Wonders of the Nile River Cruise: Cairo to Aswan

Tour Overview: Egypt Nile Cruise and Ancient Wonders

Embark on a journey through Egypt, a land rich with over 5,000 years of history, ancient wonders, and extraordinary cultural landmarks. This Nile cruise offers you the chance to explore the most iconic monuments of one of the oldest and most powerful civilizations in the world. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the temples and tombs along the mighty Nile River, this tour unveils Egypt’s timeless allure.

Egypt Nile Cruise – At a Glance

• Duration: 14 nights aboard the MS Darakum
• Flights: Return flights and transfers included
• Experiences: 20 included guided experiences
• Dining: Full board (all meals included)
• Tour Manager: Expert guide throughout the journey
• Luggage: 20kg+ checked luggage allowance
• Onboard Perks: Complimentary tea, coffee, bottled water, free Wi-Fi
• Visa: Not included (additional visa required)

Tour Highlights

• The Pyramids & Sphinx: Get up close to the Great Pyramids at Giza, and explore the iconic Sphinx. Enjoy a guided tour of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the oldest stone structure in the world.
• Egyptian Museum: Marvel at the Golden Mask of Tutankhamun and explore countless treasures in the world-famous Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
• Amarna: Discover the remains of Amarna, the short-lived city built by Pharaoh Akhenaten and his queen, Nefertiti. Learn about their radical religious reforms and see the tombs of their courtiers.
• Temples & Tombs: Visit some of Egypt’s most impressive temples and tombs, including:
  • Abydos: The Temple of Seti I, dedicated to the god Osiris.
  • Dendera: The Temple of Hathor, well-preserved and steeped in history.
  • Karnak & Luxor Temples: Explore the grandeur of these massive temple complexes, including the Hypostyle Hall and the Obelisk of Hatshepsut.
  • Kom Ombo: A unique double temple dedicated to Horus and Sobek (the crocodile god).
• Valley of the Kings: Explore the Valley of the Kings, where you can visit the tombs of famous Pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Also, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female Pharaoh.
• Aswan High Dam: See one of Egypt’s modern marvels, the Aswan High Dam, and learn about its impact on the region’s infrastructure.

This immersive tour will give you a comprehensive view of ancient Egyptian culture, history, and monuments, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Itinerary Details

DAY 1: DEPARTURE

• Departure: Board your direct flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to the MS Darakum, your floating home for the next 14 nights.

DAY 2: CAIRO & EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

• Morning: Visit the Hanging Church in Old Cairo, a Coptic Christian gem dating back to the 9th century.
• Explore the Coptic Museum and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
• Afternoon: Visit the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, housing over 3,500 treasures, including the famous Tutankhamun exhibition.
• Evening: Return to the MS Darakum for lunch and rest.

DAY 3: THE PYRAMIDS, SPHINX & SAQQARA

• Morning: Head to the Giza Plateau to marvel at the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. For those seeking adventure, entry to the pyramids is available (extra cost).
• Afternoon: Visit Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone structure in the world.

DAY 4: FULL DAY SAIL

• Morning & Afternoon: Begin sailing south on the Nile River, passing picturesque landscapes and small farms. Learn about Egypt’s ancient agricultural methods with a lecture on both ancient and modern Egypt.
• Evening: Arrive in Beni Suef for an overnight mooring.

DAY 5: FULL DAY SAIL

• Morning & Afternoon: Continue your journey southward. Enjoy a relaxing day on the deck, soaking in the sights of the Nile, with opportunities for sightseeing and lectures on Egypt’s rich history.
• Evening: Arrive in Minya and moor for the night.

DAY 6: BENI HASSAN TOMBS

• Morning: Explore the ancient Tuna El Gebel necropolis and the tomb of Petosiris, as well as the catacombs filled with mummified ibis and baboons.
• Afternoon: Visit the Beni Hassan Tombs, where 11th dynasty governors’ tombs offer a glimpse into ancient Egyptian daily life through vivid wall paintings.
• Evening: Return to the ship for the evening.

DAY 7: AMARNA

• Morning: Visit the site of Amarna, the ancient city founded by Pharaoh Akhenaten. Learn about the revolutionary religious reforms he introduced, including the worship of the sun god, Aten.
• Explore the tomb of Akhenaten and other courtiers, and return to the ship for lunch.
• Afternoon: Sail south to Assyut, mooring overnight.

DAY 8: FULL DAY SAIL

• Full Day: Relax and enjoy the serene journey southward, preparing for the next leg of the tour.

DAY 9: ABYDOS

• Morning: Visit Abydos, one of Egypt’s most sacred sites. Explore the Great Temple of Seti I, home to the mysterious Gallery of Kings and strange hieroglyphs resembling modern machines.
• Evening: Sail onward to Qena, mooring overnight.

DAY 10: DENDERA

• Morning: Visit the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, and admire the relief of Cleopatra and Caesarion.
• Afternoon: Continue your journey to Luxor, mooring overnight.

DAY 11: LUXOR WEST BANK

• Morning: Explore the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of pharaohs like Tutankhamun are nestled. Visit the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, the first female pharaoh.
• Afternoon: Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

DAY 12: KARNAK & LUXOR TEMPLES

• Morning: Visit the stunning Karnak Temple, with its massive Hypostyle Hall and towering columns. Discover the Obelisk of Hatshepsut, one of the world’s largest single stones.
• Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Luxor, originally connected to Karnak by the Avenue of the Sphinxes.
• Evening: Sail to Edfu, mooring overnight.

DAY 13: KOM OMBO

• Morning: Visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. Explore the sacred lake where mummified crocodiles were discovered.
• Afternoon: Sail south to Aswan and moor overnight.

DAY 14: ASWAN

• Morning: Visit the monumental Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering. Continue to the Temple of Philae, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, and take a felucca sailboat ride to Kitchener Island.
• Afternoon: Explore the Nubian Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner aboard the ship.

DAY 15: FLIGHT HOME

• Morning: Transfer to Aswan Airport for your return flight to the UK, via Cairo, concluding your unforgettable tour of Egypt.

This tour provides a comprehensive, enriching experience of Egypt’s ancient wonders, with an expert guide and plenty of opportunities to relax, reflect, and explore at your own pace.