Discover Egypt on this 8-day tour, taking you through the most iconic landmarks, and offering a comprehensive exploration of ancient history, culture, and the majestic Nile River. Starting in Cairo, you’ll visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, before flying to Aswan to board a Nile River cruise. Along the way, explore temples such as Philae, and Karnak, and experience the grandeur of Luxor’s Valley of the Kings. Enjoy guided visits to ancient sites, scenic boat rides on the Nile, and free time to relax. This comprehensive itinerary offers a well-rounded experience of Egypt’s ancient wonders, combining iconic landmarks with the tranquil beauty of the Nile, ensuring a memorable journey through one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Highlights
Marvel at the iconic Great Sphinx and Giza Pyramids
Explore the Valley of Kings, home to ancient pharaohs' tombs
Delve into ancient artifacts at Cairo's renowned Egyptian Museum
Sail on the Nile, and experience the beauty of Egypt
Visit the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt's most well-preserved ancient monuments
Admire well-preserved carvings and stunning island setting of Philae Temple
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, a representative greets you and assists with the immigration process. After, transfer to your hotel in Cairo and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Welcome to Egypt!
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided tour to explore the Pyramids of Giza—Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus—one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Each pyramid is made of over 2.3 million blocks, with each block weighing around two and a half tons. Standing before such massive structures, it's hard not to feel the awe that has inspired writers and artists for centuries. The Cheops Pyramid is fascinating, as its interior burial chambers are open to the public. Nearby is the Great Sphinx of Giza, dating back to the time of Chephren (2620 BC). This iconic statue, carved from yellowish limestone, stands 65 feet high and 187 feet long, featuring the head of a Pharaoh and the body of a lion. After your visit, you can stop by a papyrus institute or a perfume shop.
Take a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Egyptian Museum for another memorable experience. Established by the Egyptian government in 1835, the museum's current building was completed in 1900, and designed by French architect Marcel Dourgnon in a neoclassical style. The museum houses over 120,000 artifacts, spanning from the pre-historic era to the Greco-Roman period. The ground floor features large statues, while the upper floor displays smaller statues, jewels, and treasures.
We are very excited to share that the Grand Egyptian Museum has opened and a visit can be arranged. Please note that at this time, visitors are only allowed to visit for short time periods and only a few displays are open. While King Tut's artifacts still remain at the original Egyptian Museum, we recommend keeping this visit.
Day 3: Fly to Luxor | Deir el-Bahari | Valley of The Kings | Embark on Nile River Cruise | Karnak & Luxor Temple
After an early breakfast in Cairo, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin your tour with a visit to Deir el-Bahari, the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This remarkable structure, built into the cliffs of the Theban mountains, was designed to honor the queen, who declared herself pharaoh, and to associate her with the sun god, Amun-Ra. The temple’s terraces and statues are aligned with the sun’s path, symbolizing her divine rule.
Head to the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of many New Kingdom pharaohs. Explore three of the famous tombs, which are adorned with vivid wall paintings and intricate carvings that offer insights into the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife.
This afternoon, you'll be welcomed onboard for an exquisite cruising experience followed by Lunch. After settling into your cabin, visit the Karnak Temple complex, one of the largest and most impressive religious sites in Egypt. The vast temple is home to monumental columns and detailed hieroglyphics that reveal the power and devotion of the pharaohs who built it over centuries.
Next, head to Luxor Temple. This remarkable site played an important role in royal ceremonies, including the coronation of pharaohs. The temple’s architecture, with its towering obelisks and grand entrance, offers a powerful sense of Egypt’s ancient glory.
After your day of exploration, return to the ship for a delicious dinner on board. Spend the night in Luxor, relaxing and preparing for the next day's adventures.
*Please note that cruise itineraries are subject to change without notice. Cruise routes vary depending on your travel dates.
Day 4: Nile River Cruise: West Bank | Colossi of Memnon | Queen Hatshepsut Temple | Edfu
Start your day with breakfast on board before heading to the West Bank of the Nile. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll explore the tombs of ancient pharaohs, including that of Tutankhamun. Continue to the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III’s temple. Finally, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an impressive structure built into the cliffs, dedicated to Egypt’s first female pharaoh.
After, return to the ship for lunch and sail to Edfu. Onboard you'll have the opportunity for afternoon tea, or enjoy a cocktail on the sundeck where you can relax and socialize with other guests.
Overnight in Edfu.
Day 5: Nile River Cruise: Temple of Edfu | Kom Ombo | Aswan
After a relaxing breakfast on board, disembark to visit the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt's most well-preserved ancient monuments. This impressive temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, is renowned for its massive stone walls and intricate carvings, which vividly depict ancient Egyptian mythology and rituals.
Following your visit to Edfu, return to the ship for lunch as you sail towards Kom Ombo. Once in Kom Ombo, you’ll have free time to explore the Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual double temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. The temple is uniquely divided into two symmetrical halves, each dedicated to one of the gods.
After exploring Kom Ombo, return to the ship and continue your journey as the boat sails toward Aswan, passing through beautiful Nile scenery. Later in the evening, participate in the lively Galabya Party, featuring Egyptian music, dancing, and an upbeat atmosphere, making it a fun and memorable way to experience Egyptian culture.
After the festivities, relax and unwind in your cabin, enjoying a peaceful overnight stay in Aswan, ready for the next day’s adventures.
Day 6: Nile River Cruise: Aswan | Philae Temple | Botanical Garden
Start your day with breakfast before visiting the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that controls the Nile’s flow and provides power to Egypt. Then, explore the unfinished Obelisk, a giant stone monument left in its quarry, offering insight into ancient Egyptian construction techniques. Finally, visit Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and admire its well-preserved carvings and stunning island setting.
Return to the ship for a relaxing lunch as you continue cruising along the Nile.
This afternoon, enjoy a scenic felucca ride to Kitchener’s Island to visit the Botanical Garden. Wander through lush plant life, surrounded by the beauty of the Nile, offering a peaceful and picturesque escape.
Back on board the ship, enjoy a refreshing tea on the sundeck. Later, experience a Nubian Show, featuring traditional music and dance, providing a colorful glimpse into the Nubian culture. Afterward, enjoy dinner with your fellow cruise mates.
On your last day on the Nile River, pick up your breakfast boxes early in the morning before checking out and disembarking from the cruise ship.
The rest of the day is to relax and enjoy some free time. You might choose to explore the city at your own pace, visit local markets, or take a stroll along the Nile’s banks. Alternatively, unwind in a café or shop for last-minute souvenirs to bring home. Aswan offers a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of other major cities, making it a perfect place to unwind before your departure.
Later in the day, you’ll be transferred to Aswan International Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Once in Cairo, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure in Cairo. Whether you choose to rest at your hotel or explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, prepare to say goodbye to Egypt.
Day 8: Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel transferred to the international airport for your departing flight home. Alternatively, talk to your Adventure Life Trip planner about extending your trip to Egypt or visiting nearby countries like Jordan.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.