Best of Egypt & Nile Cruise
Timeless Cairo & the Pyramids, plus a Nile cruise through the temples & history of Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Aswan; optional extension to Petra
Overview
| Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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| Departures | March – December 2025 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Themes | History & Culture, Grand Tours, River Cruises | ||
| Activity Level | Moderate | ||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Expect early wake up times and very long days in order to fit in all included visits. The Nile cruise portion of this tour can total up to 100 passengers. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Join us to celebrate the land of ancient wonders and modern miracles on our Best of Egypt & Nile Cruise tour. Enjoy 11 wonderful days, including airfare from JFK, 5-nights in high-quality Cairo hotels, 4-nights aboard a deluxe Nile cruise, many meals, transfers, and plenty of included touring.
Once again, Friendly Planet is defying skyrocketing travel prices to bring you a fantastic, truly first class Egypt vacation deal fit for a pharaoh. You'll see the famous Sphinx and pyramids at Giza, the temples at Luxor and Edfu, King Tut's tomb, old Cairo, and much more.
Extend your stay with a post-tour to Jordan, including the spectacular lost city of Petra and Amman.
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round trip flights from New York (JFK) via EgyptAir, including taxes & fees
- Arrival & departure transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage
- All intra-Egypt flights and ground transportation
- 4 nights Deluxe hotel accommodations in Cairo
- 1 night Deluxe hotel accommodations in Luxor
- 4 nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship in an outside, middle deck, cabin
- 21 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 6 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
- All shore excursions on Nile Cruise
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking Egyptologist tour director and local guides
Optional add-ons
- Exciting optional excursions in Cairo
- Optional tour to Abu Simbel
- Post-tour extension to Jordan and the lost city of Petra
Why you'll love it
- Enjoy a free upgrade to a middle deck cabin aboard the 5-star MS Tulip.
- Browse the Egyptian Museum's extensive collection of ancient treasures.
- See the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren.
- Visit the Temple of Karnak, one of the most significant monuments of the Pharaonic legacy.
- Explore the Valley of the Kings, once a royal burial ground for pharaohs.
- Tour the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural wonder built beneath a looming cliff face.
- Discover the ancient mysteries of King Tut on an included tour of his tomb in Luxor.
- Marvel at the towering sandstone walls of the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples.
- Sail aboard a felucca to The Terrace in the Old Cataract Hotel for a traditional High Tea experience.
- Visit Aswan's High Dam and learn about the dam's many purposes, such as controlling flooding and generating power.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx
- Optional Excursion: Inner Chamber of the Great Pyramid at Giza (purchased locally), $35
- 3 Cairo
- Optional Excursion: Memphis & Sakkara, $90
- Optional Excursion: GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum), $90
- 4 Cairo & Luxor
- 5 Luxor
- 6 Luxor, Esna & Edfu
- Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride (purchased locally), $170
- 7 Esna, Edfu & Kom Ombo
- 8 Aswan
- Optional Excursion: Abu Simbel, $350
- 9 Aswan & Cairo
- 10 Cairo
- Optional Excursion: Walking Tour of El Moez Street with lunch, $85
- Optional Excursion: Cairo's Old City, $80
- 11 Cairo/USA
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Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Note: Itinerary touring sequence is subject to change. However, please be assured that all included features will be provided.Day 1 Depart USA
- Check in for your overnight flight for Cairo, Egypt
Day 2 Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx
- Arrive in Cairo, Egypt and transfer to your hotel
- Tour the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren
- Enjoy an evening panoramic tour of the city
- Get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner at a local restaurant
Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryArrive in Cairo, where East and West come together in a wonderful mix of old and new. After customs formalities, you'll be met by our representatives in Cairo and then escorted to your centrally located 5-star hotel overlooking the Nile River.
Depart the hotel with your guide, who, after lunch, will escort you on a fascinating tour of Egypt's most famous sites—the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren. These monuments have stood for 46 centuries and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, possibly the most visited monuments of Egypt. The Sphinx, a feline character with the body of a lion and the face of Khufu (Cheops in Greek), is 50 meters long and 22 meters high. Carved from a single stone, it lies just before the Pyramids, and even today, its meaning and origin remain shrouded in mystery.
This evening, take a panoramic tour by bus to downtown Cairo, which includes the culturally rich Zamalek Island, Cairo Opera House, Maspero television building, and the historic Qasr El Nil Bridge. Get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional Excursion: Inner Chamber of the Great Pyramid at Giza (purchased locally), $35Take advantage of a unique opportunity to explore the interior of the pyramids. This 30-minute visit to the interior is unguided and will take place during free time.
Note: You must be in good physical condition to fully enjoy this tour, which involves traversing narrow passages and steep stairways. Some areas have shallow ceilings preventing visitors from standing upright. This excursion is not recommended for anyone suffering from heart conditions, back problems, asthma, or claustrophobia.
Day 3 Cairo
- Enjoy the day at leisure, or join an optional excursion to Memphis & Sakkara and/or the new GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum)
Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast
Optional Excursion: Memphis & Sakkara, $90Today, visit the royal burial ground of Sakkara, located in the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Discover the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest known complete stone building from the Third Dynasty.
Optional Excursion: GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum), $90Be prepared to be captivated by the world of Ancient Egypt and visit one of the largest archaeological museums in the world, situated near the Giza pyramids. The museum exhibition is only partially open to a limited of visitors. The experience will include The Grand Staircase Gallery and the King Tutankhamun show. This is a 30-minute immersive show and a 45-minute guided tour of the museum's Grand and Glass Halls.
Day 4 Cairo & Luxor
- Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Cairo
- Discover the treasures of the Egyptian Museum
- See the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque
- Experience the sights and sounds of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar
- Board your evening flight from Cairo to Luxor
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, enjoy a full-day tour of Cairo, starting with the Egyptian Museum, where you'll see, among other treasures, the priceless antiquities of Tutankhamun's tomb. After free time for lunch, your day of sightseeing continues with the Citadel of Saladin, built on the remains of a Crusader-style fortress and the Alabaster Mosque. Continue to the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where the sights, sounds, spices, exotic clothing and jewelry, hand-hammered copper, ceramic ware, and other treasures await your deft bargaining to win them at astounding prices.
Later this evening, transfer to the airport for a flight to Luxor, the capital of the New Kingdom, when in 1580 BC, Pharoah Ahmos drove foreign invaders (the Hyksos) from Lower Egypt. Then, Luxor became a grand city of luxurious palaces, massive temples, extensive gardens, and a significant diplomatic and trade center of the ancient world. Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Day 5 Luxor
- Embark on your Nile cruise and enjoy lunch aboard
- Tour the East Bank of the Nile and the Temple of Karnak
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the pier for embarkation aboard your deluxe Nile cruise ship. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch aboard.
This afternoon, visit the East Bank of the Nile. Highlights of today's tour include visits to the Temple of Karnak, one of the most significant monuments of the Pharaonic legacy, with work carried out on the temples over 1500 years, and Luxor Temple, strikingly graceful and added to over the centuries by Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Alexander the Great, and others.
Note: All 2024 departures will stay on the MS Tamr.
Day 6 Luxor, Esna & Edfu
- Tour the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings via motor coach
- Visit the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, disembark and board your touring coach to visit the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings, where 64 of Egypt's Pharaohs have their royal tombs hewn into the sheer rock. Continue to the impressive Deir El Bahari mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural wonder built against a looming cliff face, and the Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated statues of Amenhotep III. Afterward, discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun. Explore the rooms covered in mural paintings and the burial chamber, which still contains the pharaoh's mummy in its original sarcophagus.
Note: All 2024 departures will stay on the MS Tamr.
Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride (purchased locally), $170Wake up early to embark on a hot air balloon ride for an incredible bird's eye view over the Nile. (Subject to weather conditions.)
Day 7 Esna, Edfu & Kom Ombo
- Tour Edfu, including the Temple of Horus
- Sail along the Nile River to Kom Ombo
- Sail to Aswan overnight
Full Day ItinerarySail from Esna to Edfu. As you go south, have an opportunity to view rural life in Egypt. The crops, farming methods, animals, and irrigation systems have mostly stayed the same from 4,000 years ago. Appreciate the fascinating contrast between ancient and modern ways of life, which coexist in Egypt and make it one of the world's most interesting travel destinations.
At Edfu, you'll see the Temple of Horus, Egypt's best-preserved temple. Afterward, board your ship and sail to Kom Ombo, where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank. The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in all of Egypt and is shared by the two gods, Sobek and Haroeris. These Ptolemaic temples overlook the Nile and feature fascinating drawings on the walls, including detailed drawings of surgical instruments.
Note: All 2024 departures will stay on the MS Tamr.
Day 8 Aswan
- Join an optional early morning excursion to Abu Simbel
- Take a tour by felucca
- Enjoy High Tea at the Historic Old Cataract
- Enjoy a festive dinner on board
Full Day ItineraryWake up in Aswan this morning, the ancient Egyptians' gateway to Africa. Originally named "Syene" for the coarse-grained syenite extracted from its quarries, Aswan became a trading hub for spices, leather, ivory, fruit, grains, baskets, and mummified and living crocodiles.
Early this morning, take advantage of an optional excursion to the temple complex of Abu Simbel.
This morning, spend time relaxing on board. Later, take a felucca tour (a small, swift Egyptian sailboat).
In the afternoon, visit The Terrace in the Historic Old Cataract to enjoy High Tea. The Terrace is a legendary venue where Dame Agatha Christie once settled for hours, intently penning chapters of her celebrated Death on the Nile. Look out over the Nile, Khnum Temple, and Elephantine Island while savoring an authentic High Tea experience enriched with mouthwatering international pastries.
Later this evening, enjoy a festive dinner on board.
Note: All 2024 departures will stay on the MS Tamr.
Optional Excursion: Abu Simbel, $350Early this morning, fly from Aswan to nearby Abu Simbel, the site of the Great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most magnificent temples in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of the Nubian Monuments, the twin temples of Abu Simbel were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century B.C. as a lasting tribute to himself and his queen Nefertiti. After the creation of Lake Nasser, formed by the building of Aswan High Dam in 1968, the Abu Simbel complex was relocated entirely above the reservoir. After exploring the temple complex, return to Aswan. Space is limited. This tour must be pre-booked and is not available for purchase locally.
Day 9 Aswan & Cairo
- Visit Philae Temple, the former holiest site for Isis worshipers
- Admire Aswan's High Dam and the granite quarries
- In the early afternoon, board your flight to Cairo
Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast & lunch
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, visit Philae Temple, considered the holiest site for Isis worshipers for centuries. The temple was officially closed down in the 6th century A.D. by the Byzantine emperor Justinian and was the last pagan temple to exist in the Mediterranean world. After the construction of the Aswan Dam, the half-submerged temple complex was completely dismantled and rebuilt to the original specifications on the nearby island of Agilika, which was reshaped and landscaped to resemble the original Philae. Metal pylons on the old island of Philae can still be seen rising from the water to the south of Agilika.
Then, visit Aswan's High Dam, which controls the Nile and is a significant source of hydroelectric power in Egypt. See the granite quarries where a partially carved and cracked obelisk demonstrates how the giant forms were hewn from the solid rock.
Transfer to the airport to board your short flight back to Cairo. After settling into your hotel, enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 10 Cairo
- Spend your day at leisure, or enjoy an optional excursion
- Meet with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at your hotel on your last evening in Egypt
Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast & dinner
Optional Excursion: Walking Tour of El Moez Street with lunch, $85This morning, enjoy an optional guided walk along El Moez Street, one of Cairo's oldest and most impressive streets, dating back to the Fatimid period, followed by lunch. Begin at Azhar mosque, one of the best medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world. Continue to Bab Zuweila, a medieval gate in Cairo considered one of the city's significant landmarks, and Al Hussein Mosque, named for the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed and one of the holiest Islamic sites in Cairo.
Walk by Al-Hakim Mosque, Bab al-Fetouh, and Bab al-Nasr, a massive fortified gate with rectangular stone towers flanking the semicircular arch of the eastern Portal. Proceed to the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, remarkable for its size and innovative architectural components, Al-Rifa'I Mosque, then to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the oldest mosque in the city surviving in its original form.
Optional Excursion: Cairo's Old City, $80This afternoon, continue discovering Cairo's history during an optional excursion to its Old City. See The Hanging Church, named for its location atop the southern gate of the Roman Fortress. Continue to Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope. Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, believed to be Cairo's oldest synagogue.
Day 11 Cairo/USA
- Bid farewell to Egypt as you're escorted to the airport for your return flight
- Arrive in the USA later today
Jordan & Petra Optional Post-Tour Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Jordan and the lost city of Petra. You'll return to the USA 4 days after the return dates listed.
Note: This extension requires a minimum of 4 passengers to operate at the listed price.
Day 11 Cairo, Egypt/Amman & Petra, Jordan
- Board your morning flight to Amman, the capital of Jordan
- Drive to the lost city of Petra
- En route, visit Saint George Church and Mount Nebo
- Spend the remainder of the day at leisure
Old Village Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Amman, Jordan. After completing immigration and customs formalities, be met by our representatives. Drive south to the lost city of Petra. En route to Petra, visit Mount Nebo for a panoramic view of the Holy Land. Afterward, explore the early Byzantine church of Saint George to see the 6th-century Madaba Map, a floor mosaic depiction of the Holy Land.
Check into your hotel, and have some time to relax and enjoy the facilities.
Day 12 Petra
- Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Petra
Old Village Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryYour guided tour of Petra begins with a ride on horseback, followed by a walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by cliffs. At the end of the Siq, the breathtaking sight of the Treasury comes into view with its elaborately carved façade. Explore this site's various tombs and structures and marvel at the artistry and creativity that must have inspired the Nabateans to construct such an impressive and dramatic city. After lunch, return to your hotel.
Day 13 Petra & the Dead Sea
- Relax at the Dead Sea
Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, depart Petra for the Dead Sea. Relax along the Dead Sea's soothing, buoyant, and mineral-rich waters, thought to restore visitors with its healing properties.
Note: Please note that all 2024 departures will stay at the Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea and 2025 departures will stay at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa.
Day 14 Dead Sea, Amman & Cairo
- Enjoy an Amman city tour
- Transfer to airport for flight to Cairo
Hilton Heliopolis or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, travel to Amman, where you'll visit important historical sites, including the Citadel and the Roman Theater. Later, transfer to airport for your flight to Cairo and transfer to your hotel.
Day 15 Cairo/USA
- Early this morning, transfer to the airport as you bid farewell to Cairo and board your return flight to the USA
- Your fascinating journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today.
Breakfast
Hotels & Ships
Hotels
See Egypt in a new way at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino. Sitting on the west bank of the Nile River, the hotel proudly stands as one of Cairo's most recognizable landmarks. Try your luck at Blackjack or the slots in our dazzling casino or take a short walk to the Cairo Opera House, Egyptian Museum or Cairo shopping centers. The Pyramids of Giza are just 20 minutes away.
Enjoy modern luxury on the Nile River at Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa. Located less than 4 miles from the city center and a few miles from both Karnak and Luxor temples, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers stylish decor with breathtaking views of the West Bank.
The Old Village Resort is located on the outskirts of Wadi Musa, overlooking the Shahara Mountains, home to the fabled UNESCO world heritage site of Petra. There are many areas throughout the resort where guests can relax and sip a refreshing cup of mint tea or Arabic coffee whilst enjoying spectacular views of the mountains.
The Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa offers a serene escape with its prime location along the world's lowest point, the Dead Sea. Guests can indulge in a peaceful spa treatment within walking distance of the beach or relax with stunning sea views from several locations on the property.
The luxury Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea enjoys a traditional village setting nestled among lush gardens. The resort is set on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, at the lowest point on earth. Indulge in the legendary therapeutic secrets of the Dead Sea at Zara Spa. Soothe your cares away with their wide range of health and beauty therapies. Revitalize your mind and body in the hydro jet whirlpool, infinity pool, and the indoor Dead Sea flotation pool.
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ships
Wings Group welcomes you aboard their newly renovated five-star M/S Tulip cruise ship. Your deluxe cruise along the Nile will take you back thousands of years to places where history unfolded and unearthed the romances of Cleopatra, some of the wonders of the ancient world, and impressive structures mysteriously built without modern technology.
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What should I know before I go?
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?
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Should I purchase travel insurance?
What's the fine print?
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