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Egypt & the Eternal Nile

From $5,397
total price from Boston, New York
$4,695 air, land & cruise inclusive plus $702 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
15 days
Tour Membership
12-24 guests
Post-Tour Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, this singular small group journey through antiquity travels from vibrant Cairo and the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel and the Upper Nile for a fascinating cruise on Lake Nasser. Then: a classic voyage along the Lower Nile from Aswan to Luxor before returning to Cairo.

Tour Details

Egypt & the Eternal Nile

From $5,397

total price from Boston, New York
$4,695 air, land & cruise inclusive plus $702 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
15 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
15 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, this singular small group journey through antiquity travels from vibrant Cairo and the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel and the Upper Nile for a fascinating cruise on Lake Nasser. Then: a classic voyage along the Lower Nile from Aswan to Luxor before returning to Cairo.

Your Tour at a Glance

Click on this icon in the Dates and Prices section below to view the hotel summary for selected departure date

Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference

Day
Day
Itinerary
Hotel
Rating
1
1
Depart U.S. for Cairo
5-8
5-8
Aswan/Lake Nasser cruise
Superior First Class
9-11
9-11
Nile cruise
Deluxe
12
12
Luxor
Superior First Class
13-14
15
15
Depart Cairo for U.S.

Small Group Highlights

  • Cairo’s intriguing ancient sites, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara
  • Old Cairo touring
  • Renowned Egyptian Museum
  • Abu Simbel’s dramatic temples
  • Sound & Light show at Abu Simbel
  • Lake Nasser cruise through ancient Nubian homeland
  • Aswan’s temples at Kalabsha
  • Nile felucca sail
  • Nile River cruise
  • Aswan Dam visit
  • Ancient temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor
  • Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens
  • Egypt’s inestimable historic atmosphere

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Cairo, Egypt
Depart U.S. for Cairo, Egypt
2
Arrive Cairo
Arrive Cairo

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

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

3
Cairo
B
L
D
B
L
D
Cairo

After a morning briefing, our full-day tour begins at the acclaimed Egyptian Museum, the world’s greatest repository of ancient relics. Then we tour the Citadel of Saladin, housing the alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

After a morning briefing, our full-day tour begins at the acclaimed Egyptian Museum, the world’s greatest repository of ancient relics. Then we tour the Citadel of Saladin, housing the alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

4
Cairo
B
L
B
L
Cairo

This morning we encounter the astounding Pyramids of Giza, the wonders of antiquity that have drawn visitors for millennia. Here, too, we see the enigmatic Sphinx, whose leonine body and human face were carved from a single piece of limestone, then buried by desert sands for centuries. After lunch, we explore Old Cairo, where early capital cities once stood. We visit 5th-century St. Sergius Church, the Coptic church of el-Muallaqa, and St. George’s Church, dating to the 10th century and built on the remains of an ancient Roman tower.

This morning we encounter the astounding Pyramids of Giza, the wonders of antiquity that have drawn visitors for millennia. Here, too, we see the enigmatic Sphinx, whose leonine body and human face were carved from a single piece of limestone, then buried by desert sands for centuries. After lunch, we explore Old Cairo, where early capital cities once stood. We visit 5th-century St. Sergius Church, the Coptic church of el-Muallaqa, and St. George’s Church, dating to the 10th century and built on the remains of an ancient Roman tower.

5
Cairo/Aswan/Embark Lake Nasser Cruise
B
L
D
B
L
D
Cairo/Aswan/Embark Lake Nasser Cruise

Early this morning we fly to Aswan. Upon arrival, we visit the Aswan High Dam, considered a marvel of engineering when completed in 1965. Then we visit the Nubia Museum, an acclaimed showcase of Nubian art and architecture with more than 3,000 ancient relics and 90 monumental pieces. From here we board our Lake Nasser ship in time for lunch then disembark to explore the ruins of the acclaimed Temples of Philae. Tonight we dine on board as we overnight in Aswan.

Early this morning we fly to Aswan. Upon arrival, we visit the Aswan High Dam, considered a marvel of engineering when completed in 1965. Then we visit the Nubia Museum, an acclaimed showcase of Nubian art and architecture with more than 3,000 ancient relics and 90 monumental pieces. From here we board our Lake Nasser ship in time for lunch then disembark to explore the ruins of the acclaimed Temples of Philae. Tonight we dine on board as we overnight in Aswan.

6
Lake Nasser Cruising – Kalabsha Temples/Wadi el-Seboua
B
L
D
B
L
D
Lake Nasser Cruising – Kalabsha Temples/Wadi el-Seboua

Today we see some sights of ancient Nubia, Egypt’s neighbor in antiquity but with a distinct culture and traditions. We stop first at “new” Kalabsha, the largest freestanding temple of them all that was moved and reconstructed on higher ground after the construction of the Aswan High Dam (and the subsequent flooding that created Lake Nasser). Then we sail on to Wadi el-Seboua, where we dock for the night.

Today we see some sights of ancient Nubia, Egypt’s neighbor in antiquity but with a distinct culture and traditions. We stop first at “new” Kalabsha, the largest freestanding temple of them all that was moved and reconstructed on higher ground after the construction of the Aswan High Dam (and the subsequent flooding that created Lake Nasser). Then we sail on to Wadi el-Seboua, where we dock for the night.

7
Lake Nasser Cruising – Wadi el-Seboua
B
L
D
B
L
D
Lake Nasser Cruising – Wadi el-Seboua

This morning we see two important New Kingdom temples that, like Kalabsha, were dismantled and relocated to make way for Lake Nasser. We explore Wadi el-Seboua, the next largest of all the pharaonic temples after Abu Simbel, and see the Temple of Dakka, with its huge, well-preserved pylon. Upon returning to our ship, we sail on to Amada, where we encounter the oldest of Nubia’s Egyptian temples, the 18th-dynasty Temple of Amada.

This morning we see two important New Kingdom temples that, like Kalabsha, were dismantled and relocated to make way for Lake Nasser. We explore Wadi el-Seboua, the next largest of all the pharaonic temples after Abu Simbel, and see the Temple of Dakka, with its huge, well-preserved pylon. Upon returning to our ship, we sail on to Amada, where we encounter the oldest of Nubia’s Egyptian temples, the 18th-dynasty Temple of Amada.

8
Lake Nasser Cruising – Amada/Kasr Ibrim/Abu Simbel
B
L
D
B
L
D
Lake Nasser Cruising – Amada/Kasr Ibrim/Abu Simbel

We sail this morning to Kasr Ibrim, the last remaining Nubian settlement in its original location. As it is forbidden to go ashore here, we learn about this ancient site while overlooking it from the ship’s sun deck. Then we continue on to Abu Simbel’s massive complex of temples guarded by statues of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, with well-preserved murals inside.

We sail this morning to Kasr Ibrim, the last remaining Nubian settlement in its original location. As it is forbidden to go ashore here, we learn about this ancient site while overlooking it from the ship’s sun deck. Then we continue on to Abu Simbel’s massive complex of temples guarded by statues of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, with well-preserved murals inside.

9
Disembark/Abu Simbel/Aswan/Embark Nile Cruise Ship
B
L
D
B
L
D
Disembark/Abu Simbel/Aswan/Embark Nile Cruise Ship

We disembark then travel by coach to Aswan, where we board our Nile ship. This afternoon we sail aboard small feluccas, replicas of ancient Nile sailboats.

We disembark then travel by coach to Aswan, where we board our Nile ship. This afternoon we sail aboard small feluccas, replicas of ancient Nile sailboats.

10
Nile Cruising – Aswan/Kom Ombo/Edfu
B
L
D
B
L
D
Nile Cruising – Aswan/Kom Ombo/Edfu

We cruise today to the site of the ancient trading town at Kom Ombo, with its unusual double temple and outstanding Nile views. Then we sail on to Edfu, where tonight we attend a shipboard party.

We cruise today to the site of the ancient trading town at Kom Ombo, with its unusual double temple and outstanding Nile views. Then we sail on to Edfu, where tonight we attend a shipboard party.

11
Nile Cruising – Edfu/Luxor/East Bank
B
L
D
B
L
D
Nile Cruising – Edfu/Luxor/East Bank

This morning we visit Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temple. Then we cruise to Luxor, the world’s “greatest open-air museum,” whose vast temple complexes, tombs, and statues dating from 2755 BCE represent the pinnacle of Egyptian architecture. Today we explore the East Bank, home of Karnak, the greatest temple complex of them all, whose ruins stretch for more than a mile. We also visit Luxor Temple, whose builders included both Tutankhamun and Alexander the Great. Back on board, tonight we enjoy a show of Middle Eastern belly dancing.

This morning we visit Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temple. Then we cruise to Luxor, the world’s “greatest open-air museum,” whose vast temple complexes, tombs, and statues dating from 2755 BCE represent the pinnacle of Egyptian architecture. Today we explore the East Bank, home of Karnak, the greatest temple complex of them all, whose ruins stretch for more than a mile. We also visit Luxor Temple, whose builders included both Tutankhamun and Alexander the Great. Back on board, tonight we enjoy a show of Middle Eastern belly dancing.

12
Disembark/Luxor/West Bank
B
L
B
L
Disembark/Luxor/West Bank

We have the choice to rise very early to see the West Bank from above on an optional hot air balloon ride. After we disembark our ship later this morning, we tour the haunting Valley of the Kings, where 34 royal tombs feature magnificent paintings; the Valley of the Queens; and the dramatic Temple of Hatshepsut honoring one of the few female pharaohs. We also see the massive Colossi of Memnon, two 64-foot-high statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded the gates of his own tomb.

We have the choice to rise very early to see the West Bank from above on an optional hot air balloon ride. After we disembark our ship later this morning, we tour the haunting Valley of the Kings, where 34 royal tombs feature magnificent paintings; the Valley of the Queens; and the dramatic Temple of Hatshepsut honoring one of the few female pharaohs. We also see the massive Colossi of Memnon, two 64-foot-high statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded the gates of his own tomb.

13
Luxor/Cairo
B
B
Luxor/Cairo

We fly to Cairo today, where this afternoon we visit Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

We fly to Cairo today, where this afternoon we visit Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

14
Cairo
B
D
B
D
Cairo

Today’s touring begins at the open-air museum at Memphis, Egypt’s first capital (3100 BCE), followed by the necropolis at Sakkara. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner.

Today’s touring begins at the open-air museum at Memphis, Egypt’s first capital (3100 BCE), followed by the necropolis at Sakkara. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner.

15
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

Very early this morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.

Very early this morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights within Egypt
  • 13 nights’ accommodations: 6 nights in Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels; 7 nights aboard Deluxe and Superior First Class ships
  • 32 meals: 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip, including shore excursions
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr Oct Nov Dec
Cairo 65 67 72 81 82 73 68
Aswan 74 78 86 94 94 83 75
Luxor 73 74 82 91 91 82 74

Average Temperature (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr Oct Nov Dec
Cairo 65 67 72 81 82 73 68
Aswan 74 78 86 94 94 83 75
Luxor 73 74 82 91 91 82 74

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Jordan: Petra & Amman

5 days, 4 nights
From
$1,795
+ $435 Single Supplement

Jordan: Petra & Amman

5 days, 4 nights
From
$1,795
+ $435 Single Supplement

Discover the fabled “rose-red city, half as old as time” on this exciting exploration. Plus: ancient Jerash and the capital of Amman.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • Air transportation Cairo/Amman
  • 4 nights’ accommodations: 2 nights in Petra at Mövenpick Resort Petra (Superior First Class); 2 nights in Amman at Grand Hyatt Amman (Deluxe)
  • 9 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Extensive included sightseeing: Madaba (City of Mosaics); Mt. Nebo pilgrimage site; full day at Petra; Amman’s Roman theatre and Citadel; Roman ruins of Jerash
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation
  • Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

A visa is required for this post-tour option. Odysseys Unlimited will provide information about entry requirements upon reservation.

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Ayman Riad

“A true gem. He was both knowledgeable and personable. He had a wonderful sense of humor and his talks always included amusing anecdotes.”

Marcy Stecker
Great Neck, NY

Sameh Eissa

“I honestly cannot imagine a better tour director than Sam. He was far and away the best I’ve experienced … he was beyond knowledgeable about the sites we visited.”

Alexandra Solomon
Glastonbury, CT

Hazim Mahadin

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

Tarek Morsy

“Mr. Morsy was simply amazing!  He not only was an expert on Egypt but his added touches helped make the trip a once in a lifetime experience.  Tarek loves Egypt and his enthusiasm was contagious!”

Theresa Leutze
West Bloomfield, MI

Hatem Hossam

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Youssef Ramsis

"Youssef can’t be rated as just excellent…His organization skills, site visit scheduling, problem-solving, and friendship are only exceeded by his unfathomable knowledge of Egyptology. He is in a class of his own."

Frances & Philip Levin
Isle of Palms, SC

Reda Aziz

“Reda was one of the best tour guides we have ever encountered. His knowledge base, humor, friendliness and organization were amazing.”

Debra Moser
Potomac, MD

Osama Al Ziyoud

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

"Mr. Osama Al Ziyoud is an excellent tour guide…His talks on Jordanian culture, society, politics, and history were fascinating and thorough…Highly recommend him as a tour director."

William & Sharon Hockensmith
McKinney, TX

Amal El Far

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Daniel Abdel Massih

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

Amr Sharkwy

“Amr was outstanding, he was a wealth of knowledge about everything Egyptian (history, religion, and culture).”

JoAnn & Brian Royce
Davison, MI

Sami Twal

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

"Outstanding tour director…He was very knowledgeable [on] the ancient history of the sites visited and also linked what we saw throughout history to the present day."

Dr. Mary and Raymond Thompson
Celina, TX

Sameh Samir

“Sam is fabulous! Very knowledgeable, well organized, and great with people. Could not have been better. He was the best!”

John & Martha Gerty
Greene, NY

Mahmoud Nawar

"Mahmoud is first and foremost among the best tour leaders we have encountered during our travels abroad. [He is] exceptionally passionate about his country and its tourism…"

Ellery & Lesley Kuhn
Roseville, CA

Rania Shouman

“Raina’s expertise and knowledge of Egyptian history and current affairs were astounding and wonderful.”

David Hook
San Jose, CA

Hassan Latif

"It was a privilege to have Hassan as our tour director. His knowledge was bottomless, his caring for the group and sense of humor made it an outstanding trip."

Elizabeth Rainoff
Southern Pines, NC

Taher Arslan

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

"Taher had an excellent fund of information and was unfailingly friendly and accommodating."

Robert & Anna Day
Bradenton, FL

Tour Directors

Sameh Samir

“Sam is fabulous! Very knowledgeable, well organized, and great with people. Could not have been better. He was the best!”

John & Martha Gerty
Greene, NY

Amal El Far

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Reda Aziz

“Reda was one of the best tour guides we have ever encountered. His knowledge base, humor, friendliness and organization were amazing.”

Debra Moser
Potomac, MD

Rania Shouman

“Raina’s expertise and knowledge of Egyptian history and current affairs were astounding and wonderful.”

David Hook
San Jose, CA

Hatem Hossam

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Daniel Abdel Massih

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

Amr Sharkwy

“Amr was outstanding, he was a wealth of knowledge about everything Egyptian (history, religion, and culture).”

JoAnn & Brian Royce
Davison, MI

Sameh Eissa

“I honestly cannot imagine a better tour director than Sam. He was far and away the best I’ve experienced … he was beyond knowledgeable about the sites we visited.”

Alexandra Solomon
Glastonbury, CT

Tarek Morsy

“Mr. Morsy was simply amazing!  He not only was an expert on Egypt but his added touches helped make the trip a once in a lifetime experience.  Tarek loves Egypt and his enthusiasm was contagious!”

Theresa Leutze
West Bloomfield, MI

Osama Al Ziyoud

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

"Mr. Osama Al Ziyoud is an excellent tour guide…His talks on Jordanian culture, society, politics, and history were fascinating and thorough…Highly recommend him as a tour director."

William & Sharon Hockensmith
McKinney, TX

Taher Arslan

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

"Taher had an excellent fund of information and was unfailingly friendly and accommodating."

Robert & Anna Day
Bradenton, FL

Sami Twal

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

"Outstanding tour director…He was very knowledgeable [on] the ancient history of the sites visited and also linked what we saw throughout history to the present day."

Dr. Mary and Raymond Thompson
Celina, TX

Youssef Ramsis

"Youssef can’t be rated as just excellent…His organization skills, site visit scheduling, problem-solving, and friendship are only exceeded by his unfathomable knowledge of Egyptology. He is in a class of his own."

Frances & Philip Levin
Isle of Palms, SC

Ayman Riad

“A true gem. He was both knowledgeable and personable. He had a wonderful sense of humor and his talks always included amusing anecdotes.”

Marcy Stecker
Great Neck, NY

Mahmoud Nawar

"Mahmoud is first and foremost among the best tour leaders we have encountered during our travels abroad. [He is] exceptionally passionate about his country and its tourism…"

Ellery & Lesley Kuhn
Roseville, CA

Hassan Latif

"It was a privilege to have Hassan as our tour director. His knowledge was bottomless, his caring for the group and sense of humor made it an outstanding trip."

Elizabeth Rainoff
Southern Pines, NC

Hazim Mahadin

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

This trip might have been the most enjoyable trip I have ever taken. The guide was fabulous, the group of people on the trip were enjoyable, the sites incredible.
Sharleen Bowen
Barrington, RI
The Odysseys itinerary was excellent and well-timed. We saw all the relevant sites and learned more than I thought possible about Egyptian culture and history, thanks to that itinerary and our excellent tour guide. Loved it!
William & Sharon Hockensmith
McKinney, TX
We absolutely enjoyed all the antiquity sites and loved the lake and Nile cruises. The staff on both ships were awesome – great service. We also loved the experience of dining at a local family’s farm.
Anne Murphy & Mindy Meyer
Venice , CA
This trip might have been the most enjoyable trip I have ever taken. The guide was fabulous, the group of people on the trip were enjoyable, the sites incredible.
Sharleen Bowen
Barrington, RI
The Odysseys itinerary was excellent and well-timed. We saw all the relevant sites and learned more than I thought possible about Egyptian culture and history, thanks to that itinerary and our excellent tour guide. Loved it!
William & Sharon Hockensmith
McKinney, TX
We absolutely enjoyed all the antiquity sites and loved the lake and Nile cruises. The staff on both ships were awesome – great service. We also loved the experience of dining at a local family’s farm.
Anne Murphy & Mindy Meyer
Venice , CA
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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