Cairo, Luxor and Nile Cruise with Hurghada Beach Escape

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Fly to Cairo - Land in Cairo, the colourful Egyptian capital, and settle into your hotel for the first of three nights in the city.
• Day 2
  Included half-day tour of Cairo and GEM visit - Rise early this morning, with breakfast served at your hotel, for a fascinating full-day guided tour of Giza’s ancient landmarks. Your first stop today, an emblem of Egyptian history, will be the world-renowned pyramids. Standing at almost 150 metres tall, these monumental structures were once the crowning glories of the pharaohs and remain home to ancient artefacts, which offer a glimpse into Egypt’s golden age. You’ll then move eastward to the Great Sphinx of Giza, which was modelled on one of Egyptian mythology’s most recognisable creatures. This limestone statue was originally built to guard the neighbouring pyramid complexes and remains a truly magnificent sight after over 4,500 years. After your visit, you’ll head to a local restaurant for lunch, before continuing back into the heart of Giza for a guided tour of the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum in the company of your tour manager and an expert Egyptologist. While exploring the exhibits, your guide will offer exclusive insights into the rich history and cultural significance of each artefact, some of which have only been made available for public viewing since the GEM’s opening in 2025. 
• Day 3
  Included tour of Cairo - After breakfast this morning, you'll be introduced to the sights and sounds of Egypt's bustling capital.  Starting in the walled Coptic Cairo district, you'll visit the Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, better known as the Hanging Church, which sits above the city's ancient Roman fortress. As you continue through the district, you'll see Egypt's religious heritage and cosmopolitan blend of faiths on full display with stops at St. Sergius' Church, an impressive Coptic temple dating back to the 7th century, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. After some time in the Coptic district, board a coach for a short drive north into Cairo's historic centre. Here, you'll have some time to explore the famed Khan el Khalili Bazaar, one of the city's oldest Mamluk-era markets, and the nearby Al Mu'izz Street, with its magnificent Islamic architecture and wide variety of landmarks.  Later, return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening in Cairo.  
• Day 4
  Fly to Luxor and board MS Blue Shadow IV with optional Sound and Light show - Set off this morning for a short internal flight to historic Luxor, a hub of cultural sites and age-old temples. Upon arrival, join an included excursion to Karnak temple, housed in the ruined city of Thebes, and witness the towering pillars of its Great Hypostyle Hall. This grand open-air building, dedicated to the god Amun, is part of Thebes’ wider temple complex and is one of only two buildings open for public access.  Your tour will then continue to the neighbouring Luxor Temple, a sprawl of religious sites and ornate facades, which hosted the coronation of numerous pharaohs across the centuries. As you trace a path through these time-weathered sandstone halls, keep an eye out for the intricate carvings and hieroglyphs that adorn their walls.  After a busy day’s exploration, board the MS Blue Shadow IV, a luxury river cruiser, and your base for the next seven days. Complete with an expansive sundeck, outdoor swimming pool and a bar, perfect for an evening cocktail, your cruise ship promises total comfort as you take in the panoramic views of the Nile’s pristine riverside vistas. Heading below deck, you’ll find a colourful bazaar and a restaurant where you’ll stop this evening for a special welcome dinner.  As the sun sets over Luxor, you'll have the chance to head back into Karnak for a fascinating glimpse into Egypt's ancient history as the temple's pillared walls become the backdrop of a spectacular optional Sound and Light show. 
• Day 5
  Included visit to the Valley of the Kings - Enjoy breakfast against the stunning backdrop of the Nile this morning, as you set sail on the first leg of your week-long river cruise. Crossing to the river’s west bank, moor at the entrance to the famous Valley of Kings, which houses the tomb of Egypt’s child pharaoh, Tutankhamun, and the temple of Hatshepsut, one of the country’s most celebrated queens. While exploring these two fascinating landmarks, look out for the striking Colossi of Memnon, two grand statues which guard the entrance to the Theban Necropolis’ largest temple.   Afterwards, return to your ship for lunch before setting sail along the region’s timeless scenery towards Edfu, where you’ll moor for the night.  
• Day 6
  Included tour of the Temple of Horus - An escorted tour of Egypt’s best-preserved Pharaonic monuments awaits this morning, starting with breakfast aboard your ship. Visit the intricately carved halls of the Temple of Horus, where ancient inscriptions and frescoed walls depict the dramatic battle between Horus and Seth.   Reboarding your ship, you’ll then move on to Kom Ombo’s magnificent riverside temple with its impressive sandstone facades, hypostyle columns, and untouched burial grounds. Built in honour of the crocodile god, Sobek, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder), this incredible landmark offers a captivating dive into Ptolemaic culture and promises to be one of the highlights of your trip.  Once you’re finished, enjoy lunch and dinner back aboard the MS Blue Shadow IV before dropping anchor in verdant Aswan.  
• Day 7
  Included visit to Aswan High Dam - Your first full day in Aswan will take you to the city’s extraordinary High Dam, which guards the meeting point between the Nile and expansive Lake Nasser. Take breakfast aboard before heading out on today’s excursion. Witness the vast nearby granite quarries from which many of Egypt’s ancient treasures were fashioned before crossing the Nile to Philae’s Temple of Isis. After a morning’s exploration on the island, board a traditional felucca and sail around Kitchener Island with its flourishing botanical gardens.  Return to the ship this evening for dinner. 
• Day 8
  Day at leisure and optional Abu Simbel excursion - Explore Aswan at your own pace, ticking off any remaining wish-list sights, or perhaps board a coach for an optional tour of Abu Simbel, a unique temple complex carved entirely out of a neighbouring mountainside.   These staggering landmarks, dedicated to Rameses II and the Egyptian sky goddess, Hathor, were excavated in the early 19th Century. As you pass through the ornate halls of this remarkable complex, feast your eyes on the vast array of relics and artefacts held within.  Later on, enjoy a final evening in Aswan ahead of the return leg of your river cruise.
• Day 9
  Day of cruising north - Begin your cruise back north and make the most out of your ship’s facilities. Perhaps spend time in the on-board swimming pool or sip a cocktail against the backdrop of the Nile’s idyllic stretches. 
• Day 10
  Day of cruising north - Continue your cruise this morning, taking in the best of the Nile’s scenic beauty as you glide past, and enjoy the final full day of your Egyptian cruise before mooring overnight in Luxor.