Pyramids & Nile Cruise by Air: 8 Days in Egypt

Your journey through Egypt begins as you arrive at Cairo International Airport, where you will be welcomed by a local representative and assisted with your arrival arrangements.

From the airport, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo. Along the way, you'll get your first glimpse of Egypt's lively capital, a city where modern neighbourhoods, busy streets, and centuries of history come together.

Upon arrival at your hotel, complete the check-in process and take some time to settle into your accommodation. Your representative will introduce you to the upcoming itinerary and confirm the arrangements for your sightseeing experiences.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax after your journey or simply take in the atmosphere of Cairo as you prepare to discover its extraordinary ancient landmarks the following day. 

After breakfast at your hotel, begin an unforgettable day exploring some of Egypt's most celebrated historical attractions.

Your first destination is the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Standing before these monumental structures, you'll discover why they have fascinated travellers for centuries. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the only surviving wonder of the ancient world's original Seven Wonders.

Continue to the Great Sphinx, the remarkable limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human. Nearby, explore the Valley Temple, an important part of the ancient funerary complex.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, located close to the pyramids. Discover extraordinary archaeological collections, monumental statues, and objects that tell the stories of Egypt's rulers, beliefs, and daily life.

At the end of your sightseeing, return to your hotel in Cairo for a relaxing evening.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Cairo International Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor, one of Egypt's most remarkable historical destinations.

Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed and transferred to your Nile cruise ship, where your journey along the legendary river begins.

Your sightseeing starts with Karnak Temple, an enormous religious complex that developed over many centuries. Walk through its impressive courtyards and admire the Great Hypostyle Hall, where towering columns decorated with ancient carvings create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Continue to Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the modern city. Built and expanded by several pharaohs, this magnificent complex was associated with important religious festivals and ceremonies.

After exploring the temples, return to your Nile cruise ship. Enjoy the onboard atmosphere, relax after your first day in Luxor, and look forward to the historical treasures waiting along the river.

Spend your first night aboard the cruise in Luxor.

Wake up aboard your Nile cruise and enjoy breakfast before setting out to discover the remarkable monuments of Luxor's West Bank.

Begin with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, the famous royal burial ground where pharaohs of the New Kingdom were laid to rest. Step inside selected tombs and admire the colourful hieroglyphs, religious scenes, and intricate decorations that have survived for thousands of years.

Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Built against dramatic limestone cliffs, this extraordinary temple is famous for its elegant terraces, colonnades, and reliefs celebrating the achievements of one of ancient Egypt's most influential female rulers.

Your next stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues that once guarded the entrance to the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

After completing your sightseeing, return to your Nile cruise for lunch and relaxation. The ship continues its journey along the Nile toward Edfu, passing through the scenic landscapes of Upper Egypt and the Esna area.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night aboard.

Note: Entry to certain special tombs in the Valley of the Kings, including Tutankhamun's tomb, requires a separate ticket.

Today brings another fascinating chapter of your journey as you discover two of Egypt's best-preserved ancient temples.

Begin with Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god associated with kingship and protection. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this magnificent temple is celebrated for its towering entrance, spacious courtyards, and remarkably detailed wall carvings.

As you explore the complex, discover the ancient stories and religious traditions represented in its beautifully preserved reliefs.

Continue your journey along the Nile toward Kom Ombo, a distinctive temple situated close to the riverbank. Unlike most Egyptian temples, Kom Ombo was dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder.

Walk through its unusual double sanctuary and admire the carved scenes, including fascinating representations of ancient medical instruments.

Between visits, return to your cruise ship and enjoy the scenery of the Nile Valley. Relax on deck, watch the villages and palm-lined shores pass by, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of river travel.

Continue sailing toward Aswan, where you will spend the night aboard your cruise.

After breakfast aboard your cruise, prepare to explore Aswan, one of Egypt's most picturesque cities, known for its beautiful Nile islands, granite landscapes, and Nubian heritage.

Begin with a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, located in Aswan's ancient granite quarries. This enormous monument was abandoned after a crack appeared during its construction, leaving behind fascinating evidence of how ancient Egyptian workers carved massive stone structures.

Continue to Philae Temple, one of Egypt's most beautiful archaeological attractions. Reach the temple by boat, crossing the Nile to Agilkia Island, where the complex was carefully relocated during the international campaign to protect Nubian monuments from rising water levels.

Dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis, Philae Temple features elegant colonnades, monumental gateways, and beautifully decorated walls that reveal stories from ancient Egyptian mythology.

After exploring the temple, return to your Nile cruise for lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.

Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Aswan, admiring the river scenery, and making the most of your final evening aboard the cruise.

Enjoy your final breakfast aboard the Nile cruise as your remarkable journey through Upper Egypt comes to an end.

After disembarkation, transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Aswan International Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo.

Your return journey offers a change of scenery as you leave behind the peaceful landscapes of the Nile Valley and head toward Egypt's energetic capital.

Upon arrival in Cairo, transfer to your hotel and complete the check-in arrangements. The remainder of the day is free, giving you time to relax after your travels or enjoy your final evening in Egypt at your own pace.

Take a moment to reflect on the experiences of the past week, from standing before the Great Pyramids to exploring royal tombs, discovering ancient temples, and sailing along the legendary Nile.

Spend the night at your hotel in Cairo.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel as your eight-day Egyptian adventure reaches its conclusion.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to relax before your transfer to Cairo International Airport.

Your representative will assist with the departure arrangements, ensuring a comfortable conclusion to your holiday.

As you leave Egypt, take with you memories of the Pyramids of Giza, the magnificent temples of Luxor and Aswan, and the unforgettable experience of cruising along the Nile.

From remarkable archaeological discoveries to peaceful river landscapes, your journey has offered a wonderful introduction to Egypt's extraordinary history and enduring charm.