Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Cairo - Fayoum Oasis - Luxor - Aswan - River Nile
100% customisable for you
It’s time to head to warmer climes, as today marks the start of your Egyptian adventure. Make sure you’ve checked out our recommended reading list for Egypt, because after speeding through airport security and relaxing in the lounge, you’ve got five hours in the air.
Upon arrival in Cairo, a representative will assist you with your visas and the immigration process before you meet your driver, who’ll whisk you through the bustling city to your hotel. After dropping off your bags, all that’s left to do is grab a bite to eat, head to bed and dream of the next ten days.
A trip to Egypt isn’t complete without seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Pyramids of Giza – and luckily, they’re right on your doorstep. A private guide will show you around the highest and oldest of the three pyramids, the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, along with the pyramids of his son, Khafre – also responsible for the famous Sphinx – and his grandson, Menkaure, as well as the surrounding tombs and temple ruins.
After lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, a modern architectural wonder showing the best of ancient Egypt. The museum will eventually display the most famous treasures of Tutankhamun, and the solar boat of Khufu.
A long day of exploring the world’s oldest tourist site and the largest archaeological museum calls for a grand meal to wash it down, and your local Concierge will have plenty of ideas up their sleeve to recommend. So, settle down and enjoy classic Egyptian cuisine alongside plentiful wine, just as the ancient inhabitants did thousands of years ago.
Today, your two-day tour to the Fayoum Oasis begins, so rise bright and early and fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Begin your day by delving into the Pyramid of Meidum, towering 200ft high and surrounded by mudbrick mastabas. Located midway between Giza and the Fayoum Oasis, this structure represents the first attempt at constructing a genuine pyramid, signifying the shift from the Early Dynastic Period to the Old Kingdom.
In the afternoon, you'll visit the small, peaceful village of Tunis. Originally a hub for farmers and fishermen, it has become known for contemporary pottery, thanks to Evelyn Porret, who settled there following a visit in the 1980s. You’ll spend the night here, so settle in and make yourself at home ahead of a relaxed evening.
On your second day, immerse yourself in the wonders of the Fayoum Oasis. Begin your journey with a drive to Wadi al Hitan, also known as the Valley of the Whales, discovered in 1902. This valley harbours invaluable fossil remnants of the earliest (and now extinct) suborder of whales, Archaeoceti, representing a pivotal tale of evolution – the transition of whales from land to oceanic mammals.
Next, proceed to Wadi El Rayan, home to Egypt's only waterfall, originally shaped by the runoff from surrounding agricultural regions. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Cairo, where you can ponder the day's extraordinary discoveries on the one-hour flight to Luxor. Finally, settle into your hotel overlooking the magnificent River Nile.
The much-anticipated part of your holiday has rolled around – your journey aboard the Steam Ship Sudan. We believe this is the only way to see the Nile – it was vouched for by Agatha Christie, who sailed on the ship before writing Death on the Nile, after all (we are a little biased though, as our parent company, Voyageurs du Monde, do own the boat…).
After boarding, settle into your comfy cabin before heading for your first lunch onboard. This afternoon, you’ll discover the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the latter dedicated to the god Amon. The ship will then sail towards Qena, situated north of Luxor. This stretch of the Nile is rarely visited by cruise boats, making it exceptionally beautiful with quiet coastal panoramas, especially at sunset. Enjoy dinner and spend the night onboard at Qena Quai.
It’s an early start this morning as you disembark for the two-hour drive to Abydos to explore the remarkable Temple of Seti I, a great limestone structure built in an unusual L-shape. The temple was dedicated to six gods and marks the birth of Ramesside art.
On the way back, you'll stop at Dendera, home to the Hathor Temple, symbolising the protection of women. This remote desert region, with sparse vegetation, boasts some of Egypt's best-preserved ancient ruins, including richly decorated chapels, columns, hallways, stairs, terraces and rooftops offering splendid countryside views.
Finally, it’s time to re-embark the boat for a leisurely lunch aboard as you sail towards Luxor, where you’ll dock for the night.
In the morning, you'll cross the Nile to the Theban Necropolis, a land steeped in mystery and believed to be the domain of the god Osiris. Here, you’ll find the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs symbolize the deceased's journey into the afterlife.
A highlight will be your visit the grand tomb of Ramesses VI, stretching 380ft in length. You’ll also witness the valley of the craftsmen, known as Deir El-Medina, designed to welcome the sculptors, painters and stonemasons who worked on the necropolises; and the Valley of the Nobles, eternal home to the most famous politicians and land owners of the Middle Kingdom. Return to the boat for lunch before setting sail for Edfu, via the impressive lock at Esna, enjoying dinner onboard.
You have two more temples to visit today; and they’re among the finest in the world. This morning you’ll explore the Temple of Edfu, a remarkable sanctuary dedicated to Horus and Hathor (a god and his wife), renowned as one of the best-preserved temples in ancient Egypt.
After your visit, return for lunch as the boat continues its journey towards Kom Ombo, arriving at sunset. The Temple of Kom Ombo, your second of the day, is distinctive in Egypt as it's dedicated to two deities: Horus, depicted with the head of a falcon, and Sobek, portrayed with the head of a crocodile. Enjoy dinner onboard and spend the night at the Kom Ombo quay.
Rise and shine ready for today’s sail to Aswan at Egypt’s southern end of the Nile Valley. Here, the landscape gradually shifts from cultivated lands to expansive sandy banks, marking the beginning of ancient Nubia.
During your visit, explore the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, the goddess associated with marriage, fertility, motherhood, magic and medicine. Enjoy some leisure time in Aswan before dinner, immersing yourself in the region's rich history, and consider attending the optional Light and Sound show at Philae.
It’s time to bid farewell to the Steam Ship Sudan as you depart the boat this morning. A traditional sailing boat will take you to your hotel, with a pitstop to explore the lush botanical garden on Kitchener’s Island. Your hotel is also on an island, with gardens and pools overlooking the Nile.
Today is all about unwinding after your Steam Ship experience, so settle into one of the restaurants, soak in the island views and toast to your Nile adventure with a cocktail or two.
All good things must come to an end, and sadly, your Egyptian adventure concludes today. Fill up on one last breakfast before being privately transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Cairo, where you’ll then catch your international flight back to the UK.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
