Itinerary
- Day 1
Cairo
Your private chauffeur picks you up and drives you to Mena House Hotel in Cairo, a five-star property where you'll be staying. After you settle into your room, take a moment to relax and prepare for the journey ahead. This evening is about getting comfortable and resting up before the real exploration begins tomorrow.
- Day 2
Giza
An Egyptologist guide meets you to walk through ancient Egypt's most significant sites. You'll see the Pyramid of King Zoser at Saqqara, built over 4,700 years ago and considered the first pyramid ever constructed. Then it's on to Giza where you can view the massive statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. You'll also have the chance to go inside one of the pyramids, experiencing what these structures are like from the interior.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Saqqara with Egyptologist - Step Pyramid of Zoser
- Guided tour of Giza pyramids and Sphinx with Egyptologist
- Entry into one of the pyramids - view hieroglyphs and burial chambers
Landmarks/POIs Pyramid of King Zoser (Step Pyramid) Sphinx Statue of Ramses II Giza Pyramids - Day 3
Cairo to Luxor
Start your day at Karnak temple, walking along the avenue lined with ram-headed sphinxes leading to the Hypostyle Hall, which is the largest temple complex of its kind. Later that afternoon, you board the River Tosca, your deluxe all-suite cruise ship. This is where you'll spend the next several days while traveling the Nile, so you'll have time to get oriented with the ship and meet the crew before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Karnak temple complex with Egyptologist
- Walk the Avenue of Ram-headed Sphinxes to the Hypostyle Hall
- Board River Tosca luxury Nile cruise ship
Landmarks/POIs Karnak Temple Complex Temple of Amun - Day 4
Luxor
The day begins with a visit to the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, one of Egypt's best preserved temples with remarkable detail still visible in the structures. After returning to the River Tosca, you can choose to join a yoga class on the sundeck or meet the ship's Captain. In the evening, you'll head to the Temple of Luxor for a private after-hours tour along the Avenue of Sphinxes, experiencing the site in a quieter atmosphere without the daytime crowds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Temple of Hathor at Dendera
- After-hours VIP tour of Temple of Luxor along the Avenue of Sphinxes
Optional Activities
- Yoga class on the River Tosca sundeck
- Meet the River Tosca's Captain in the engine cabin
Landmarks/POIs Temple of Hathor Temple of Luxor - Day 5
West Bank
You cross to the West Bank to see the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous 60-foot statues from ancient times. From there, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut with its striking pillared design and colorful reliefs carved into the walls. Then you'll explore the Valley of the Kings to see royal tombs and burial chambers where pharaohs were laid to rest. Before dinner, a local family shows you how to bake traditional Egyptian sun bread, which you'll eat with Egyptian tea. Later tonight, change into a traditional galabeya for a casual Egyptian dinner and party on the river, complete with dancing and games.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Relaxed Egyptian dinner during galabeya party on the river)
Included Activities
- Visit Colossi of Memnon
- Guided tour of Temple of Hatshepsut with Egyptologist
- Guided exploration of Valley of the Kings with Egyptologist
- Visit local family home to watch traditional Egyptian sun bread baking
- Egyptian tea with freshly baked sun bread
- Galabeya party with relaxed Egyptian dinner, dancing and games on the river
Landmarks/POIs Colossi of Memnon Temple of Hatshepsut Valley of the Kings - Day 6
Aswan
Visit the double temple at Kom Ombo, dedicated to two gods, where you can see mummified crocodiles preserved inside. You'll have a choice between a private sail around Kitchener's Island in a traditional wooden felucca or exploring the lively Aswan Market for shopping. You'll also meet women from a local co-operative that supports vulnerable women in surrounding villages. In the afternoon, head to the famous Old Cataract Hotel for tea on the shaded terrace overlooking the Nile, a spot where notable figures like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie have stayed. This evening features a Nubian performance for entertainment.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Kom Ombo double temple
- Meet women of local women-owned co-operative - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience
- Afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel terrace overlooking the Nile
- Nubian performance in the evening
Optional Activities
- Private sail around Kitchener's Island in a traditional wooden felucca
- Shopping at Aswan Market for local Egyptian and African goods
- Learn about powerful women in Egypt's history from an Egyptologist (Queen Cleopatra, Queen Hatshepsut, Nefertiti)
- Cocktail demonstration and tasting of local drinks on the sundeck
Landmarks/POIs Kom Ombo Temple Kitchener's Island Aswan Market Old Cataract Hotel - Day 7
Philae
Start by seeing the Aswan High Dam and the 3,500-year-old unfinished obelisk of Hatshepsut at the Granite Quarries. You'll take a motorboat across the Nile to reach the Philae temple complex, a Nubian site that UNESCO rescued and relocated stone by stone from flood damage. Dinner features Egyptian classics, and afterward, watch the Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple, where the ancient structures are illuminated against the night sky to tell their story.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Egyptian classics)
Included Activities
- Visit Aswan High Dam
- View the 3,500-year-old unfinished obelisk of Hatshepsut
- Visit ancient Granite Quarries
- Cross Nile by motorboat to Philae temple complex
- Guided tour of Philae temple complex
- Dinner with Egyptian classics
- Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple
Landmarks/POIs Aswan High Dam Granite Quarries Philae Temple Complex - Day 8
Aswan
This morning you can relax on board the River Tosca if you'd like a quieter day, or sign up for an optional trip to Abu Simbel's temples. On the ship, an Egyptologist offers a talk about powerful women throughout Egypt's history, or you can learn to make an authentic Egyptian cocktail from the cruise staff. It's a flexible day where you can choose how to spend your time.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- View Abu Simbel's fabulous temples
- Learn about powerful women in Egypt's history from an Egyptologist
- Learn to make the perfect Egyptian cocktail
Landmarks/POIs Abu Simbel Temples - Day 9
Aswan to Luxor
A local historian shares information about Egypt's history at Esna Temple before the River Tosca sets sail back toward Luxor. You'll spend your last evening aboard the cruise ship, reflecting on the week's experiences and enjoying the company of fellow travelers and crew.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Esna Temple with local historian
- Set sail to Luxor on River Tosca
Landmarks/POIs Esna Temple - Day 10
Luxor to Cairo
Back in Cairo, visit the Alabaster Mosque and the Citadel of Salah El-Din, both impressive structures showing Egypt's diverse architectural heritage. Spend time at the Grand Egyptian Museum viewing treasures of Tutankhamun and other Pharaonic artifacts with your Egyptologist guide. Finish your trip with a celebratory drink and toast, marking the end of your time in Egypt with the experiences you've had.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Alabaster Mosque
- Visit Citadel of Salah El-Din
- Guided tour of Grand Egyptian Museum with Egyptologist
- View treasures of Tutankhamun
- Farewell drinks and toast
Landmarks/POIs Alabaster Mosque Citadel of Salah El-Din Grand Egyptian Museum - Day 11
Cairo
Your private transfer takes you from your hotel to Cairo Airport this morning, concluding your Egypt tour and Nile cruise adventure. Head home with memories of ancient temples, river cruises, and the rich history you've experienced throughout the week.
