Egypt Ancient Highlights & Nile Cruise: Cairo, Aswan & Luxor - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo, Nile Dinner Cruise

Welcome to Egypt! Few countries have captured the world's imagination like this North African nation bordering the Middle East. Egypt has preserved much of its ancient history through landmarks, archaeological sites, and antiquities, all accessible to the public. Once you arrive in Cairo, Egypt's capital and largest city, you'll be picked up at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel to relax and settle in.

In the evening, you'll transfer to the Nile River for a traditional dinner cruise. Hop aboard the boat, designed to resemble a Pharaonic barge in a tribute to the ancient Egyptian god Hathor. Admire the panoramic views of the Cairo skyline from the deck, then tuck into a buffet dinner with a mix of local and international dishes and desserts. Meanwhile, you'll enjoy performances of Egyptian music, belly dancing, whirling dervish shows, or meditations led by an expert. After dinner, head back to the deck, enjoy the cool breeze, and take in the glittering sights of the Cairo skyline as you return to the harbor.

Finally, follow your guide through the teeming streets of Khan el-Khalili, Cairo's old bazaar, packed with legendary shops that sell everything from fine brassware to perfumes to antiques. Hunt for treasures at this historical souk (market), where you'll find lamps, rugs, jewelry, and more, and learn the art of bargaining as you pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Day 3: Day Trip to the Pyramids, Memphis & Saqqara, Lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge

Today, you'll set off for a guided tour of some of Egypt's most iconic sites via your preferred transport method: horse, camel, or horse-drawn carriage! Begin at the ancient pyramids of Dahshour, then continue to the Pyramids of Giza complex to visit the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one to remain largely intact. Built as a tomb, its shape was intended to help the dead pharaoh's spirit rise to heaven.

Nearby, you'll find Chephren, the best-preserved of the main Giza pyramids, and Mykerinos, the smallest of the three. Spend time admiring the magnificent Great Sphinx (a vast limestone statue) up close, and take a breather for lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge, a restaurant with al fresco seating and an incredible view of the pyramids. 

Afterward, head to the ancient ruins of Memphis, the first unified capital of the ancient world. Here, you can visit the necropolis of Saqqara, an ancient burial ground, to explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser and 4,350-year-old tombs with ancient hieroglyphics engraved on the walls.

Day 4: Fly to Aswan, Tour Elephantine Island

This morning, you'll catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Aswan, an archaeologically rich city on the banks of the Nile. Settle into your hotel, then transfer to the port and hop on a ferry to Elephantine Island, which sits in the middle of the river. You'll get a gorgeous view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum as you approach the papyrus and palm-lined shores, home to UNESCO-listed archaeological sites and traditional Nubian communities.

Upon arrival, walk between the two Nubian villages of the island, Siou and Koti, via narrow lanes lined with gardens and brightly painted houses and linked by trails. Among the colorful homes, you'll find locals offering souvenirs, henna tattoos, and mint tea among the chatter of Arabic blending with the local Nubian language. Later in the afternoon, see the sunset from the Botanical Gardens on the neighboring Kitchener's Island (El Nabatat), or enjoy dinner with a view on the lovely terrace of the Nubian Dreams restaurant. Head back to Aswan at the end of the day. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Abu Simbel

You're off on a day trip this morning as you head to the airport in Aswan for a 40-minute flight to Abu Simbel, home to an important archaeological site and two UNESCO-listed rock-cut temples. Begin your full-day tour standing in awe before these iconic landmarks, commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE and carved out of sandstone cliffs. The main temple is dedicated to the gods Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Amun, while the smaller temple honors the pharaoh's beloved wife, Queen Nefertari.

Pass the towering statues of the pharaoh sitting on his throne to explore the temple's interior halls and chambers. Admire the vibrant wall reliefs, depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology, religious rituals, and the pharaoh's military conquests. Along the way, your guide will help illuminate the history surrounding the temples and share the remarkable story of how the entire site was moved piece by piece in 1968 to protect it from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam. At the end of your explorations, you'll catch the short flight back to Aswan.

Day 8: Cruise to Luxor, Tour Karnak & Luxor Temples

This morning, your ship will pull into Luxor, where you'll cross to the Nile's East Bank to explore some of Egypt's most spectacular temples. Start at the Karnak Temple complex, the second-largest ancient religious site in the world and once the most significant religious complex in ancient Egypt. Founded in the Middle Kingdom, it's now one of Egypt's largest surviving temples. From its massive decorated pillars to the obelisks, statues, and kiosks, the complex, which took around 2,000 years to finish, will astound you.

Then, continue to the famed Luxor Temple complex, built during the New Kingdom around 1400 BCE and dedicated to Amun Ra. Walk down The Avenue of the Sphinxes, which once connected Luxor with Karnak, guarded by the giant statues of Ramesses II. You'll return to the ship to enjoy your final night on board with a celebratory dinner and another spectacular Nile sunset.

Day 11: Fly to Cairo, Depart