10-Day Luxury Nile Cruise & Ancient Egypt Tour
10 Days / 9 Nights
Duration
8-12
Group Size
5
Destinations
Daily
Departures
The Experience
Egypt reveals itself in two distinct rhythms on this 10-day journey the timeless grandeur of Cairo's monuments, followed by the gentle unfolding of the Nile itself. Begin among the Great Pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, then step into the Grand Egyptian Museum to stand before Tutankhamun's treasures. From Cairo, fly to Luxor to board a deluxe five-star Nile cruise, where private balconies and gourmet dining accompany you south past the Valley of the Kings' royal tombs and the towering columns of Karnak Temple. The river carries you onward to Edfu's Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo's rare double sanctuary, before Aswan reveals the colossal rock-hewn temples of Abu Simbel and the graceful island Temple of Philae. Five-star hotels, a full-board cruise, all meals, expert guides, and internal flights are arranged throughout a compact itinerary that captures Egypt's essential contrasts in just ten days.
Your Journey
Day 1 | Cairo - Arrival & Pyramid Views
A VIP concierge greets you airside at Cairo International Airport, providing seamless, fast-track service through the private lounge, before a comfortable private luxury transfer delivers you to the Marriott Mena House. Your Pyramid View Room frames the ancient wonder through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The evening brings a welcome dinner beneath the stars in jasmine-scented gardens, with illuminated pyramids as a backdrop, featuring Egyptian mezze, succulent grilled meats, Mediterranean delicacies, and live oriental music setting the tone for your extraordinary journey ahead through Egypt's most iconic ancient sites. Overnight: Marriott Mena House, Cairo — Meals: Welcome dinner included
Day 2 | Saqqara & Memphis - Pyramid Evolution
Journey through Egypt's architectural evolution at Saqqara's Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's first monumental stone structure, designed by the legendary Imhotep. Explore noble tombs with exquisite forty-three-hundred-year-old carvings depicting scenes of ancient daily life. Continue to Memphis to stand before the colossal statue of Ramses II and the ruins of Egypt's ancient capital. Conclude at Dahshur's Bent and Red Pyramids in serene desert solitude, descending into ancient chambers where priests walked forty-six centuries ago, through dimly lit passages into the heart of these monuments. Overnight: Marriott Mena House, Cairo — Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Day 3 | Giza Plateau - Private Pyramid Access
Experience exclusive pre-opening access to the Giza Plateau in the magical pre-dawn silence, before crowds arrive. Enter the Great Pyramid's inner chambers in complete solitude, ascending the Grand Gallery to the King's Chamber, where Khufu's empty sarcophagus rests eternally. Stand between the Sphinx's paws with a special permit reserved for dignitaries and archaeologists. Visit the Valley Temple and capture panoramic photographs from the desert viewpoint. Afternoon leisure at Mena House offers pool relaxation or spa indulgence amid royal gardens with pyramid views. Overnight: Marriott Mena House, Cairo — Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Day 4 | Luxor - Board Nile Cruise
A domestic flight delivers you to Luxor, ancient capital of the New Kingdom, where one-third of the world's monuments await discovery. Board the MS Le Fayan, your floating five-star palace with only fifty suites, ensuring intimate, personalized service. Check into your spacious Luxury Suite, featuring a private furnished balcony and marble bathroom, before exploring the Karnak Temple Complex with its breathtaking Hypostyle Hall. Gain private access to the Khonsu Temple, closed to regular visitors. The evening brings a twilight-illuminated Luxor Temple, followed by riverside dinner aboard your elegant vessel. Overnight: MS Le Fayan Luxury Nile Cruise — Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Day 5 | Valley of the Kings - Royal Tombs
Cross to the legendary West Bank by private motorboat to the Valley of the Kings, where you visit Tutankhamun's tomb, containing his mummy in its golden sarcophagus, along with spectacularly decorated royal tombs featuring vivid astronomical ceilings depicting the afterlife journey. Explore Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, carved dramatically into limestone cliffs, and photograph the massive Colossi of Memnon standing sentinel. Return for lunch as your ship sails toward Edfu, then enjoy afternoon spa treatments or sun deck relaxation before the Captain's Cocktail Reception under the stars. Overnight: MS Le Fayan Luxury Nile Cruise — Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Day 6 | Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
A traditional horse-drawn carriage delivers you through Edfu's authentic streets to the Temple of Horus, Egypt's best-preserved ancient temple, built between 237–57 BC, with massive entrance gates and pristine hypostyle halls featuring detailed hieroglyphics. Lunch aboard as you sail toward Kom Ombo, watching timeless rural Egyptian life along the riverbanks. A late-afternoon exploration of the unique dual temple honoring both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Harpoeris reveals ancient surgical instruments, before an evening Egyptian Night celebration with a traditional feast and folkloric performances. Overnight: MS Le Fayan Luxury Nile Cruise — Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Day 7 | Abu Simbel & Aswan
A pre-dawn departure brings you to Abu Simbel to witness the four colossal, sixty-five-foot statues of Ramses II illuminated by the sunrise's first golden rays. Enter the temple, penetrating sixty-three meters into the solid mountainside to the inner sanctuary, where sunlight illuminates the gods twice a year. Visit the adjacent Temple of Nefertari, featuring six equal-sized colossal statues honoring her extraordinary status. Return to Aswan for a visit to the High Dam, an authentic Nubian village with aromatic hibiscus tea, and a sunset felucca sail with champagne, as golden light transforms the landscape into pure magic. Overnight: MS Le Fayan Luxury Nile Cruise — Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Day 8 | Philae Temple - Return to Cairo
A motorboat carries you across shimmering waters to Agilkia Island to visit the enchanting Temple of Philae, island sanctuary of the goddess Isis, rescued by UNESCO and reconstructed stone by stone on higher ground after the dam's construction. Walk through elegant colonnades covered in reliefs depicting the Osiris resurrection myth. Visit the ancient granite quarries, revealing the massive Unfinished Obelisk and offering insight into ancient stone-carving techniques. A domestic flight returns you to Cairo and a transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel, with spectacular high-floor Nile views and contemporary sophistication for your final nights. Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence — Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Day 9 | Grand Egyptian Museum & Farewell
Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, housing over one hundred thousand artifacts spanning five millennia of civilization. Ascend the monumental Grand Staircase and discover the complete Tutankhamun collection, featuring the iconic golden death mask, golden throne with intricate inlay, ceremonial chariots, and exquisite jewelry displayed together for the first time. Marvel at Khufu's Solar Boat, displayed in climate-controlled magnificence. Enjoy afternoon spa treatments or rooftop infinity pool relaxation, followed by a farewell gala dinner with fine Egyptian gastronomy, live traditional music, and personalized farewell gifts commemorating your unforgettable journey. Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence — Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner included
Day 10 | Cairo - Departure
After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Nile's shimmering expanse, enjoy final moments capturing photographs from your private balcony or reflecting on your extraordinary journey through five thousand years of human achievement and civilization. A private transfer to Cairo International Airport prepares you for your international flight, with VIP departure assistance. Carry with you the timeless majesty of ancient Egypt, the profound wisdom of the pharaohs, and treasured memories of exclusive experiences and exceptional service throughout this unforgettable odyssey. Meals: Breakfast included
Included
- 9 nights luxury 5-star accommodation
- All meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner daily)
- Private licensed Egyptologist guide throughout
- Skip-the-line access to all sites
- Internal domestic flights (Cairo–Luxor–Cairo)
- All private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Full-board deluxe Nile cruise aboard the MS Le Fayan
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff
- 24/7 concierge contact throughout your journey
Not Included
- International flights
- Egypt entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
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