Egypt - Nile River Cruise including Cairo & Hurghada
Your Guided Group Holiday To Egypt
Sail with us down the Nile River and through Egypt on this unique holiday that combines the exotic beauty of Cairo and the vibrant resort of Hurghada with an unforgettable 7-night cruise. Our holiday begins in the magnificent city of Cairo, where we’ll absorb the ancient sites including a full day city tour, a visit to the Egyptian Museum and a trip to the Khan El Khalili bazaar. We’ll also pay a visit to Egypt’s most iconic sites: the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Next, we’ll embark on a relaxing river cruise down the Nile with a range of excursions along the way including the Temple of Horus, the Valley of Kings, the High Dam and the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Finally, we’ll enjoy a 3-night stay in Hurghada, the beautiful beach resort town stretching 40km along Egypt’s Red Sea coast.
Please note
- Visas are required for travel on this tour. Please visit our visa information page for more information.
- For departures from Edinburgh outbound and return flights will be via Istanbul.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Busy
Day
Travel to Egypt
Depart For Cairo
Depart for your flight to Cairo.(Please note some departures operate via Istanbul)
On arrival in Cairo you will be met by our local representative before transferring to your hotel. (For late night/early morning arrivals hotel rooms will be ready for check in on arrival)
Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum
The Pyramids of Giza
Following a leisurely breakfast depart your hotel for an excursion to the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The three pyramids and the sphinx, a mythical statue with the body of a lion and the face of a man, are considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Grand Egyptian Museum
Following lunch at a local restaurant we will enjoy an excursion to the Grand Egyptian Museum. This museum is home to an extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities ranging from the pre-historic era to the Greco Roman period and includes the magnificent Tutankhamen Collection.
Please note - The Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to be open fully in early 2025. In the meantime 12 of the main galleries are open to the public.
Cairo and El Khalili Bazaar
Cairo & El Khalili Bazaar
After breakfast check out and depart your hotel for a panoramic city tour of Cairo before arriving at the Khan el Khalili Bazaar, one of the most popular oriental markets. Its shops display a wonderful collection of brassware, rich textiles and other attractive oriental products.
Fly to Luxor
Transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. On arrival transfer to the pier for embarkation of your 7 night Nile Cruise.
Overnight Nile Cruise
Evening meal and overnight on board your cruise.
Luxor to Edfu
Nile West Bank
After breakfast you will visit the Necroplis of Thebes located on the West Bank of the Nile. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains many funerary temples erected by kings and nobility to perform religious rituals for the spirits of the dead. Your visit this morning will include the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Sail to Edfu
Lunch will be served on board your ship before sailing onwards to Edfu via Esna Lock.
Overnight Nile Cruise
Evening meal and overnight in Edfu on board your cruise.
Edfu to Aswan
Temple of Edfu
This morning join us on a short coach transfer for a visit to the Ptolemaic Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus the falcon-headed God and built between 237 and 57 BC.
Temple of Kom Ombo
After lunch on board visit the Temple of Kom Ombo which is dedicated to the two Gods, Sobek (The Crocodile God) and Haroeris, famous for its twin entrance halls and sanctuaries.
Overnight Nile Cruise
Evening meal and overnight in Aswan on board your cruise.
Aswan
High Dam & Philae Temple
After breakfast on board enjoy a visit to the High Dam and Philae Temple. Dedicated to the Goddess Isis the Philae Temple was dismantled and reassembled on Agilika Island (about 550m from this original home on Philae Island) after the High Dam caused rivers to rise close to the historic site
Nubian Village Visit
After lunch enjoy a leisurely motor boat trip around Elephantine Island, the oldest inhabited area in Aswan, with a visit to the Nubian Village on Seheil Island included. Discover the hospitality & traditional way of life of the Nubians as you visit their homes and markets.
Overnight Nile Cruise
Evening meal and overnight in Aswan on board your cruise.
Aswan & Felucca Trip and Optional Temple Of Philae Sound & Light Show
At Leisure
Enjoy breakfast and a morning at leisure on board your Nile Cruise.
Experience a Felucca Sailing Trip
After lunch enjoy a Felucca (traditional wooden sailing boat) trip around the islands. Sail by The Aga Khan Mausoleum which is built in the style of the Fatimid tombs in Islamic Egypt .
Overnight Nile Cruise
Evening meal and overnight in Aswan on board your cruise.
Please Note: Optional Temple Of Philae Sound & Light Show
Optional evening excursion to the Temple of Philae Sound & Light Show. This hour long show, narrated by Egyptian gods & goddesses, brings the magical temple back to life as they tell their stories through music, light and sound. Return transfers from your cruise, with guide assistance, included. Please note that optional excursions are subject to minimum numbers.
Aswan to Edfu
At Leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure sailing from Aswan to Edfu, via Kom Ombo.
Overnight Nile Cruise
Evening meal and overnight in Edfu on board your cruise.
Edfu to Luxor
At Leisure
Enjoy breakfast and a morning at leisure on board your Nile Cruise as you sail to Luxor via the Esna Lock.
Luxor & Karnak Temples
After lunch on board visit Luxor and Karnak Temples. The Luxor Temple was built by Amenophis III as a private residence for Amun and Karnak Temple is a complex covering 100 acres and 13 centuries of history
Overnight Nile Cruise
Evening meal and overnight in Luxor on board your cruise.
Luxor to Hurghada
Luxor to Hurghada
Breakfast will be served on board your ship before disembarking in Luxor for your coach transfer to Hurghada. (Journey 280km / 4 hrs approx)
Overnight in Hurghada
Evening meal and overnight in your hotel.
Hurghada
Free Time in Hurghada
Enjoy a full day of relaxation at your resort hotel with facilities that include access to a private beach, three swimming pools and a variety of dining options.
Hurghada
Explore Hurghada at Your Own Pace
You will have today at leisure for some last minute shopping and sightseeing of your choice.
Return Home
Depart Egypt
Early morning transfer from your hotel to Hurghada airport for your return flight, via Cairo.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
Customer Reviews
Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.