7 Days Essential Egypt with 3 Day Nile Cruise

Welcome to Egypt, one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations. Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner
Overnight: Cairo

After breakfast, visit the Pyramids of Giza, built during the 3rd and 4th dynasties of the Old Kingdom. These monumental undertakings stand as a marvelous testimony to the almost unbelievable skill and determination of their builders. Get a close-up view of the Great Pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, as well as the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Not far from the Pyramids, see the great Sphinx of Giza, the legendary statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, amazingly carved out of one massive piece of limestone. Next, visit a shop where you can view a quick demonstration of how the papyrus paper is made from the papyrus grass. Browse the collection of artwork on display. Leisure time this afternoon, or join the tour of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations with lunch. Tour the museum, a neoclassical building located Square that houses a large collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and royal Mummies.

Overnight: Cairo

Discover the charm of Coptic Cairo, the original neighborhood of the Coptic Christians, one of the oldest Christian groups in the world. Start your journey by visiting the historic Hanging Church, which was constructed way back in the 7th century. After exploring this ancient marvel, treat yourself to a delicious Egyptian lunch, savoring the flavors of local cuisine. Next on the itinerary is a visit to the Citadel of Salah el Deen, a fortress that has stood the test of time. Marvel at the grandeur of the Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque, an architectural masterpiece nestled within the citadel’s walls. Finally, Join The optional tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Bazaar of Khan el Khalili, where you can shop for souvenirs and experience the hustle and bustle of Cairo’s oldest marketplace.

Optional: Old Bazaar
Overnight: Cairo

Catch a flight from Cairo to Luxor City. In the afternoon, go on a tour of the East Bank of Luxor. Explore the Temples of Karnak, which are more than 3,000 years old. Walk by the Sphinxes and see the big columns in the Hypostyle Hall. Then, visit Luxor Temple to see the giant statues of Pharaoh Ramses II. Finally, check into your Nile Cruise for the night.

Overnight: Cruise

View the magnificence of the Luxor West Bank on this early morning’s tour that includes the Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut along with Colossi of Memnon. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO listed Valley of the Kings, the necropolis of Thebes and admire the tombs of ancient Egypt’s rulers. Next, head to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a colonnaded structure surrounded by cliffs and learn about the life of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s longest-reigning female ruler. Visit an alabaster factory, where you can view a demonstration of grinding alabaster the old fashion way. Browse the extensive collection of alabaster pieces. Conclude the tour at the Colossi of Memnon, featuring two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Return to the ship for lunch.

Overnight: Cruise

This morning, tour the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, that is dedicated to Horus, the Sky God, and Sobek, the Crocodile God. Admire the fascinating detailed reliefs on the walls. Later, visit the stunning Temple of Horus in Edfu, considered one of the best preserved of all the Egyptian temples. The temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris. Its extravagant design and sheer size is an indication of the country’s prosperity at the time. This afternoon, the ship sails via Esna to Luxor, known in ancient Egyptian times as the city of Thebes
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the morning relaxing, or choose to join the optional tour to Abu Simbel temples. A bus will take you from Aswan early in the morning to the impressive Temples of Abu Simbel. These temples were moved to their current location to save them from flooding when the Aswan High Dam was built. The twin temples, dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, are iconic symbols of ancient Egypt. Later, board your cruise ship for a memorable journey along the Nile River. Enjoy lunch on board and then have free time in the afternoon. You can also opt for a peaceful ride on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat. Visit the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, accessible by motorboat. Admire its stunning island setting. On the way back to the hotel, stop by a local perfume shop to see how perfumes are made and choose your favorite fragrance. Check out and head to Aswan airport for your international departure flight.

Optional: Abu Simbel by Bus (AM)
Optional: Aswan Felucca Ride (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise sailing times are subject to change.

At certain times of the year your itinerary may be amended to travel early in the morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat.

Order or duration of some visits may be affected during official holidays.

Due to regional laws, hotels and restaurants will not serve alcoholic beverages on certain holidays. On these days, no wine or beer will be included with dinner.