Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

From Head to Toe A Cruise Through Egypt’s Past

Nile - Cairo - Luxor - Aswan - Egypt

Starting from between £5,000 to £7,200 per person for 14 days depending on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

Itinerary Highlights

  • Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza, the oldest Ancient Wonder of the World
  • Explore the ancient city of Alexandria
  • Float down the Nile on the Flaneuse du Nil, exploring historic tombs and temples and tombs along the way
Travel back in time to the iconic ancient Egypt on this two-week journey from Cairo to Aswan. Spend time both on land and river as you float down the Nile aboard the Flaneuse du Nil, a traditional dahabieh sailing boat which has been stylishly restored. Along the way, stop off at awe-inspiring ancient sites, from temples and tombs to ancient villages, all while enjoying the peace and quiet of river life.

Your journey begins in Cairo with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, before continuing on to the ancient city of Alexandria to explore its Greco-Roman wonders. Next, fly to Luxor’s temples and tombs before boarding the elegant Flaneuse du Nil. Spend the next five nights drifting down the Nile from shore to shore, disembarking along the way to marvel at the remnants of ancient Egypt. Finish your trip with a two-day temple tour of Abu Simbel, before heading back to Cairo for a final whistle-stop city tour. One thing’s for sure: you’ll return home with a newfound love of ancient Egypt (and a camera roll full of incredible snapshots).
Cruise on the Flâneuse du Nil - Egypt © Droits reservés
Cruise on the Flâneuse du Nil - Egypt © Droits reservés
Sphynx at the Karnak temple - Luxor - Egypt © Vanille Mayé/Snooze Again
Sphynx at the Karnak temple - Luxor - Egypt © Vanille Mayé/Snooze Again
Flâneuse du Nil - Egypt © Mathias Depardon
Flâneuse du Nil - Egypt © Mathias Depardon
Cruise on the Flâneuse du Nil - Egypt © Vanille Mayé/Snooze Again
Cruise on the Flâneuse du Nil - Egypt © Vanille Mayé/Snooze Again
Banks of the Nile - Egypt © boby
Banks of the Nile - Egypt © boby
Temple - Egypt © Droits reservés
Temple - Egypt © Droits reservés
Temple - Egypt © boby
Temple - Egypt © boby

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Wave goodbye to the UK, because your Egyptian adventure begins today. After speeding through airport security and relaxing in the lounge, buckle in for your flight to Cairo. You’ve got five hours in the air to kill, so make sure you’re equipped with a good book (check out our reading list for Egypt for recommendations).

When you arrive in Cairo, a friendly member of our team will assist you through immigration before you meet your driver, who’ll whisk you away to your hotel. After dumping your bags, all that’s left to do is devour your first plate of Egyptian cuisine, head to bed and dream of your upcoming adventure.

What better way to kick off your Egyptian holiday than with a trip to the Pyramids of Giza? This morning, we’ve arranged a private tour of the largest of the three pyramids, the Great Pyramid of King Khufu. Your knowledgeable guide will show you around Khufu’s grand structure, along with the Pyramids of his son, Khafre – also responsible for the Sphinx – and grandson, Menkaure.

After lunch in a local restaurant, head to the Grand Egyptian Museum, a feat of modern architecture showcasing the best of ancient Egypt. The museum will eventually display the renowned riches of Tutankhamun, along with the solar boat of Khufu (and what better excuse to plan another trip?).

A day of exploring the world’s oldest tourist site calls for a grand meal, so settle down to enjoy classic Egyptian cuisine washed down with plentiful wine – just as the ancient inhabitants did thousands of years ago.

Rise bright and early because this morning, you’re off to the pretty port city of Alexandria. A local driver will take you to Cairo train station, where you’ll hop aboard a train for a scenic two-and-a-half-hour journey.

When you arrive, another driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in central Alexandria. You’ll want to stretch your legs after the train journey, so drop off your bags and head out to explore the sites on your doorstep, such as the new Greco-Roman Museum (home to over 40,000 ancient objects to keep you busy).

When evening rolls around, ask your clued-up Concierge to book you into one of the city’s best restaurants, where you can enjoy a tasty meal overlooking the glittering Mediterranean.

Today’s all about discovering Alexandria – and there’s a lot to see. Alongside a private guide, marvel at the majestic citadel of Qaitbay, built in 1477 by Sultan Qaitbay, and snap a picture of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, a grand building that has guarded the harbour entrance for centuries. You’ll also explore the Bibliotheca Alexandria, built to memorialise the historic Library of Alexandria, which was destroyed over centuries of political and economic unrest. To finish the day, pay visits to other notable city sites, including the Royal Jewellery Museum, the Aquarium and the iconic Pompey's Pillar, a giant Corinthian column built to honour the Roman emperor Diocletian.

It’s time to head to Luxor, so return to the airport and hop aboard your speedy one-hour flight from Cairo. After landing, a private transfer will take you to your hotel for the next two nights. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hotel, ready for a busy day of exploring tomorrow.

Another day, another tour. This one’s all about Luxor’s historical sites, beginning at the Valley of the Artisans. This ancient village was home to the skilled ancient Egyptian artisans who built the elaborate royal tombs, and the well-preserved ruins offer an insight into their daily lives.

Next, venture to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a majestic monument carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Complete with grand terraces and towering statues, this remarkable temple commemorates the reign of one of Egypt's few female pharaohs.

Next, venture to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a majestic monument carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Complete with grand terraces and towering statues, this remarkable temple commemorates the reign of one of Egypt's few female pharaohs.

It’s time for your adventure aboard the breathtaking Flaneuse du Nil to begin. First, though, we’ve arranged for you to visit more of Luxor’s highlights alongside a friendly guide (who you’ll get to know well over the next five days).

Start in the centre of Luxor at the Karnak Temple complex, which features temples, towers and statues built over hundreds of years. After you’ve been suitably wowed, cross the Nile to the Valley of the Kings. This ancient burial site is home to the tombs of many famous Pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Ramesses V and Seti I.

After your tours, you’ll be privately transferred to Esna, one hour’s drive south, to board the Flaneuse du Nil, a traditional dahabieh boat. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard (complete with the finest wine, of course), before finding a shady spot on deck to watch the banks of the Nile drift by. Come evening, you’ll stop for the night at a peaceful spot near El Hegz Island.

This morning, set sail for El Kab, a city encircled by ancient mud brick walls. Explore the mountainside tombs and their biographical bas-reliefs (ancient carvings): Ahmose's tomb recounts the historic capture of Avaris, while Paheri's offers a glimpse into rural life.

Back on board the Flaneuse, enjoy a delightful lunch as you continue down the Nile, passing fishermen, boats laden with sugar cane and graceful feluccas (single-sailed boats). Your next stop is Edfu, home to the majestic Temple of Horus. One of Egypt's largest and best-preserved temples, it showcases intricate bas-reliefs depicting divine worship and ancient ceremonies. With newfound knowledge in tow, climb back onto the boat, where you’ll be carried gently toward El Ramady Island.

This morning, set out for a leisurely stroll around the traditional Egyptian village on the picturesque island of El Ramady. Once back on board, set sail for Gebel el-Silsila, where you’ll find the Speos of Horemheb carved into the rock on the riverbank. This ancient temple honours King Horemheb, thought to have ruled Egypt for over 14 years, and seven other deities, including the local god Sobek.

Disembark and set off on a guided walking tour exploring ancient Egyptian craftsmanship, visiting the sandstone quarries once used in the construction of temples. When your legs begin to tire, hop back aboard the boat and continue your journey downstream to the enchanting village of Maniha, where you’ll stop for the night.

Today's voyage is to the majestic temple of Kom Ombo, which sits pretty on the banks of the Nile. Widely respected by ancient Egyptians, this temple pays homage to two powerful deities: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility and power, and Horus, the hawk god of kingship, healing and protection.

After exploring this jaw-dropping historic site, return to the boat for a tasty lunch. You’ll then continue your cruise along the Nile to Herdiab, where a good night’s sleep awaits ahead of more adventures tomorrow.

It’s your final full day on the Nile, so rise bright and early to make the most of it. The day begins with a sail to Aswan, where you’ll jump on a motorboat and ride along the serene waters towards Aswan’s Cataracts islands. From the boat, admire Elephantine Island and Kitchener Island, renowned for their stunning botanical gardens. You’ll then stop at a small island for a refreshing break, savouring a steaming cup of famous Arabic coffee against the backdrop of the Nile's waters.

Afterwards, return to the boat for another delicious lunch before heading back out to Agilkia Island’s iconic Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple boasts exquisite bas-reliefs and is considered one of Egypt's most magnificent structures. Explore the site's wonders before returning to the boat for your final cruise dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep. 

Sadly, your time onboard the Flaneuse du Nil has come to an end. After breakfast, you’ll disembark in Aswan and begin your two-day tour of the temples of Abu Simbel. The drive to this little town will take around three-and-a-half hours from Aswan, and you’ll be treated to views of rolling pyramid-shaped hills along the way.

On arrival, enjoy a delicious local lunch at Fikri, a lovely local restaurant run by a friendly Nubian family, before checking into your hotel and enjoying an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, before dinner, your guide will take you to a fabulous Sound and Lights show, where you’ll see the temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari illuminated in a breathtaking display.

Rise bright and early for the second day of the tour (you’ll want to beat the crowds). Built by Ramesses II, the temples of Abu Simbel are some of the most magnificent in Egypt: four colossal statues of the Pharaoh guard the entrance to the main temple, and the smaller second temple is dedicated to Ramesses' wife, Nefertari, and is adorned with statues of the king and queen.

After the two-hour tour and a tasty Nubian breakfast in your hotel, you’ll be driven three-and-a-half hours back through the desert to Aswan for your final night. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon and celebrate your fantastic trip with one last blowout dinner – your Concierge is on hand to recommend some of the city’s best spots.

This morning, return to where your adventure began two weeks ago with a short one-hour flight from Aswan to Cairo. It may be the last day of your holiday, but fear not – the fun isn’t over yet. For the remainder of the day before your flight home, enjoy a guided tour of Cairo’s highlights, including the bustling Grand Bazaar, the Mosque-Madrasa and the dramatic Citadel.

After you’ve conquered Cairo, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your five-hour flight home. You’ll touch down in the UK this evening, ready to regale your friends and family with tales of Egypt’s incredible past.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

EXPLORE THE FAYOUM OASIS

Fancy exploring Egypt’s sprawling deserts? Hop in a 4x4 for a half-day guided tour of the Fayoum Oasis. You’ll stop off at historic sites, including Wadi El Rayan, home to Egypt’s only waterfall, and Wadi Hattan, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting prehistoric whale fossils. You’ll also be taken on a felucca boat across Lake Qarun, a desert oasis teeming with marine life. The tour ends with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant – is there any better way to explore the local history?

Why visit Egypt with Original Travel ?

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.

ENQUIRE NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Egypt

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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Estimated Price

Dependent on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

The prices shown here are merely a guide, as all of our trips are entirely tailor-made. Tailor-made travel involves multiple moving parts, and prices can vary hugely depending on the season of travel, the lead time before the proposed travel date (last minute deals are pretty much a myth), availability, your choice of accommodation and any additional activities you want to include. That means the only exact price will be the one we quote you, which we can adapt to suit your budget. The estimated starting cost for this trip is between £5,000 and £7,200 per person. The average starting price for this trip is £5,800 per person.
Included in this itinerary

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