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Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Name: Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise
Brand: Exodus
SKU: AENA
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.6 (22 reviews)

22 reviews

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.

Key Information

Travel Style Superior: Adventure with a softer landing, thoughtfully elevated through upgraded stays and added comfort: Superior
Activity: Culture
Activity Level: Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Trip Code: AENA
Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Small Ship Cruises, Superior
Countries: Egypt
Carbon Footprint: 66.9kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 7 Superior Comfort nights (4 Nile cruise boat, 3 hotel), 1 Comfort night (hotel)
All breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport (minibus, cruise boat and one internal flight) and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

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

Step into the Grand Egyptian Museum and uncover the stories of Egypt’s ancient civilisation

Itinerary

First Destination: Cairo
Next Destination: Aswan

Accommodation:Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:None

Accommodation:Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Basma Hotel (or similar)
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.

Upgrade to a pyramid-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

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, we visit the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum. Highlights we expect to see include the vast Great Hall, home to the colossal statue of Ramesses II, and the Grand Stairs, which present Egypt’s ancient story through a series of striking displays. Explore the Tutankhamun Galleries, where treasures from the boy king’s tomb offer insight into his life and legacy. We also explore areas such as the Khufu Boat Museum and the Main Galleries, where artefacts spanning thousands of years showcase the richness of Egypt’s past.

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 14^th 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.

This evening, your tour leader ensures a big welcome over a group dinner.

Upgrade to a pyramid-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
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.

Upgrade to a pyramid-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
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.

Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:M/S Nile Style (or similar)
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.

Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:M/S Nile Style (or similar)
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.

Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:M/S Nile Style (or similar)
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.

Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:M/S Nile Style (or similar)
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

Upgrade to a Nile-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Basma Hotel (or similar)
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

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Call us on 1 844 462 4317

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View Details

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

Nile Style Egypt 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

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

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.

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

Obtaining your visa: From 1 August, a new QR code visa system replaces the current visa entry sticker (this update only applies to Cairo Airport)

Under the new system, visas must be purchased upon arrival through designated machines located across the airport terminals. The visa fee is US$36, which includes a US$6 automation charge.
During the initial phase, payments can only be made using credit cards that support transactions in US dollars. Accordingly, the option to provide pre-purchased visas upon arrival will not be available, as guests will be required to complete the payment process directly at the machines. Later, you will be able to purchase this either online through a dedicated website or mobile application.

Furthermore, unlike the previous visa stickers – which did not have a fixed validity period – the new QR code visa will be valid for only 48 hours from the time of issuance. If not used within this period, it will expire.
Our local representatives will assist you upon arrival and guide you through the visa process.

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.

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.

Read all reviews

USD 3815

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Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Overview

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

Key Information

What's Included

Positive Impact

Don't Forget To

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Cruise boat and hotels

Extend Your Trip

Alexandria Add-on Tour

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Egypt