9-Day Ultimate Luxury Egypt Tour & Nile River Cruise: Explore Ancient Wonders in Style

Your second day invites you to dive deeper into the fascinating history of ancient Egypt. Explore the extensive collection at the famed Egyptian Museum, wandering through vast galleries filled with priceless artifacts spanning thousands of years. Be enchanted by the exquisite treasures of King Tutankhamun, including his legendary golden death mask and finely crafted jewelry. From monumental statues and elaborately decorated sarcophagi to everyday relics, each piece tells a story of gods, pharaohs, and the lives of ancient Egyptians.

In the afternoon, step into the historic heart of Coptic Cairo. Stroll through its charming narrow lanes alive with local culture, and visit remarkable landmarks such as the Hanging Church, an architectural marvel perched on wooden beams. These ancient churches reflect Egypt’s rich Christian heritage and offer insight into the country’s diverse spiritual history. As evening falls, enjoy a sumptuous dinner aboard a Nile cruise. Delight in a flavorful meal while drifting along the river, entertained by a lively belly dancing performance that celebrates Egypt’s vibrant traditions. Return to your hotel to rest, your mind filled with visions of gods and pharaohs from ages past.

Breathe in the crisp morning air as you set off for Alexandria, the sparkling jewel along the Mediterranean coast. This lively city, once a hub of culture and scholarship, is filled with fascinating sites ready to be discovered. Explore the enigmatic Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, where Egyptian and Hellenistic art merge in intricately carved tombs that reveal ancient burial customs. Marvel at the towering Pompey's Pillar, a grand Roman monument that symbolizes the empire’s enduring influence. Visit the impressive Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a contemporary library that pays tribute to the legendary ancient library that once graced this city. Return to Cairo in the evening, carrying with you the rich echoes of Alexandria’s storied past and the excitement of what’s yet to come.

Say goodbye to Cairo as you board a flight to Luxor, the historic city once known as Thebes. Upon arrival, your welcoming guide will be ready to accompany you as you begin your scenic journey along the legendary Nile River aboard a deluxe cruise ship. Settle comfortably into your cabin and take in the stunning views as you glide toward Luxor’s magnificent East Bank. Discover the vast Karnak Temple Complex, a testament to centuries of pharaonic devotion and architectural grandeur. Explore the vast Hypostyle Hall with its towering columns that reach skyward, evoking visions of ancient rituals and ceremonies. Then visit the majestic Luxor Temple, featuring massive statues of Ramses II and detailed hieroglyphs that narrate epic tales of gods and kings. As evening falls and the golden light bathes the ancient ruins, return to the cruise for a sumptuous dinner and a restful night gently rocked by the Nile’s current.

Wake up to the cheerful songs of birds and the gentle ripple of the Nile against your cruise vessel. This morning, step ashore on the West Bank, a rich repository of ancient Egyptian marvels that complement the treasures found on the East Bank.

Stand before the imposing Colossi of Memnon, two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have guarded the landscape for over three millennia, their worn faces silently witnessing the flow of time. Be mesmerized by the striking design of Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, ingeniously carved into the cliffs. Climb its terraces and admire the detailed reliefs illustrating the queen’s reign and triumphant expeditions. Picture the lively processions that once moved along its causeways, carrying sacred offerings to the gods.

Descend into the mysterious Valley of the Kings, nestled within the hills of Thebes, where the New Kingdom pharaohs were laid to rest. Explore the elaborately decorated tombs, adorned with vivid murals and hieroglyphics that reveal stories of the rulers’ lives and their passage to the afterlife. Experience the awe of Tutankhamun’s tomb (with an additional ticket), preserved through the ages, showcasing the lavish treasures and beliefs of this young king.

As the afternoon light bathes the valley in a warm glow, return to your cruise ship with a heart full of ancient tales. Relish a delightful dinner, followed by a mesmerizing traditional performance such as the hypnotic Tanoura dance.

Today, explore the Temple of Horus, the falcon-headed sky god. Constructed in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, this remarkably well-preserved and vibrant temple offers a vivid glimpse into the religious practices of ancient Egypt. Afterward, continue your journey by sailing to Kom Ombo. Upon arrival at Kom Ombo—meaning "Hill of Gold"—visit the unique Greco-Roman temple dedicated to both Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), who was revered by some as the world’s creator. Discover the mummified crocodiles that once inhabited the banks of the ancient Nile, much like their modern-day descendants. Later, set sail once again toward Aswan.

Set off on an enchanting motorboat ride to Philae Temple, nestled on Agilika Island. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, showcases exquisitely preserved architecture and detailed carvings. Take in the vivid reliefs and envision the ancient ceremonies and festivals that once filled these sacred halls. Appreciate the incredible engineering achievement that relocated the entire temple complex to protect it from the rising waters caused by the Aswan High Dam.

Next, explore the ancient granite quarries and marvel at the Unfinished Obelisk—a striking symbol of the pharaohs’ grand ambitions and the extraordinary craftsmanship of their stoneworkers.

As the day winds down, relax on a serene felucca cruise around the Aswan Islands. Drift along the tranquil Nile, absorbing the rich local culture and stunning landscapes. Delight in a traditional meal onboard, accompanied by lively music and warm laughter. Later, retire to your luxurious hotel in Aswan for a restful night.

After a leisurely breakfast, prepare to leave your Nile cruise and transfer to the airport for your flight to Abu Simbel. This remarkable site is home to two awe-inspiring temples carved directly into the mountainside by Pharaoh Ramses II. Marvel at the colossal statues guarding the entrance and explore the richly decorated interiors, which celebrate the pharaoh’s military victories and devotion to the gods. Learn about the incredible engineering feat that saved these temples from flooding during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Following your visit, return to Aswan where you can relax and reflect on the grandeur of ancient Egypt’s legacy. From here, continue your journey to your next destination or accommodation, filled with unforgettable memories from this extraordinary day.

Spend a relaxing day in Aswan at your own pace. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the traditional souks, wander through lively marketplaces, or unwind by the Nile while basking in the gentle Egyptian sunshine. For an unforgettable adventure, take to the skies in a hot air balloon at dawn, watching as the sunrise casts stunning colors over the ancient temples and surrounding scenery.

Later, transfer to Aswan airport for your flight back to Cairo and onward travel. As you leave, hold dear the unforgettable moments from your journey through Egypt’s ageless treasures, forever engraved in your memories and heart.