At a Glance

Discover the fascinating wonders of Egypt that have featured only in your dreams. Unearth the wealth of ancient monuments and treasures in Egypt with the added insight of an expert Egyptologist including the Pyramids of Giza, Temple of Karnak, Valley of The Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temples and more. Savour a 4-night cruise along the Nile River, enjoying a leisurely pace of sightseeing and cruise life. Delve into the wonders of ancient Egypt on this 9-day discovery across Luxor to Aswan.
Your adventure begins in Cairo where you’ll step back in time and uncover its rich history at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, containing relics dating to 4000 BCE including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb. A change of scene, see’s you experiencing modern Cairo by exploring the Al Azhar Mosque ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified
- All transport by private air-conditioned minibus and listed activities
- 8 nights in 5-star accommodations on a twin share basis
- Tips for local staff
- Expert tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
Itinerary
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Make your own way from the airport to your luxury hotel, 50 minutes drive, in the bustling capital of Cairo where there is a fascinating blend of old and modern. The holiday has many activities, but today is for settling in. Your home for the next three days is the 5-star Cairo Marriott Zamalek. This hotel, one of the largest in the Middle East, is a former royal palace and staying true to that, you’ll be treated like royalty. Unwind with a relaxing swim in the outdoor pool, a session in the spa (at own cost) or with a dip in the hot tub. With over 14 dining locations, tantalise your tastebuds with every spectrum of flavour from around the globe. Later, convene at the hotel for a welcome briefing to mingle with your fellow travelers and meet your tour leader. |
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Savour a delicious breakfast before delving into the wonders of Cairo. Visit the spectacular Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, holding relics dating to 4000 BCE, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb. This offers a unique chance to survey several fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and go set the scene for the rest of your adventure. Spend the rest of the day experiencing modern Cairo by exploring the Al Azhar Mosque (the oldest mosque and university in Cairo but still very much in use) and the small alleyways and streets that make up the Cairo bazaar. Please note you will need to cover up at the mosque (long sleeves and trousers), and women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf. |
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Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before an exciting half-day adventure to the spectacular Pyramids at Giza. Beholding the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the timeless and paradoxical Sphinx will leave you astonished and speechless as these great monuments to the afterlife defy the imagination. Only the crowd of sightseers, Egyptian and foreign, milling around their massive foundations, keep the views in the 21st century. You’ll have free time in the afternoon, to unwind by the hotel pool or take an optional excursion to the Sakkara, the necropolis for the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. Marvel at some of its famous landmarks including the six-terraced layered Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Imhotep Museum and the Pyramid of Unas. |
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An early start this morning, see’s you transferring to Cairo airport before sunrise for your flight to Luxor (flight times may vary). On arriving at Luxor, explore Luxor Temple and the massive Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built over 1,500 years ago, Karnak is a quandary of towers, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. The Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns, some more than 75 ft (23 m) high. Both temples are awe-inspiring. Arrive at your cruise boat, the MS Movenpick Royal Lily, in time for lunch on board before indulging on free time in the afternoon to relax or explore Luxor. Your 5-star cruiser features 56 cabins and 4 luxurious Royal suites which is fully equipped with a jacuzzi and other fantastic facilities to make your stay exceptional. Later tonight, gather together and enjoy a delectable dinner featuring a mix of authentic Egyptian cuisine and a selection of international dishes accompanied with wines and beverages of all kinds. |
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Day 5 begins with a visit to the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile, which houses the once-hidden tombs of more than 60 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. Following a discreet hillside entrance, arrive underground, encountering a series of corridors and ante-chambers leading to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. Brightly painted images and hieroglyphs, representing a map of the afterlife to ensure the king’s safe passage, decorate the walls. One ticket allows you to see three tombs where it grants entry into the most impressive tombs. If you have time, a visit to the tomb of Ramses VI is also highly recommended. Tomb visits are now strictly regulated to prevent further deterioration of wall paintings - each tomb is periodically closed for several weeks. Entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb costs approximately US$12, payable locally. Its size and location are not as impressive as many other tombs, but it is historically captivating. |
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Retreat back onboard, where your voyage along the Nile begins, travelling upstream from Luxor to Aswan. We cannot guarantee the exact sailing and excursion times, but we will visit the Edfu temples, famed for their roofed inner temples and massive Pylon, and Kom Ombo. In between offboard excursions, relax onboard basking in the sunshine on the sundeck with sun loungers, enjoy refreshing drinks at the bar, refresh at the pool or whisk away into the library. The sunsets over the Nile are gorgeous, and travelling from Luxor to Aswan, soaking in the allure of the verdant terrain, makes this journey special. |
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Today, there may be an optional visit to Philae Temple. The submersion of the temple on the completion of the Aswan High Dam was inevitable, so UNESCO relocated it to Aglika Island in the 1970s. It represents a stunning and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. Journey to Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra’s Unfinished Obelisk during this adventure. |
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Later, relish a sunset sail on a traditional wooden sailing boat, a felucca. Feluccas have been a Nile staple for centuries and are used in the protected waters of the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. The deck is covered with soft, colourful cushions and rugs equipped with a canopy for shade. Spend your last evening on board the MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus. |
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Savour one last breakfast on board before disembarking. Today, you choose a full day in Aswan or optional exploration to Abu Simbel. Aswan is an easy-going town that mirrors the character of its mainly Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. Due to its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a trading centre. We recommend visiting the crammed bazaar, where merchants display a wealth of exotic spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. There is the optional visit to Abu Simbel, 300 km (185 mi) to the south through the Nubian Desert. This optional bus tour begins at 3.30 am/4 am where you’ll be picked up from the ship. Provision will be made for a breakfast box. Around 8 am, arrive at the destination, where you can enjoy about 3 hours delving into the fascination of the temples. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are among the most incredible in Egypt. Initially 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 face east towards the rising sun. You will arrive at the hotel in Aswan around 3 pm. |
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You’ll stay at the exquisite Movenpick Resort Aswan seated majestically on the gardens of Elephantine Island. Enjoy vistas of the Nile from your room or relax at the Panorama Restaurant & Bar, the highest point in Aswan, for 360-degree views of the river. For those in pursue of more adventure can explore the historic village which is a short walk away. |
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Savour a relaxing breakfast overlooking Aswan, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Cairo
- The finish point is Aswan
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Cairo.
- Airport tansfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Cairo making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 30s (around 100F) but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. Winter can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20C (68F), nights are minimum 8C (46F). In summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are a little higher on average in Aswan.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 1 Leisurely.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.












