8 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise

Open your eyes and pour in the aura of bygone Egypt. Now, it's time for you to go to the glorious Pyramids of Giza, the timeless sentinels of our past. Gaze upon the Great Pyramid of the king Khufu, the only remaining wonder of the ancient world. Then you will meet the mysterious Sphinx, a huge guardian of the necropolis. Travel further on to Saqqara, the necropolis of Memphis, where you will see the magnificent Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's first pyramid.

Today, explore the myriad colors from the great canvas of Cairo's history and culture. The Egyptian Museum houses thousands of artifacts, including some of the best treasures of Tutankhamun. Next, visit the Citadel of Cairo, a fortress offering avant-garde views of the city. Go to Coptic Cairo, home to ancient churches and monasteries. The day will finally culminate in your senses being engulfed at Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where exotic spices, handcrafted souvenirs, and aromatic shisha await.

Following breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor, often regarded as the world's greatest open-air museum. Upon arrival, you will be taken on your tour of one of the world's largest religious complexes, the Karnak Temple, complete with its magnificent hypostyle hall and towering obelisks. Next on your itinerary is the beautiful Luxor Temple, so lavishly embellished by ancient Egypt in the form of its gigantic statues and intricate carvings. Late afternoon transfer to your Nile River cruise boat to relax, have dinner, and drift under the stars into the evening.

This morning, your guide shall meet you at the boat for an exceptional day of exploration at the Valley of the Kings, where you will see the burial places of some of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs, including that of Tutankhamun. In the process, you will pass through some of the most iconic attractions of Luxor. You will then visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, the marvellous monument which was built in honour of the only woman pharaoh of Egypt. Then travel to the Colossi of Memnon, the giant statues that have guarded the Nile for more than 3,400 years. Go back to your boat and relax after an exciting day.

Your cruise on the Nile takes you through scenic views and brings you to Edfu, where lies the very well-preserved Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Gaze upon the grandeur of its structure with intricate relief carvings that depict the legends of gods and Pharaohs. The tour proceeds to Kom Ombo, where you will visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, which is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the elder. The double temple is situated in a picturesque setting overlooking the Nile; its symmetry and intricate carvings are a transport back to ancient days. After such inspiring adventures, you will sail back on the Nile in the evening on a smooth sail.

After breakfast, you will disembark at Aswan, where a guide will take you on an excursion to the extraordinary Temple of Philae. This temple houses sculptures dedicated to the goddess Isis and is set on an island amidst Lake Nasser. The location is famous for its spectacular construction that belongs to ancient Egyptian architecture. You will also have the chance to explore some of the best things to do in Aswan, including visiting the High Dam, the engineering wonder that regulates the floods of the river Nile, and the Unfinished Obelisk, an ancient artifact portraying the massive monumental building of the Egyptians. Return aboard your boat after a day's excursion to find a relaxing last evening on the Nile.

You will be transferred after breakfast to Aswan Airport for your departure flight or return home, with fond memories of Egypt's enduring treasures. Your 8-day Cairo and Nile cruise itinerary will be one of the many highlights that will stay with you. Whatever way home or onward travel may take you, these few days of adventure will remain with you forever.