Short Nile Cruise from Cairo to Luxor – 9 Days

After breakfast, you'll meet your Egyptologist guide and head to the Giza Plateau to see one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. You'll explore the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus, then visit the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of priceless artefacts and treasures from across ancient Egypt. Afterwards, you'll return to your hotel.

Stay: Your hotel in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included Visits: Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Valley Temple, Grand Egyptian Museum

Important Notes: Expect warm weather and walking on uneven, sandy ground at Giza, plus a fair amount of walking in the museum. Comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen are recommended

After breakfast, you'll meet your Egyptologist guide and head to the Giza Plateau to see one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. You'll explore the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus, then visit the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of priceless artefacts and treasures from across ancient Egypt. Afterwards, you'll return to your hotel.

Stay: Your hotel in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included Visits: Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Valley Temple, Grand Egyptian Museum

Important Notes: Expect warm weather and walking on uneven, sandy ground at Giza, plus a fair amount of walking in the museum. Comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen are recommended

Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed morning at leisure — a good chance to rest or explore a little on your own. In the afternoon, you'll transfer to Cairo Airport for your short flight to Luxor. On arrival, you'll be met and taken to your hotel to settle in for the evening.

Stay: Your hotel in Luxor

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes: A relaxed day with a short domestic flight in the afternoon

After breakfast, you'll transfer to your Nile cruise and board before lunch. In the afternoon, you'll explore Luxor's East Bank, starting with the magnificent Karnak Temple — the largest religious complex ever built — followed by the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully lit as it tells the story of the pharaohs. You'll then return to your cruise for dinner and your first night on the river.

Stay: 5-star Nile cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Visits: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple

Important Notes: Temple grounds are large and open, with plenty of walking in warm sun

After breakfast on board, you'll cross to Luxor's West Bank. You'll visit the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of ancient Egypt, then the striking terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the giant Colossi of Memnon. Back on board, you'll begin sailing towards Edfu via the Esna Lock, enjoying lunch and dinner as the peaceful scenery drifts by.

Stay: 5-star Nile cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Visits: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon

Important Notes: The West Bank is hot and open, with uneven ground and steps into some tombs. Light clothing, a hat and sturdy shoes are recommended

After breakfast on board, you'll visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. You'll then return to the cruise and continue sailing to Kom Ombo, where you'll explore the unusual double temple shared between Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the Elder. Afterwards, you'll carry on sailing towards Aswan, taking in the lovely views along the Nile.

Stay: 5-star Nile cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Visits: Temple of Horus (Edfu), Kom Ombo Temple

Important Notes: Some walking on uneven ground at the temples; comfortable footwear is a good idea

After breakfast on board, you'll discover the highlights of Aswan. You'll visit the impressive High Dam, one of Egypt's great modern engineering feats, and the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and set on its own island. In the afternoon, you're free to relax, or you can join an optional trip to a colourful Nubian village to experience the local culture and hospitality. Dinner and your overnight stay are on board.

Stay: 5-star Nile cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Visits: Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple

Optional Experiences: Nubian village by motorboat

Important Notes: Philae is reached by motorboat. Expect warm weather at the open sites