Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel and have time to relax and sample the hotels amenities after your journey. Stay: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
In the morning, meet your Travel Director and fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall.
Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next four nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts and see two royal mummies. Enjoy dinner on the ship before relaxing in its lounge or in the comfort of your room. (B/L/D) Stay: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
This morning, travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, as they regale you with their fascinating stories of daily life. Visit Luxor Temple which was unearthed by Mariette in the 1860s, before returning to your cruise ship and sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu, for your overnight stay. (B/L/D)
In the early morning, sail to Kom Ombo to visit Egypt's only double temple, dedicated to two gods. Discover the Temple and learn about its ‘double' and perfectly symmetrical design, created for the duo of gods – Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, the falcon god. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience.
This evening, enjoy a fun-filled traditional Egyptian-themed dinner and galabeya party on board your ship. (B/L/D)
Visit the Aswan High Dam and granite quarries to see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, which rises from the waters of the Nile on Philae island. It was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style.
Later, on a traditional Nile Felucca, meet a sailor and learn about traditional sailing practices. As the sun begins to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. The likes of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie stayed at this pretty venue, and Christie supposedly wrote “Death on the Nile” from the hotel itself. Return to Philae Island, this evening, for the atmospheric Sound and Light Show, where the temple's illuminated facade brings ancient myths to life in a vivid display across the Nile. (B/L/AT/D)
In the morning, disembark your cruise ship and enjoy time at leisure in Aswan. Why not join an optional experience and travel by air to the magnificent Temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel? Overlooking Lake Nasser, these temple consists of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Alternatively, spend the morning as you wish. Perhaps soak up the African atmosphere in the Nubian bazaar or visit one of the many points of interest nearby, such as the Botanical Gardens, Elephantine Island and the Aga Khan Mausoleum.
Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo for the night. (B) Stay: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Explore Cairo's Citadel of Saladin with your Egyptologist, a fortress built to shield the city from Crusader forces. Within its vast stone walls stands the Great Alabaster Mosque, where cascading domes, slender minarets and stained-glass windows reflect Ottoman influence and Muhammad Ali Pasha's ambition.
Later, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to over 100,000 ancient treasures, including rare textiles, ornate coffins and the personal belongings of Tutankhamun — each piece revealing intimate details of royal life and burial rituals. (B)
Gain a deeper understanding of the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World during a visit to Giza with your Egyptologist. Meet the enigmatic Sphinx, crouching at the foot of Chephrenís Causeway and venture inside one of the magnificent Pyramids. Nearby lies Memphis, capital of the Old Kingdom, where you can see the colossal statue of Ramesses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx.
Continue to Sakkara to view the Step Pyramid of Zoser, which dates back to 2686 B.C., making it the oldest pyramid in the world. Meet the skilled artisans at a local weaving school for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. (B)
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport. (B)
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you'll have time to unwind and explore its elegant amenities.
Later, get acquainted with your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a drink, toasting the start of your Egyptian adventure. Stay: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
In the morning, meet your Travel Director and fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall.
Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next four nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts and see two royal mummies. Enjoy dinner on the ship before relaxing in its lounge or in the comfort of your room. (B/L/D) Stay: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
This morning, travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, as they regale you with their fascinating stories of daily life. Visit Luxor Temple which was unearthed by Mariette in the 1860s, before returning to your cruise ship and sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu, for your overnight stay. (B/L/D)
In the early morning, sail to Kom Ombo to visit Egypt's only double temple, dedicated to two gods. Discover the Temple and learn about its ‘double' and perfectly symmetrical design, created for the duo of gods – Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, the falcon god. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience.
This evening, enjoy a fun-filled traditional Egyptian-themed dinner and galabeya party on board your ship. (B/L/D)
Visit the Aswan High Dam and granite quarries to see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, which rises from the waters of the Nile on Philae island. It was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style.
Later, on a traditional Nile Felucca, meet a sailor and learn about traditional sailing practices. As the sun begins to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. The likes of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie stayed at this pretty venue, and Christie supposedly wrote “Death on the Nile” from the hotel itself. Return to Philae Island, this evening, for the atmospheric Sound and Light Show, where the temple's illuminated facade brings ancient myths to life in a vivid display across the Nile. (B/L/AT/D)
In the morning, disembark your cruise ship and enjoy time at leisure in Aswan. Why not join an optional experience and travel by air to the magnificent Temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel? Overlooking Lake Nasser, these temple consists of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Alternatively, spend the morning as you wish. Perhaps soak up the African atmosphere in the Nubian bazaar or visit one of the many points of interest nearby, such as the Botanical Gardens, Elephantine Island and the Aga Khan Mausoleum.
Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo for the night. (B) Stay: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Explore Cairo's Citadel of Saladin with your Egyptologist, a fortress built to shield the city from Crusader forces. Within its vast stone walls stands the Great Alabaster Mosque, where cascading domes, slender minarets and stained-glass windows reflect Ottoman influence and Muhammad Ali Pasha's ambition.
Later, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to over 100,000 ancient treasures, including rare textiles, ornate coffins and the personal belongings of Tutankhamun — each piece revealing intimate details of royal life and burial rituals. (B)
Gain a deeper understanding of the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World during a visit to Giza with your Egyptologist. Stand in awe before the Pyramids and meet the enigmatic Sphinx, poised at the foot of Chephren's Causeway. Venture inside one of the ancient tombs, where pharaohs once prepared for the afterlife.
Continue onward to Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom, to see the colossal statue of Ramesses II and the impressive Alabaster Sphinx. At Sakkara, marvel at the Step Pyramid of Zoser, Egypt's oldest, dating back to around 2700 B.C. Visit a local weaving school for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meeting artisans who are preserving traditional crafts.
This evening, raise a glass and savour canapes with your Travel Director and fellow guests as your trip through the wonders of Egypt comes to a close. (B)
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Cairo: Take a short scenic flight to Luxor where you will begin your Nile Cruise.
- Karnak: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, see the of Rameses II and the Hypostyle Hall.
- Luxor: Visit the Luxor Museum and discover ancient artefacts.
- Colossi of Memnon: See the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon.
- Valley of the Kings: Embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut.
- Valley of the Kings: Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt's Pharaohs, with an Egyptologist.
- Luxor: Visit Luxor Temple, constructed approximately 1400 BC. Look to the top of the remaining Pylon of Ramses II and step into the ancient monument.
- Kom Ombo: Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt.
- Aswan: Visit Aswan's High Dam and Granite Quarries to ponder why the unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years.
- Philae Island: Travel by motorboat to Philae Island and witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters.
- Aswan: On a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries.
- Take a short boat ride to Philae Island, where the temple of Isis was carefully reassembled after the original site was submerged by the rising Nile. Enjoy a guided visit before the temple facade becomes a canvas for light and sound, recounting the myth of Isis and Hathor and the Nile's sacred floods in a vivid display.
- Aswan: Enjoy your short flight back to Cairo for your final night.
- Cairo: Uncover Cairo's rich heritage at the UNESCO-listed Citadel, a commanding fortress that shaped Egypt's history for centuries. With your Egyptologist, step inside the Great Alabaster Mosque, where soaring domes, intricate stained glass and the tomb of Sultan Muhammad Ali create a moment of quiet reflection. From its hilltop setting, take in sweeping views over the city below.
- Cairo: At the Grand Egyptian Museum, discover the complete collection from Tutankhamun's tomb — displayed together for the first time — from ceremonial beds to his golden funerary mask. With your Egyptologist, explore the reconstructed solar barque once buried beside the Great Pyramid of Giza, stand before the 11‑metre statue of Ramses II, and wander through one of the largest collections of ancient artefacts spanning the Predynastic to the Greco‑Roman eras.
- Giza: Be mesmerised by the Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids.
- Giza: With your Egyptologist, meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids, to the chambers where the pharaohs went to meet their Gods in the afterlife.
- Memphis: Visit this famous capital of the ancient world to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx.
- Saqqara Necropolis: View the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, existing for over 4,500 years.
- Luxor: Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Aswan: Satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds over an Egyptian cooking demonstration with your talented onboard chef.
- Aswan: Ever wondered what it is like to be in the driver's seat? Enjoy a tour of the Captain's quarters and learn about how he sails through the Nile and how knowledge has been passed down through generations.
- Cairo: Be mesmerised by the intricate art of Egyptian carpet weaving as you meet the skilled artisans of a local weaving school. This ancient and traditional Egypt art is one of the oldest in the country, and only few schools have been safeguarding the traditional weaving methods on wooden looms, using silk and cotton, and natural dyes. More than carpets, they come to life as unique works of art. This experience advances UN Global Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- 4 night Nile cruise aboard your mid-size cruise ship featuring air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, on either MS Medea, MS Miriam, MS Giselle, MS La Boheme or similar. Please note that gratuities are not included for the Travel Director, Nile Cruise staff, Drivers and Airport Escorts.
- Included economy class flights between Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo with transfers between airports and hotels.
- Complimentary transfers from/to Cairo Airport are available on arrival and departure days, or with additional accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.
- Luxor: Get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful drink followed by dinner.
- Kom Ombo: Learn about traditional Egyptian attire and immerse yourself in local culture at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
- Aswan: Follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as you enjoy high tea at Aswan's famous Old Cataract Hotel, as the sun begins to set.
- Dining Summary: 8 Breakfasts (B), 4 Lunches (L), 4 Dinners (D), 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director and certified Egyptologist will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Cairo: Take a short scenic flight to Luxor where you will begin your Nile Cruise.
- Karnak: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, see the of Rameses II and the Hypostyle Hall.
- Luxor: Visit the Luxor Museum and discover ancient artefacts.
- Colossi of Memnon: See the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon.
- Valley of the Kings: Embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut.
- Valley of the Kings: Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt's Pharaohs, with an Egyptologist.
- Luxor: Visit Luxor Temple, constructed approximately 1400 BC. Look to the top of the remaining Pylon of Ramses II and step into the ancient monument.
- Kom Ombo: Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt.
- Aswan: Visit Aswan's High Dam and Granite Quarries to ponder why the unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years.
- Philae Island: Travel by motorboat to Philae Island and witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters.
- Aswan: On a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries.
- Take a short boat ride to Philae Island, where the temple of Isis was carefully reassembled after the original site was submerged by the rising Nile. Enjoy a guided visit before the temple facade becomes a canvas for light and sound, recounting the myth of Isis and Hathor and the Nile's sacred floods in a vivid display.
- Aswan: Enjoy your short flight back to Cairo for your final night.
- Cairo: Uncover Cairo's rich heritage at the UNESCO-listed Citadel, a commanding fortress that shaped Egypt's history for centuries. With your Egyptologist, step inside the Great Alabaster Mosque, where soaring domes, intricate stained glass and the tomb of Sultan Muhammad Ali create a moment of quiet reflection. From its hilltop setting, take in sweeping views over the city below.
- Cairo: At the Grand Egyptian Museum, discover the complete collection from Tutankhamun's tomb — displayed together for the first time — from ceremonial beds to his golden funerary mask. With your Egyptologist, explore the reconstructed solar barque once buried beside the Great Pyramid of Giza, stand before the 11‑metre statue of Ramses II, and wander through one of the largest collections of ancient artefacts spanning the Predynastic to the Greco‑Roman eras.
- Giza: Be mesmerised by the Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids.
- Giza: With your Egyptologist, meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids, to the chambers where the pharaohs went to meet their Gods in the afterlife.
- Memphis: Visit this famous capital of the ancient world to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx.
- Saqqara Necropolis: View the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, existing for over 4,500 years.
- Luxor: Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Aswan: Satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds over an Egyptian cooking demonstration with your talented onboard chef.
- Aswan: Ever wondered what it is like to be in the driver's seat? Enjoy a tour of the Captain's quarters and learn about how he sails through the Nile and how knowledge has been passed down through generations.
- Cairo: Be mesmerised by the intricate art of Egyptian carpet weaving as you meet the skilled artisans of a local weaving school. This ancient and traditional Egypt art is one of the oldest in the country, and only few schools have been safeguarding the traditional weaving methods on wooden looms, using silk and cotton, and natural dyes. More than carpets, they come to life as unique works of art. This experience advances UN Global Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- 4 night Nile cruise aboard your mid-size cruise ship featuring air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, on either MS Medea, MS Miriam, MS Giselle, MS La Boheme or similar. Please note that gratuities are not included for the Travel Director, Nile Cruise staff, Drivers and Airport Escorts.
- Included economy class flights between Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo with transfers between airports and hotels.
- Complimentary transfers from/to Cairo Airport are available on arrival and departure days, or with additional accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.
- Luxor: Get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful drink followed by dinner.
- Kom Ombo: Learn about traditional Egyptian attire and immerse yourself in local culture at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
- Aswan: Follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as you enjoy high tea at Aswan's famous Old Cataract Hotel, as the sun begins to set.
- Dining Summary: 8 Breakfasts (B), 4 Lunches (L), 4 Dinners (D), 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director and certified Egyptologist will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- 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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Insight Vacations Europe, Britain & the World (2025-26)
Download Brochure
Insight Vacations Europe, Britain & the World (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
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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 Inquire. 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 Insight Vacations. 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.
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