Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Cairo
Your private chauffeur meets you for the transfer to Cairo, taking you straight to the Mena House Hotel. This five-star property is where you'll settle in and get comfortable before your tour starts. It's a nice way to begin, with time to relax and toast to the trip ahead.
- Day 2
Cairo
An Egyptologist joins you today as your guide through some serious ancient history. You'll head to Saqqara first to see the Pyramid of King Zoser up close, then check out the colossal Ramses II statue and the Alabaster Sphinx. After that, it's on to Giza where there's plenty more to take in from this era.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour with Egyptologist at Saqqara Necropolis to see the Step Pyramid of Zoser
- Visit Giza and explore inside one of the Pyramids with Egyptologist
- View the enigmatic Sphinx at Giza
- View the colossal statue of Ramses II
- View the Alabaster Sphinx
Landmarks/POIs Step Pyramid of Zoser Great Sphinx of Giza Pyramids of Giza - Day 3
Cairo to Luxor
Starting in Karnak, you'll walk down the avenue lined with ram-headed sphinxes leading to the Hypostyle Hall's columns. The scale of it is something else. From there, you head to the dock and board the River Tosca for your Nile cruise. Later this afternoon or evening, you'll settle into your cabin and get oriented aboard the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Karnak Temple Complex with Egyptologist
- Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes at Karnak
- Explore the columns of the Hypostyle Hall
- Board the River Tosca luxury Nile cruise
Landmarks/POIs Karnak Temple Complex Temple of Amun - Day 4
Luxor
The morning takes you to the Temple of Hathor at Dendera. You can either join a yoga class on the sundeck or meet with the River Tosca's Captain, depending on what appeals to you. Later in the day, you'll visit the Temple of Luxor for a private after-hours tour that lets you see it without the crowds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Temple of Hathor at Dendera
- After-hours VIP tour of Temple of Luxor
- Approach Temple of Luxor along the Avenue of Sphinxes
Optional Activities
- Yoga class on the sundeck of River Tosca
- Meet the River Tosca's Captain in the engine cabin
Landmarks/POIs Temple of Hathor Temple of Luxor - Day 5
Luxor - West Bank
This day involves three significant sites: the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Valley of the Kings. Midday, you'll watch a local family bake traditional sun bread and then sit down to have some with Egyptian tea. By evening, there's a galabeya party on board with dancing and games to wrap up the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Relaxed Egyptian dinner during galabeya party on the river)
Included Activities
- Visit Colossi of Memnon
- Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
- Guided tour of Valley of the Kings with Egyptologist
- Explore royal tombs and burial chambers in Valley of the Kings
- Visit a local family home and watch authentic Egyptian sun bread being made
- Enjoy Egyptian tea after sun bread experience
- Galabeya party with traditional Nile Valley clothing, dancing, games, and relaxed Egyptian dinner
Landmarks/POIs Colossi of Memnon Temple of Hatshepsut Valley of the Kings - Day 6
Kom Ombo to Aswan
You'll see the double-temple at Kom Ombo this morning. After that, you can either take a private sail around Kitchener's Island or head to the Aswan Market for shopping. There's also a chance to meet women from a local co-operative focused on supporting vulnerable women. Later comes afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel, followed by a Nubian performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea (Afternoon tea on the shaded terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel overlooking the Nile River)
Included Activities
- Visit Kom Ombo double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus
- Learn about powerful women in Egypt's history from Egyptologist (Cleopatra VII, Hatshepsut, Nefertiti)
- Meet women from local women-owned co-operative on MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience
- Afternoon tea at Old Cataract Hotel with views of the Nile River
- Nubian performance in the evening
Optional Activities
- Private sail on felucca around Kitchener's Island (Island of Plants)
- Shop Aswan Market for Egyptian and African goods (hibiscus flowers, souvenirs, spices, carpets)
- Cocktail demonstration with local herbs and ingredients (Sugar Cane Juice, Roselle)
Landmarks/POIs Kom Ombo Temple Kitchener's Island Aswan Market Old Cataract Hotel - Day 7
Aswan
This day covers the Aswan High Dam, the ancient Granite Quarries, and the Philae temple complex. You'll have dinner aboard with Egyptian classics, then head to the Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple in the evening. It's a full but worthwhile day along this stretch of the river.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Egyptian classics dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser
- View ancient Granite Quarries
- Visit Philae temple complex by motorboat
- Walk amidst ancient columns of Philae temple
- Egyptian dinner
- Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple
Landmarks/POIs Aswan High Dam Granite Quarries Philae Temple Complex - Day 8
Aswan
The morning is yours to choose how to spend it. Relax on the River Tosca if you prefer, or arrange to visit Abu Simbel's temples if you want more sightseeing. An Egyptologist can share stories about powerful women in Egypt's history, or if that's not your interest, learn how to make a proper Egyptian cocktail instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- View Abu Simbel temples
- Learn about powerful women in Egypt's history from Egyptologist
- Cocktail demonstration - how to make the perfect Egyptian cocktail
Landmarks/POIs Abu Simbel Temples - Day 9
Esna to Luxor
A local historian walks you through the treasures at Esna Temple. From there, you set sail back toward Luxor. Tonight is your last evening aboard the River Tosca, so it's a good time to take in the atmosphere and reflect on what you've seen along the Nile.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Esna Temple with local historian
- Set sail to Luxor from Esna
Landmarks/POIs Esna Temple - Day 10
Luxor to Cairo
Back in Cairo, you'll check out the Alabaster Mosque and the Citadel of Salah El-Din, taking in their historic architecture. After that, an Egyptologist takes you through the priceless treasures of Tutankhamun. These two sites give you a final dose of Egypt's layered history before you head home.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Alabaster Mosque
- Visit Citadel of Salah El-Din
- View treasures of Tutankhamun with Egyptologist
- Walk through world-renowned collection of Pharaonic antiquities
Landmarks/POIs Alabaster Mosque Citadel of Salah El-Din - Day 11
Departure from Cairo
Your tour ends with style. A private transfer picks you up and takes you to Cairo Airport for your departure. It's a smooth finish to your time exploring Egypt and cruising the Nile.
