Egypt & The Eternal Nile II

Depart Home City for Cairo, Egypt on an overnight flight.

We arrive in the Egyptian capital today. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities or meals planned.

Overnight: Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City, Cairo 

We meet our fellow travelers and our tour director, who gives us a morning briefing about the journey ahead. Then, we set out for our first stop on tour and a highlight of our journey: the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), standing within sight of Giza’s three Pyramids and ranking as one of the world’s newest must-visit destinations. Finally opened to the public in late 2025 after some 22 years of planning and construction, the GEM is the largest archaeological museum complex in the world with a collection including over 100,000 artifacts spanning 700,000 years of Egyptian history, from pre-historic times to the heyday of pharaonic rule to the (relatively) recent Greco-Roman era. We take a guided tour to view the museum’s many treasures, in particular spending time at the Tutankhamun exhibit, where every one of the ~5,000 artifacts from the boy king’s tomb (including his famed gold mask and sarcophagus) are now collected and on display together for the first time. We also see Khufu’s Solar Boat, the 142-foot royal vessel that was recovered intact from a pit beside the Great Pyramid of Giza. We enjoy lunch at the museum before having free time to explore some of the many exhibitions on our own. This evening, we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City, Cairo 

Meals: B, L, D

It’s a very early morning as we set off for a flight to Aswan where we board a motorcoach for the 3½-hour ride across a corner of the Sahara to Abu Simbel. We board our ship for lunch together and then visit this site with its inspiring history. When the Aswan High Dam was built in the 1960s to control the mighty Nile, it was expected to double the country’s hydroelectric supply. But in the course of creating one of the world’s largest manmade lakes (Lake Nasser), the resultant flooding had the potential to destroy most of the native Nubian villages found here, as well as a number of irreplaceable monuments in the lowlands, among them Abu Simbel. To preserve these monuments, the Egyptian Department of Antiquities, in conjunction with UNESCO, embarked on a rescue project beyond the scope of anything ever attempted: they dismantled several ancient sites, stone by heavy stone, and rebuilt them on higher ground. 

We see the results of these efforts at Abu Simbel, a massive complex of temples guarded by four colossal statues of Ramses II, each more than 60 feet high. Inside, the walls are covered with incredibly well-preserved murals depicting scenes of Queen Nefertari and her court, and of King Ramses in battle. This is truly an astonishing place; one we are glad was preserved for posterity. After our visit, we have an afternoon at leisure aboard our ship. As the desert sun goes down, we return to Abu Simbel and experience a sound-and-light show amid the massive statuary here. Then, we return to the Omar el Khayam in time for dinner on board.

Overnight: Steigenberger Omar el Khayam

Meals: B, L, D

We are in the heart of ancient Nubia, the kingdom that bordered southern Egypt during antiquity and was Egypt’s gateway to Africa. Though heavily influenced and often ruled by Egypt, Nubia had a culture and history distinct from that of its more powerful neighbor. It had its own kings, some of which were cooperative with Egypt’s, while others were competitive. While Nubia has long been incorporated as a part of modern Egypt, some Nubians have struggled to maintain their cultures and traditions, much of which are now dying out because of assimilation and changing times.

During breakfast, we sail to the settlement of Kasr Ibrim, the last vestige of Nubian culture still in its original location. After a brief visit during which we learn about this ancient settlement from aboard the ship (it’s prohibited to go ashore here), we continue on to Amada, where we tour the 18th-dynasty Temple of Amada, built during the reign of Tutmosis III and the oldest surviving Lake Nasser temple. Amazingly, in order to preserve its fragile paintings, the temple was moved in one piece to its current location – not block by block as with the other Nubian temples. During lunch, we cruise to Wadi el-Seboua where we explore the reconstructed Dakka temple dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom and justice, and where we spend the night. Tonight, we dine aboard our ship.

Overnight: Steigenberger Omar el Khayam

Meals: B, L, D

We spend this morning in Wadi el-Seboua, touring the Valley of the Lions with its striking avenue of sphinxes. This afternoon, we cruise to Aswan, the city where Agatha Christie wrote the famous Death on the Nile. We enjoy lunch and dinner together on board. Late this evening, we arrive in Aswan and spend the evening on board. 

Overnight: Steigenberger Omar el Khayam

Meals: B, L, D

We disembark our ship early this morning in the desert lands of Aswan and set out to visit New Kalabsha, site of Kalabsha Temple, the largest freestanding Nubian temple of them all that was moved and reconstructed here from Old Kalabsha when Lake Nasser’s rising waters threatened the site. This sandstone temple dedicated to Mandulis, the Nubian god of religion preserves Egyptian and Greek history; both languages are carved into the temple walls. After exploring the site, we return to our ship for breakfast and then bid farewell to the crew as we embark on a tour of the Aswan High Dam. Considered a miracle of engineering when completed in 1965, the dam required some 18 years of work. Numbers tell part of the story: it stands 11,811 feet long, 364 feet tall, and at its base is 3,215 feet thick. For some context, 18 times more material was used to construct the Aswan High Dam than to construct the Great Pyramid at Giza. But in addition to doubling Egypt’s electrical supply, the dam’s construction – and subsequent creation of Lake Nasser – also caused the relocation of up to 90,000 Nubians from their homeland. 

Next, we visit the Temples of Philae on the island of Agilkia. Before the Aswan Dam was built, the temples, originally located further upstream, were submerged by Nile flooding for six months each year. But in much the same manner as Abu Simbel, the Philae ruins were dismantled and reconstructed on Agilkia, which was landscaped to resemble antiquity’s Sacred Island of Isis. The oldest part of the temple dates from the 4th century BCE, though construction continued until the 3rd century CE. We visit the Hall of Nectanebo, the oldest part of the complex, along with the Outer Temple Court, the Temple of Isis, and the beautiful Osiris Chambers, decorated with bas reliefs of Isis, her sons, and other deities. Our temple touring in Aswan complete, we board the second ship of the tour, our floating hotel for our three-night stay on the Nile. Lunch and dinner are on board.

Overnight: M/S Amwaj

Meals: B, L, D

This morning, we embark small feluccas, replicas of ancient Nile sailboats, for a relaxing afternoon sail. We admire the river scenery as we make our way slowly down the Nile, passing close by the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island, named after British Army officer Lord Kitchener, who served as Consul General of Egypt from 1911 to 1914; and Elephantine Island, with its huge granite rocks. We return to our ship for lunch together and then sail to the ancient trading town of Kom Ombo, which sat on the great caravan route from Nubia. Here, we see outstanding Nile views from an unusual double temple, dedicated both to the crocodile god Sobek and to the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder). After returning to our ship, we cruise to Edfu, where we dock for the night. This evening, we attend the Captain’s welcome cocktail party aboard our ship, wearing traditional Egyptian galabeya.

Overnight: M/S Amwaj

Meals: B, L, D

We begin today by exploring the Temple of Horus in Edfu, considered Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temple (having spent centuries buried beneath desert sands). Construction of the complex began under Ptolemy III in 237 BCE and was completed nearly 200 years later; the temple’s remains were not discovered until 1900. We see the 12 enormous columns that stand in front of the Great Halls and stop to admire the wall inscriptions in the Hall of Consecrations. 

After returning to our ship, we sail to Luxor, enjoying lunch on board along the way. Upon arrival, we set out to explore the Luxor East Bank, beginning at Karnak. Here, we tour Luxor Temple, where the statue of Amun-Ra, the Sun God and God of Creation, would travel in a procession from Karnak Temple for festivals held during annual flood season. Over the years, more rulers built onto the temple, including Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and even Alexander the Great. We visit the Great Court of Ramses II, the Temple of the Theban Triad, and the obelisk, whose twin stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. 

We then move on to the even more splendid Karnak Temple, which was under construction for some 1,500 years. It comprises the three main temples of Amun, Mut, and Montu, as well as smaller enclosed temples and several outer temples located a short distance north of Luxor. We also see the temple’s enormous pylons, the Temple of Ramses II, the Great Hypostyle Hall, and the two Obelisks of Hatshepsut. A traditional Middle Eastern belly dancing performance accompanies dinner on board tonight.

Overnight: M/S Amwaj

Meals: B, L, D

Today we disembark our ship and explore the Luxor West Bank, a region that surpasses even Cairo in the number and importance of its ancient sites. We begin at the haunting Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, an isolated valley holding the tombs of more than 50 New Kingdom monarchs and nobles, each in a tomb constructed underground in an attempt to mirror the underworld. For many years, Egyptians inhabited this vast City of the Dead to protect the tombs from grave robbers – though sadly, some of the tombs were indeed looted over the centuries. What remain, however, are some of the most magnificent paintings seen anywhere in Egypt. The tombs were filled with sand, which not only protected everything inside, but also served as a sort of embalming element for the paintings, preserving them from the wind and sun. Today some of the paintings have been covered by glass for further protection. To visit all the tombs would be impossible; our tour director will select some of the most interesting for us to see. We then visit the dramatic Temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to one of the few female pharaohs; and the enormous Colossi of Memnon, two 64-foot-high statues that once guarded the gates of a mortuary temple. We stop for lunch together at a local restaurant and then check in to our hotel, where we enjoy dinner together tonight.

Overnight: Steigenberger Nile Palace

Meals: B, L, D

We may wish to rise early this morning and view the West Bank of “the world’s greatest open-air museum,” as Luxor has been called, from above in an optional hot air balloon ride. (At the time of printing, the cost of the 45-minute balloon ride is approximately $120USD per person). Later this morning we visit Luxor Museum, housing relics discovered at Luxor. Among the museum’s notable artifacts: the mummies of pharaohs Ahmose I (reigned ca. 1539–1514 BCE) and Ramses I (reigned 1292–1290 BCE); and statuary from the New Kingdom era (ca. 16th–11th century BCE). Then we enjoy lunch together and have the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight: Steigenberger Nile Palace

Meals: B, L

Early this morning, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, we navigate the exotic Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Cairo’s most popular and believed to be the largest in the Middle East, if not the world. Here we can visit artisans who have passed down their skill from generation to generation, perfecting all types of crafts including wood, perfume, leather goods, and glassware. There are bargains to be had on almost every corner, but shoppers are expected to barter hard for them. 

We then tour the Citadel of Saladin, a spectacular medieval fortress set high on a hill with extraordinary views of the city below. Built in 1176 to guard against the Crusaders, the Citadel was the home of Egyptian rulers for nearly 700 years, including famed leader Muhammad Ali, whose gilt tomb is inside. After time for lunch on our own, we check in to our hotel and have the remainder of the day free to spend as we wish. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Overnight: Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo

Meals: B

This morning, we return to the Giza Plateau and its three famed pyramids, including the Great Pyramid (or Pyramid of Cheops), which ranks among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. A truly awe-inspiring sight, the Great Pyramid was built around 2600 BCE, and at more than 450 feet tall, was the tallest man-made structure on earth for nearly 3,800 years. In front of the Pyramids stands the serene Sphinx, whose leonine body and human face were carved almost entirely of one piece of limestone and submerged by desert sands for thousands of years. We spend time visiting the pyramids, seeing them up close and marveling at their 4,600-year longevity. 

After lunch together at a local restaurant, it’s on to Old Cairo, so named because the ancient Roman fort named Babylon stood here. This area – the city’s oldest section – is also known as Coptic Cairo due to its concentration of historic Coptic churches. These churches are among the holiest sites for Egypt’s Coptic Christian community, making up some 10% of the country’s population. We begin at 5th-century St. Sergius, the oldest church in the area. Inside, 12 columns representing the 12 Apostles separate the nave from the aisles. We also visit el-Muallaqa, the “hanging church” built over the bastions of a Roman gate. Believed to date from the 7th century, the church features a ceiling that resembles an ark, and a carved marble pulpit considered the finest in Egypt. 

We continue on to St. George’s Church, dating to the 10th century and built on top of an ancient Roman tower. Famed as the only round church in Egypt, St. George’s still functions as an active house of worship, and ranks as Egypt’s principal Greek Orthodox church. Finally, we reach Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Jewish synagogue-turned-museum where, according to local legend, baby Moses was found floating on the Nile some 3,300 years ago. Evidence of Ben Ezra’s founding predates 882 CE, making it Egypt’s oldest synagogue; however, the building we see today was constructed in the 12th century, rebuilt in the 19th century, and underwent extensive restoration work in 2022. Later this afternoon, we return to the hotel. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Overnight: Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo

Meals: B, L

Today we visit some of the finest sites in Egyptian antiquity, beginning this morning at the open-air museum at Memphis, Egypt’s first capital. The history of Memphis stretches so far back into history that its origins have been lost to time; the city was already in existence during the reign of Iry-Hor, the pharaoh of Upper Egypt during the 32nd century BCE and one of the earliest historical figures known to mankind by name. Once a magnificent city ruled by legendary King Menes who united Upper and Lower Egypt, Memphis is now a pleasant remnant of long-ago times, with sculptures, a Sphinx, and a limestone colossus of Ramses II. 

Our next stop is at nearby Sakkara, a necropolis used for more than 3,000 years to bury Old Kingdom royalty – and still largely unexcavated today. Much of Sakkara’s splendor remains and can be seen in the Step Pyramid, which was once the largest stone structure ever built. The Step Pyramid forms the center of a remarkable funerary complex, which includes a broad “hypostyle” hall (a structure whose roof is supported by columns), a great court, and stone altars representing Upper and Lower Egypt. 

We return to our hotel at midday; this afternoon is at leisure for further independent exploration or for relaxing and enjoying our hotel’s amenities. Lunch is on our own today. Tonight, we celebrate our adventure along the Nile at a farewell dinner at our hotel.

Overnight: Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo

Meals: B, D

Very early this morning, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the United States.

Meals: B