Egypt Nile Jewel With 5* Boat Cruise

Ahlan wa sahlanEgypt! Arrive at Cairo International Airport and meet the tour representative who will assist the tour group with the immigration process, passport control, and baggage collection. Next, travel to the Cairo hotel to freshen up and then receive a brief tour overview from your Egyptologist tour guide who will accompany the group throughout the trip. Find out more about the next eight days of incredible experiences before enjoying free time tonight to either relax at the hotel or head out to explore the city at your own pace.

This morning, explore the icons of ancient Egypt with your Egyptologist guide. Visit the Giza pyramid complex, and see the Great Pyramid of Giza, Khafre's Pyramid, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx. Then, head to Sakkara to see the unique step pyramid of Zoser (also known as Djoser). This is Egypt's first-ever pyramid and it consists of six tombs stacked atop each other! End your day on a high note with the optional sound and light show at the Giza Pyramids or a dinner cruise on the Nile River, offering Egyptian cuisine, culture, and dancing!Please note: The flight to Aswan is either on Sunday evening or Monday morning, subject to availability.

• Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

• See the Pyramid of Zoser; Egypt’s first pyramid

Aswan awaits! Catch an early flight and board the luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship. After settling in, embark on your next adventure! Take a short boat ride to Agilkia Island and explore the stunning Temple of Isis at Philae. Built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom (305 BC to 30 BC) to be dedicated to one of Egypt’s oldest goddesses, Isis, it's a marvel of ancient Egyptian architecture and is said to be one of the most beautiful temple complexes in Egypt! Tonight, relax and enjoy your first night cruising the majestic Nile.

• Explore the Philae Temple

• Sail the River Nile on a 5-star cruise ship

Join the optional excursion this morning to the Abu Simbel temples, two impressively large temples in southern Egypt. These iconic temples are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Nubian Monuments" and were carved out of the mountainside during Pharaoh Ramesses II's reign in the 13th century BC. Next, explore the Temple of Kom-Ombo, a unique 'double' temple dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus). Finally, continue to Luxor for an overnight stay on a 5-star cruise ship.

• Discover the Temple of Kom-Ombo

After breakfast, disembark and explore the magnificent East Bank of Luxor. First, delve into the vast Karnak Temple Complex, located in the ancient city of Thebes (modern-day Luxor). Dedicated to Amun, the powerful ram-headed god, it offers a vast mix of temples, chapels, statues, and obelisks. Then, head to the Luxor Temple complex, which is dedicated to three gods - Amun, Mut (his wife), and Khonsu (his son). These temples played a central role in the annual Opet Festival, renewing the bond between the king and the god Amun, which was held every year during the flood season.

• Explore the Karnak Temple Complex

• Visit the Temple of Luxor

Explore the West Bank of Luxor this morning and visit the famous Valley of the Kings to witness the incredible tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs, such as King Tutankhamun. Then, marvel at Hatshepsut's Temple, a mortuary temple for Egypt's sole female pharaoh. The last site for the day is the great Colossi of Memnon, the last remains of Amenophis III’s grand temple. After a day of exploring, hop back on the air-conditioned coach and travel to Hurghada for a two-night stay at an all-inclusive resort on the Red Sea coast.

• Explore the Valley of the Kings

• Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut; Egypt’s only female Pharaoh

• Marvel at the Colossi of Memnon

• Stay at an all-inclusive Red Sea resort

Enjoy a free day at the Red Sea resort! The resort offers a large swimming pool complex, long sandy beaches, and all-inclusive food and drinks — a recipe for paradise! For the adventurous, explore the underwater world with optional full-day snorkelling or scuba diving excursions. The seas around Hurghada have some of the best coral reef dive spots in the world! Witness vibrant coral reefs and colourful fish species, including the Red Sea Clownfish, Emperor Angelfish, Picasso Trigger Fish, and Moray Eels. After a day of adventure or relaxation, enjoy a peaceful night's sleep at the resort.

This morning, hop on the private air-conditioned coach and travel back to Cairo. Upon arrival, freshen up at the hotel before setting off on a city tour to explore Egypt’s capital. Begin with a visit to the Egyptian Museum to delve into its ancient history. Then, wander through Khan El Khalili, a bustling bazaar with shops, shisha bars, cafés, and souvenir stalls. This is a great place to pick up any last-minute gifts!

• Visit the Egyptian Museum to see mummies, sarcophagi and more

• Shop for souvenirs at the Khan El Khalili bazaar

After nine incredible days spent exploring Egypt's ancient wonders and cruising the Nile River, the tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Don’t forget to exchange contact details with your newfound travel friends before parting ways. Wishing you a safe journey home!Please Note: The optional excursions, Memphis and Dahshur and The Sights of Alexandria are trips from Cairo, which are available if you are staying longer in Cairo before/after the tour. Please get in touch with Expat Explore to arrange these day trips should you be interested.