommend visiting the packed bazaar today, where merchants display spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares.

Today there’s the option of flying to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, 186mi (300km) to the south through the Nubian Desert. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II stare east towards the rising sun. We arrive back in Aswan around 1.30pm, before lunch.

If you’re not heading to Abu Simbel, there is the option to visit the Nubian Museum, situated opposite our usual hotel in Aswan (please ask your tour leader if you are interested and when it can be arranged). Opened in April 1998, the museum chronologically charts the history and culture of the Nubian people.

Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on board, we disembark and have a full day in Aswan.

Our first stop is Philae Temple, which was was relocated to Aglika Island in the 1970s after it became evident the original site (on Philae Island) would submerge on completion of the Aswan High Dam, which we also visit on this excursion. It represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering.

In the afternoon, we explore the Nile by felucca, the traditional Egyptian sailing boat. Using the felucca, we can truly savour the tranquillity of the Nile and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, where the vast desert almost reaches the water’s edge.

Please note: The timings of the felucca sailing might be changed according to weather conditions

Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a Nile-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

  • Meals included:Breakfast

You’ve seen the Great Pyramids, gazed at King Tut’s treasures and journeyed down the Nile. Now, however, it’s time to start your return journey home. Of course, if you’re not quite ready for the adventure to end, talk to your sales representative about extending your stay – Egypt has a lifetime of wonders to discover.

  • Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

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  • Friday 27 Feb 2026 to Saturday 07 Mar 2026

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    This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!

    Only 1 space left!
    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 855

    £ 2499 (excl. flights)

    Ramadan Departure

  • Friday 20 Mar 2026 to Saturday 28 Mar 2026

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    Sold Out

    This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 855
  • Friday 27 Mar 2026 to Saturday 04 Apr 2026

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    This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925
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    Usually £ 2899

    Now £ 2609

  • Friday 03 Apr 2026 to Saturday 11 Apr 2026

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    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 960
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    Usually £ 2899

    Now £ 2609

  • Friday 24 Apr 2026 to Saturday 02 May 2026

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    Usually £ 2399

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  • Friday 01 May 2026 to Saturday 09 May 2026

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    Only 5 spaces left!
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    +£ 730
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    Usually £ 2299

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  • Friday 22 May 2026 to Saturday 30 May 2026

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    Optional Single Supplement
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    £ 2299 (excl. flights)

    Eid al-Adha

  • Friday 11 Sep 2026 to Saturday 19 Sep 2026

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    Optional Single Supplement
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    £ 2299 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 574 deposit

  • Friday 25 Sep 2026 to Saturday 03 Oct 2026

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    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
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    £ 2399 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 599 deposit

  • Friday 02 Oct 2026 to Saturday 10 Oct 2026

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    Optional Single Supplement
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    £ 2499 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 624 deposit

  • Friday 09 Oct 2026 to Saturday 17 Oct 2026

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    Optional Single Supplement
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    £ 2499 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 624 deposit

  • Friday 16 Oct 2026 to Saturday 24 Oct 2026

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    This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Only 4 spaces left!
    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 23 Oct 2026 to Saturday 31 Oct 2026

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    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2499 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 624 deposit

  • Friday 06 Nov 2026 to Saturday 14 Nov 2026

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    Guaranteed (On Request)

    This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!

    Only 1 space left!
    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 13 Nov 2026 to Saturday 21 Nov 2026

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    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2499 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 624 deposit

  • Friday 20 Nov 2026 to Saturday 28 Nov 2026

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    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2499 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 624 deposit

  • Friday 27 Nov 2026 to Saturday 05 Dec 2026

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    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2499 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 624 deposit

  • Friday 04 Dec 2026 to Saturday 12 Dec 2026

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    Sold Out

    This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925
  • Friday 18 Dec 2026 to Saturday 26 Dec 2026

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    £ 2899 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 724 deposit

  • Friday 08 Jan 2027 to Saturday 16 Jan 2027

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    Optional Single Supplement
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    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 15 Jan 2027 to Saturday 23 Jan 2027

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    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 05 Feb 2027 to Saturday 13 Feb 2027

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    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
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    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 12 Feb 2027 to Saturday 20 Feb 2027

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    Optional Single Supplement
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    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 26 Feb 2027 to Saturday 06 Mar 2027

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    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 05 Mar 2027 to Saturday 13 Mar 2027

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    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 19 Mar 2027 to Saturday 27 Mar 2027

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    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 26 Mar 2027 to Saturday 03 Apr 2027

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    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2999 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 749 deposit

  • Friday 02 Apr 2027 to Saturday 10 Apr 2027

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    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2999 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 749 deposit

  • Friday 16 Apr 2027 to Saturday 24 Apr 2027

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    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 23 Apr 2027 to Saturday 01 May 2027

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    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 30 Apr 2027 to Saturday 08 May 2027

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    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 07 May 2027 to Saturday 15 May 2027

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    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 785

    £ 2449 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 612 deposit

  • Friday 21 May 2027 to Saturday 29 May 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 785

    £ 2449 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 612 deposit

  • Friday 04 Jun 2027 to Saturday 12 Jun 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 785

    £ 2449 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 612 deposit

  • Friday 10 Sep 2027 to Saturday 18 Sep 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 785

    £ 2449 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 612 deposit

  • Friday 24 Sep 2027 to Saturday 02 Oct 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 925

    £ 2599 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 649 deposit

  • Friday 01 Oct 2027 to Saturday 09 Oct 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2749 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 687 deposit

  • Friday 08 Oct 2027 to Saturday 16 Oct 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2749 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 687 deposit

  • Friday 15 Oct 2027 to Saturday 23 Oct 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2749 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 687 deposit

  • Friday 22 Oct 2027 to Saturday 30 Oct 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2749 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 687 deposit

  • Friday 05 Nov 2027 to Saturday 13 Nov 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2749 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 687 deposit

  • Friday 12 Nov 2027 to Saturday 20 Nov 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2749 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 687 deposit

  • Friday 19 Nov 2027 to Saturday 27 Nov 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2749 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 687 deposit

  • Friday 26 Nov 2027 to Saturday 04 Dec 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2749 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 687 deposit

  • Friday 03 Dec 2027 to Saturday 11 Dec 2027

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 2749 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 687 deposit

  • Friday 24 Dec 2027 to Saturday 01 Jan 2028

    Availability
    Available

    This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +£ 1000

    £ 3349 (excl. flights)

    Book with £ 837 deposit

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Accommodation

Cruise boat and hotels

We stay in four-star hotels (local rating) and spend four nights navigating the Nile on a cruise boat. Below are the places we typically stay during our time in Egypt.

Upgrade to a higher category of room throughout the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details. 

Cairo: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

With views over the Pyramids of Giza from the outdoor swimming pool, this elegant property is the ideal place to begin your Egyptian adventure. The pool also has a swim-up bar. Rooms are spacious, a perfect spot to rest after your day’s adventure. Why not ask your sales representative about upgrading to a Pyramids view room?

Nile: M/S Nile Style cruise boat

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Climb aboard this stylish cruise boat for an unforgettable journey on the longest river in the world. It has 77 air-conditioned cabins, each with a view over the waters while sailing, allowing you to relax in peace and watch the world drift past.

Much of your free time may well be spent on the spacious sundeck, which has a dipping pool and plenty of cushy loungers (shaded and unshaded). Elsewhere, there’s a sophisticated lounge bar and elegant restaurant.

Aswan: Basma Hotel

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

On the highest hill in Aswan, directly opposite the Nubian Museum, the Basma occupies a privileged spot. Rooms come in a mixture of styles, many with views over the city or the Nile, and you can spend your free time cooling off in the expansive pool.

The property is also home to The Lotus restaurant, which serves an eclectic mix of international and local cuisines, plus the Vienna Cafe, where you can enjoy light bites, hot drinks and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Worth knowing

  • In common with all Nile cruises, the M/S Nile Style moors next to other boats at night, meaning you may only have a view of the river from your cabin while sailing.
  • The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance, however we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Alexandria Add-on Tour

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Extend your adventure with a pre-trip exploration of Alexandria, a magnificent port city on the Mediterranean coast founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE.

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo today with a chance to settle in and enjoy the hotel facilities before travelling to Alexandria tomorrow. Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids (or similar)

Day 2: Transfer (three hours) from Cairo to Alexandria. En route, visit the Monastery of Saint Bishoy, an ancient Coptic Orthodox monastery in the Wadi El Natrun. After arrival, explore the Alexandria Library (Bibliotheca Alexandrina), a modern homage to the Great Library of Alexandria, which was one of the largest in the ancient world. The contemporary construction is a magnificent feat of design, housing numerous galleries, cultural venues and more. Accommodation: Metropole Paradise (or similar)

Day 3: Delve further into the cultural importance of the city at the Alexandria National Museum and Catacombs. The museum showcases the history of Alexandria and Egypt with more than 1,800 artefacts, while the catacombs are the largest-known Roman burial site in the country. Accommodation: Metropole Paradise (or similar)

Day 4: Catch a return transfer to Cairo today ready to join Day 1 of the main trip. On the way, visit El-Alamein, the site of two defining battles in the Second World War. We also have time to visit El-Alamein Military Museum to increase your understanding of these decisive conflicts.

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise
Andrew Shenouda
Expert Leader: Egypt
Introducing Andrew Born and raised in the Egyptian capital of Cairo where he still resides today, Andrew has been expertly leading Exodus tours since 2018.

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Suitability: It is suitable for everyone with average health and fitness. No experience of any activity involved is necessary. Most days involve early starts (especially Day 3 when we catch an early flight to Luxor) but this allows us to get the most from our time in Egypt and avoid the worst of the heat. Egypt can get hot, which can cause discomfort while travelling.

Summer departures: The hottest months are June to September when temperatures can hit over 40C (104F). On departures during these months, we amend the itinerary to avoid the hottest parts of the day, but the inclusions remain the same. Care should be taken to keep hydrated.

Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 28 February-29 March 2025 and 17 February-19 March 2026. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.

Start hotel: Cairo Pyramids Steigenberger Hotel, Cairo – Alexandria Desert Rd, Kafr Nassar, Pyramids, Giza Governorate 3515011
Phone: +20 2 33772555
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm, there are no activities on Day 1 so you can arrive at any time.
Our welcome meeting takes place on the morning of Day 2 – please bring your insurance details as the tour leader needs to gather this information.
Airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel – speak to your sales representative for the transfer time. You may join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. The transfer only departs once all passengers joining the transfer have arrived, and you may, therefore, have to wait. If you are joining, you will be met before immigration and customs.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW). Please speak to your sales representative for times if you wish to join or to arrange an alternative transfer.

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements; however, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A vaccines are recommended. Although not usually advised, other vaccinations to consider include rabies and hepatitis B.

There is evidence that Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) is spread by contact with camels.  This trip includes the option of a camel ride, which is undertaken at your own risk; we suggest that you visit the Travel Health Pro website which includes information about the virus.

We recommend exercising caution with tap water. To reduce the risk of stomach upsets, it is best to use bottled water to brush your teeth and avoid salad that may have been washed with tap water.

Egypt

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Egypt. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/egypt
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/egypt
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Egypt.html

If you are obtaining your visa online, please ensure you have a scan of your passport ready. The file size should be small and ideally saved as a JPEG or PDF otherwise you might not be able to load it on the visa application.

You will need to provide your host’s information on the application – please use the following details:

South Sinai Travel
79 Merghany Street
Cairo
Egypt
Telephone: +20 22418 7310
www.southsinai.com
salwa.ibrahim@southsinai.com

Please note, Egyptian officials have requested tourists carry a copy of their passport with them while in the country. Please also note, some prescribed medicines are controlled substances in Egypt.

In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on which day. For meals not included, we suggest you allow approximately US$15 for lunch and US$20 for dinner (this differs according to the type of restaurant you are looking for). Food in Egypt involves kebabs, chicken, stews, pita bread, falafel, beans, vegetables, pickles and salads. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome, and vegetarians can be catered for, though the options may be somewhat limited.

Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures can exceed 40C (104F) but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. The winter months can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20C (68F), night time minimum is 8C (46F). In the summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are slightly higher on average in Aswan.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

  • Can choose to visit A.C.E (Animal Care in Egypt), an animal charity dedicated to providing free veterinary care and education to their owners

Angela Dobson

Rating: 5

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

It was a great trip, lovely group, excellent guide, good itinerary

Most Inspirational Moment

Camel ride!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was fantastic. It was irriating that everything was preferred to be paid in cash - having a system for card payments would be cheaper and more convenient for us, and surely easier for him too. I was shocked how much cash some people carry!

Rosalind Nockles

Rating: 5

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Everything was very well arranged and we had an excellent guide whose enthusiasm inspired us all. The day in Cairo was rather busy but overall the trip was very well planned and we saw some mind blowing sites every day. We also loved the quiet moments cruising along the Nile

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many it is hard to single out one so to list a few, they were the first tomb we entered with the amazing colours, the Tutankhamen exhibits in the museum and the tomb of Tutankhamen. Closely followed by Abu Simbel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed was an outstanding guide. His knowledge of the history and culture was superb and the enthusiasm with which he imparted it was second to none. We all felt we could not have had a better guide. His kindness and thoughtfulness was also wonderful.

Ian George

Rating: 5

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

It was a wonderful trip made all the better by the excellent leader/guide Ahmed who went over and above the norm to make this a truly exceptional experience. We have now been on 3 trips with Exodus Travels and each one has been very well organised and perfectly executed. We...

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in Tutankhamun’s tomb and the cruise on the Nile. Great food. Fun entertainment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

This was our 3rd trip with Exodus Travels and we feel Ahmed was our best tour leader so far. His knowledge of the history and culture of Egypt was excellent and he imparted that knowledge with skill and good humour. He is a great story teller.

Philippa Murray

Rating: 4

Wonderul

Great trip. Thank you. Rania was excellent. Would have loved wifi in the rooms on the boat rather than having to sit in the reception area to work/send messages. Overall a great experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rania

Megan Carey

Rating: 5

Spectacular Egypt

I highly recommend booking this trip if you want a fascinating exploration through ancient and modern Egypt. We got to see so many places that felt straight out of a National Geographic documentary! We had a small group of seven plus our exceptional tour guide named Rania who helped make...

Most Inspirational Moment

Entering the tomb of Ramses VI in the Valley of the Kings has to be my greatest highlight from the tour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I am convinced we had the best tour leader on the planet- she is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, energetic, and a true pleasure to be around. Her name is Rania and I hope you get her on your tour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The riverboat element of this trip was a huge highlight. It was a very unique way to travel and we all had an absolute blast on that boat.

Alexandra Keefe

Rating: 5

Non-stop WOW moments!

This trip has wow moments every single day. An extraordinary journey through time with historical sites beyond anything I could have imagined. Egypt's ancient wonders really lived up to the hype! A must do trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose from, but seeing the pyramids for the first time and trying to comprehend how they were built was just amazing. Valley of the Kings was also incredible, seeing the intricately decorated tombs and being left wondering how much remains undiscovered! Not to forget the tranquillity of cruising down the Nile. The landscape was beautiful and the journey so peaceful and relaxing. I just loved this trip from start to finish, and had such a fantastic group to share the experience with.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sayeed was fantastic, one of the best Exodus leaders I've ever had. As an Egyptologist his knowledge of Ancient (and modern) Egypt was incredible - this was a truly educational trip, and I've come home with even more of a fascination for Ancient Egypt than I went with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The summer months are extremely hot - take a large (or multiple) reusable bottles to fill up with water when you're in the vehicle. Try to get some small denomination Egyptian Dollars for toilet stops/small buys as the marked up exchange rate into USD isn't always favourable (and carry some loo roll in your day bag!) Paying by card in most places was very easy, particularly in hotels and on the boat. Try to visit the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan. Sayeed recommended this to us and it was one of our groups highlights! Great stop for a cocktail with incredible views over the Nile. If you can, I would recommend booking an additional night at the start of the tour in Cairo. This trip is fast paced with early starts. I was very glad I'd booked a pre-tour night and managed to visit a fantastic museum and spend some time relaxing around the pool before the trip started.

Peter Munro

Rating: 4

Temples and tombs

An excellent trip although very hot. The organisation on the ground was excellent and the boat on which we cruised up the Nile from Luxor to Aswan could not be faulted. We saw the pyramids near Cairo, tombs in the Valley of the Kings and temples in Luxor and Aswan...

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking out of our bedroom window in Cairo to see the three pyramids looming out of the mist.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rania. Brilliant with an encyclopaedic of Egyptian History and the ability to put it across. Perhaps a little too much fine detail and not enough of the big picture. Great organiser.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not go at the end of May or indeed during the Egyptian summer. It is staggeringly hot.

Suggestions

1. Putting us on a flight from LHR which saw us finally reaching our hotel at 0100 after a full day travelling and then having us on our way to the pyramids and a very full day in Cairo before 0700 was not great planning by the Exodus team. 2. I have been on several trips with Exodus when it was run by travellers for travellers. During them we ate the food of the country and rubbed shoulders with the local communities. This trip was in marked contrast and we travelled in a sanitised bubble with little local contact and tourist food which varied little. A bit of a downside for me but I suppose that is the penalty of private equity ownership.

Susan Hope

Rating: 5

AENA Nile

Met expectations

Most Inspirational Moment

All inspiring

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic

Advice for Potential Travellers

FebMarch are glorious so can really enjoy the experience.

Suggestions

Needed more time to look at the sites to see properly what we had been told about them. Everything assumed we just wanted a quick look or a glance. I wanted to see it properly.

June Orton

Rating: 5

Amazing and full on trip

Brilliant trip to see as much as possible in 7 full days. Tiring because of very full days and early and very early starts.

Most Inspirational Moment

Valley of the the Kings as the tombs were awe inspiring and... there were too many !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely informative, funny, caring, super efficient, got us everywhere at the best times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are many early and very early starts from 3.30am to 6.30am that means getting up very early then a day of 6 to 7 hours follows. There is a lot of walking on rough surfaces and in many places steps. On top of the walking the days get hot. This is not a relaxing holiday although there was time in the afternoons on the boat to rest.

Suggestions

Would recommend this holiday to anyone wanting to see the highlights of Ancient Eygpt

Catherine Williams

Rating: 5

Amazing adventure, you won't be disappointed but it is exhausting.

This trip includes all the well know sites you could want. Egypt is absolutely amazing and you won't be disappointed with what you see. Each attraction you visit is unique and an amazement. The accommodation is lovely and food good. Be prepared for early mornings, eg some were 2.30am! Also...

Most Inspirational Moment

Too hard to mention one. My highlights were: The pyramids, Valley of the kings, Driving through the Sahara desert on the Abu Simbel tour and cruising the Nile. Each temple was amazing in its own right, they all had something unique.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. He was incredibly knowledgeable, funny and looked after us well. Sayed was best guide you could want.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have lots of space on camera or phone as you will want to take lots of pictures. Be prepared for lots of steps and to be exhausted. Take rehydrate in your water as it gets hot. When you get there try and get some small (10 or 20) Egyptian pounds as you will need these to tip when going to the loo. Everything else can be paid for in Dollars. Don't drink their water, always use bottled water which is plentily available and provided on the coach. Say yes to all the additional trip that you can manage as each one is unique and is wonderful. The boat trip to the Nubian village is amazing, so relaxing and interesting.

Suggestions

If doubting this trip, as long as you are prepared for the early starts and the heat, just go for it as it is truly wonderful and you will be amazed by the sites. Memories for life! The only thing I would change on this trip is to not go to the mosque or the bizzare (it just wasn't for me), everything else was wonderful. I wish I had purchased something from the boat sellers from our cruise boat just to see them throw the items onto the boat deck. Don't worry about being hassled, I was really worried about this but they are quite respectful out there and if you just say not thank you and carry on walking they will leave you alone.

Discounted Price: 2139 £. Regular price: 2299 £
9 Days Excluding Flights

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Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise