9 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Nile Cruise By Air

The Arrival in Cairo
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative holding a sign with your name. They will assist you with luggage and escort you to the waiting vehicle for transfer to your 5-star hotel located in central Cairo. During the comfortable air-conditioned ride, your guide will provide information on what to expect for the next 9 days. Settling into your spacious room, you can relax after your flight or begin exploring the bustling city surroundings.

Day 1 Sights of the Capital
The first full day includes breakfast at the hotel before embarking on sightseeing around Cairo. First is a visit to the iconic Giza Pyramids Complex to marvel up-close at the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Next is the Sakkara Necropolis to explore the intricate interior of the Step Pyramid, one of the earliest constructed. Last is the open-air museum at Memphis containing statues and structures from the Old Kingdom era. A local lunch is included before returning to the hotel for evening at leisure.

Cairo Museum Treasures
On the second morning, a visit is made to the Egyptian Museum, home to the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities including artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Also on the itinerary is the Citadel of Salah El-Din atop a hill overlooking the city and Old Cairo. After lunch, the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaar offers a chance to shop for souvenirs. Dinner tonight is independent before the next day’s embarkation on the Nile cruise.

Boarding the Floating Hotel
An early breakfast is had at the hotel before drives to Cairo International Airport for the domestic flight south to Luxor. Upon arrival a private vehicle awaits for the short transfer to the docked 5-star cruise ship. Luggage is portered onboard as guests are shown to spacious cabins for unpacking. After settling in, tea and refreshments are served before setting off for visits along the Nile’s west bank.

The Luxor Temples
This afternoon includes guided touring of the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, representing over 2000 years of construction. Next stop is the colorful Luxor Temple located closer to the river. Both structures were once the center of spiritual life in ancient Thebes. Returning to the ship, a refreshing sunset cocktail is enjoyed from the sundeck as the boat cruises leisurely north. Dinner is served in the elegant onboard restaurant this evening.

Valley of the Kings Mysteries
Rising early tomorrow, a sightseeing excursion heads back to the river’s west bank. At the Valley of the Kings, a licensed guide escorts into several tombs carved into limestone cliffs, including that of the famous child pharaoh Tutankhamun. Next is the excavated village of ancient workmen at Deir Al Madina. Guests can choose to participate in an optional mummification workshop this afternoon before leisure time back onboard.

Cruising Past Ancient Temples
On day four, the cruise ship docks at Edfu where a horse carriage ride takes everyone to the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus. Returning to the ship for lunch, the journey continues south to Kom Ombo temple, unique for being dedicated to two gods: Sobek and Haroeris. While sailing onward to Aswan, guests can relax watching the scenic countryside drift by from open sundecks. An additional highlight this evening will be a galabeya (traditional clothing) party.

Discoveries in Aswan
After breakfast, the concluding sightseeing day begins with a guided tour of the monumental Aswan High Dam. Next is the Island of Agilika for visiting the picturesque Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Time allowing, the nearby Unfinished Obelisk quarry site with its abandoned colossal monument is also explored before luncheon. The afternoon is then free to independently stroll the shops and cafes of this historic southern city.

Farewell and Flight Home
All too soon the memorable cruise ends after one final breakfast onboard. Packed lunches are provided as private vehicles transport guests to Aswan airport. Here, parting gifts and heartfelt thanks from your Egyptologist guide mark the end of this unforgettable journey through ancient Egypt. After checking-in, flights whisk travelers back to Cairo where connection flights home can be made. Memories will last long after of the magic experienced along the Nile.