Group Size: up to 54 participants Price: Starting from $13,499 per person, double occupancy / $16,999 single occupancy Co-sponsored with: Harvard Exclusive
What better way to greet 2027 than standing before Egypt’s legendary tombs and treasures? From December 27, 2026, to January 5, 2027, Harvard Alumni Travel invites you and your family to ring in the year amid ancient wonders on this eight-night journey by motor coach, privately chartered plane, and the 30-cabin Sanctuary Nile Adventurer.
Your adventure begins in Cairo, where the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest repository of ancient Egyptian artifacts, awaits you on a special after-hours visit, with collections you can admire free of daytime crowds. Here, more than 5,000 objects from Tutankhamun’s tomb are gathered for the first time since Howard Carter unsealed the burial chamber in 1922. Later, sail aboard Sanctuary Nile Adventurer from Aswan to Luxor, stopping at temples where Greco-Roman colonnades stand beside Egyptian pylons and hieroglyphs cover every surface. Younger travelers can try their hand at reading hieroglyphics in a dedicated lesson.
This is Egypt as few travelers know it, with exclusive after-hours access, behind-the-scenes tours with experts, enriching workshops, luxury cruising, and private moments with monuments that have drawn pilgrims and scholars for centuries. For your family, it will be an unforgettable way to welcome the new year.
Schedule by Day
Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select the "print page" button above.
Depart on an overnight flight to Cairo.
Arrive in Cairo this afternoon and transfer to the Marriott Mena House, your five-star hotel near the Great Pyramids. This evening, join your study leader at a welcome reception and an introduction to the exciting days ahead.
Overnight: Marriott Mena House
Meals: R
This morning, head to Sakkara to visit the tomb of Wahtye, a high-ranking priest who served around 2415 to 2405 B.C. Discovered in November 2018 and found almost completely intact, the tomb’s walls display painted scenes of Wahtye with his wife and family. Then, explore the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, designed by Imhotep around 2670 B.C. Standing approximately 205 feet tall, this remarkable structure is considered the world’s first colossal building constructed entirely of stone; descend into the subterranean network of tunnels and chambers that extends some 3.5 miles beneath it. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which opened in 2021 on the site of Fustat, Egypt’s first Islamic capital established in 641 A.D. The museum presents Egyptian history from prehistoric times to the present, and you will also go behind the scenes of the restoration laboratory to observe the scientific work of stabilizing and preserving 3,000-year-old remains. Conclude the day by gathering together for dinner this evening.
Overnight: Marriott Mena House
Meals: B, L, D
Begin your day at the Giza Plateau, where the Great Pyramids, built around 2550 B.C. from an estimated 2.3 million limestone blocks, remained the world’s tallest structures for 3,800 years. At the Great Sphinx, walk beyond the protective barriers to approach this guardian carved from the bedrock during the quarrying of stone for the pyramids; the statue measures approximately 240 feet long and 66 feet tall. Return to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon with lunch at leisure. After dinner this evening, enjoy an exclusive after-hours visit to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The museum presents the complete funerary treasure of Tutankhamun, a collection of more than 5,000 objects, for the first time since the tomb’s discovery in 1922.
Overnight: Marriott Mena House
Meals: B, L
Take a privately chartered morning flight to Abu Simbel for a guided look at the temples of Ramesses II and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari, massive monuments built in the 13th century B.C. to deter enemies from the south. In an amazing feat of engineering, the temples were moved to their current location in the 1960s to prevent them from being submerged after the construction of the High Dam. From there, fly by private plane to Aswan and board the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer.
Overnight:Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
While in Aswan, travel by local boat to the island-set Temple of Philae, which remained the last active center of ancient Egyptian religion until the sixth century A.D. Built primarily during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, the complex blends Egyptian pylons with Hellenistic colonnades. Between 1972 and 1980, UNESCO engineers dismantled the complex and reassembled it on the island of Agilkia to save it from submersion behind the Aswan High Dam. Afterwards, you may visit the Nubian Museum, which features landscaped gardens, artificial lakes, and more than 3,000 objects dating as far back as 3500 B.C. Alternatively, visit the unfinished obelisk in Aswan’s ancient stone quarries, a massive granite monument abandoned during construction more than 3,500 years ago that provides valuable insights into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques. Return to the ship for lunch, then delve deeper into the history of Egypt’s tombs and temples during an afternoon lecture as the ship sails to Edfu, while younger participants may attend a hieroglyphics lesson.
Overnight:Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
Step ashore this morning at the one-of-a-kind double Temple of Kom Ombo, and gaze upon its symmetrical Greco-Roman design and beautifully carved reliefs fusing Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences. Return to the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer for lunch with Nile River views and learn to make regional specialties during an afternoon cooking demonstration. In the late afternoon, arrive in Edfu to visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus, admiring its intact walls covered in hieroglyphs and scenes depicting Horus, the revered falcon god. This evening, savor a buffet of Egyptian specialties and dress in traditional clothing for a festive night of music and dancing.
Overnight:Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
Arrive in Luxor, known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Museum.” Originally called Thebes, Luxor has been continuously inhabited since around 3200 B.C. and served as Egypt’s capital during the New Kingdom. Stop to see the famed twin Colossi of Memnon, 70-foot-tall statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III dating back to 1350 B.C., before heading to the West Bank to visit the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el–Bahari. While in the Valley of the Kings, experience the grandeur of the Seti I tomb. At sunset, discover the sprawling, exceptionally well-preserved Luxor Temple, built around 1400 B.C. and featuring enormous pylons, tall obelisks, intricate hieroglyphic carvings, and grand colonnades. Gather for a festive farewell dinner aboard the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer.
Overnight:Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
This morning, walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes to the great Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed, covering over 200 acres, and see the massive columns of the temple’s Hypostyle Hall. Afterwards, discover the Luxor Museum’s outstanding collection of antiquities, including treasures from the Thebes necropolis. After lunch, board a privately chartered flight to Cairo and transfer to the Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis for an overnight stay. This evening, gather for dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis
Meals: B, L, D
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals: B
Pricing*
More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.
Cabin Category
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Nile Deck Cabins 106-111
$13,499 per person
$16,999
Main Deck Cabins 201-208
$13,999 per person
$17,999
Bridge Deck Cabins 301-310
$14,999 per person
Inquire
Promenade Deck Cabins 401-404
$15,999 per person
Inquire
Main Deck Deluxe Cabins 209-210
$18,499 per person
Inquire
Promenade Deck Suites 405-406
$19,499 per person
Inquire
*A $2,000 discount applies for children ages 11 and under (at the time of departure) for triple occupancy in select cabins: Nile Deck Cabins 106-111, Main Deck Deluxe Cabins 209-210, and Promenade Deck Suites 405-406.
A $1,000 discount applies for children ages 15 and under (at the time of departure) for a child sharing double occupancy accommodations.
● Four nights hotel accommodations as per itinerary; four nights cabin accommodations aboard Sanctuary Nile Adventurer ● Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, R=Reception, D=Dinner) ● Bottled water, soft drinks, juices, and coffee/tea with all meals; thoughtfully selected wine/beers at dinners ● Internal flights by privately chartered aircraft (Cairo-Abu Simbel / Abu Simbel-Aswan / Luxor-Cairo) ● Airport/hotel/pier/airport group transfers for all participants on suggested (and included) flights ● Enrichment program of lectures and talks ● Escorted sightseeing, transportation, and entrance fees for all included visits ● Executive Tour Director from Arrangements Abroad ● Taxes, service, and porterage charges; gratuities to local guides and drivers; customary shipboard gratuities
● International airfare ● Passport/visa fees ● Meals not specified ● Alcoholic beverages other than as noted in inclusions ● Personal items and expenses ● Airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights ● Excess baggage ● Trip insurance ● Any other items not specifically mentioned as included
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (August 29, 2026) payable by cash, check, wire transfer, ACH, debit card, or American Express credit card. Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Arrangements Abroad for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
Three nights at Marriott Mena House in Cairo
Four nights aboard Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
One night at Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis in Cairo
What to Expect
Activity Level 3
This moderately active program includes multiple hotel changes, plus internal flights and/or long drives. Some days are heavily scheduled so that you can see as many of Egypt’s ancient wonders as possible. Travelers should be in good health and fit enough to navigate stairs and walk along uneven terrain. The temperatures during your stay in Egypt should range from the mid-40s to low 70s °F. Egypt is a conservative country, especially in terms of dress. The general dress code is casual with a focus on modest western-style clothing. Women should cover their knees and shoulders in public. During the day we recommend clothing that can be layered to provide warmth in the cool mornings and evenings and removed during the warmer parts of the day. A coat, jacket, or heavy sweater will be useful. It is a good idea to bring a hat for touring in Egypt due to the strong sun. Sunglasses will also be helpful. Comfortable, practical shoes are essential as there will be substantial walking and many floors are uneven, as are the grounds and paths at the sites.
Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences; C.Y. Chan Professor of Arts and Sciences; Curator Of Mammals in the Museum of Comparative Zoology (on leave)
This moderately active program includes multiple hotel changes, plus internal flights and/or long drives. Some days are heavily scheduled so that you can see as many of Egypt’s ancient wonders as possible. Travelers should be in good health and fit enough to navigate stairs and walk along uneven terrain. The temperatures during your stay in Egypt should range from the mid-40s to low 70s °F. Egypt is a conservative country, especially in terms of dress. The general dress code is casual with a focus on modest western-style clothing. Women should cover their knees and shoulders in public. During the day we recommend clothing that can be layered to provide warmth in the cool mornings and evenings and removed during the warmer parts of the day. A coat, jacket, or heavy sweater will be useful. It is a good idea to bring a hat for touring in Egypt due to the strong sun. Sunglasses will also be helpful. Comfortable, practical shoes are essential as there will be substantial walking and many floors are uneven, as are the grounds and paths at the sites.
