Egypt in Depth — 9-Day Nile Cruise & Cairo

Cairo · 9 days · 8 nights · shared departure for 4–12 travellers · from $1390 per person

Egypt's greatest hits in one shared, fully guided trip — and you only pay once the group is confirmed. Begin in Cairo with Memphis, Saqqara and Old Cairo, the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza, then fly south to Luxor to board a four-night Nile cruise calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Domestic flights and all sightseeing are included, so the logistics are handled end to end.

You travel with a licensed Egyptologist throughout and stay in hand-picked hotels and cruise boats across three comfort tiers, finishing with Philae Temple, the High Dam and a final evening in the lanes of Khan El Khalili.

Upcoming departures

  • November 13, 2026 – November 21, 2026 at 09:00 — 2 of 12 seats taken, forming — 2 more travellers to confirm
  • December 11, 2026 – December 19, 2026 at 09:00 — 0 of 12 seats taken, forming — 4 more travellers to confirm
  • January 15, 2027 – January 23, 2027 at 09:00 — 0 of 12 seats taken, forming — 4 more travellers to confirm
  • February 19, 2027 – February 27, 2027 at 09:00 — 0 of 12 seats taken, forming — 4 more travellers to confirm
  • March 12, 2027 – March 20, 2027 at 09:00 — 0 of 12 seats taken, forming — 4 more travellers to confirm
  • April 16, 2027 – April 24, 2027 at 09:00 — 0 of 12 seats taken, forming — 4 more travellers to confirm

Every date needs 4 travellers to be confirmed (the GoAhead). Hold a seat free — a deposit is only charged once the date confirms. Don't see your day? Start your own date on this page; our team reviews it before it opens.

Itinerary

  1. Arrival in Cairo — Welcome to Egypt. On arrival at Cairo International Airport you'll be met by our representative, who assists with immigration formalities and luggage before transferring you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to settle in, with a welcome dinner together at a local restaurant in the evening.
  2. Memphis, Saqqara & Old Cairo — After breakfast, explore the cradle of ancient Egypt. Stand in Memphis, the country's first capital, then walk among the tombs of Saqqara and the Step Pyramid of Djoser — the oldest stone monument in the world. After a traditional local lunch, wander Old Cairo, including the Hanging Church and the historic Coptic district.
  3. Egyptian Museum & the Giza Pyramids — After breakfast, discover Egypt's most famous landmarks. Begin at the Egyptian Museum among the treasures of the pharaohs, then drive to the Giza plateau for the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Valley Temple. In the evening, gather for dinner at a local restaurant.
  4. Fly to Luxor & the East Bank — An early-morning flight brings you to Luxor. On arrival, explore the East Bank's great temples — the vast complex of Karnak with its avenue of sphinxes, and the elegant riverside Luxor Temple. Board your Nile cruise before lunch and settle into your cabin as the river slips by.
  5. Luxor's West Bank — After breakfast, cross to Luxor's legendary West Bank. Enter the painted royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, stand before the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut set against the cliffs, and pause at the towering Colossi of Memnon. Return to the cruise and begin sailing south.
  6. Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples — After breakfast, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu — the best-preserved temple in Egypt — then return to the cruise and continue sailing. In the afternoon, step ashore at Kom Ombo, the unusual double temple shared by the gods Sobek and Horus on a bend of the Nile, before sailing on toward Aswan.
  7. Leisure in Aswan — A relaxed day in beautiful Aswan. Set sail on a traditional felucca, the lateen-rigged boat that has plied the Nile for centuries, and gliding past Elephantine Island and the Aga Khan Mausoleum. The rest of the day is free to explore the colourful Aswan market and souq at your own pace.
  8. Philae Temple, the High Dam & fly to Cairo — Disembark after breakfast. Boat across to Philae Temple, the island sanctuary of Isis rescued from the rising waters, then take in the Aswan High Dam that created Lake Nasser. Transfer to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo, where the evening brings a visit to the lively lanes of the Khan El Khalili bazaar.
  9. Departure — After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you leave Egypt with unforgettable memories — and look forward to welcoming you back.

Included

  • Arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Domestic flights Cairo → Luxor and Aswan → Cairo
  • 4 nights Cairo hotel and 4 nights Nile cruise (full board)
  • 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners — including 3 dinners at local restaurants
  • Licensed Egyptologist guide throughout
  • Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to every site in the itinerary
  • Memphis, Saqqara, Old Cairo, the Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
  • Karnak & Luxor Temples, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon
  • Edfu & Kom Ombo temples, Philae Temple & the Aswan High Dam
  • Felucca sail in Aswan and a Khan El Khalili bazaar visit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Egypt entry visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Optional activities (e.g. hot air balloon)
  • Tipping and gratuities

Meeting point

Cairo International Airport — you'll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Operated by an operator registered with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities and verified by Sawa Tours.