Cairo The Nile And Lake Nasser Cruises

Welcome to Cairo, Egypt! Once you arrive at Cairo International Airport, your representative will meet, assist in customs and transfer to your hotel. Once arrived, check in and the rest of the day is free to settle and relax after your journey or If you arrive early you may like to take an evening sound and light show at the pyramids or enjoy a fantastic dinner cruise on the Nile (both available to book locally on arrival).

Meals: Welcome Drink

Breakfast at the hotel, then your Egyptologist guide will pick you up to visit the Giza plateau, home to the pyramids of Pharaohs Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chefren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), built over 4600 years ago! Explore the pyramids and learn about their fantastic history as you walk in the footsteps of the pharaohs. Whilst here, you have the chance to visit inside of one of these legendary structures and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them (Extra ticket on spot). Then, drive to visit the great Sphinx and the Valley temple of Cheops.

Head out to visit Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. Today there are little left in the oldest city but still can see an open air museum of antiquities where the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster sphinx and more

Continue to Saqqara, the burial ground for the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. You will see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser (or Djoser), the oldest pyramid in the world and the prototype for all subsequent pyramids. The ancient architect and sage Imhotep initially designed the pyramid as a single story, then later added five more levels and covered the structure with a shell of fine limestone. After finished, transfer to your hotel to relax or take an extra optional tour on offer.

Optional: You can add-on the Pyramids sound and light show, experience the iconic pyramids and the great Sphinx at night as they are lit with dancing lasers and visuals.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, pick up and transfer to explore Alexandria (Drive almost 3 hours). Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. Alexandria was the setting for the stormy love story between Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Marc Antony as well as a cosmopolitan gathering spot for intellectuals in the early twentieth century.

You will see the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the middle Ages. The Catacombs are the largest and most important burial site in Egypt.

Move on to visit Pompey’s pillar (Column of Diocletian), the largest Roman triumphal column constructed outside Rome or Constantinople.

Proceed to visit the Roman Amphitheater, is the only one of its type in Egypt, used by the Romans for poetry and music.

Continue to Qaitbay Fort, was erected on the exact site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Afterwards, you will stop by the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original Great library of Alexandria and built to hold over eight million books (Extra entrance fees on spot). After finished, enjoy a relaxing drive back to your hotel in Cairo and free time to relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at hotel and then pick up to visit the Egyptian museum, home to the largest collection ancient Egyptian collection of jewels, relics but the most famous is the golden treasures of king Tutankhamun. Whilst here you will have the opportunity to visit inside the Royal Mummies Hall (Extra ticket on spot).

Proceed to the Citadel of Saladin was construction in 1176, once Muhammad Ali seized power in the 1805s, he restored the citadel and built numerous government buildings inside. His masterpiece was the great Alabaster Mosque, which you’ll have the opportunity to visit Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its large dome and tall pencil-like Ottoman minarets, is one of the most prominent monuments on Cairo’s skyline to this day.

Continue to visit Coptic Cairo, encompasses the Babylon Fortress where the Hanging Church is the most famous Coptic Christian church in Cairo and the first built in Basilican style. Then the site of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga) is believed that the Holy Family visited this area and stayed here.

Get to know more of the Cairo sightseeing with a tour to the most amazing Islamic Cairo. Enjoy a walking tour to El-Moez Street, al Hakim mosque and Khan el Khalili bazaar. Back to your hotel & overnight

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Early morning, you will be transferred to Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to visit Karnak Temple, the largest cult temple built in Egypt. The magnificent Temples of Karnak, dating back over 3,500 years ago. Enjoy walking along the Avenue of Sphinxes as you enter the temple and marvel at the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive sandstone columns.

Proceed to visit Luxor temple marks the other end of the avenue of Sphinxes extends to Luxor temple. Admire the colossal statues of the great pharaoh Ramses II and the granite obelisk adorned the entrance whose original counterpart now stands in Paris’ The Place de la Concorde. Then, head inside to see the richly carved inner sanctuaries, papyrus columns and courts, the chapel dedicated to Alexander the Great, who rebuilt the room in his name.

After finished, you will be transferred to board your Nile Cruise ship in time for lunch on board then you will have free time in the afternoon to relax. In the evening, you will have time to attend the Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple (Optional tour)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast on board and then your tour guide will pick you up to discover the West bank of Luxor. Start your day visiting the two Colossi of Memnon, these two massive sandstone statues are all the remains of the funerary Temple of Amenhotep III (1386 to 1349 BC).

Proceed to visit the famous Valley of the Kings contains the once hidden tombs of over 62 Pharaohs. Each tomb has a series of corridors and ante-chambers leads us down to the burial chamber and sarcophagus at the end. The walls are covered in brightly painted images and hieroglyphs – a map of the afterlife to ensure the king’s safe passage. The ticket usually allows entry into three of the most interesting royal tombs. If you want you can visit the tomb of Tutankhamun (Extra ticket on spot).

Continue to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The Temple is one of the most striking monuments in Egypt.

Return to your cruise boat before Lunch and begin our voyage along the Nile, travelling upstream from Luxor to Aswan. Continue towards Edfu passing through the Esna Locks. It is common to have to queue to proceed through the lock, however this is a great opportunity to check out the process from deck with a cool drink in hand, and listen to the shouts of the many captains as they navigate their way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares. Settle back into the comforts of your cruise ship and make the most of the incredible views across one of the world’s greatest rivers

Note: a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is available this morning (expect an early start to catch sunrise as the balloon rises).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a return way horse & carriage ride to visit Edfu Temple. The temple of Horus at Edfu is considered to be the best preserved cult temple in Egypt. The Ptolemaic Temple was built of sandstone blocks between 237 – 57 B.C. and dedicated to the falcon headed god Horus, son of Isis and Osiris.

Return to the cruise boat where you’ll continue travelling upriver, with free time to relax on the sundeck and taking in the surrounding sights – desert hills forming a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets and farmers working their land.

On arrival, you will visit the unusual Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus the falcon god. Then, you will see the crocodile museum while some 300 crocodile mummies displayed. Return to the cruise boat & free time to relax on board while sailing to Aswan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast on board, pick up to visit the unfinished obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk, offers unusual insights into ancient Egyptian stone working techniques. Proceed to visit Aswan high dam, a rock-fill dam built across the Nile in Aswan between 1960- 1970. It creates Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

Continue with a motorboat ride to Philae Temple Island, comprises a large number of small Temples dates back to Pharaonic, Greek and Roman times. But the largest and the best preserved on the Island is the temple of the Goddess Isis.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy Felucca Ride (almost 1 hour). Enjoy a relaxing sailing aboard a Nile felucca, the traditional sailboat of Egypt used along the Nile, “Weather permits!”.

Return to the Nile cruise boat & free time to relax or join the optional Nubian Village trip by a motorboat and cruise along the Nile River through the first Cataract to a Nubian village along the way, admire sweeping views over the river. Upon arrival, visit a traditional Nubian village in Gharb Soheil. Get an insight into the culture, history, and lifestyle of one of Africa’s oldest civilizations. Enjoy a drink at one of the colorful rural houses, nestled amongst the natural scenery. Walk through the local market to get a taste of the unique culture and traditions

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembarkation after breakfast, pick up and transfer to Abu Simbel City (almost 3.5 hours’ drive). Upon arrival at Abu Simbel, you will be transferred to embark on your Lake Nasser cruise ship. Check in for 3 Nights and Lunch on board.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a fascinating tour of the impressive temples of Abu Simbel, the twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the 19th dynasty reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II. They serve as a lasting monument to the king and his queen Nefertari. Their huge external rock relief figures have become iconic. The complex was relocated in its entirety in 1968, on an artificial hill made from a domed structure, high above the Aswan High Dam reservoir.

Note: Optional flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel as upgrade is available upon request

Optional: In the evening you have the opportunity to return to the temples for the Sound and Light show.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast on board while sailing to Kasr Ibrim. View Kasr Ibrim Fortress from the sun deck (this tour is conducted from the deck of the boat as entry to the site is not permitted). Continue sailing to Amada where you will visit the Temple of Amada, Ed Deir and the Tomb of Pennut. Return to ship for lunch while continue sailing towards Wadi El Seboua. Enjoy dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, start to visit Wadi el Seboua Temple. The temple was constructed during the reign of Ramses II to celebrate his victory of Kush. The arabic name Wadi el Seboua translates as ‘Valley of the Lions’, because of the avenue of sphinxes-lined approach to the temple forecourts). After time at Wadi el Seboua you have the option of walking or camel ride to the temples of Dakka and Mehraka. In the afternoon we return to the boat and sail to Aswan where we spend our final night onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembarkation after breakfast and then enjoy a morning excursion to Kalabsha Temple, dedicated to the Nubian God Mandulis then continue to Beit el Wali to visit the beautiful Kiosk of Kertassi to explore the Nubian style Temple dedicated to the Goddess Hathor. After finished, pick up and transfer to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, pick up and transfer to your Cairo hotel and free time to relax.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, there are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart your Hotel at any time – check-out (at 12:00pm). You will be transferred to Cairo airport for departure. If you would like to spend some more time in Egypt, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Meals: Breakfast