Alexandria, Classical Egypt & Nile Cruise
Take in the best of Egypt on this 14-day tour and relax on a 5-star Nile cruise. Discover awe-inspiring ancient wonders and see the highlights of Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan. Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza, visit the beautiful Philae Temple, explore pharaoh’s tombs at the Valley of the Kings and more.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Cairo
Day 1 Cairo
Welcome to Egypt. Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, you'll be met and transferred to our hotel. Here begins your Egyptian adventure! There will be a welcome meeting held at the hotel at 7pm.
Day 2 Alexandria sightseeing
Day 2 Alexandria sightseeing
Cairo – Alexandria. This morning we make our way along the beautiful Mediterranean coast heading to the port city of Alexandria. On a guided tour we explore the ancient Roman Catacombs, heading underground to set our sights on the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt. From here we visit Pompey’s Pillar and see the incredible Library of Alexandria (exterior) and make our way to Citadel of Qaitbay. This fortress was built on the site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world. As we end our guided tour, we head back to our hotel to freshen up before our tasty evening meal.
Day 3 El Alamein
Day 3 El Alamein
Alexandria – Cairo. After breakfast this morning, we visit the El Alamein. The ground of this Commonwealth War Graves speaks of the battles fought here during World War II. We pay respect to the 13,000 Allied soldiers that were killed in this battle. Later, we continue our tour with a visit to the El Alamein military museum that acts as a memorial for the battle and houses many of the war relics, where we learn the complete history of World War II in North Africa. Once our tour ends, we return to Cairo.
Day 4 Free Time in Cairo
Day 4 Free Time in Cairo
Today is spent at leisure, you can explore Egypt’s capital as you please. Perhaps visit the lesser-known sights of the city by taking our optional Backstreet of Cairo tour. On this tour wander down El Moez Street in Islamic Cairo, visit Garbage City and the famous Cave Church of St. Simon.
Day 5 Pyramids of Giza
Day 5 Pyramids of Giza
Today brings us a full day of touring, we will start with the incredible pyramids and the iconic Sphinx at The Giza Plateau. The Pyramids of Giza are the sole surviving Ancient Wonders of the World and oldest tourist attraction. Perhaps opt to ride a camel. Later we make our way to the necropolis of Saqqara, where we discover the myriad of tombs and temples and see Zhoser’s step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh's chief architect in 2700 BC.
Day 6 Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 6 Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo – Luxor. This morning we join our guided tour of the incredible new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. The museum houses an astonishing collection of relics and antiquities from most of ancient Egyptian history, including King Tutankhamun’s treasures and many other exhibits will be displayed for the first time. Later, we make our way to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to visit the incredible Royal Mummies’ Hall, displaying the bodies of well-preserved ancient kings and queens. We return to the hotel after our excursion to enjoy some free time by the pool before we board an overnight sleeper train.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Day 7 Luxor & Dendera
Day 7 Luxor & Dendera
We arrive in Luxor this morning and drive 60km north to Dendera. Dendera is one of Egypt’s best-preserved temple complexes and covers an astonishing 40,000 square meters. The temples, shrines and chapels in this vast complex were gradually built across thousands of years. The main pinnacle of Dendera is the 2000-year-old Temple of Hathor with its beautifully inscribed ceiling. Returning to Luxor, the afternoon is free to spend at leisure. Enjoy a dip in the pool and soak up the sunshine or take a stroll around town. This evening there's an optional excursion to the beautiful Temple of Luxor.
Day 8 Valley of the Kings & Karnak Temple
Day 8 Valley of the Kings & Karnak Temple
Early morning, we cross to Luxor’s West Bank of the Nile and set our sights on the 18m-high colossi of Memnon, all that remains of the temple of the hedonistic Amenophis III. Next stop is the famous Valley of the Kings, where we explore some of the beautifully decorated pharaoh’s tombs. Then we travel on to the striking limestone, colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s finest monuments.
Mid-afternoon we return to the East Bank and check-in on board a 5-star Nile cruise that will be our home for the next four nights. Grab lunch and relax on board, late afternoon we head out to visit the colossal Temple of Karnak. The spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, are all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers.
Day 9 Nile Cruising
Day 9 Nile Cruising
Nile cruising. This morning we sail downstream. Take the day to relax on deck and go for a swim, soak up the sunshine and take in the stunning view as we cruise the River Nile.
Day 10 Kom Ombo Temple
Day 10 Kom Ombo Temple
Nile Cruising - Aswan. We spend another day onboard our cruiser, relax as we sail the Nile to the Temple of Kom Ombo and then onto Aswan. Dedicated to the Crocodile God Sobek and Falcon God Horus, everything in the temple is perfectly symmetrical along the main axis including twin halls, courts, colonnades, sanctuaries and entrances. We arrive into Aswan this evening.
Day 11 Aswan, Abu Simbel & the Philae Temple
Day 11 Aswan, Abu Simbel & the Philae Temple
This morning is free to spend at leisure or take an optional early morning excursion to the Temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel. Possibly the most incredible temple of all ancient Egypt, guarded by the four famous colossal statues of Ramses II. Please see our Abu Simbel by Road add-on for more info.
This afternoon we visit the beautiful Philae Temple, a sacred temple dedicated to the most revered and beloved goddess Isis. Most of the temple's complex structure was completed by Ptolemy II and the Romans up to 3rd century AD. To preserve the temple from the rising water of Lake Nassar, UNESCO stepped in and started a mission to have the entire temple relocated and placed 20m higher on to nearby Agilika Island.
Day 12 Aswan at leisure
Day 12 Aswan at leisure
Aswan – Cairo. Disembark the Nile Cruiser and spend the day leisure, discovering Aswan at your own speed. Perhaps head over and pay a visit to the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote the novel Death on the Nile. This afternoon, we board the overnight train (twin berth sleeper cabins provided) for our journey back to Cairo.
Day 13 Cairo - Old City tour or relax
Day 13 Cairo - Old City tour or relax
We arrive in Cairo this morning, check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure, have a relaxing day by the pool or join an optional tour visiting Old Cairo, Coptic Cairo and the Citadel of Saladin.
Day 14 Cairo
Day 14 Cairo
Wednesday. This morning our tour comes to an end. Bid your fellow travellers farewell before an included transfer to airport.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Le Metropole is one of the oldest in Alexandria and is a superb example of 18th century architecture. The rooms are are cozy and well appointed.
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.
Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
The M/S Medea is elegantly furnished with rich fabrics, wood panelling and classic style furniture, offering a refined setting for your Nile cruise. The restaurant offers 120 covers with a combination of waiter service and buffet meals which allows to sample both Egyptian and international cuisine. The spacious lounge bar is tastefully furnished with Chesterfield sofas and offers panoramic views of the Nile River.
M/S La Traviata has proved be a long term favourite with many regular Nile cruise guests. The cosy restaurant on the lower deck serves 88 guests and serves both - international and Egyptian cuisine. Lounge bar with dance floor and music system for evening entertainment. The sundeck offers a pool as well as sun loungers and a shaded area. The reception offers full services including an international phone. The gift shop on board has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs from Egypt.
M/S Miriam is a beautiful Nile cruise boat offering 59 spacious cabins. Onboard you'll find a fantastic restaurant serving both international and Egyptian cuisine. As your cruiser makes it's way along the mighty Nile river, take the opportunity to relax on deck and watch the changing scenery or perhaps indulge in a book.
Tour Reviews
Excellent tour & guide. Nader Nasr was extremely knowledgeable, considerate & very patient. He Made our tour group feel very special & fun. Except feeling overcharged compared to other people in our tour group for the Abu Simbel day & the horrid train trip, it was a fantastic experience.
Aamer Ibrahim was fabulous. This is the fourth time I've traveled with OTG and Aamer is the best tour guide I've had through this tour company.
Extras and add-ons
Abu Simbel by Road
Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, staring out across Lake Nasser.
Backstreets of Cairo
Discover some of Cairo’s most fascinating neighbourhoods and get off the beaten track on this Backstreets of Cairo tour. Stroll through the bustling Downtown and explore the beautiful mosques and monuments of Islamic Cairo’s spectacular El Moez Street, before bartering for goods at Khan el Khalili Bazaar. Then learn about the life of the Zabbaleen waste pickers before visiting the famous Cave Church of St Simon.
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