A Taste of Egypt
- 2023-2025
- 2026
Discover ancient Egypt: Cairo, its capital; Aswan, gateway to Africa; Luxor, site of famous Luxor temples; the iconic Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren; 3 nights aboard a deluxe Nile cruise ship.
Overview
| Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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| Departures | February – December 2026 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Themes | History & Culture, Bucket List, River Cruises | ||
| Activity Level | Moderate | ||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Expect early wake up times and very long days in order to fit in all included visits. The Nile cruise portion of this tour can total up to 100 passengers. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. |
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| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Uncover the legacy of Egypt, one of the world’s most extraordinary civilizations. Spend eight unforgettable days tracing the story of this timeless country, from the treasures of ancient dynasties to the lively energy of modern-day Cairo. Stand before the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, and wander through the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to millennia of art and history. Fly south to Aswan, where you’ll board a deluxe Nile River cruise and sail past monumental temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu before reaching Luxor, gateway to the Valley of the Kings. Every moment brings you closer to the heart of Egypt, a land where history lives on in every sunrise over the Nile.
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round trip flights from New York (JFK) via EgyptAir, including taxes & fees
- Arrival & departure transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage
- All intra-Egypt flights and ground transportation
- 3 nights Superior First Class hotel accommodations in Cairo
- 3 nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship in an outside, middle deck cabin
- 14 meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 3 dinners
- All shore excursions on Nile Cruise
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking Egyptologist tour director and local guides
Optional add-ons
- Optional Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque
- Optional Nubian Village
- Optional excursion to Abu Simbel
Why you'll love it
- Spend 3 nights sailing along the Nile River aboard your deluxe Nile cruise ship.
- Browse the Grand Egyptian Museum's extensive collection of ancient treasures.
- Marvel at the mysterious Sphinx and the great Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren.
- Tour the granite quarries at Aswan's High Dam, which controls the Nile and is Egypt's major source of hydroelectric power.
- View the unique and fascinating drawings at the Temple of Kom Ombo.
- Sail from Edfu to Luxor, the capital of the New Kingdom and an important trade center of the ancient world.
- Visit the famous Luxor Temples, a remarkable complex built primarily during the New Kingdom.
- Explore the Valley of the Kings, once a royal burial ground for pharaohs.
Itinerary at a Glance

- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Cairo
- 3 Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx
- Optional Excursion: Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, $95
- 4 Cairo & Aswan
- Optional Excursion: Nubian Village, $95
- 5 Kom Ombo
- Optional Excursion: Abu Simbel, $350
- 6 Edfu & Luxor East Bank
- 7 Luxor West Bank & Cairo
- 8 Depart Cairo/Arrive USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Check in for your overnight flight for Cairo
Day 2 Arrive Cairo
- Arrive in Cairo, Egypt
- Transfer to your hotel for check in
- Discover the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum
- Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Full Day ItineraryArrive in Cairo, where East and West come together in a wonderful mix of old and new. After customs formalities, you'll be met by our representatives and transferred to your hotel for check in. Later, enjoy for a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular archaeological museums. Home to thousands of ancient artifacts, including the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun, the museum showcases Egypt’s rich history through state-of-the-art exhibits, interactive displays, and stunning architectural design. Afterwards, return to your centrally located hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. to relax or explore on your own.
Day 3 Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx
- Tour the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren
- Visit the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza
- Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, or join an optional tour
Movenpick Cairo Media City Breakfast & lunch
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, embark on a fascinating guided tour of some of Egypt’s most iconic and mysterious monuments—the Great Pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest and largest of the Giza pyramids, and the only surviving wonder of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Standing in awe of these 4,600-year-old monuments, you’ll feel the grandeur of a civilization that flourished alongside ancient Mesopotamia. Nearby, the enigmatic Great Sphinx of Giza awaits, a majestic limestone figure with the body of a lion and the face of Pharaoh Khufu. Measuring 50 meters long and 22 meters high, the Sphinx continues to intrigue visitors with its mysterious origins and timeless gaze.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, whether relaxing at your hotel or exploring Cairo on your own. Or, join an optional excursion to the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque.Optional Excursion: Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, $95Explore the historic Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortress that has long been a key landmark in Cairo. Then, visit the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, with its large domes and twin minarets. This half-day tour offers insight into Cairo’s history and architecture, along with views of the city from the Citadel’s elevated position.
Note: This optional excursion requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.
Day 4 Cairo & Aswan
- Board a early flight to Aswan
- See Aswan's High Dam and Old Dam
- Join an optional excursion to the Nubian Village
- Visit the temple on Philae Island
- Enjoy a tour by felucca
Al Amira or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryTransfer to the airport for your short, early-morning flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, visit the impressive High Dam, a monumental engineering marvel that tames the mighty Nile and provides a significant source of hydroelectric power for Egypt. Also see the historic Old Dam, which stands as a testament to earlier efforts to control the river’s flow. Continue to the temple on Philae Island, a beautifully preserved sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis, perfectly set on its own island. Then, have the opportunity to get a glimpse into life along the Nile during an optional tour of the Nubian Village. Return to your deluxe Nile cruise ship for lunch on board.
In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional felucca sail around the lush botanical gardens of Kitchener Island, soaking in the gentle breeze and serene views of the Nile. Afterward, return to your ship for dinner and spend the night in Aswan.
Optional Excursion: Nubian Village, $95Sail along the Nile to Nubian Village Island, where a warm and welcoming community awaits. Travel past Elephantine Island on a scenic boat ride, either by traditional felucca or modern motorboat, and take in views of the river’s beauty. Stroll through the village’s narrow streets lined with brightly painted homes, meet local artisans, and see traditional crafts like handwoven textiles and colorful pottery. Learn about daily life in one of Egypt’s oldest communities, hear stories passed down through generations, and enjoy tea inside a traditional Nubian house.
Note: This optional excursion requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.
Day 5 Kom Ombo
- Wander through the Aswan Spice Market, or join an optional tour of Abu Simbel
- Sail toward Kom Ombo
- Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, a rare temple dedicated to two gods
- Journey onward to Edfu for overnight
Al Amira or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, start the day with a visit to the Aswan Spice Market, where the vibrant colors and aromas of local herbs, spices, and traditional goods offer a true taste of Egyptian culture. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional excursion to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.
Return to your Nile cruise for lunch, then continue sailing toward Kom Ombo. In ancient times, sacred crocodiles were believed to bask along the riverbanks here, reflecting the area’s long-held spiritual significance.
In the afternoon, enjoy tea on board before visiting the Temple of Kom Ombo, a rare double temple dedicated to two gods, Sobek and Haroeris. The temple’s Ptolemaic-era architecture overlooks the Nile and features detailed reliefs, including depictions of surgical instruments, highlighting the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Dinner is served on board as the ship sails onward to Edfu, where you will spend the night.
Optional Excursion: Abu Simbel, $350Step back in time and witness one of ancient Egypt’s most awe-inspiring monuments. The twin temples of Abu Simbel, carved directly into sandstone cliffs, were built by Pharaoh Ramses II and stand as a testament to his reign and devotion to the gods. Marvel at the colossal statues that guard the entrance, explore the intricately decorated interiors, and feel the grandeur of Egyptian engineering and artistry.
Day 6 Edfu & Luxor East Bank
- Enjoy an early morning horse-drawn carriage ride to the Temple of Edfu
- Admire the scenery as you sail toward Luxor
- Explore the famous Luxor Temple
Al Amira or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryBegin the day with a brief horse-drawn carriage ride to the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. Horus is one of Egypt’s most iconic deities, and the Eye of Horus, which originates from this temple, has long symbolized well-being, protection, and healing. After exploring the temple, return to your Nile cruise for breakfast and some free time to relax on board.
Later, sail toward Luxor, passing through the locks of Esna along the way. Lunch is served on board as you enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the Nile.
In the evening, visit the East Bank of Luxor to explore the famous Luxor Temple, a remarkable complex built primarily during the New Kingdom, featuring impressive pylons, statues, and hieroglyphic inscriptions that reflect Egypt’s ancient religious and cultural heritage. Return to the ship for dinner and spend the night on board.
Note: On some voyages, instead of Edfu, the cruise will continue towards Luxor, and your day begins with a visit to the impressive Temple of Habu. Dedicated to Amun, the Temple of Habu is closely associated with Ramses III, whose legacy is preserved in its vibrant reliefs and grand mortuary complex. Amun was one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful deities, revered as a creator and protector, and the temple stands as one of the best places to see the artistry and architecture of the New Kingdom.
Day 7 Luxor West Bank & Cairo
- Tour the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings
- Visit the mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo
Sonesta Hotel Tower & Casino Cairo or similar Breakfast & lunch
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, you'll disembark your cruise ship and explore some of Egypt’s most monumental burial sites and temples on Luxor's West Bank. Begin with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of Pharaohs and nobles, where intricately decorated tombs reveal the grandeur of ancient Egyptian burial practices. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a striking mortuary temple built for one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs, known for its elegant terraces and impressive architectural design. Finally, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that have stood guard over the Theban plains for over 3,400 years.
After lunch, transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel near the airport for check-in and overnight.
Day 8 Depart Cairo/Arrive USA
- Bid farewell to Egypt as you're escorted to the airport for your return flight
- Arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Hotels & Ship
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ship
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Trip Details
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What should I know before I go?
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Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?
To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
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Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services. -
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