Cleopatra's Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria and 5-Star Nile Cruise
Eight days tracing the legacy of pharaohs, queens and ancient civilisations along the Nile.
This Egypt Nile cruise and Cairo tour weaves together Alexandria's Mediterranean heritage, the iconic monuments of Giza, and a three-night luxury Nile cruise connecting Aswan and Luxor into a single, cohesive journey through one of the world's oldest civilisations.
Travellers begin in Alexandria, exploring the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina before returning to Cairo to stand before the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. The Egyptian Museum rounds out the capital's highlights, with the golden treasures of Tutankhamun providing a vivid window into the pharaonic age.
From Aswan, an island-set Philae Temple opens the Nile cruise segment, followed by a sailing past rural riverbanks and the twin-deity Temple of Kom Ombo. Luxor delivers two full days on both banks of the Nile, taking in Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Overnight sleeper trains connect the legs of the journey, preserving time and adding a classic Egyptian travel experience.
The itinerary is rated moderate, making it accessible to most travellers with a reasonable level of fitness. Transfers, guides and most meals are arranged throughout, so the focus remains entirely on the sites and the scenery.
Tour Highlights
Stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, two of the most recognised monuments in human history.
Sail the Nile for three nights aboard a 5-star cruise ship, watching timeless riverside landscapes unfold from the sun deck.
Walk through the Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple, a forest of colossal columns that took more than 2,000 years to complete.
Enter the richly decorated royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, where vibrant wall paintings have survived for millennia.
Reach Philae Temple by motorboat, approaching the island sanctuary of Isis across shimmering Nile waters.
Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, a striking modern library built on the site of one of antiquity's greatest centres of learning.
Travel between Cairo and Aswan, and Luxor and Cairo, on classic overnight sleeper trains that follow the course of the Nile.
Itinerary Overview
Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. A guide briefing sets out the programme for the days ahead.
Travel to Alexandria for a day covering the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Fort Qaitbey. Lunch is included at a local restaurant before returning to Cairo for the night.
Morning at the Giza Plateau and an afternoon at the Egyptian Museum, including the Tutankhamun collection. Board the overnight sleeper train south to Aswan in the evening.
Arrive in Aswan, board the 5-star Nile cruise and visit Philae Temple by motorboat. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing onboard as the cruise departs.
Spend the day sailing north, stopping at the twin-sanctuary Temple of Kom Ombo perched above the river. The cruise continues toward Luxor through changing desert and agricultural scenery.
A full day on Luxor's East Bank takes in the vast Karnak complex, including the Hypostyle Hall, and the ceremonial Luxor Temple with its Avenue of Sphinxes.
What Is Included
Included
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Accommodation in Cairo hotel (3 nights)
- 3-night 5-star Nile cruise (full board)
- 2 overnight sleeper train journeys (Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo)
- All guided excursions as described in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in the programme
- Meals as specified per day (breakfasts, lunches and dinners where noted)
- Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout
- All internal transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
Not Included
- International flights to and from Cairo
- Egypt entry visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending and gratuities
- Optional excursion to Abu Simbel
- Any meals not specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- Post-tour accommodation (available to add at checkout)
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Journey
Availability on this 8-day Egypt itinerary is limited. Secure your dates now to confirm your place on the Nile cruise and all guided excursions.
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