Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

9 Days Starting in Cairo and ending in Aswan

Visiting: Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Abu Simbel, Aswan

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

AENA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise

From: $2475

NB: Prices correct on 24-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

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, while also visiting the spectacular Edfu and Kom Ombo temples. The lush banks and beautiful sunsets, together with the excellent on-board facilities, make this an unforgettable way to travel.

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

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Cairo

Location: Cairo

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, where the ancient and modern worlds connect seamlessly.



Cairo flights can arrive late, and the visa process can take some time. Therefore, we recommend flying into Cairo a day earlier and adding an extra night at your start hotel. There are some excellent sightseeing options available in Cairo if you wish to see more. Speak to your sales representative to book.



Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 : Visit The Pyramids At Giza, The Egyptian Museum, El Azhar Mosque And Cairo's Lively Bazaar

Location: Cairo

Meals Included: Breakfast

We begin our day with a welcome briefing with your leader (usually at 7am or 7.30 am) and a chance to meet the other members of your group.



Please have your breakfast before the briefing and be sure that you bring your insurance details as the leader needs to gather this information.



First on our sightseeing is a visit to Giza, home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the mysterious Great Sphinx. Only the throng of sightseers milling around their huge foundations keep you in the 21st century.



We next pay a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which contains relics dating back to 4,000 BCE, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun's tomb. Here is a unique opportunity to survey the many fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and to set the scene for the rest of the adventure. For the remainder of our tour we experience modern Cairo with visits to Al Azhar mosque (the oldest mosque and university in Cairo and still very much in use) (could be closed without prior notice according to authorities) and the small alleyways and streets that make up the bazaar. Please note that we will need to cover up at the mosque (long sleeves and trousers, long skirt for women) and women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf.



Please note: When the Grand Egyptian Museum is fully open, we will go there instead of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. 



Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 : Fly To Luxor; Visit Karnak And Luxor Temples. Board Cruise Boat; Free Afternoon To Explore

Location: Luxor

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 will be provided. On arrival, we visit Luxor Temple and 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. The Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns, some of which are more than 75ft (23m) high. We arrive at our cruise boat in time for lunch on board before free time in the afternoon to relax or explore Luxor.



Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Day 4 - 5 : Valley Of The Kings; Two Days On The Nile With Visits To Edfu And Kom Ombo En Route

Location: Edfu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we leave our boat very early morning (this timing is to ensure we are back at the boat for the commencement of the cruise time) for  a bus ride to the the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile. The valley contains the once-hidden tombs of more than 62 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet entrance in the hillside takes visitors underground; a series of corridors and antechambers leads us down to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. 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. The ticket usually allows entry into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs, but, if you have time, a visit to the tomb of Ramses VI (extra ticket), entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb (extra ticket), payable locally are recommended.



Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings – each tomb is periodically closed for a number of 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.



On return to our cruise boat we begin our voyage along the Nile, travelling upstream from Luxor to Aswan. Exact sailing and excursion times cannot be guaranteed for each individual trip but we will visit the temples of Edfu, famed for its roofed inner temples and huge Pylon, in the morning of Day 5. In the late afternoon on Day 5, we visit Kom Ombo temple, before setting sail for Aswan where we will overnight.



The sunsets over the Nile are truly stunning and travelling from Luxor to Aswan, enjoying the beauty of the verdant landscape, makes this journey special.



Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Day 6 : Continue Nile Cruise; Optional Visit To Abu Simbel

Location: Abu Simbel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today there's the option of a visit 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.



You have the option to add this excursion by bus or plane, in both instances you are picked up from the boat early in the morning with a breakfast box, and arrive back to Aswan in the afternoon. We arrive at the destination around 8am, where we are given approximately two hours in the area to visit the temples. For those flying to Abu Simbel, please note that timing will be different.











Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Day 7 : Disembark Cruise; Tour Of Bazaar Or Optional Excursion To Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam And Cleopatra's Unfinished Obelisk

Location: Aswan

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast on board, we disembark and have a full day in Aswan. This is 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. There is also the option to visit the Nubian Museum, situated opposite our usual hotel in Aswan (please ask your tour director 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. Alternatively, we can arrange an optional visit to Philae Temple. In the 1970s it was relocated by Unesco to Aglika Island after it became evident that the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the Aswan High Dam. It represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. During this excursion we will also visit Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra's Unfinished Obelisk.



Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 : Optional Visit To Nubian Museum; Afternoon Felucca Ride

Location: Aswan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is our last in Aswan. Our morning is free to relax or book an optional excursion to St Simone Monastery or a nearby Nubian museum. 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. (The timings of the felucca sailing might be changed according to weather conditions).



Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 : End Aswan

Location: Aswan

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’ve marvelled at 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.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners

  • All accommodation (see accommodation section)

  • All transport and listed activities

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food

All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners included.



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.

Accommodation

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.



Cairo: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (nights 1-2)







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 (nights 3-6)







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 gym, sophisticated lounge bar and elegant restaurant.



Aswan: Basma Hotel (nights 7-8)







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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

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 this truly the trip of a lifetime. I have been a lot of cool places in the world but I believe this may be this coolest thing I have ever done. 10/10

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.

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    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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