Please note: The Single Room price displayed above is for a single room in conjunction with other travellers. A solo traveller price is available on request.
Independent Holiday with 3-night Nile Cruise
7 Days ex Cairo
Preferred Departure Days:
First Class: Wednesday
First Class: Wednesday
Deluxe Class: Wednesday
Super Deluxe Class: Wednesday
Notes:
- Cruise itinerary featured is based on the First Class cruise ship. The day-by-day Nile Cruise itinerary may vary according to the cruise boat confirmed.
- Cruises may operate in reverse
- Supplement may apply for tours commencing on other days
Explore the wonders of Egypt in this 7-day adventure! Begin with a private tour in Cairo, marvelling at the Pyramids and exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum. Embark on a 3-night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, exploring ancient temples and historic landmarks. Visit Aswan's Philae Temple, the dual temples of Kom Ombo, Edfu's Temple of Horus, and the magnificent sites of Luxor's East and West Banks, including Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.
Highlights:
- A warm welcome with a personal meet and assist inside immigration, together with your Egyptian visa on arrival, followed by express immigration assistance
- Immerse yourself in the mystique of the Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx expertly narrated by your private Egyptologist guide
- Discover abundant treasures in Cairo’s museums
- Embark on a 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, exploring grand Pharaonic temples and tombs
- Sail around the enchanting islands of Aswan aboard a traditional felucca boat
- Roam the magnificent temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings and Queens, including bonus entry to the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI
- Enjoy 24/7 service and full local backup from our seven regional offices throughout Egypt
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Cairo
Welcome to Egypt. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be you will be welcomed by our local representative prior to immigration to assist you with your included Egyptian Visa. You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your Pyramids area hotel. The remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Cairo (B)
A day to remember! Meet your private Egyptologist guide and embark on a full day sightseeing tour of the Pyramids and Greater Egyptian Museum (GEM).
Begin your day with a visit to the wondrous site of the Pyramids. Construction began in 2690 BC, the Pyramids of Mycerinus, Chefren and the Great Pyramid of Cheops are the only survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Face the mystical Sphinx, reputedly used as target practice by Napoleon’s troops. This afternoon visit the nearby GEM, dedicated to the boy king Tutankhamun. The museum is currently in a “soft opening” phase, and you will have an opportunity to see the grand statue of Ramses II, relocated from Tahrir Square dominating the foyer, plus many other ancient Egyptian wonders.
OPTION: For those interested in visiting Memphis and Sakkara, this option can be included instead of visiting the GEM.
Day 3: Cairo – Aswan (BLD)
Optional: Abu Simbel Excursion (Supplement applies)
This morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. On arrival in Aswan, you will be transferred to your Nile Cruise ship for embarkation. After lunch on board set off to sail by traditional felucca around Kitchener’s Island with a view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum. This evening attend dinner and a Nubian folkloric show on board. Overnight Aswan.
Day 4: Aswan - Kom Ombo – Edfu (BLD)
After an early breakfast visit the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and the beautifully restored Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis (the mother of Horus). This remarkable temple was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. Return to your cruise ship with lunch on board as you set sail for Kom Ombo. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the ship prior to a late afternoon visit to the Kom Ombo Temple. This remarkable temple was jointly shared by the two Gods: Sobek, depicted with the head of a crocodile, and Horus, represented with the head of a falcon. It was constructed during the Ptolemaic period, spanning from 237 to 57 BCE. Admire the beautifully preserved murals and intricate bas-relief, adorned with inscriptions that offer valuable insights into language, mythology, and religion during the Egypt's Greco-Roman era. Sail on this evening to Edfu. Dinner and a Galabeya party on board this evening. Overnight Edfu.
Day 5: Edfu - Esna - Luxor (BLD)
Set out early to visit Edfu's revered Temple of Horus – one of the holiest of the Egyptian pantheon of gods. Discover the remains of the Old Kingdom and the temple dedicated to the falcon God Horus, constructed during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC. The walled descriptions describe its construction and display important drawings, capturing the Greco-Roman era in ancient Egypt. Return to your cruise ship for breakfast and spend the day sailing leisurely to Luxor.
Note: Whilst crossing through the Esna Lock, entrepreneurial local families arrive by boat and cheerfully throw various handmade local ware up to the boat for inspection. We encourage our clients to support this local initiative, a key form of income for local families, with some local Egyptian cash on hand.
Dinner and a Whirling Dervish and Belly Dance Show on board this evening. Overnight Luxor.
Day 6: Luxor – Cairo (B)
Disembark your cruise ship this morning and cross the Nile to explore the West Bank. Today is full of highlights including the Necropolis of Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll find the tombs of the Theban rulers including Tutankhamun. The grandeur of Queens Hatshepsut’s Temple and the haunting Colossi of Memnon, named for the Ethiopian king who marched to the aid of Troy. Innovative Bonus: Entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI included
Continue to explore one of the world’s most remarkable open-air museums - Thebes. Visit the magnificent Luxor Temple then follow the Avenue of the Sphinx to the Temple complex of Karnak. This gigantic site was added to by approximately 30 different Pharaohs over time, which goes some way to explaining its immense size and majestic grandeur.
Late this afternoon you will be transferred by private vehicle to Luxor Airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival in Cairo, you will be transferred to your downtown hotel where accommodation is reserved for one night.
Day 7: Cairo (B)
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- VIP meet and assistance prior to immigration at Cairo Airport
- Egyptian visa for US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK passport holders
- Airport departure assistance
- 24/7 service and full local backup from our seven regional offices throughout Egypt
- 3 nights’ accommodation in hotels specified with private facilities
- Daily breakfasts at hotels
- 3-night Nile Cruise on full board basis
- Private transfers in air-conditioned transportation
- Economy Class domestic flights Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo
- Private sightseeing in Cairo with English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Group sightseeing on Nile Cruise with English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Bonus entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI included
- Entrance fees
- Egypt Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
NOTES:
- Cruise itineraries may be changed without notice due to river flows, local or other conditions and these changes are beyond the responsibility of Innovative Travel or our local operators.
Accommodation based on the following or similar:
Cairo Pyramids Area
First Class: Steigenberger Pyramids - City View Room
Deluxe Class: Hyatt Regency Cairo West - Pyramids View Room
Super Deluxe Class: Marriott Mena House - Pyramids View Room
Nile Cruise
First Class: Sonesta Nile Goddess
Deluxe Class: Movenpick Royal Lily | Movenpick Royal Lotus
Super Deluxe Class: Sonesta St. George
Cairo City
First Class: Steigenberger Tahrir - City View Room
Deluxe Class: Cairo Sheraton Hotel - City View Room
Super Deluxe Class: Sofitel Gezirah Hotel - Partial Nile View Room
Cruising the Nile
Please use cruise itineraries as a guideline only. The order of sightseeing and overnight destinations may vary and are subject to change due to the operation of Esna Lock, or at the discretion of the cruise company. Should a change of boat be required due to any unforeseen circumstances prior to departure, an alternative of the same standard or better will be offered if available.
There are many river boats that cruise between Luxor and Aswan. They provide accommodation and transportation for the majority of tourists travelling to Egypt. Each night and whilst moored for sightseeing, it is common for 4-5 cruise boats to be parked abreast of each other. The location of your boat will vary from port to port however in many cases your view from your cabin will be restricted to cruising periods only.
Sightseeing on Nile Cruise boats is operated by the cruise company. You will be allocated an English-speaking guide and small group of other English-speaking tourists for sightseeing upon embarkation. The order of sightseeing may vary depending on the local port authorities. If a tomb or temple is unable to be visited an alternative will be provided where possible.
Sightseeing (non-cruise)
All sightseeing unless specified is on a private basis with a driver and guide. Sightseeing generally takes place in the cooler periods of the day i.e. early morning or late afternoon therefore on occasion some early starts may be necessary to avoid the heat
Valley of the Kings
Not all the tombs within the Valley are currently open to the public. Many are closed periodically for resting and renovation (Entrance fees to three tombs is included in tour packages) plus an upgraded VIP ticket to include entrance fees to Tutankhamen’s and Seti 1 tomb.
Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels and Cruise boats will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday 28th February. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.
Domestic Flights in Egypt
Flight times will be reconfirmed by the local operator upon arrival in Egypt.
Note: Flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor generally involve early morning starts due to flight schedules in the summer season. For flights to Abu Simbel certain flights are allocated to clients travelling for day trips from Cairo and overnight programmes. These flights are set by Egypt air and are outside of the operator’s control.
Dress Code
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites. Women – long skirt or long pants with shoulders and arms covered with a full cover head scarf to enter holy sites.
Hotels
Hotels in regional areas (i.e. Abu Simbel / Siwa / St Catherine) can be of a lower standard than the properties in the main tourist centres, with more basic/less developed infrastructure due to location and surrounding conditions. The options chosen are the best available.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
