Legendary sites of antiquity and a Nile voyage

Discover the many facets of Egypt. Stay in the finest accommodations, sail the Nile’s grandest ship, and go with top Egyptologist guides and a certified photo instructor. Explore all the must-see sites—from the great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, to Karnak Temple in Luxor, to monumental Abu Simbel built into a hill by Ramses II, to colorful artwork in seldom-visited tombs of Seti I and Nefertari. Along the way you’ll meet proud, welcoming people in a land whose history has touched us all. See the ways of life along the Nile and learn the stories of the people who live here. Modern Egypt is also fascinating, and there is a spirit of optimism here that indicates things are improving greatly.

Explore the great sites of Ancient Egypt, from the pyramids and the Sphinx to the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel, and learn about contemporary life
Travel with a certified photo instructor at your side who will give you timely tips in the field to make sure you go home with top photos
Sail aboard the privately chartered, 42-guest Oberoi Philae, one of the finest ships on the Nile, and stay in remarkable hotels in Cairo
Fly within Egypt aboard chartered aircraft to help you make the most of your time and ensure your comfort
Choose an optional extension to Jordan, to add Petra and some of Jordan’s exceptional other sites to your experience

See less highlights

Duration

13 Days

Price

From $12,340 per person
(does not include flight)

Dates

Jan

Feb

Mar

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Special offers

BRINGING THE KIDS

BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS

TRAVELING AS A GROUP

CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES

COMBINING OFFERS

Ships

Oberoi Philae

Note

NOTE: For expeditions departing January 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.

Egypt aboard Oberoi Philae

Day By Day

Explore some of the greatest sites of antiquity in the world. The Pyramids of Giza are the sole survivors among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You’ll see one highlight after another: Sakkara, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Hatshepsut’s Temple, Dendera, Philae Temple at Aswan, Abu Simbel, Esna, and much, much more. Explore Cairo, a great city of the world where people have lived for millennia. And sail the Nile aboard the richly appointed riverboat Oberoi Philae, accommodating just 42 guests in gracious, spacious cabins and suites.

2022-23 (Standard)

Embark

Luxor, Egypt

Disembark

Aswan, Egypt

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2022-23 (Reverse)

Embark

Aswan, Egypt

Disembark

Luxor, Egypt

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2024 (Standard)

Embark

Luxor, Egypt

Disembark

Aswan, Egypt

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2024 (Reverse)

Embark

Aswan, Egypt

Disembark

Luxor, Egypt

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Day 1-2

U.S. / Cairo, Egypt

Fly overnight to Cairo and check in to the Nile Ritz-Carlton, your home for the next four nights. The hotel overlooks the Nile in the heart of this great city, and your room will face the Nile, with the Pyramids visible in the distance (weather permitting).

Day 3

Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx

After a morning welcome briefing, we start the day exploring the most iconic and mysterious of all things in Egypt: the Pyramids and Sphinx complex in Giza. Among the seven wonders of the ancient world, only the Pyramids of Giza have survived. The magnificent Pyramid of Cheops was built from over two million blocks of stone and took tens of thousands of workers twenty years to build. Nearby is the great Sphinx, carved out of a single massive piece of stone, showing the Pharaoh Chefren’s head on the body of a lion. You’ll have the chance to go inside the Great Pyramid, following the narrow passageway of the Grand Gallery to the burial chamber of Cheops. Your Egyptologist will regail you with stories and details of the site's construction while your Certified Photography Instructor will be on hand to ensure you get the perfect photos. Marvel at the Solar Boat, built about 2500 BC for the Pharoah Khufu’s use in the afterworld. You'll have the chance to ride a camel if you wish.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel where you can enjoy the hotel amenities, chat with the Egyptologist, or explore on your own. This evening we’ll gather for a daily Recap and welcome reception, followed by dinner at your leisure. (B,L)

Day 4

Cairo, Grand Egyptian Museum & Saqqara

The treasures of Egypt are vast and the stuff of legend. No trip to Egypt would be complete without expertly-guided visits of amazing collections. Tour the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled to open in late 2022, which holds an almost endless collection of some of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, the brightly painted limestone sculptures of Prince Rahotep and Princess Nofret, the bizarre relief of Akhenaten, and pharaoh mummies including Ramses II. Note: If the GEM is not opened as scheduled, we will instead visit the Antiquities Museum which houses a grand collection of ancient marvels, and is scheduled to close when the GEM opens.

After lunch we travel to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of the pharaoh Zoser, a revolutionary design that initiated the art of pyramid-building. We will also see some of Egypt’s most charming wall paintings and reliefs, showing scenes of harvesting, fishing, music making and dancing, as well as the elaborate and exquisite mastaba of Mereruka, the largest in Saqqara. While not a royal, Mereruka (or Meri) was, among other things, “Chief Justice and Vizier” to Pharaoh Teti of the Sixth Dynasty, wealthy enough to build such a large and colorful tomb for his afterlife. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Islamic Cairo

Enjoy a change of pace today as you explore some of Cairo’s greatest architecture and monuments to Islam, interpreted and brought to life by your Egyptologist through stories and personal experiences. Among the sites you'll visit is the Ottoman-era Muhammad Ali Mosque, completed in 1848. It occupies a commanding position overlooking Cairo from atop the Citadel, and its five domes can be seen throughout the city. Continue to the mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period. Renowned for its size and use of unorthodox architectural elements, the Sultan Hassan mosque and madrassa is considered one of the best examples of Islamic art in Cairo. We have lunch at a local restaurant, then explore the Khan el Khalili bazaar, a maze of streets with thousands of shops selling everything from filigreed silverwork to camel saddles. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Luxor / Embark Oberoi Philae

Fly via private charter flight to Luxor, in Upper Egypt, where we’ll visit Karnak Temple. For 2,000 years some 30 pharaohs added their own monuments and shrines to this vast temple. The 134 columns of the great hall create a forest of stone 70 feet high, while the towering obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut shadows the rear of the temple. The reliefs and carvings, created by some of Ancient Egypt’s finest artisans, are dramatic. We’ll then embark the elegant, privately chartered Oberoi Philae, our home for the next six nights, in time for lunch. Onboard you will find spacious cabins, warm public areas and a welcoming Egyptian crew offering impeccable service.

This afternoon we will tour the Luxor Museum, which contains some of Egypt’s finest statuary, beautifully lit and displayed, including the mummies of Ahmos I and Ramesses I. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Dendera / Sailing the Nile / Luxor Temple

We start the day sailing through some of Upper Egypt's most stunning scenery to arrive at the remote temple of Dendera, constructed during the time of the Roman emperors, noted for its dramatic columns and magnificent ceilings. The reliefs on the temple walls depict the empress Cleopatra. Hundreds of years of black soot was delicately removed to reveal the stunning and colorful artwork beneath, considered among the finest in all Egypt.

Next we explore the exquisite Luxor Temple, guarded by massive statues of Ramses II, with magnificent pylons, columns and statues. It has been a place of worship for millennia, as attested to by the mosque that was built atop the site. Luxor Temple is well-lit in the evenings and a wonderful site to visit after sunset. After dinner onboard have an opportunity to enjoy the evening in Luxor. (B,L,D)

*Please note that we will drive via motorcoaches between Luxor and Dendera Temple if our arrival coincides with low water, and cruise this section of the Nile during high water times.

Day 8

West Bank / Sailing the Nile

Rise early for an optional hot air balloon ride and a panoramic view of the Luxor area. This morning we will cross the Nile to the fabled West Bank and Valley of the Kings, burial ground for hundreds of years to Egypt's greatest pharaohs. Explore and photograph the tombs of Set I and Tutankhamun. Visit the Valley of the Queens and the most remarkable tomb of them all: that of Nefertari. Vivid paintings show the queen's beauty and depict her journey to the afterlife in exquise color and quality found nowhere else in Egypt. See the temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically set beneath sandstone cliffs.

Return to the ship for lunch and time to relax as we cast off from Luxor on the most luxurious ship on the Nile to spend the afternoon marveling at the rich and verdent riverbanks and farmland that has sustained life along the Nile for thousands of years. Enjoy the views from your suite or join your friends in the lounge or on the top deck to watch life and history go by. We'll continue our program with presentations and Recap from your Egyptologists and Certified Photo Instructor later this evening. Pass through the lock before enjoying an elegant dinner and overnighting in Esna. (B,L,D)

Day 9

Esna / Sailing the Nile

Walk to the nearby Temple of Khnum, which lies beneath the contemporary town of Esna and has not been fully excavated. Your Egyptologist will explain how silt from centuries of the Nile's annual floods buried the temple, which sits below street level. Walk back to the ship through the narrow streets of Esna, talking with locals, sharing stories and smiles, and learning about everyday Egyptian small-town life. Enjoy more time onboard where you can relax, dip into the ship's library of Egyptian history, or take a cool swim in the pool. Presentations and Recap onboard will cover Egyptology as well as modern Egypt plus photo instruction that take into account the sites and lighting you are experiencing. We overnight in Kom Ombo, just under the riverside temple. (B,L,D)

Day 10

Kom Ombo / Aswan

Set strikingly atop a hill overlooking the Nile we will visit Kom Ombo, built during the Ptolemaic era, dedicated to two gods—hawk-headed Haroeris and crocodile headed Sobek. It is richly decorated, and even has a hieroglyphic calendar. Stand on deck as we approach Aswan, a glorious location on the Nile, backed by hills, with granite rocks protruding from the riverbed and sailboats (called feluccas) plying the water. It is just downstream of the northernmost Nile cataract, which historically made it a frontier town and trading center with Nubia. This afternoon we visit the fine Nubian Museum where you’ll learn about the Nubian history and culture of Upper Egypt, as well as the architectural marvel that is Abu Simbel. We will end the day with High Tea at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel, from where commanding views of the Nile and Elephantine are sure to please. This evening enjoy a Nubian cultural show onboard Oberoi Philae. (B,L,D)

Day 11

Aswan

This morning we visit the lovely Temple of Isis on the island of Philae, from which the Oberoi Philae gets its name. In Greek, Philae means "the end" and the island was aptly named due to its border with ancient Nubia. Like Abu Simbel, the Temple of Isis would have been lost to the floods caused by the building of the High Dam if not painstakingly dismantled, moved and reconstructed at its present location. Visit a granite quarry to learn about how massive obelisks and other structures were carefully cut from solid rock and transported to the river for sailing the Nile. Get a good look at an unfinished obelisk on site. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing sail on a traditional felucca as the Nubian crew sing local songs and show you the beauty of the cataracts in the afternoon light. (B,L,D)

Day 12

Disembark / Abu Simbel / Cairo

Disemark Oberoi Philae and fly by private-charter to southern Nubia and the remarkable site of Abu Simbel, on a sun-baked island in the azure waters of Lake Nasser. Two temples are found here; one large, dedicated to Ramses II's victory at Kadesh, and one small, dedicated to his beloved Queen Nefertari. Contructed in the mid 13th century BC, Abu Simbel was excavated from the sand in 1817. The temples were moved piece-by-piece to where it sits today to avoid being lost again, this time not to sand and neglect but to the creation of modern Lake Nasser.

After lunch, reboard our privately-chartered aircraft to Cairo and check-in to the 5-star InterContinental Citystars Hotel. Gather for our final dinner with the group this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 13

Cairo / U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

Alternative Route

Embark

Disembark

Day 1-2

U.S. / Cairo, Egypt

Day 3

Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx

Day 4

Cairo, Grand Egyptian Museum & Saqqara

The treasures of Egypt are vast and the stuff of legend. No trip to Egypt would be complete without expertly-guided visits of amazing collections. Tour the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled to open in early 2022, which holds an almost endless collection of some of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, the brightly painted limestone sculptures of Prince Rahotep and Princess Nofret, the bizarre relief of Akhenaten, and pharaoh mummies including Ramses II. Note: If the GEM is not opened as scheduled, we will instead visit the Antiquities Museum which houses a grand collection of ancient marvels, and is scheduled to close when the GEM opens.

Day 5

Islamic Cairo

Day 6

Abu Simbel / Aswan / Embark Oberoi Philae

Fly via private charter flight to southern Nubia, traversing almost the entire length of Egypt, and the remarkable site of Abu Simbel, on a sun-baked island in the azure waters of Lake Nasser. Two temples are found here; one large, dedicated to Ramses II's victory at Kadesh, and one small, dedicated to his beloved Queen Nefertari. Contructed in the mid 13th century BC, Abu Simbel was excavated from the sand in 1817. The temples were moved piece-by-piece to where it sits today to avoid being lost again, this time not to sand and neglect but to the creation of modern Lake Nasser.

After lunch, reboard our privately-chartered aircraft to Aswan to embark the elegant, privately-chartered Oberoi Philae, our home for the next six nights, in time for dinner. Onboard you will find spacious cabins, warm public areas and a welcoming Egyptian crew offering impeccable service. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Aswan

Aswan enjoys a glorious location on the Nile, backed by hills, with granite rocks protruding from the riverbed and sailboats (called feluccas) plying the water. It is just downstream of the northernmost Nile cataract, which historically made it a frontier town and trading center with Nubia. This morning we visit the fine Nubian Museum where you’ll learn about the Nubian history and culture of Upper Egypt, as well as the architectural marvel that is Abu Simbel. Next is a special High Tea at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel, from where commanding views of the Nile and Elephantine are sure to please. End the day with a relaxing sail on a traditional felucca as the Nubian crew sing local songs and show you the beauty of the cataracts in the afternoon light. This evening enjoy a Nubian cultural show onboard Oberoi Philae. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Aswan / Kom Ombo / Cruising the Nile

Early this morning enjoy the the lovely Temple of Isis on the island of Philae, from which the Oberoi Philae gets its name. In Greek, Philae means "the end" and the island was aptly named due to its border with ancient Nubia. Like Abu Simbel, the Temple of Isis would have been lost to the floods caused by the building of the High Dam if not painstakingly dismantled, moved and reconstructed at its present location. Visit a granite quarry to learn about how massive obelisks and other structures were carefully cut from solid rock and transported to the river for sailing the Nile. Get a good look at an unfinished obelisk on site before casting off from Aswan on the most luxurious ship on the Nile and continue our adventure in Kom Ombo. Set strikingly atop a hill overlooking the Nile we visit Kom Ombo in the afternon, built during the Ptolemaic era, dedicated to two gods—hawk-headed Haroeris and crocodile headed Sobek. It is richly decorated, and even has a hieroglyphic calendar. Enjoy more time onboard where you can relax, dip into the ship's library of Egyptian history, or take a cool swim in the pool. Presentations and Recap onboard will cover Egyptology as well as modern Egypt plus photo instruction that take into account the sites and lighting you are experiencing. We overnight in Edfu. (B,L,D)

Day 9

Esna / Cruising the Nile / Luxor Temple

After early sailing to Esna, walk to the nearby Temple of Khnum, which lies beneath the contemporary town of Esna and has not been fully excavated. Your Egyptologist will explain how silt from centuries of the Nile's annual floods buried the temple, which sits below street level. Walk back to the ship through the narrow streets of Esna, talking with locals, sharing stories and smiles, and learning about everyday Egyptian small-town life. After lunch we have time to cruise and marvel at the rich and verdent riverbanks and farmland that has sustained life along the Nile for thousands of years. Enjoy the views from your suite or join your friends in the lounge or on the top deck to watch life and history go by. We'll continue our program with presentations from your Egyptologists and Certified Photo Instructor later this afternoon.

Next we arrive to Luxor and explore the exquisite Luxor Temple, guarded by massive statues of Ramses II, with magnificent pylons, columns and statues. It has been a place of worship for millennia, as attested to by the mosque that was built atop the site. Luxor Temple is well-lit in the evenings and a wonderful site to visit after sunset. After dinner onboard have an opportunity to enjoy the evening in Luxor. (B,L,D)

Day 10

Dendara / Cruising the Nile* / Luxor Museum

After early cruising to Qena, we visit the Temple of Dendera, constructed during the time of the Roman emperors, noted for its dramatic columns and magnificent ceilings. The reliefs on the temple walls depict the empress Cleopatra. Hundreds of years of black soot was delicately removed to reveal the stunning and colorful artwork beneath, considered among the finest in all Egypt. Return to the ship for lunch and time to enjoy sailing through some of Upper Egypt’s most stunning scenery in route back to Luxor where we’ll tour the Luxor Museum, which contains some of Egypt’s finest statuary, beautifully lit and displayed, including the mummies of Ahmos I and Ramesses I. (B,L,D)

*Please note that we will drive via motorcoaches between Luxor and Dendera Temple if our arrival coincides with low water, and cruise this section of the Nile during high water times.

Day 11

West Bank

Day 12

Disembark / Karnak Temple / Cairo

Disembark Oberoi Philae and visit Karnak Temple. For 2,000 years some 30 pharaohs added their own monuments and shrines to this vast temple. The 134 columns of the great hall create a forest of stone 70 feet high, while the towering obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut shadows the rear of the temple. The reliefs and carvings, created by some of Ancient Egypt’s finest artisans, are dramatic.

After lunch, board our privately-chartered aircraft to Cairo and check-in to the 5-star InterContinental Citystars Hotel. Gather for our final dinner with the group this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 13

Cairo / U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

Alternative Route

Embark

Disembark

Day 1

Cairo, Egypt

Arrive in Cairo and check in to the Nile Ritz-Carlton, your home for the next four nights. The hotel overlooks the Nile in the heart of this great city, and your room will face the Nile, with the Pyramids visible in the distance (weather permitting).

Day 2

Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx

Day 3

Cairo, Grand Egyptian Museum & Saqqara

The treasures of Egypt are vast and the stuff of legend. No trip to Egypt would be complete without expertly-guided visits of amazing collections. Tour the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled to open in early 2022, which holds an almost endless collection of some of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, the brightly painted limestone sculptures of Prince Rahotep and Princess Nofret, the bizarre relief of Akhenaten, and pharaoh mummies including Ramses II. Note: If the GEM is not opened as scheduled, we will instead visit the Antiquities Museum which houses a grand collection of ancient marvels, and is scheduled to close when the GEM opens.

Day 4

Islamic Cairo

Day 5

Luxor / Embark Oberoi Philae

Day 6

Dendera/Sailing the Nile/Luxor Temple

Day 7

West Bank/Sailing the Nile

Day 8

Esna/Sailing the Nile

Day 9

Kom Ombo/Aswan

Day 10

Aswan

Day 11

Disembark/Abu Simbel/Cairo

Day 12

Cairo

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

Alternative Route

Embark

Disembark

Day 1

Cairo, Egypt

Day 2

Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx

Day 3

Cairo, Grand Egyptian Museum & Saqqara

The treasures of Egypt are vast and the stuff of legend. No trip to Egypt would be complete without expertly-guided visits of amazing collections. Tour the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled to open in early 2022, which holds an almost endless collection of some of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, the brightly painted limestone sculptures of Prince Rahotep and Princess Nofret, the bizarre relief of Akhenaten, and pharaoh mummies including Ramses II. Note: If the GEM is not opened as scheduled, we will instead visit the Antiquities Museum which houses a grand collection of ancient marvels, and is scheduled to close when the GEM opens.

Day 4

Islamic Cairo

Day 5

Abu Simbel / Aswan / Embark Oberoi Philae

Day 6

Aswan

Day 7

Aswan / Kom Ombo / Cruising the Nile

Day 8

Esna / Cruising the Nile / Luxor Temple

Day 9

Dendara / Cruising the Nile* / Luxor Museum

Day 10

West Bank

Day 11

Disembark / Karnak Temple / Cairo

After lunch, board our privately-chartered aircraft to Cairo and check-in to the 5-star InterContinental Citystars Hotel. Gather for our final dinner with the group this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 12

Cairo

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

Alternative Route

Embark

Disembark

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Special Offers

BRINGING THE KIDS

Special Offers

We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.

BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS

Special Offers

Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.

TRAVELING AS A GROUP

Special Offers

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.

CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES

Special Offers

Join us and celebrate your great milestones, including birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, retirements, and more. Beginning in 2023, groups of 8 or more traveling together in celebration receive 5% off and a complimentary group photograph, while the cabin-of-honor receives onboard ship credit, beautiful cake, and more onboard celebrations. Milestone celebration must be communicated at time of booking. Milestone amenity package is one per group, intended for the guest celebrating the Milestone event. Group discount is applicable to cruise portion only, and does not apply towards additional services such as hotels, extensions, airfare, etc. Group cancellation terms also apply. Not combinable with certain offers.

COMBINING OFFERS

Special Offers

Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.

Dates, Rates & Cabins

Travel on this itinerary from $12,340 per person

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Jordan - Post-Voyage Extension

Post-trip

6 Days

From

$4,290 per person

Jordan is breathtaking, with the fertile Jordan Valley, the Moabite Mountains, the shores of the Dead Sea, and of course the compelling site of Petra—a place that simply must be seen. In the span of just five days, we’ll explore all of them. Beginning in Amman, Jordan’s modern capital, we’ll step into the past at the Roman ruins of Jerash, where one hundred years of excavation have unearthed only 1% of the city. We continue to Petra, the Nabatean city whose iconic rose-hued facades are carved directly into sandstone cliffs. In Madaba we see the remarkable 6th-century mosaic map. And we’ll visit the Dead Sea as well, with a chance to float in its waters and enjoy the amenities of our hotel. We’ll be accompanied by a top guide, and will stay in superb accommodations throughout.

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