This thrilling historical itinerary combines a luxury Nile cruise with exclusive access to famous archeological sites, museums and beguiling temples for a truly unforgettable 10 day adventure.
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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Cairo + Luxury Nile Cruise
This luxurious Egypt itinerary invites you to discover one of the oldest civilizations in the world – famous for its astounding temples and pyramids, endless desert landscapes and the enchanting Nile River. In true Ker & Downey® Africa style, this itinerary gives you insider access to some of the most sought-after sites in the country alongside expert Egyptologisits who will enthrall history dating back 7000 years. Beginning and ending in Cairo, this journey includes a luxurious cruise down the river Nile from Luxor to Aswan, stopping off at key sites along the way. You can look forward to camel rides at the Great Pyramids of Giza, an after hours private tour of the Egyptian Museum, exclusive access between the paws of the Sphinx, visits to the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, and Saqqara – the site of some of Egypt’s most ancient ruins, as well as an excursion to an active archeological site where you can spend some time learning and assisting with excavation and restoration work alongside archeologists.
Your 10 day Cairo + Luxury Nile Cruise begins on arrival at Cairo International Airport, where our VIP meet-and-assist service will greet you and assist you through passport control, luggage claim, and customs. You will then be transferred by road, a mere 30 minutes, to your first hotel – the 5 star Four Seasons at Nile Plaza Hotel. The perfect base to explore this incredible destination, you will check into a superior guest room with floor-to-ceiling windows and fantastic views of the River Nile, Citadel, and city. Your time in Cairo will be spent exploring the city alongside an expert private guide. The excursions include a walking tour through the city to the bustling Khan El Khalil market, and an exclusive after-hours private tour of the Egyptian Museum with a qualified Egyptologist who will take you to see King Tutankhamen’s golden treasures – the star attraction in this world-famous museum. The third day will take you to the Great Pyramids of Giza, plus an unforgettable camel ride across the sands of Giza. A guaranteed highlight will be an insider access pass between the giant paws of the Sphinx where your Egypologist will enthrall you with tales of this fascinating figure. In the evenings, we recommend taking time to explore and enjoy all the local artwork throughout the hotel and dining at one of the five excellent in-house restaurants.
The Four Seasons at Nile Plaza Hotel is superbly located on the banks of the Nile and is a short driving distance from the pyramids and ancient Egyptian Museum. Facilities include a 24-hour fitness center, steam room and sauna, in-house spa, outdoor swimming pools (including an adults-only indoor pool), five-on site restaurants, room service, and twice-daily housekeeping services.
After a hearty breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and begin the day’s sightseeing with a visit to the Karnak Temple – a religious complex originally built for the god Amon Ra. Next, you will then be transferred to the embarkation point to begin your 5 star luxury Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Your time onboard includes stops at Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings – home to the tombs of King Ramses 6 and King Tutankhamen, and the Temple of Hatshepsut – the only female pharaoh. In Adfo, you will be met by a horse-drawn carriage for a short ride to the Edfu Temple, considered to be the most intact temple from the ancient world before journeying to Kom Ombo Temple, home to crocodile mummies that are thousands of years old. The boat will continue along the Nile where, on day 7, it will dock near the Temples of Philae – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here you will get a motorboat to the other side of the river to visit Philae and the Temple of Isis, the goddess of love and passion in ancient Egypt. After lunch, you will embark on a leisurely felucca sailboat ride down the Nile and sail around Elephantine Island – perfectly paired with a refreshing drink as you watch the sun set. After fascinating days of discovery along the nile, return to your vessel for afternoon tea, dinner and music in the lounge as you drift down one of Africa’s most extraordinary rivers.
Comprising 28 spacious deluxe presidential suites with private terraces, the HS Sun Goddess is one of the most luxurious cruises on the River Nile. Facilities onboard include a beauty salon, shop, spa, lounge and a main dining room where breakfast and lunch spreads are served. The sun deck is the ultimate space on which to relax and enjoy refreshing cocktails while taking in extraordinary views of the River Nile.
Explore the sites from Luxor to Aswan including Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Hatshepsut, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Temples of Philae, and Temple of Isis. You will also have the opportunity to embark on a leisurely felucca sailboat, ride down the Nile and sail around Elephantine Island at sunset.
Today marks the end of your luxury Nile cruise. After breakfast on the water, you will check out and disembark from the boat. A local guide will accompany you to the airport for your scheduled flight to Abu Simbel, on the southern border of Egypt. This site is home to two impressive temples dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses the Second and his wife Nefertari. The giant statue has been standing for over 3,200 years and flanks the entrance to one of the most impressive temples in this country’s history. After spending a few hours at Abu Simbel, you will be transferred back to the airport for your 2 and a half hour return flight to Cairo and onwards to Four Seasons at Nile Plaza Hotel. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Saqqara – the site of some of Egypt’s most ancient ruins, dating back over 5,000 years, as well as the old Fortress of Babylon. A highlight will be visiting another active archeological site where you can spend some time learning and assisting with excavation and restoration work with the archeologists themselves. For your last night in Cairo, enjoy a delicious dinner at Akher Sa’a, known as the most popular restaurant in Egypt.
The Four Seasons at Nile Plaza Hotel is superbly located on the banks of the Nile and is a short driving distance from the pyramids and ancient Egyptian Museum. Facilities include a 24-hour fitness center, steam room and sauna, in-house spa, outdoor swimming pools (including an adults-only indoor pool), five-on site restaurants, room service, and twice-daily housekeeping services.
You will visit Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to see the two massive rock temples dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses the second and his wife Nefertari. A highlight will be exclusive behind-the-scenes access to archeological sites and get to participate in work done by professional archeologists who help bring history to life.
Day ten marks the final day of your Cairo + Luxury Nile Cruise. Enjoy your last morning at the hotel before checking out and heading out to Cairo Airport for your departure flight home.
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