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Egypt · Culture & sailing
Egypt Nile River Cruise
Walk through Egypt’s ancient history with Gwyneth Talley, then slow down aboard a private dahabiya. This small-group trip combines Cairo’s museums and food, the temples of Luxor and Aswan, and time to watch everyday life along the river.
13 days · Up to 12 travelers
What makes this trip special
- Explore Giza, Saqqara and Dahshur with time to understand how the pyramid story developed.
- Travel by private dahabiya between ancient temples and villages along the Nile.
- Connect Cairo’s major museums with the royal tombs, temples and Nubian culture of southern Egypt.
The route
Cairo → Luxor → Nile sailing → Aswan & Abu Simbel → Cairo
Sample itinerary
Open each stage to see what we have planned. This itinerary is subject to change; visits, transport and the order of activities may vary by departure and local conditions.
Days 1–3 · Cairo and the pyramids
Arrive in Cairo and settle in. Explore the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, Dahshur’s Red and Bent Pyramids, and the Great Pyramids of Giza. A guided food tour introduces Cairo through its neighborhoods and kitchens.
Days 4–6 · Luxor and the dahabiya
Fly to Luxor for the Luxor Museum and Medinat Habu. Visit Karnak and Luxor Temple, board the private dahabiya, and explore the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
Days 7–8 · Sailing and riverside temples
Sail between visits to Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila and Kom Ombo, including the Crocodile Museum. Between stops, there is time on deck to watch village life along the Nile.
Days 9–10 · Aswan and Abu Simbel
Visit Philae Temple, sail by felucca and meet Nubian hosts. Continue to Abu Simbel before returning to Cairo.
Days 11–13 · Cairo’s museums and farewell
Explore the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Citadel, Khan el-Khalili and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Visit Coptic Cairo, gather for a farewell dinner, and transfer to the airport on the final day.
Before you travel
Expect museum and temple visits, walking on uneven archaeological sites, domestic flights and time to unwind on the river. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can discuss the route with you.
We’ll help clarify room arrangements, trip inclusions and optional extras before you commit. International airfare, visas and required travel insurance should be planned separately; check your departure’s arrangements with us before making non-refundable bookings.