PREMIUM PRIVATE TOUR: Cross the Tropic of Cancer, cruising Lake Nasser from the spectacular temple of Abu Simbel to Aswan, on board a decadent cruise ship. Also discover the hidden gems of the Temple of Amada and the ancient wonders of Luxor on this 11 day tour of Egypt which starts and ends in Cairo, home to the legendary Pyramids of Giza.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Egypt
Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! Arrival Cairo and included transfer to your hotel. The remainder of today is at your leisure to relax or explore Cairo your way. Consider heading out for dinner at one of the restaurants offering views over the Nile River and city, or head to the sound and light show at the pyramids this evening.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Pyramids & Saqqara
We begin our journey with a tour of the impressive Pyramids at Giza, the planet’s oldest tourist attraction. The largest is Khufu (Cheops), constructed from 2.5 million quarried limestone blocks, weighing in at a mammoth 6 million tonnes. We continue to the famous Egyptian Museum to view the immaculately preserved treasures of King Tutankhamun and his legendary funerary mask.
This afternoon, we continue to The Citadel. This monumental Islamic-era fortification, in the heart of Cairo, was once the seat of government from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Here, we'll visit the beautiful Mosque of Muhammed Ali, built in the 1830's this remarkable structure is made from alabaster stone and is a smaller version of the Blue Mosque, found in Istanbul.
Later today, we visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses a giant exhibition containing the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Many pieces on show are being displayed for the first time and artefacts have been brought together from across Egypt and the world to this one location. The museum also makes use of new technology, including virtual reality. Note: The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to open in 2020, though an official date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum this morning instead.
Overnight: Cairo
Abu Simbel
Cairo – Abu Simbel. This morning we'll take a short domestic flight to Abu Simbel, possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, built to revere the mighty King Ramses II. Here, we'll board our 5 star cruiser and have lunch on board before embarking on a guided tour of the mighty temples of Abu Simbel. Afternoon tea is served back on the sundeck watching the sunset, before watching an Abu Simbel Sound & Light show this evening.
Overnight: Onboard Cruiser - Abu Simbel | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Nasser cruising
Abu Simbel – Lake Nasser. A modern feat of engineering, the High Dam contains 18 times the amount of material used in the construction of Cheops, the largest pyramid at Giza. The by-product for this awesome construction is Lake Nasser – the world’s largest artificial lake. This morning we set sail on Lake Nasser. The first of many hidden gems you'll see is Kasr Ibrim, an ancient Nubian citadel. Information about the site is provided from the ship’s sundeck as entrance to the site is not permitted. En route to Wadi El Seboua, we’ll explore the Temple of Amada, the oldest of Lake Nasser's monuments and home to some of the most fine and vibrant reliefs.
Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, you might wish to enjoy a cocktail or listen to the live music performances in the lounge bar onboard.
Overnight: Onboard Cruiser - Wadi El Seboua | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wadi el Seboua
This morning we explore the temple of Wadi El Seboua, which was dedicated by Ramses II to the two Gods Amon Ra and Ra Harmakis. The temple features a sphinx-lined avenue and was once converted to a church by early Christians.
Returning to our ship, relax as we glide along the water, crossing the Tropic of Cancer, bound for the Nubian city of Aswan.
Overnight: Onboard Cruiser - Aswan | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Philae Temple
Lake Nasser – Aswan. Early this morning we make a stop at the Temple of Kalabsha. Originally built in 30BC and dedicated to the Nubian sun god Mandulis, it was moved in 1970 to its current location due to rising water levels. Reaching Aswan, we disembark and later today enjoy a trip to the mighty High Dam and Philae Temple. Philae was originally the site of an ancient temple complex that had to be dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island, after flooding caused by the High Dam project.
Overnight: Aswan | Breakfast
Kom Ombo Temple
Aswan – Luxor. Today we depart Aswan and travel onwards to Luxor. We'll stop en route to visit the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-headed god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Karnak Temple & the Valley of the Kings
We'll start day 8 with a visit to Karnak Temple, a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods. Our next stop is Luxor Temple – built by Pharaoh Amenophis III.
On day 9, we’ll tour the Valley of the Kings, where we explore the myriad of tombs. We'll also visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, often considered one of the impressive architectural achievements of the ancient world. We'll end our touring today with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two huge statues of Amenhotep II.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast x 2
Return to Cairo & free time...
Luxor – Cairo. We fly back to Cairo today. You'll have some free time for a spot of last minute souvenir shopping or perhaps consider a city tour of old Islamic Cairo.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Cairo
After a hearty breakfast your incredible journey through the land of the Pharaoh's has come to an end. A transfer will be provided to the airport for your onward flight. Should you wish to book another night to explore more of the city, please enquire.
For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.
Breakfast
Fishing on Lake Nasser
Lake Nasser boasts the best Nile Perch fishing in the world! The largest recorded catch within the Egyptian boundary was in 2007, with the giant weighing 72kg and tipping 1.43m in length.
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The single supplement price needs to be added to the per person price where single rooms are required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Sonesta Hotel Cairo, Cairo
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.
Movenpick M/S Prince Abbas, Lake Nasser
The Mövenpick MS Prince Abbas offers a great chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Nasser. Discover magnificent temples and tombs of the ancient world on your cruise down ancient Egyptian history. 65 cabins, incorporating junior suites and Royal suites are furnished to make your stay comfortable. Work out in the gym or just take in the view from your room or outside areas. Cruises leave from either Aswan or Abu Simbel.
Movenpick Hotel, Aswan, Aswan
Situated on Elephantine Island, the Movenpick is a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Nile River. There is a range of spacious and luxurious rooms with stylish furnishings, private balconies or terraces and a great selection of amenities including WiFi, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The Movenpick offers three restaurants as well as the Lounge Bar and Panorama Bar. Guests can also make use of the outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
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.
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor
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.
In Brief
