Splendours of Egypt & the Nile

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo, Egypt

Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your luxury hotel for the start of your Egyptian adventure. Settle in and take some time to relax after your journey. Get ready to discover the fascinating history and culture of Egypt over the coming days.

Day 2: Cairo

Explore Cairo with a local expert, beginning at the historic Citadel of Salah Al-Din, which offers beautiful views across the city. Visit the impressive Alabaster Mosque before heading to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of ancient Egyptian treasures. It’s a fascinating introduction to the country’s rich history.

Day 3: Cairo to Luxor & Dendera

Fly to Luxor and visit the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, where towering columns and ancient statues reveal the grandeur of Egypt’s past. Afterwards, board your luxury river ship and begin cruising along the Nile towards Dendera. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception, dinner and a traditional Egyptian dance performance.

Day 4: Dendera & Luxor

Step ashore in Dendera to explore the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the ancient Egyptian goddess of love and beauty. Continue to Luxor, where the impressive Temple of Luxor reveals centuries of history through its statues, columns and grand courtyards. Return to the ship and enjoy the scenery as your journey along the Nile continues.

Day 5: Valley of the Kings & Kom Ombo

Discover some of Egypt’s most remarkable ancient sites, beginning with the towering Colossi of Memnon and the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut. Continue to the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were buried in elaborate tombs decorated with ancient inscriptions. Later, sail towards Kom Ombo and enjoy a lively Egyptian-themed evening onboard.

Day 6: Kom Ombo & Aswan

Visit the unusual Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to two ancient gods, including Sobek, the crocodile god. Continue towards Aswan, where you’ll enjoy a peaceful sail aboard a traditional felucca on the Nile. Finish the afternoon with tea at the famous Old Cataract Hotel, known for its connection to Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile.

Day 7: Aswan

Spend the day discovering Aswan’s fascinating landmarks, beginning with the impressive Aswan High Dam and the ancient Unfinished Obelisk. Visit the beautiful Philae Temple Complex, which was carefully relocated to protect it from rising waters. Later, enjoy a boat excursion along the Nile to spot local birdlife before returning onboard for an evening of traditional Nubian entertainment.

Day 8: Aswan & Cruising the Nile

Enjoy a more relaxed day in Aswan, with time to unwind onboard and take in the beautiful scenery along the Nile. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, famous for their enormous statues and remarkable ancient architecture. Later, continue cruising towards Edfu.

Day 9: Esna & Luxor

Discover the Temple of Khnum in Esna, one of Egypt’s last great ancient temples, known for its beautifully decorated columns and fascinating hieroglyphics. Learn about its history with your Egyptologist guide before returning to the ship. Spend the afternoon enjoying the changing scenery as you cruise back towards Luxor.

Day 10: Luxor to Cairo

After breakfast, disembark your river ship in Luxor and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Settle into your luxury hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. You can relax or head out to discover more of the city before the final day of sightseeing.

Day 11: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx & Sakkara

Experience one of the highlights of your journey with a visit to the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Stand before these incredible ancient monuments and discover the stories behind their construction and importance to Egyptian history. Continue to Sakkara to see the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the earliest monumental stone structures in Egypt.

Day 12: Depart Cairo

Enjoy your final morning in Cairo as your journey through ancient Egypt comes to an end. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travel, with airport transfers available for guests who have arranged them. Leave with memories of magnificent temples, ancient pyramids and unforgettable experiences along the Nile.

Terms and Conditions

INCLUDES: accommodation in a Riverview stateroom on the S.S. Sphinx or the River Tosca and the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or at the Nile Ritz-Carlton (or similar), 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners, Welcome and Farewell Receptions, complimentary house wine, local beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served during lunch and dinner onboard, 8 days of excursions (all fully hosted by English-speaking trained Egyptologists), cultural enrichment, gratuities for onboard personnel, 24-hour room service, laundry and Wi-Fi.

SAVE R17,000 – 12 Days From R100,000 per person sharing