Egypt: Alexandria to Aswan

Overview

From the Pyramids of Giza to the lesser-known wonders, immerse yourself in the Land of the Pharaohs

Journey the length of Egypt on an in-depth exploration of this ancient and storied land. Guided by an expert tour leader, we discover the old and new in Cairo, marvel at the iconic pyramids of Giza, and explore Alexander the Great’s Alexandria. It’s then to Aswan, where we immerse ourselves in the indigenous Nubian culture, before a cruise down the Nile and an exploration of the magnificent Valley of the Kings.

Highlights

Travel the length of Egypt on an in-depth exploration of its wonders
Marvel at the legendary Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx
Journey down the Nile on a stylish cruise boat with a pool
Visit the Alexandria Bibliotheca, a modern revival of the Great Library
Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to tombs of more than 60 pharaohs

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (4 hotel, 3 boat), 5 Classic nights (hotels)
Travel by air-conditioned minibus and boat
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Extend your trip at the Red Sea

Included

All breakfasts, four lunches and six dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Itinerary

Show All

Day 1: Adventure begins in Cairo
Welcome to Cairo, where the ancient and modern worlds connect seamlessly. Our welcome briefing takes place tomorrow morning, so today is all about settling into the trip. Accommodation: Barceló Cairo Pyramids (or similar)
Day 2: Tour the ancient relics and landmarks of Cairo
We have our welcome briefing after breakfast, in which we discuss the adventures ahead and meet each other for the first time − please bring your insurance details with you. It’s then into the city for a full-day tour. First up is the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which contains relics dating to 4,000 BCE, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Survey the many fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and set the scene for the rest of the adventure, before diving deeper into the ancient world at the National Museum of Civilization. We then visit Al Azhar Mosque, the oldest mosque in Cairo. We need to cover up before entering and sometimes the mosque closes without notice, but we still pass by to see it. Please note: When the Grand Egyptian Museum fully opens, we go there instead of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Accommodation: Barceló Cairo Pyramids (or similar)
Day 3: Visit the Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza
Begin with a visit to Giza, home to the iconic pyramids and sphinx, where we explore the site and admire these 4,500-year-old monuments. Only the throng of sightseers milling around their huge foundations keep you in the 21st century. If you’d like to go inside these grand structures, it is possible to buy an entrance ticket locally. The afternoon is free to relax at our hotel, explore Cairo or join an optional excursion to Saqqara and Memphis. Accommodation: Barceló Cairo Pyramids (or similar)
Day 4: Visit the Monastery of Saint Bishoy and El Alamein; continue to Alexandria
Start with a 90-minute drive to Wadi El Natrun, where the ancient Egyptians extracted salt to use for mummification. The area was also important for early Christians, and we visit the ancient Monastery of Saint Bishoy. Then we transfer (two hours) to El Alamein, the site of a decisive Allied victory during the Second World War, where we can visit the War Cemetery and Military Museum. More than 80,000 soldiers were killed or wounded here, but the victory led Sir Winston Churchill to say: “Before Alamein we never had a victory. After Alamein we never had a defeat”. After, we transfer (two hours) to Alexandria, where we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Metropole Paradise Inn (or similar)
Day 5: Tour the landmarks of Alexandria
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, Alexandria was home to the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and its Great Library was the largest library of its time. Unfortunately, they no longer survive, but there is still much to see in this Mediterranean port city. Our tour begins with a visit to the city catacombs followed by the impressive Qaitbay Fortress and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina – Alexandria’s modern revival of the Great Library. Accommodation: Metropole Paradise Inn (or similar)
Day 6: Fly to Aswan
Return to Cairo (three to four hours) to catch our flight to Aswan. Accommodation: Basma Hotel Upgrade to a Nile-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 7: Aswan: Nubian tour and felucca ride
Spend the day learning about the indigenous Nubian people and their way of life. Begin with a visit to the Nubian Museum, which charts the history and culture of the Nubian people, before a Nubian lunch on a felucca (traditional Egyptian sailboat) as we explore the Nile. In the afternoon, we take a 15-minute-or-so camel ride to the mud-and-stone ruins of the Monastery of St Simeon. We also have time to meet a Nubian family at their home on Elephantine Island before finishing with a barbecue on the shores of the Nile. Please note: If you prefer not to ride a camel, it is possible to walk the 2.5mi (4km) over sandy and stony ground. This part of the trip takes place in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest. Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar) Upgrade to a Nile-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 8: Optional visit to Abu Simbel; board Nile cruise
Today, there is the option to visit the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel to the south through the Nubian Desert. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are among the most spectacular in Egypt with four great seated statues of the pharaoh staring east towards the rising sun. You have the option to add this excursion by bus or plane. In both instances you are picked up early in the morning with a breakfast box and return to Aswan in the afternoon. You arrive at the destination around 8am, where you have approximately two hours to visit the temples. For those flying to Abu Simbel, the timing is different. In the afternoon we are transferred to our cruise boat and relax before enjoying lunch on board. For the rest of the day, there is the option to explore the Aswan market or attend the sound and light show at Philae Temple. Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar) Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 9: Visit Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam; sail to Kom Ombo and Edfu
Begin with a visit to the Philae temple complex. The standout structure here is the Temple of Isis, an impressive classical monument built around 690 BCE for the ancient goddess. We also visit the vast Aswan High Dam, which was built in the 1960s to manage flooding, increase hydroelectric power and provide a reliable source of water for agriculture. After lunch, we sail to the temple of Kom Ombo, which is dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus and sits on scenic spot by the Nile, before continuing to Edfu, where we spend the night. Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar) Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 10: Tour Edfu; sail to Luxor
Rising early, we start our day exploring Edfu, home to the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus, a grand structure that served as the centre of the cult. We then sail north along the Nile to Luxor, crossing the Esna lock, where we have dinner and hopefully witness a stunning sunset over the river. Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar) Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 11: Disembark in Luxor; explore the Valley of the Kings
Disembark after breakfast and explore the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile. The valley contains the once-hidden tombs of more than 62 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet entrance in the hillside takes visitors underground; a series of corridors and antechambers leads us down to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. The walls are covered in brightly painted images and hieroglyphs – a map of the afterlife to ensure the king’s safe passage. One ticket allows us to see three tombs. The ticket usually allows entry into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs, but a visit to the tombs of Ramses VI and Tutankhamun (both extra tickets, payable locally) are recommended. Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings – each tomb is periodically closed for several weeks. After, we visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a magnificent monument to the ancient pharaoh under a limestone cliff. Then, we visit the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon before transferring to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or wander around the streets of Luxor. Accommodation: Iberotel Luxor (or similar) Upgrade to a Nile-view room with balcony today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 12: Luxor tour including Karnak and Luxor temples
For our penultimate day, we have a half-day tour of Luxor’s east bank. Luxor is often called the greatest open-air museum in the world and this morning we visit the extraordinary Karnak and Luxor temples, which stand within the modern city. There should also be an opportunity to visit the A.C.E animal hospital to learn about the efforts taken to improve animal welfare in Egypt. After a leisurely afternoon, we enjoy our final dinner together at one of this historic city’s restaurants. Accommodation: Iberotel Luxor (or similar) Upgrade to a Nile-view room with balcony today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 13: End Luxor
You’ve seen many marvels in Egypt, but now it’s time for one last breakfast before beginning your journey home. If you’ve still a little adventure in you, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip excursion to the Red Sea.

Important Information

The trip destination

Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (4 hotel, 3 boat), 5 Classic nights (hotels)
Travel by air-conditioned minibus and boat
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Extend your trip at the Red Sea

Food

In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on which day. For meals not included, we suggest you allow approximately US$15 for lunch and US$20 for dinner. Food in Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pitta bread, falafel, beans, vegetables, pickles and salads. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome, and vegetarians can be catered for, though the options may be somewhat limited. On travel days, we can either visit a supermarket or a restaurant to pick up some food. On non-travel days, lunches can be enjoyed at a local restaurant. Meals on the cruise are open buffets, which include Western and Egyptian dishes. Drinks and water are not included at hotels and on the cruise.

Weather

Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often near 40C (104F) but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. Winter can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20C (68F), nighttime minimum is 8C (46F). In the summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are slightly higher on average in Aswan.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Itinerary: Some days involve early starts but this allows us to get the most from our time in Egypt and avoid the worst of the heat.

Weather: Egypt can be hot, take care to keep hydrated. The hottest months tend to be June to September when temperatures can reach 40C (104F) in the south of the country.

Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 28 February-29 March 2025 and 17 February-19 March 2026. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

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sdsd AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 / Wed, 06 May 2026	NOK 48 375 NOK 38 700	On request	NOK 12 570	Available
Fri, 15 May 2026 / Wed, 27 May 2026	NOK 43 000 NOK 34 400	On request	NOK 11 495	Available
Fri, 29 May 2026 / Wed, 10 Jun 2026	NOK 43 000	On request	NOK 11 495	Available
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 / Wed, 07 Oct 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	Available
Fri, 16 Oct 2026 / Wed, 28 Oct 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	Available
Fri, 23 Oct 2026 / Wed, 04 Nov 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	Available
Fri, 06 Nov 2026 / Wed, 18 Nov 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	Available
Fri, 20 Nov 2026 / Wed, 02 Dec 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	Available
Fri, 04 Dec 2026 / Wed, 16 Dec 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	Available
Fri, 18 Dec 2026 / Wed, 30 Dec 2026	NOK 49 720	On request	NOK 17 405	Available
Fri, 08 Jan 2027 / Wed, 20 Jan 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 22 Jan 2027 / Wed, 03 Feb 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 19 Feb 2027 / Wed, 03 Mar 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 12 Mar 2027 / Wed, 24 Mar 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 26 Mar 2027 / Wed, 07 Apr 2027	NOK 53 755	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 09 Apr 2027 / Wed, 21 Apr 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 23 Apr 2027 / Wed, 05 May 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 14 May 2027 / Wed, 26 May 2027	NOK 45 690	On request	NOK 12 100	Available
Fri, 28 May 2027 / Wed, 09 Jun 2027	NOK 45 690	On request	NOK 12 100	Available
Fri, 17 Sep 2027 / Wed, 29 Sep 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 24 Sep 2027 / Wed, 06 Oct 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 08 Oct 2027 / Wed, 20 Oct 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 15 Oct 2027 / Wed, 27 Oct 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 22 Oct 2027 / Wed, 03 Nov 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 29 Oct 2027 / Wed, 10 Nov 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 05 Nov 2027 / Wed, 17 Nov 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 19 Nov 2027 / Wed, 01 Dec 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 26 Nov 2027 / Wed, 08 Dec 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 03 Dec 2027 / Wed, 15 Dec 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	Available
Fri, 17 Dec 2027 / Wed, 29 Dec 2027	NOK 53 755	On request	NOK 18 280	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 / Wed, 06 May 2026	NOK 48 375 NOK 38 700	On request	NOK 12 570	On request
Fri, 15 May 2026 / Wed, 27 May 2026	NOK 43 000 NOK 34 400	On request	NOK 11 495	On request
Fri, 29 May 2026 / Wed, 10 Jun 2026	NOK 43 000	On request	NOK 11 495	On request
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 / Wed, 07 Oct 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	On request
Fri, 16 Oct 2026 / Wed, 28 Oct 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	On request
Fri, 23 Oct 2026 / Wed, 04 Nov 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	On request
Fri, 06 Nov 2026 / Wed, 18 Nov 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	On request
Fri, 20 Nov 2026 / Wed, 02 Dec 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	On request
Fri, 04 Dec 2026 / Wed, 16 Dec 2026	NOK 44 345	On request	NOK 12 570	On request
Fri, 18 Dec 2026 / Wed, 30 Dec 2026	NOK 49 720	On request	NOK 17 405	On request
Fri, 08 Jan 2027 / Wed, 20 Jan 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 22 Jan 2027 / Wed, 03 Feb 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 19 Feb 2027 / Wed, 03 Mar 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 12 Mar 2027 / Wed, 24 Mar 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 26 Mar 2027 / Wed, 07 Apr 2027	NOK 53 755	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 09 Apr 2027 / Wed, 21 Apr 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 23 Apr 2027 / Wed, 05 May 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 14 May 2027 / Wed, 26 May 2027	NOK 45 690	On request	NOK 12 100	On request
Fri, 28 May 2027 / Wed, 09 Jun 2027	NOK 45 690	On request	NOK 12 100	On request
Fri, 17 Sep 2027 / Wed, 29 Sep 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 24 Sep 2027 / Wed, 06 Oct 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 08 Oct 2027 / Wed, 20 Oct 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 15 Oct 2027 / Wed, 27 Oct 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 22 Oct 2027 / Wed, 03 Nov 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 29 Oct 2027 / Wed, 10 Nov 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 05 Nov 2027 / Wed, 17 Nov 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 19 Nov 2027 / Wed, 01 Dec 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 26 Nov 2027 / Wed, 08 Dec 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 03 Dec 2027 / Wed, 15 Dec 2027	NOK 47 035	On request	NOK 13 175	On request
Fri, 17 Dec 2027 / Wed, 29 Dec 2027	NOK 53 755	On request	NOK 18 280	On request

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Egypt: Alexandria to Aswan

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates