USA to Cairo, Egypt

Today we depart the US on our international flight to Cairo!

Cairo

Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Here you can get some rest before our adventure begins!

Cairo and the new Grand Egyptian Museum 

Today we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, where our guided tour explores the museum’s central theme, “Kingship and Eternity.” Highlights include the Hanging Obelisk, the monumental Colossal Statue of King Ramesses II, the ten statues of King Senusret I (viewed from a distance), the Grand Staircase (distance view), the Double Statues of a Ptolemaic King and Queen, the Victory Column of King Merenptah, the statue of the god Hapi, and the Statue of Ramesses II from San El-Haggar.   We’ll pause for lunch before continuing the day’s adventure with a visit to the legendary Great Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Great Sphinx—the only surviving wonders of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World.

Memphis & Sakkara

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and depart for a visit to Memphis and Saqqara.  If Egypt is considered the birthplace of civilization, then Memphis was its first great cradle. Though today it appears as little more than a quiet bend along a dusty road, this historic site is home to one of the most impressive relics of the ancient world—the colossal statue of Ramesses II.  At Saqqara, we explore the world’s oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, dating back to approximately 2700 BC—a remarkable milestone in architectural history. We’ll also enjoy a visit to a local handmade rug school, offering a fascinating look at traditional craftsmanship and a wonderful opportunity for shopping.  

We’ll stop for lunch before transferring to Cairo International Airport for our flight to Luxor.  Upon arrival, we check into our hotel in Luxor and enjoy an overnight stay.

Luxor - Eclipse Viewing - Nile Cruise 

his morning begins with breakfast at the hotel as we prepare for one of the most extraordinary natural events on Earth—a total solar eclipse, visible here in Egypt before noon. We’ll take time to comfortably enjoy this rare and awe-inspiring phenomenon as daylight transforms and the skies put on a celestial display few ever witness in a lifetime.

Following this unforgettable experience, we depart the hotel and embark on our 5-star Nile cruise ship, which will be our elegant home for the next four nights. Lunch will be served on board as we settle in and begin our journey along the legendary Nile River.  Later in the day, we visit the magnificent Karnak Temple, the greatest religious complex ever built in ancient Egypt. Dedicated to the god Amun, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu, Karnak stands as a powerful testament to centuries of devotion, architecture, and spiritual significance. Please note: visit timing will remain flexible to accommodate the exact timing of the eclipse.

This evening, enjoy dinner on board and a relaxing overnight stay as we continue our unforgettable journey through Egypt.

Luxor - Valley of the Kings - Nile Sailing to Edfu

For those feeling adventurous, an optional early-morning hot air balloon ride over Valley of the Kings is available (for a supplement). Floating gently above the ancient landscape at sunrise offers an incomparable perspective and a breathtaking appreciation for the scale and significance of this sacred burial ground of Egypt’s great pharaohs.

Later this morning, we begin our guided exploration of the Valley of the Kings, marveling at the grandeur and architectural mastery of the royal tombs carved deep into the desert hills. Our visit includes three beautifully preserved tombs (excluding the tomb of Tutankhamun, which is available for an additional supplement). We continue with a scenic drive past the striking Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most impressive mortuary temples, followed by a photo stop at the monumental Colossi of Memnon. Returning to the ship, we enjoy lunch on board before relaxing as our riverboat sails south toward Edfu via Esna Lock. Passing through the Esna Lock is a fascinating highlight, offering a firsthand look at the workings of Nile River navigation.  This evening, enjoy dinner on board and an overnight stay in Edfu as we continue our unforgettable journey along the Nile. 

Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan

Our day begins with a visit to Temple of Edfu, considered the best-preserved and most complete temple in Egypt. Dedicated to Horus, this remarkable temple offers an exceptional glimpse into ancient Egyptian religious life, mythology, and architectural brilliance.

This afternoon, we return to our ship and continue sailing along the Nile to Kom Ombo Temple, the only double temple in Egypt. Uniquely symmetrical, it is dedicated to two gods: Horus the Falcon and Sobek, reflecting the dual nature of worship along the Nile.  Following our visit, we sail onward toward Aswan. After dinner this evening, guests are invited to enjoy a festive traditional Egyptian celebration, complete with music and dancing. For those who wish, traditional attire will be provided, adding a fun and memorable cultural touch to the evening

Awan - High Dam - Philae Temple 

After breakfast, we begin our day with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel built to protect Egypt from the once-unpredictable flooding of the Nile and to provide irrigation and power throughout the country.  We then continue to one of the most beautiful and romantically situated temples in Egypt, the Philae Temple. Dedicated to Isis, the goddess of magic and motherhood, this temple complex is accessed by motorboat—offering our first close views of the Nile’s shoreline, local villages, and daily life along the river.  After returning to the ship, enjoy lunch on board and some time to relax.

For those interested, there is an opportunity to take a motorboat upriver to a traditional Nubian Village (for a supplement). Here, you’ll learn about Nubian culture, visit a local family, and gain insight into their colorful traditions and way of life.

Farewell to the Nile - Return Flight to Cairo

Today we say a heartfelt goodbye to our floating home on the Nile as we disembark the ship and fly back to Cairo. Over the past days, the Nile has carried us through history, culture, and unforgettable moments—experiences that will stay with us long after we return home. 

Depending on our arrival time, there may be an optional opportunity to wander through the legendary Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where the sights, sounds, and scents of old Cairo offer a final chance to savor Egypt’s vibrant spirit and find a meaningful keepsake to remember the journey. 

We then check in to our hotel and prepare for our return flight, carrying with us not just photos and souvenirs, but memories of ancient wonders, quiet moments along the river, and a shared experience that has connected us to one of the world’s greatest civilizations.

Flights Home

Today (early AM) we depart Egypt and take your flight home with memories to last a lifetime.