Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Egypt! Touch down in Cairo, meet your crew, and get the game plan from your Trip Manager. Then we'll kick things off properly with a welcome dinner together.
Today's the one you've been waiting for: THE pyramids. We'll jump on a guided tour to see the Sphinx and the Valley Temple, then head into Khan el-Khalili to check out local handicrafts and shop for souvenirs.
Next up? An optional visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (AKA the world's biggest museum) for an endless array of ancient wonders. After soaking up Cairo's energy, we hop on an overnight train south to Aswan — local style. Settle into twin-share, grab dinner (it's simple but delish), and catch up with the crew before drifting off as Egypt rolls by outside your window.
Wakey wakey. A basic breakfast will be served on board before we hop off in Aswan and dive straight into explore mode. An ancient temple on an island in the Nile? Yep, it really is as epic as it sounds. Hop on an optional cruise to Philae Temple for a guided visit, then enjoy free time afterwards to explore Aswan your way. Stroll the corniche, grab something tasty, or just take it slow by the water.
Yep, you've got a full free day here. Take it slow by the Nile, wander the markets, or if you're feeling extra history-minded - opt in for a trip to Abu Simbel, home to colossal statues and a seriously impressive dose of ancient Egypt.
Aswan, you were awesome. Now it's time for a mini sailing adventure. Today, we'll sail the Nile the traditional way on a felucca. Think a no-frills boat day with local food, swim stops along the way, then sleeping on deck under the stars with your crew.P. S. If the weather's too cold for an overnight sail, we'll swap the felucca stay for a hotel and enjoy a one hour sailing during the day instead.
Wake up on the Nile with breakfast on board, then we'll cruise onwards ready for our next hit of ancient history. "How did they build this? ” Thats's what you'll be asking yourself the whole time when you take a guided tour of this riverside temple and its dramatic columns.
After a quick stop to check it out, we'll hit the road once again. Oh hello, Luxor. The afternoon's yours to explore. But if you're keen for even more history, the optional Karnak Temple guided tour is a must-see.
Kick things off at the Valley of the Kings, then swing by the Colossi of Memnon for a proper photo stop. Next up, it's wheels up (well… pedals) for a bike ride around Luxor with Funtasia — a unqiue MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that supports local youth organisations. Then round off with a market wander and a snack mission.
This evening, we'll board the overnight train back to Cairo. Back on the rails, we'll travel north by overnight train, with dinner served on board and time to wind down with the crew before settling in for the night as Egypt rolls by outside.
It's your final morning with the crew, so grab breakfast on board as we roll into Cairo. We'll arrive at Cairo train station early this morning, where your trip will come to an end. Say goodbye to this wonderful journey of discovering one ancient wonder after another, swap details, and head off for your next adventure. Catch ya later.
Trip Inclusions
- Cairo: Visit Egypt's most iconic ancient sites in one stop: the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple. Your Trip Manager will guide you around the plateau, sharing the stories behind how these monuments were built and what they meant to the people who created them. Think: pharaoh power to afterlife beliefs and the engineering that still impresses today.
- Cairo: Dive into Cairo's most iconic bazaar, right in the heart of Historic Cairo (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Expect a maze of alleyways lined with lanterns, spices, jewellery, textiles, and antiques, plus local artisans doing their thing as you wander past. It's equal parts shopping, people-watching, and soaking up the atmosphere, with plenty of chances to haggle for souvenirs and pick up something that actually feels like Cairo.
- Aswan: Spend the day (and night) aboard a traditional felucca, floating down the Nile in full slow-travel mode. Lunch and dinner are included, there are swim stops, and you'll sleep under the stars on the deck with your crew. Heads up: it's rustic — the toilet is on a separate support boat travelling alongside. If it's cold, we'll switch it up with a shorter sail, then head by coach to Luxor for a hotel overnight instead.
- Kom Ombo: Explore this seriously cool double temple with a perfectly symmetrical layout. One side is dedicated to Sobek (the crocodile god), the other to Horus (the falcon god) — two temples in one, and twice the ancient intrigue.
- Luxor: Grab your camera and explore one of the world's most famous archaeological sites. See the tomb of Tutankhamun from the outside (with the option to add on exploring it from the inside!) and many other Egyptian pharaohs.
- Hurghada: Check out these towering Pharaoh statues. They've stood guard since 1350 BC, even surviving natural disasters. And apparently one even ‘sings' in the wind.
- Luxor: Get ready to see Luxor on two wheels. We'll cruise past epic monuments and historic spots with stories that bring the place to life. The best bit? You'll meet local youth communities along the way, so you can swap hellos, hear real stories, and ride away with more than just photos
- Luxor: Finish strong with a wander through Luxor's lively souks. Browse local goods, pick up last-minute snacks or gifts, and soak up the atmosphere before you roll on to what's next.
- 4 Dinners (D)
- 7 Breakfasts (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 4 nights in Hotels
- 1 night in Boat
- 2 nights in Overnight Train
- Expert Trip Manager
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Contiki Worldwide (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
