Unforgettable Egypt and 7-night Nile River Cruise

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you are met by a personal representative after you clear customs and immigration formalities. A private transfer takes you to your hotel in the heart of Cairo.

If arriving in the early morning, you will be met by your guide for a private transfer to your hotel to rest before beginning your exploration of Cairo. The day begins with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove of antiquities that chronicles over 5,000 years of history. Its most famous highlight, the dazzling collection from Tutankhamun's tomb, offers a captivating glimpse into the opulence of ancient Egypt. Continue to the imposing Citadel of Saladin, once the seat of power for centuries and home to the stunning Mohamed Ali Mosque, whose alabaster domes dominate the city skyline. From here, Cairo stretches endlessly below, a sprawling tapestry of minarets, modern boulevards, and ancient quarters. Conclude your day wandering through the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo's most famous souk, where narrow alleyways brim with stalls selling spices, brass lamps, handwoven textiles, and vibrant jewelry—a sensory feast and a chance to absorb the city's energy before retiring for the night.

Few experiences compare to standing before the Pyramids of Giza, icons of human ingenuity that have endured for millennia. This morning, venture to the Giza Plateau, where the Great Pyramid of Khufu rises nearly 500 feet, a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Nearby, the enigmatic Sphinx keeps watch, its weathered face a silent witness to the passage of time. After exploring this legendary site, continue to the remarkable Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), designed to be one of the largest archaeological museums in the world. Housing thousands of artifacts—including the complete Tutankhamun collection—the museum offers a journey through Egypt's dynastic eras, enhanced by cutting-edge technology and stunning architectural design. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

This morning, cross the Nile to the West Bank, the necropolis of Thebes and the resting place of Egypt's most illustrious rulers. Here lies the Valley of the Kings, a barren landscape concealing elaborately decorated tombs cut deep into the cliffs. Descend into these chambers to marvel at vibrant hieroglyphics and scenes from the Book of the Dead, with tombs such as those of Ramses VI and Tutankhamun revealing extraordinary craftsmanship. Continue to the elegant Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel built into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, honoring Egypt's only female pharaoh. Before returning to the ship, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues of Amenhotep III that have stood guard for over 3,000 years. Back onboard, enjoy lunch and an afternoon at leisure as the river shimmers in the sunlight.

After yesterday evening's performance, return to Karnak Temple for a daytime exploration of its immense courtyards, towering pylons, and the famed Hypostyle Hall, where 134 massive columns rise like a stone forest. This vast temple complex, dedicated primarily to the god Amun, was expanded over 1,500 years by successive pharaohs, each adding their mark of devotion and power. After the visit, the ship begins its journey southward along the Nile. As you sail toward Edfu, relax on the sundeck, sip tea, and watch timeless scenes unfold along the riverbanks—farmers tending fields, fishermen casting nets, and children waving as you glide by.

Arrive in Edfu, where horse-drawn carriages carry you through the town to the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's most complete and best-preserved temples. Towering pylons, intricately carved walls, and sanctuaries dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus reflect the grandeur of the Ptolemaic era. Return to the ship and continue sailing toward Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two gods—Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god—symbolizing the balance between good and evil. Explore its twin sanctuaries and visit the small Crocodile Museum, which houses mummified crocodiles once worshipped here. As the sun sets over the Nile, the ship resumes its course toward Aswan.

This morning, visit the High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that tamed the Nile's annual floods and created Lake Nasser, one of the world's largest artificial lakes. Nearby lies the Unfinished Obelisk, an ambitious project abandoned in antiquity, offering insight into the skill of ancient stonemasons. Then board a motorboat to reach Philae Temple, dramatically relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the dam to save it from the rising waters. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple's graceful colonnades and sacred sanctuaries form one of Egypt's most picturesque settings. Later in the day, sail the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, its triangular sail catching the wind as you drift past islands and palm-fringed shores bathed in the glow of sunset.

Today offers a balance of cultural discovery and relaxation. Begin with free time onboard the ship or explore Aswan's vibrant markets. In the afternoon, visit a Nubian village, where homes painted in vivid colors line narrow streets and locals warmly share their culture, music, and traditions. Learn about Nubian heritage and enjoy the contrast between their lively settlements and the serene backdrop of the Nile. Return to the ship for an evening at leisure under Aswan's starry skies.

Rise early for a flight to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most awe-inspiring monuments. Located near the southern border with Sudan, the Abu Simbel Temples—colossal monuments built by Ramses II—are masterpieces of ancient engineering. The Great Temple is flanked by four seated statues of the pharaoh, each standing over 65 feet tall, while the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari, is one of the few ancient temples honoring both a king and his consort equally. These temples were famously relocated by UNESCO in the 1960s to prevent submersion from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After exploring this site, fly back to Aswan for leisure time before rejoining your ship for a festive farewell dinner celebrating your journey along the Nile.

After a final breakfast onboard your Nile cruise, it's time to bid farewell to the ship and crew who have been part of your journey along this legendary river. Disembark in Aswan and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

This morning, you are transferred to Cairo International Airport for your return flight to the United States. If you are taking the Jordan post-cruise extension, fly to Amman, Jordan.