No other nation in the world says ‘Welcome’ as often as the Egyptians, and every time, they mean it. While the ancient civilization of Egypt continues to amaze, contemporary Egyptians are equally remarkable.
Overview
Embark on the ultimate 11-day Nile Cruise from Luxor to Cairo, an exclusive Egypt Nile Cruise Vacation from Australia designed to immerse you in the timeless beauty of ancient Egypt. This extraordinary journey offers a rare south-to-north sailing experience, combining legendary temples, breathtaking landscapes, and lesser-explored archaeological wonders along the majestic Nile River.
From the colossal temples of Luxor to the pyramids of Giza, this meticulously curated itinerary blends world-famous landmarks with off-the-beaten-path sites, ensuring an unforgettable experience of discovery and elegance.
Cairo’s Captivating Start
Begin your Egyptian adventure in Cairo, where history and modernity collide. Explore the storied streets of Old Cairo, uncovering sacred landmarks like the Hanging Church and the Saladin Citadel. Experience the grandeur of the Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, followed by a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to Tutankhamun’s golden treasures and royal mummies.
Luxor’s Ancient Chronicles
Fly to Luxor, the heart of ancient Thebes, where the colossal Karnak and Luxor Temples stand as testaments to the grandeur of Egypt’s golden age. Walk through the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of legendary pharaohs hold secrets from millennia past. Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel dedicated to Egypt’s most powerful female ruler.
Nile’s Serene Passage
Set sail on your luxurious Nile cruise, traveling north through Egypt’s timeless river valley. Visit the sacred sites of Dandara and Abydos, where intricately decorated temples honor the gods of ancient Egypt. Continue to Sohag and Menya, discovering hidden tombs, Greco-Roman ruins, and Coptic monasteries that paint a rich picture of Egypt’s diverse heritage.
Journey to Beni Suef & Fayoum’s Forgotten Pyramids
Explore the mystical ruins of Tell el Amarna, once the capital of Pharaoh Akhenaten’s revolutionary religious movement. Delve into the tombs of Beni Hassan, where intricate carvings depict daily life from Egypt’s Middle Kingdom. Conclude your journey with a visit to the lesser-known pyramids of Fayoum, offering an alternative perspective on Egypt’s pyramid-building legacy.
This 11-day Nile Cruise Luxor to Cairo is a perfect balance of majestic sights, cultural immersion, and unparalleled luxury, making it an ideal Egypt Nile Cruise Vacation from Australia for travelers seeking both iconic highlights and hidden treasures.
Note
Comfortable Footwear: Prepare for extensive walking during tours, especially at archaeological sites.
Sun Protection: Equip yourself with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to enjoy your excursions under the Egyptian sun.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be prepared to remove footwear when required.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi may be limited at some locations, ensuring you have all necessary apps and information downloaded beforehand.
Hotel Pickup: Be ready in your hotel lobby 15 minutes before your scheduled departure for each day’s adventures.
Included
- Personalized Airport Welcome: Be greeted warmly upon arrival at Cairo International Airport by our attentive representatives, who will ensure a smooth start to your adventure.
- Guest Relations Support: Enjoy the dedicated assistance of our guest relations team throughout your stay, available to help with any needs or questions for a hassle-free experience.
- Private Transfers: Benefit from the comfort and convenience of private, air-conditioned transfers to and from airports, hotels, and all scheduled activities.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Relax aboard the elegant M/S Darakum Movenpick Nile Cruise, offering seven nights of premium amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, and cultural workshops. Additionally, enjoy comfortable hotel stays in Cairo, with all the conveniences to ensure your rest and relaxation.
- Meals Included: All meals are provided throughout your tour, featuring a delicious mix of Egyptian and international cuisines, ensuring a delightful culinary journey from start to finish.
- Exclusive Guided Tours: Explore Egypt’s historical sites with exclusive guided tours, providing a personalized and comprehensive insight into the rich tapestry of the region’s history.
- Expert English-Speaking Guides: Our knowledgeable and friendly guides will enhance your understanding of Egypt’s fascinating history and culture.
- Domestic Flights Included: Seamlessly travel between Cairo and Luxor with included domestic flights, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.
- Comprehensive Entrance Fees: Enjoy access to all the historical sites and museums mentioned in your itinerary without worrying about additional costs.
- Refreshments Provided: Stay hydrated with bottled water supplied during tours and activities outside your cruise ship.
- Special Experiences:
- Dinner Cruise in Cairo: Experience a magical evening with a dinner cruise on the Nile in Cairo, enjoying delicious food with scenic views.
- Felucca Ride: Delight in a tranquil felucca sail on the Nile, a perfect way to relax and absorb the serene beauty of the surroundings.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Rest easy knowing that all service charges and taxes are included in your package price, with no hidden fees to worry about.
Excluded
- International Airfare: Flights to and from your home country are not included in the tour package.
- Entry Visa to Egypt: You will need to obtain your entry visa independently; it is not covered as part of the tour package.
- Optional Tours: Any tours outside the itinerary, including special excursions and personal explorations, are not included and can be booked at an additional cost.
- Personal Spending: Expenses for personal items, souvenirs, extra beverages, and other individual purchases are not included.
- Tipping: Gratuities for tour guides, cruise staff, and drivers are not included and are at your discretion based on the service received.
11 Day Nile Cruise Egypt Nile Cruise Vacation from Australia
Your journey begins as you arrive in Cairo, where history and modernity seamlessly merge. Upon landing, our dedicated team will provide a warm welcome and VIP transfer to your luxurious hotel in the heart of the city.
Spend the evening unwinding in comfort or venture out for a leisurely stroll through Cairo’s bustling streets, where aromatic markets and illuminated landmarks set the stage for the incredible adventure ahead. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Egyptian flavors, a perfect introduction to the country’s renowned hospitality.
Meals: Dinner
Start your morning with a delightful breakfast before setting off to explore Old Cairo, where centuries of Christian, Islamic, and Jewish heritage intertwine.
- Ben Ezra Synagogue & Hanging Church – Admire the architectural beauty and religious significance of these historic landmarks.
- Coptic Museum & Abu Serga Church – Discover ancient Christian artifacts and the legendary resting place of the Holy Family during their time in Egypt.
- Saladin Citadel – Explore this imposing fortress, home to the iconic Mosque of Mohamed Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, offering panoramic views of Cairo.
After a sumptuous Chinese lunch, board a domestic flight to Luxor, where you will check into the luxurious M/S Darakum Movenpick Nile Cruise, your floating home for the next nine days of sailing and discovery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up to breathtaking views of the Nile and begin your exploration of ancient Thebes.
Morning – East Bank of Luxor:
- Karnak Temple Complex – Wander through the largest temple in Egypt, home to towering columns, sacred obelisks, and hidden chapels dedicated to Amun-Ra.
- Luxor Temple – A magnificent temple that glows beautifully under the Egyptian sun, connected to Karnak by the Avenue of the Sphinxes.
Afternoon – West Bank of Luxor:
- Valley of the Kings – Step into the legendary royal necropolis, where the tombs of pharaohs like Ramses II and Tutankhamun reveal the secrets of the afterlife.
- Temple of Hatshepsut – Marvel at the elegant three-tiered temple dedicated to Egypt’s most powerful female ruler.
- Colossi of Memnon – Stand before the two massive statues of Amenhotep III, silent sentinels watching over the Theban landscape.
Sail to Qena, where you will embark on a fascinating journey to two of Egypt’s best-preserved temples:
- Abydos – The Temple of Seti I – An ancient site revered for its sacred carvings and the famous Pharaoh’s List, detailing the lineage of rulers from Menes to Ramses II.
- Dandara Temple of Hathor – Dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love, beauty, and joy, this colorfully preserved temple features intricate astronomical ceiling depictions and a stunning hypostyle hall.
Sail towards Sohag, where you’ll spend the night under the tranquil glow of the Egyptian stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail to Qena, where you will embark on a fascinating journey to two of Egypt’s best-preserved temples:
- Abydos – The Temple of Seti I – An ancient site revered for its sacred carvings and the famous Pharaoh’s List, detailing the lineage of rulers from Menes to Ramses II.
- Dandara Temple of Hathor – Dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love, beauty, and joy, this colorfully preserved temple features intricate astronomical ceiling depictions and a stunning hypostyle hall.
Sail towards Sohag, where you’ll spend the night under the tranquil glow of the Egyptian stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s journey takes you to Al Minya, a charming city steeped in history and spirituality.
- Participate in a fun “Black & White Party” onboard, a traditional celebration of Egyptian culture.
- Enjoy the pristine riverbanks and fertile farmlands, offering a contrast to the vast golden deserts of the south.
- Prepare for a night of Egyptian hospitality as you sail onward.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Tell el Amarna – Walk through the ruins of Akhenaten’s utopian city, once the center of his revolutionary monotheistic belief in the god Aten.
- Tuna El Gabal – Explore the tomb of Petosiris and the catacombs filled with thousands of sacred animal mummies.
- Ashmunein – Uncover the remains of the ancient city of Hermopolis, where wisdom and magic flourished in Egyptian mythology.
Return to Minya for a peaceful overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the tombs of Beni Hassan, renowned for their vivid wall paintings depicting sports, combat, and daily life during the Middle Kingdom era.
Continue your journey to Beni Suef, where you can unwind on board with fine dining and a stunning sunset over the Nile.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Hawara & Maydom Pyramids – Venture to Fayoum, where Egypt’s lesser-known pyramids stand in striking solitude. These structures predate the Great Pyramids of Giza and reveal the early evolution of pyramid building.
- Final stretch to Cairo – Enjoy your last full day sailing, reflecting on the incredible journey through Egypt’s hidden history.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your final day of exploration in Cairo, where you will:
- Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx, the most enduring symbols of ancient Egypt.
- Explore the Egyptian Museum, home to Tutankhamun’s treasures and an extensive royal mummy collection.
Spend your last evening in Cairo’s vibrant streets, soaking in the modern energy of Egypt’s capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board, taking in your final moments on the Nile before transferring to Cairo International Airport. For guests with later flights, we offer optional city tours or private relaxation lounges to make the most of your last hours in Egypt.
As you board your flight home, you leave not just with memories, but with an enduring connection to the wonders of ancient Egypt.
Meals: Breakfast
