Overview
Return to Cairo and fly to read more Aswan to begin your 3-night cruise on the Nile, considered the longest river in the world. As you sail down the Nile, stop to visit fascinating temples and shrines dating back to the 2nd century. Your Nile River cruise concludes in Luxor with an overnight stay and free time to explore before returning to Cairo. This 11-day guided vacation in Egypt with Nile River cruise is even better with fewer crowds and more savings during off-season travel. A wondrous escape fit for a king!
-
KQL
Itinerary
Welcome to Cairo.
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Secrets of the Sphinx
Your Egyptian discovery starts in the vibrant city of Cairo, located on the River Nile, with a guided sightseeing tour that features a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Later, a short drive to Giza is the start of an iconic visit to see some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world - the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY & MYSTERY: Get up close and personal with The Pyramids of Giza - one of the World's Seven Wonders. Ponder the enigmatic secrets of the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Marvel at the massive monument of Cheops, the most colossal pyramid ever built with an original height of 496 feet.
The Mediterranean Pearl
Today, depart Cairo and head to the desert. En route stop at the oasis of Wadi El Natrun and visit a Coptic Monastery. Continue to the charismatic city of Alexandria, located on the Mediterranean coast, and boasting the oldest tram system in Africa. Enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace. 137 mi / 220 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - CULTURE & TRADITIONS: In Arabic, Wadi El Natrum means “Valley of Nitrates,” due to the presence of eight different lakes containing nitrates in the surrounding area. In Coptic, the region is also known as Shi-Hyt, which can be translated as “balance of the heart” or “measure of hearts.” The monasteries of Wadi el-Natrun are the source of indispensable data for the study of the Coptic heritage, and especially for Coptic literature, art, and architecture.
Royal Majesty of the Montazah Gardens
This morning, discover the fascinating city of Alexandria with a guided sightseeing tour that includes the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, that commemorates the ancient Library of Alexandria, and the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel. Visit the Montazah Gardens that were once frequented by Egypt's royal family. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY & CULTURE: Originally founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was once one of the wealthiest cities in the world and the Montazah Palace gardens are a true testimony of this wealth. Designed to be a place of relaxation and recreation for the Khedive and his guests, they are filled with flowers, trees, and shrubs.
A Drive Through the Red Land
Enjoy a scenic drive back to Cairo through the El Beheira desert. Enjoy some free time in Cairo before joining your travel companions for dinner at your hotel. 155 mi / 250 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LANDSCAPES: In ancient times, the Egyptians called the desert the "red land," distinguishing it from the flood plain around the Nile River, called the "black land". These reflect the fact that the desert sands have a reddish hue and the land around the Nile turned black when the annual flood waters receded. Over thousands of years, the Nile River evolved into its present shape, surrounded by the Eastern and Western deserts.
The Inspiration of Isis
This morning, head to the airport for a flight to Aswan, Embark your cruise ship for the start of your Nile River Cruise. Start to get acquainted with the ship and enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon, explore independently or join a shore excursion.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - THE GIFT OF EGYPT: Flowing through 11 countries, the Nile is the longest river in the world. Often called “The Lifeline of Egypt,” the importance of the Nile through history cannot be overestimated. Without the fertile soils carried by this legendary river of life, Egypt would have surely been a desert. Ancient Egyptians worshipped the Nile as the god Hapi, believed to be the source of all life, yet they also believed it would lead to the afterlife. A symbol of fertility, abundance, and the cycle of life; the Nile riverbanks are still home to approximately 95% of Egypt's population who live close to its banks.
Egyptian Gods & Gowns
Enjoy a leisurely morning before calling at Kom Ombo for a guided walking tour featuring the temple dedicated to the crocodile and falcon gods. Enjoy some free time to browse.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: Explore captivating Kom Ombo with a walking tour of its bluff-top twin temples. Gaze at the spellbinding temples dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek-Ra and the falcon god Horus.
Legendary Luxor
Today, in Edfu, visit the impressive Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Return to the ship and enjoy lunch while sailing. Arrive at Luxor and join an excursion to visit the Temple of Luxor.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - OF GODS AND PILGRIMAGES: Step back in time and wander through the magnificent temple dedicated to Horus, one of the most important gods in Ancient Egypt. Learn how this became the setting for many important festivals which resulted in huge pilgrimages. With time the temple suffered the elements and got buried underneath the sand where it remained until 1860!
Palace of Life
This morning, disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel. Later, join the guided sightseeing tour to see the breathtaking Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in Egypt. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PLACE OF THE PHARAOHS: Known as Ipet-Isu (the Most Select of Places) by the ancient Egyptians, the Temple of Karnak was built over 2000 years ago—considered by unassuming ancient Egyptians as the place of gods. Here, dozens of pharaohs added their own additions to the site, making this one of the most impressive open-air museums in the world.
Cairo Bound
Depart Luxor and take a flight to Cairo. Enjoy some leisure time in this exciting city to explore more.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: on an optional excursion to the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens on the West Bank of the Nile where generations of pharaohs and nobles were entombed in cliffside crypts. See where 62 royal tombs have thus far been discovered, of which one was found virtually intact—the splendid tomb of Tutankhamun discovered in 1922.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Tour Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Cairo with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum
- Guided visit to the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza
- Visit to the oasis of Wadi El Natrun features a visit to a Coptic Monastery
- Guided sightseeing tour in Alexandria
- Scenic desert drive
- Three-night Nile Cruise between Aswan and Luxor
- Guided walking tour in Kom Ombo
- Guided visits to the Temple of Horus and the Temple of Luxor
- Guided visit to the Karnak Temple
- Flights between Cairo and Aswan and Luxor and Cairo
- 10 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
- Cairo: Hyatt Regency Cairo West (Deluxe):
Superbly located in the heart of the exclusive Pyramids Heights Business Park, and close to the Pyramids of Giza, City, and shopping malls. The Contemporary air-conditioned guestrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Pyramids, pools, or lush gardens. Each room is equipped with the latest technology like smart mirrors and sensor LED lighting, plus a minibar, safe, coffee / tea maker and complimentary toiletries. There are several on-site restaurants, bars and lounges serving beverages throughout the day and cocktails in the evening. Leisure facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool and a fitness center. - Alexandria: Hilton Alexandria Corniche (Superior First-Class):
"Boasting an ideal location in the heart of Alexandria overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and steps away from its own private beach. Stylish guest rooms have free Wi-Fi, safe, minibar, and electric kettle. Other amenities include a rooftop infinity pool, spa and fully equipped gym. Savor innovative dishes at one of the on-site restaurants, or simply relax in the hotel lounge with a cup of coffee." - Cairo: Sonesta Tower & Casino (Superior First-Class):
Located in Nasr City residential area hotel Sonesta Tower & Casino features five restaurants, two bars, a modern fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace, and a casino. All 409 air-conditioned guest rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, equipped with flat screen TV with international chains, mini-bar, in-room safe and free wireless high speed internet access. The poolside bar and the spa with steam room, whirlpool and hydrotherapy are perfect for deep relaxation. After the pampering enjoy a varied choice of dining options at the hotel's gourmet restaurants. The citadel and the pyramids are a short drive away. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. - Luxor: Sonesta St. George Hotel (Superior First-Class):
Commanding an excellent position overlooking the Nile and close to the Luxor Temple and Museum. Elegantly decorated rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a TV and mini bar. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. A variety of local and international dishes are served at the on-site restaurant. There's a 24-hour cafe and a lounge/bar, along with an outdoor pool and a swim-up bar. A health club offers a gym, plus a sauna, a steam room, and a hot tub.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Cruise Details: Deluxe cabin - featuring twin beds (can convert to double), private en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and panoramic windows. Globus Host service throughout the cruise.
- Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Movenpick MS Royal Lotus.
- During the cruise, some visits may begin with early morning starts, in order to avoid the crowds for optimum enjoyment at the more popular sites.
Download Brochure
Globus Worldwide (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
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 Globus. 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.
