Splendors of Egypt and the Nile
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ABTA & ATOL protected holidays
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There’s only one way to see Egypt. This Nile River cruise takes you on an extraordinary journey of discovery through thousands of years of history. See the country’s most breathtaking historical sites in a manner fit for Kings and Queens. Travelling aboard your traditional Nile Riverboat, you’ll experience the Valley of the Kings, the Temples of Karnak and Luxor and the world-famous Sphinx of Giza. And that’s only the beginning! There are hundreds of temples and artefacts for you to take in. End your journey in Cairo and spend some time soaking in this fascinating history at the prestigious Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. The Nile offers you the best perspective to see the unique natural and cultural beauty of Egypt. It’s time to see them for yourself.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Arrive Cairo
Arrive at Cairo International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the opulent Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza.
DAY 2 Cairo
The ancient quarter of Cairo is intense—the colors, the sounds, the density of people—and it’s likely been this way for thousands of years. Your local expert will show you a 12th-century citadel, the beautiful Alabaster Mosque and an unsurpassed collection of priceless artifacts, including mind-boggling treasures once buried with the boy king Tutankhamen.
DAY 3 Cairo, Fly to Luxor (Embark) Cruising the Nile River, Dendera
Prepare to be amazed at the legendary Temple of Karnak, a massive and absolutely astounding site, with gigantic columns, broad avenues lined with stone sphinxes and halls of truly epic proportions. This evening, you’ll revel in a Welcome Reception and Dinner onboard.
DAY 4 Dendera, Cruising the Nile River, Luxor
Like its twin shrine, the Temple of Karnak, the Temple of Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes, the once flourishing capital of Egypt’s New Kingdom. It was built over hundreds of years and even in ruins it is still an extraordinary place. You’ll also visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty.
DAY 5 Luxor, Cruising the Nile River, Kom Ombo
The word “colossal” will take on a whole new meaning after today’s excursion to the gigantic twin statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. And that’s just the beginning—you’ll also visit the temple of one of Egypt’s rare female pharaohs as well as the Valley of the Kings, used as a royal burial place for nearly 500 years and where the mummified remains of Tutankhamen are on display.
DAY 6 Kom Ombo, Cruising the Nile River, Aswan
After visiting a temple dedicated to a crocodile god today (don’t miss the display of some of the 300 mummified crocs found in the local area), hop aboard a small boat for a bird-watching excursion along the Nile.
DAY 7 Aswan
Today is an epic day, filled with wonders from start to finish. You’ll visit a marvel of modern engineering—the Aswan High Dam—as well as the Unfinished Obelisk and the beautiful Philae Temple complex, which was moved from one island to another back in the 1970s. But wait, there’s more. You’ll also take a ride in a felucca—a traditional Egyptian sailboat—and enjoy afternoon tea at a famous hotel depicted in Agatha Christie’s novel Death on the Nile.
DAY 8 Aswan, Cruising the Nile River, Edfu
Spend the day at leisure or join us for an optional excursion to see the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.
DAY 9 Esna, Cruising the Nile River, Luxor
On today’s excursion, you’ll learn how the Temple of Esna was buried under debris for many centuries and is one of the last great Egyptian temples ever built. Your Egyptologist guide will share all sorts of fascinating insights about this significant cultural site and show you the façade bearing the last known hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded in Egypt.
DAY 10 Luxor (Disembark), Fly to Cairo
Disembark in Luxor and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. Then, check in to your luxury hotel where you’ll have time to relax before dinner.
DAY 11 Cairo
It’s a day of Bucket List Moments today as we venture to Ancient Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a number of amazing monuments to see—including the enigmatic Great Sphinx. You’ll have a thrilling opportunity to view the pyramids from an up-close perspective, the only way to fully appreciate their remarkable size and grandeur.
DAY 12 Depart Cairo
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the Cairo International Airport for your flight home, or extend your trip with a memorable optional extension in Jerusalem.
About this trip
See 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 1 country
Departure Months
September to May
What's included
11 NIGHTS
7 night cruise in a riverview stateroom or suite & 4 nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
DINING
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners, Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner, Farewell Dinner. Complimentary house wine, local beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served during lunch and dinner onboard
ON-TRIP TRANSPORT
All transport shown
Return flights fom the UK
Sightseeing highlights
The S.S. Sphinx offers two gourmet dining venues, a swimming pool, massage room and 42 gorgeously appointed suites. This Super Ship offers an authentically immersive onboard experience, with bespoke decor by local artisans and materials sourced regionally—such as fine Egyptian cottons, marble and hand-carved blonde wood—to highlight Egyptian craftsmanship.
Cruise the Nile in a manner once reserved for queens and pharaohs. For 12 adventure-filled days, experience Egypt and the Nile’s most wondrous sites in style and luxury.
This captivating itinerary begins and ends in Cairo, where you’ll visit the famous Egyptian Museum and its stupendous and unrivaled collection of pharaonic artifacts, including treasures recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
The Bressenden difference
DINING
Meals onboard prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner
Farewell Dinner
Complimentary house wine, local beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served during lunch and dinner onboard
EXCUSIONS
8 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking trained Egyptologists
ACCOMMODATIONS
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the gorgeous S.S. Sphinx or the elegant River Tosca
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites
4 nights in Cairo at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (or similar)
EXPERIENCES
12 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Egyptologist
Cultural enrichment
All transfers on arrival and departure days
Flights included between Cairo and Luxor
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Booking ABTA & ATOL protected.
EXTEND YOUR STAY
Extend your trip with an optional 5 day extension in Jerusalem after your time in Egypt or a 6 day stay in Jordan prior to Cairo. Contact us for full details.
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Included
AfricaEgyptRiver Cruises -
Not Included
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