Egypt in Depth (from Giza to Cairo)

Witness the grandeur of the pyramids, towering monuments of ancient engineering, and stand before the enigmatic Sphinx, a 20-metre-high limestone marvel that has guarded these necropolis grounds for millennia. Venture into the Grand Egyptian Museum for an afternoon steeped in history, where you can explore the precious artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, offering insights into the young pharaoh’s life and legacy.

The Solar Boat exhibit is another highlight, featuring a meticulously restored cedar wood barge dating back to 2500 BC. This ancient vessel, found buried beside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, gives insight into the sophisticated craftsmanship and religious practices of the time, depicting how the Egyptians prepared their rulers for the eternal afterlife.

Visit the ancient capital of Memphis and the remarkable Step Pyramid of Saqqara, one of Egypt's earliest pyramids. Delve into the Imhotep Museum, named after the pyramid's architect, which showcases an impressive collection of artifacts unearthed from the Saqqara site, offering a deeper understanding of Egypt's rich archaeological heritage.

Fly early to Abu Simbel, where you'll witness the awe-inspiring World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. These colossal monuments, carved out of solid rock, are among Egypt's most spectacular and showcase the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture and artistry.

Later, fly to Aswan for a two-night stay.  Soak in the stunning vistas of the Nile, a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection on the day's historic explorations.

Choose from a range of experiences and continue to explore Aswan. This evening enjoy pre-dinner drinks.

Freechoice:
Nubian Museum: Explore the Nubian Museum dedicated to Nubian culture and civilisation, showcasing a history that can be traced from at least 2000 BC.

Visit a Nubian Village: Gain a unique insight into one of the oldest civilisations on Earth, the Nubians. Walk through the village with your Nubian guide and visit a private home to learn about life on the Nile.

Kalabsha Temple: Visit the beautiful but often-overlooked Kalabsha Temple on the shores of Lake Nasser. View the pylon, court, hall and sanctuary and the richly carved reliefs.

Board the elegant Sanctuary Sun Boat III and settle into your suite. Discover the captivating Philae Temple Complex, dedicated to Isis and celebrated as one of the burial sites of Osiris, making it a significant centre for both Isis and Osiris worship.

Afterwards, glide along the Nile on a traditional felucca, a classic wooden sailboat used on the Nile for centuries. Glide gently along the river, soaking in the serene landscapes and historical banks. End your day with a lively Nubian dance performance, immersing yourself in the rich culture of Egypt.

Trace the path once taken by ancient pharaohs' processions as you cruise south along the Nile. Admire the rural villages and majestic temples that dot the riverbanks. Explore the Esna Temple, one of ancient Egypt’s holiest sites, revered for its beautifully preserved hypostyle hall and intricate carvings dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed god of the river. Later, sail to the striking Kom Ombo Temple, strategically located on the East Bank. This unique double temple is dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God, and Horus the Elder, reflecting the duality of ancient Egyptian theology.

As the sun sets, the on board atmosphere livens with a colourful Galabeyya party. Enjoy an evening of Egyptian delicacies, vibrant music, and dancing, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Explore the open-air Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious sites in the world, spanning over 200 acres. Marvel at the enormity of the Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 towering columns, each intricately engraved with hieroglyphs, depicting the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian mythology and history.

Cross to the West Bank of the Nile and admire the well-preserved, vibrant hieroglyphics that decorate the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.  Later see Queen Hatshepsut monument.

Unwind on board your cruise and observe the vibrant daily life along the mighty Nile as you journey towards Dendera. There, visit the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt, renowned for its magnificent capitals and the Dendera Zodiac ceiling relief. This temple dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, showcases exquisite architecture and intricate carvings that reveal the sophistication of ancient Egyptian religious practices.

After exploring Dendera, visit the majestic Luxor Temple. Situated in the heart of ancient Thebes, Luxor Temple is a grandiose testament to Egyptian civilisation's architectural prowess, featuring colossal statues of Ramesses II and amenities originally built by Amenhotep III, which illuminate the religious and political significance of the temple throughout history. Conclude your day with a farewell Gala Dinner alongside the captain and crew, a memorable end to your Nile cruise.

After disembarking, you'll visit the Valley of the Nobles, a site with hundreds of rock-cut tombs belonging to ancient Egyptian nobility. These tombs, richly adorned with vibrant frescoes, provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily activities and cultural practices of their inhabitants. That's because the detailed wall paintings in each tomb showcase the artistic mastery of the time while also offering valuable insights into the social and economic structures of ancient Egypt, depicting scenes of agriculture, trade, and festivities that animated their world.

Check into your  hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy some time at leisure to bask in an atmosphere steeped in history, romance and adventure.

Journey across the desert to your opulent hotel, nestled on the shores of the Red Sea. Enjoy a two-night Special Stay at this luxurious resort on the shores of the Red Sea, taking in your serene surroundings.

Sunset Drinks
Raise your glass as you watch the colours changing across the desert and seascapes. 

Savour a relaxing day by the Red Sea, known for its warm, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. This unique body of water is one of the world's most saline seas and a premier destination for diving and snorkelling, famed for its lush coral reefs and diverse ecosystems. Enjoy the tranquil beauty or an optional snorkelling boat trip to discover the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea.

Fly to Cairo and settle into your hotel for a two-night stay. Discover Egypt’s rich heritage at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, a highlight of which is the Royal Mummies’ Hall, featuring meticulously preserved mummies of Egypt's ancient royalty. Explore other key exhibits that showcase artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era, each piece telling a story of Egypt's complex and fascinating history.

Choose from a range of experiences to explore Cairo, also known as "The City of a Thousand Minarets" due to its rich history and abundance of historic Islamic architecture. This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner.

Freechoice:
Coptic Cairo: Find yourself winding through the streets of Old Cairo. Visit Cairo’s Coptic Museum containing one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian Christian artifacts. Continue to the Hanging Church and a chance to visit Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Historic Cairo: Tour the heart of medieval Cairo, featuring the stunning Sultan Hassan Mosque. Learn about Arabic calligraphy and explore local community projects in Souq al-Silah and Bayt Yakan

Roda Island: Discover Roda Island in central Cairo, visiting the ancient Nilometer and the Manial Palace Museum, which showcases the life and times of Prince Muhammad Ali and marks a significant era in Egyptian history.

Bid farewell to your Tour Director and new friends as you are transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward journey, taking cherished memories with you.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.