Nile Cruise & Aswan – Premium Adventure

Overview

Discover the pyramids and temples of Egypt, before cruising the Nile from Luxor to Aswan

Unearth a wealth of ancient monuments and treasures in Egypt with the added insight of an expert Egyptologist and the comfort of five-star accommodation throughout. Stand at the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and marvel at the colossal columns of the Temple of Karnak before boarding the MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus for a four-night premium cruise along the Nile. Visit the Valley of the Kings where some 62 pharaohs including Tutankhamun are entombed, before setting sail upstream to Aswan, also visiting the spectacular Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples en route. Sip sundowners from the pool bar or relax on the sun deck as you watch local life pass. In Aswan, the centre of Nubian culture, we stay on Elephantine Island with panoramic views of the Nile. One of Our Top Recommended Trips for 2026… Here’s Why Having been lucky enough to explore the Grand Egyptian Museum during the soft opening, I can say the wait for it to fully open was worth it. Visit in 2026 and you’ll be one of the first through the doors, allowing you to view the unrivalled collection of ancient relics before everyone else − Holly Parkinson, destination expert

Highlights

Join an Egyptologist to discover the ancient land’s highlights, while staying in premium accommodation
Delve into lively Cairo, where the ancient and modern worlds unite
Tour the legendary Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx
Cruise the Nile on a five-star vessel, enjoying daily sunsets and service fit for a pharaoh
Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to tombs of more than 60 ancient rulers
End the adventure on Elephantine Island with 360-degree views of the Nile
Step into the Grand Egyptian Museum and uncover the stories of Egypt’s ancient civilisation

Included

8 Premium nights (4 Nile cruise boat, 4 hotels)
All breakfasts, four lunches, five dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport (minibus, premium cruise boat and one internal flight) and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
Arrival and departure transfers
Tips for local staff

Not included

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas, vaccinations and tip for the tour leader.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Adventure starts in Cairo
This premium adventure begins in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, where the modern world meets the old. There’s plenty packed into this adventure, but today is all about settling in. Many flights arrive into Cairo late today, but if you arrive earlier, you may want to head to the hotel pool for a refreshing post-flight dip. Want more time in Cairo? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative, allowing you extra time to explore the city and relax into the adventure. Upgrade to a Nile-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 2: The Grand Egyptian Museum, Al Azhar Mosque and Cairo's lively bazaar
After breakfast, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers as we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Then, to set the scene, we visit the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum. Highlights we expect to see include the vast Great Hall, home to the colossal statue of Ramesses II, and the Grand Stairs, which present Egypt’s ancient story through a series of striking displays. Explore the Tutankhamun Galleries, where treasures from the boy king’s tomb offer insight into his life and legacy. We also explore areas such as the Khufu Boat Museum and the Main Galleries, where artefacts spanning thousands of years showcase the richness of Egypt’s past. For the remainder of the day, we experience modern Cairo with visits to Al Azhar Mosque (the oldest mosque and university in Cairo but still very much in use) and the small alleyways and streets that make up Cairo bazaar. Please note, we will need to cover up at the mosque (long sleeves and trousers) and women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf. This evening, your tour leader ensures a big welcome over a group dinner. Upgrade to a Nile-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 3: Visit the Pyramids at Giza
After breakfast, we depart our hotel for a half-day tour of the Pyramids at Giza. Home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the timeless and enigmatic Sphinx; these great monuments to the afterlife defy the imagination. Only the throng of sightseers, Egyptian and foreign, milling around their huge foundations, keep the viewer in the 21st century. In the afternoon, there will be free time if you wish to relax by the hotel pool or take an optional excursion to Sakkara. Upgrade to a Nile-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 4: Fly to Luxor; visit Karnak and Luxor temples. Board our premium cruise vessel, the Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus; free afternoon
We typically transfer to Cairo airport before sunrise for our flight to Luxor (flight times can vary). On arrival in Luxor, we visit Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built over 1,500 years, Karnak is a confusion of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. The Hypostyle Hall here has 134 columns, some of which are more than 75ft (23m) high. Both temples are incredibly impressive. We arrive at our cruise boat in time for lunch on board before having free time in the afternoon to relax or explore Luxor.
Day 5 - 6: Nile cruise with Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon; Edfu and Kom Ombo
We begin Day 5 with a visit to the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile, which contains the once-hidden tombs of more than 60 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet hillside entrance takes us underground; a series of corridors and ante-chambers leading 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 if you have time, a visit to the tomb of Ramses VI is also highly recommended. Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings – each tomb is periodically closed for several weeks. Entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb costs approximately US$12, payable locally. In terms of size and decoration, it is not as impressive as many of the other tombs but is historically very interesting. Next, we visit Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon. Both spectacular, the former is a mortuary temple built at the foot of limestone cliffs, the latter is two grand seated statues depicting Pharaoh Amenhotep III. On return to our cruise boat, we begin our voyage along the Nile, travelling upstream from Luxor to Aswan. Exact sailing and excursion times cannot be guaranteed for each trip, but we will visit the temples of Edfu, famous for its roofed inner temples and huge Pylon, and Kom Ombo. The cruise boat has good facilities: a sundeck with sun loungers, bar and small pool, restaurant, gift shop and library – these can all be enjoyed when the cruise boat is docked or sailing. The sunsets over the Nile are stunning and travelling from Luxor to Aswan, enjoying the beauty of the verdant landscape, make this journey special.
Day 7: Continue cruise; full day in Aswan or optional visit to Abu Simbel
Today, there is the choice to have a full day in Aswan or an optional visit to Abu Simbel. Aswan is a laid-back town that reflects the character of its largely Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. By virtue of its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a trading centre and we thoroughly recommend a visit to the packed bazaar today where merchants display a wealth of exotic spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. Today there’s also the option of flying to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, 186mi (300km) to the south through the Nubian Desert. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II stare east towards the rising sun. You are picked up from the boat early in the morning with a breakfast box and arrive back to Aswan in the afternoon. Later in the day, we enjoy a sunset sail on a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat. Feluccas have been a fixture on the Nile for centuries and are used in the protected waters of the Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean. The deck is strewn with soft, colourful cushions and rugs and equipped with a canopy offering shade. We spend our last evening on board the MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus.
Day 8: Disembark Nile cruise; visit Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam
After breakfast on board, we disembark our boat and visit Philae Temple. In the 1970s, it was relocated by UNESCO to Aglika Island after it became evident the original Philae site would submerge on completion of the Aswan High Dam. It represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. During this excursion, we also visit Aswan High Dam, and you have the option of visiting the Unfinished Obelisk (paid for locally). You can also add an optional excursion to Animalia Nubian Village and enjoy a farewell dinner before returning to the hotel. The Aswan hotel has a perfect location. Enjoy views of the Nile from your room or head to the Panorama Restaurant & Bar, the highest point in Aswan, for 360-degree views of the river.
Day 9: Adventure ends in Aswan
This unforgettable trip through Egypt ends after breakfast. Either make your way home or, if you’d like a post-adventure relax, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay at the marvellous Movenpick Resort.

Important Information

The trip destination

Food

In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on which day. We suggest you allow 2,460-3,445 Egyptian dollars (approximately US$100-US$140) for meals not included. Food in Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pitta bread, falafel, beans, aubergine (eggplant) and other vegetables, pickles and salads. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome and vegetarians can be catered for if they accept the options may be somewhat limited. On board the cruise ship there is one complimentary bottle of water in your cabin and after this drinks are not included.

Weather

Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 30s (around 100F) 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), nights are minimum 8C (46F). In summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are a little higher on average in Aswan.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Suitability: This trip is suitable for everyone with average health and fitness. No experience of any activity involved is necessary. Most days involve early starts (especially Day 4 when we catch an early flight to Luxor) but this allows us to get the most from our time in Egypt and avoid the worst of the heat.

Climate: Egypt can get hot, especially from June to September when temperatures can reach as high as 38C-40C (100F-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.

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 / Sat, 26 Sep 2026	NOK 56 710 NOK 42 595	On request	NOK 19 425	On request
Fri, 02 Oct 2026 / Sat, 10 Oct 2026	NOK 56 710 NOK 51 065	On request	NOK 19 425	On request
Fri, 16 Oct 2026 / Sat, 24 Oct 2026	NOK 58 055 NOK 52 275	On request	NOK 19 425	On request
Fri, 30 Oct 2026 / Sat, 07 Nov 2026	NOK 58 055	On request	NOK 19 425	On request
Fri, 04 Dec 2026 / Sat, 12 Dec 2026	NOK 56 710	On request	NOK 19 425	On request
Fri, 15 Jan 2027 / Sat, 23 Jan 2027	NOK 58 460	On request	NOK 19 625	On request
Fri, 05 Feb 2027 / Sat, 13 Feb 2027	NOK 58 460	On request	NOK 19 625	On request
Fri, 05 Mar 2027 / Sat, 13 Mar 2027	NOK 58 460	On request	NOK 19 625	On request
Fri, 02 Apr 2027 / Sat, 10 Apr 2027	NOK 65 850	On request	NOK 30 580	On request
Fri, 30 Apr 2027 / Sat, 08 May 2027	NOK 58 460	On request	NOK 19 085	On request
Fri, 21 May 2027 / Sat, 29 May 2027	NOK 57 115	On request	NOK 18 750	On request
Fri, 04 Jun 2027 / Sat, 12 Jun 2027	NOK 57 115	On request	NOK 18 750	On request
Fri, 03 Sep 2027 / Sat, 11 Sep 2027	NOK 57 115	On request	NOK 18 750	On request
Fri, 17 Sep 2027 / Sat, 25 Sep 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 01 Oct 2027 / Sat, 09 Oct 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 15 Oct 2027 / Sat, 23 Oct 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 29 Oct 2027 / Sat, 06 Nov 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 12 Nov 2027 / Sat, 20 Nov 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 03 Dec 2027 / Sat, 11 Dec 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 17 Dec 2027 / Sat, 25 Dec 2027	NOK 65 850	On request	NOK 30 580	On request

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 / Sat, 26 Sep 2026	NOK 56 710 NOK 42 595	On request	NOK 19 425	On request
Fri, 02 Oct 2026 / Sat, 10 Oct 2026	NOK 56 710 NOK 51 065	On request	NOK 19 425	On request
Fri, 16 Oct 2026 / Sat, 24 Oct 2026	NOK 58 055 NOK 52 275	On request	NOK 19 425	On request
Fri, 30 Oct 2026 / Sat, 07 Nov 2026	NOK 58 055	On request	NOK 19 425	On request
Fri, 04 Dec 2026 / Sat, 12 Dec 2026	NOK 56 710	On request	NOK 19 425	On request
Fri, 15 Jan 2027 / Sat, 23 Jan 2027	NOK 58 460	On request	NOK 19 625	On request
Fri, 05 Feb 2027 / Sat, 13 Feb 2027	NOK 58 460	On request	NOK 19 625	On request
Fri, 05 Mar 2027 / Sat, 13 Mar 2027	NOK 58 460	On request	NOK 19 625	On request
Fri, 02 Apr 2027 / Sat, 10 Apr 2027	NOK 65 850	On request	NOK 30 580	On request
Fri, 30 Apr 2027 / Sat, 08 May 2027	NOK 58 460	On request	NOK 19 085	On request
Fri, 21 May 2027 / Sat, 29 May 2027	NOK 57 115	On request	NOK 18 750	On request
Fri, 04 Jun 2027 / Sat, 12 Jun 2027	NOK 57 115	On request	NOK 18 750	On request
Fri, 03 Sep 2027 / Sat, 11 Sep 2027	NOK 57 115	On request	NOK 18 750	On request
Fri, 17 Sep 2027 / Sat, 25 Sep 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 01 Oct 2027 / Sat, 09 Oct 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 15 Oct 2027 / Sat, 23 Oct 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 29 Oct 2027 / Sat, 06 Nov 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 12 Nov 2027 / Sat, 20 Nov 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 03 Dec 2027 / Sat, 11 Dec 2027	NOK 59 130	On request	NOK 20 970	On request
Fri, 17 Dec 2027 / Sat, 25 Dec 2027	NOK 65 850	On request	NOK 30 580	On request

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise – Premium Adventure

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates