Avenue of the Sphnixs, Luxor Temple, Egypt

Highlights of Egypt including a Nile Cruise

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

11 Days

Prices Start from

£5,995pp(ex. flights)

This classic Egypt holiday takes in the iconic highlights of the country, staying in historic properties that add to the sense of history and place.

Begin in Cairo, moving between the bustle of bazaars and museums and the contrasting desert setting of the pyramids. On the banks of the Nile River, Luxor begins an immersion into the rich history of the country, best showcased on a cruise, gently navigating, watching daily life unfold, exploring shoreside temples before ending amidst the picture perfect setting of Aswan.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

The pyramids of Giza at early evening, Egypt 1

Explore Cairo

From the pyramids of Giza to the treasures of the Egyptian Museum.

Medinet Habu Temples, Theban, Luxor, Egypt 2

Visit Temples Galore

Hear the thrum of history amidst amazingly preserved royal tombs and temples.

River Nile, Luxor, Egypt 3

Cruise the Nile

Cruise the Nile onboard a historic luxury steam ship.

Terrace with views of the Nile, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Aswan, Egypt 4

Aswan Views

Stay where Agatha Christie penned Death on the Nile, with desert and Nile vistas.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrive Cairo (Marriott Mena House)

  • Days 2-3

    Cairo (Marriott Mena House)

  • Day 4

    Cairo - Luxor (Sofitel Winter Palace)

  • Day 5

    Luxor, Cruise Embarkation (MISR Royal Steam Ship)

  • Day 6

    Luxor - Edfu (MISR Royal Steam Ship)

  • Day 7

    Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan (MISR Royal Steam Ship)

  • Day 8

    Aswan (MISR Royal Steam Ship)

  • Day 9

    Aswan, Disembark Cruise (Sofitel Legend Old Cataract)

  • Day 10

    Aswan

  • Day 11

    Aswan - Cairo

Day 1

Arrive Cairo (Marriott Mena House)

Arrive into Cairo and transfer to your hotel with view to the pyramids of Giza.

Days 2-3

Cairo (Marriott Mena House)

Spend two days exploring the history and culture across the city. From the iconic pyramids of Giza to the step pyramid, the incredible collection of antiquities at the Egyptian Museum.

Day 4

Cairo - Luxor (Sofitel Winter Palace)

Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Luxor to check into your historic riverside hotel.

Day 5

Luxor, Cruise Embarkation (MISR Royal Steam Ship)

Travel a short distance to the jetty to board your boat. After lunch onboard visit the East Bank temples of Luxor and Karnak.

Day 6

Luxor - Edfu (MISR Royal Steam Ship)

After a morning visit to the West Bank sites including the Valley of the Kings and Queens and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut return to the boat for lunch and time to relax as you sail to Edfu.

Day 7

Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan (MISR Royal Steam Ship)

Visit the temple of Edfu dedicated to Horus and Hathor before sailing to Kom Ombo to visit the temple complex there. Continue onto Aswan to overnight.

Day 8

Aswan (MISR Royal Steam Ship)

Morning visit to the High Dam and the Temple of Philae. In the afternoon board a traditional felucca to visit Kitchener Island and the botanical gardens there.

Day 9

Aswan, Disembark Cruise (Sofitel Legend Old Cataract)

After breakfast disembark the boat and transfer to your accommodation in Aswan overlooking the Nile.

Day 10

Aswan

Spend the day at leisure or take an optional excursion by air to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel Temple.

Day 11

Aswan - Cairo

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Cairo and onward travel.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Nile Life, River Nile, Egypt
River Nile, Egypt

Cruising the Nile

Cruising between Luxor and Aswan taking in temples and ancient sites enroute really is the perfect way to get the most out of Egypt. As well as the temples and historical sites, of which there are many, the Nile is incredibly peaceful and beautiful. Take time to soak up the rural scenery, daily life and birdlife that frequent the river. Sightseeing is done in small groups and the Egyptologists on board are known for their enthusiasm and  knowledge.

SS MISR Royal Steamer,  Exterior of boat on the Nile, Nile Cruise, Egypt
SS MISR Royal Steamer

Historic Accommodation

Cruise the Nile aboard the MISR Royal Steamer, a historic steam boat, once private yacht to Egypt’s last Monarch. Every cabin has access to private outdoor space, a rarity on the Nile, and the perfect spot to enjoy the first coffee or tea of the day as daily life begins on the river. Situated above the banks of the Nile with far reaching views towards the desert in the west sits the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract hotel, a restored 19th-century palace where Agatha Christie once stayed and drew inspiration for her book Death on the Nile.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Marriott Mena House £££££

  • Egypt
  • City

With a superb location adjacent to the Pyramids of Giza, The Mena House was originally a royal hunting lodge used by the King of Egypt. In 1869 it was sold and converted into a hotel and today, the comfortable rooms are surrounded by 40 acres of grounds. The decor within the Palace Wing is elegant with many antiques remaining as well as evidence of the rich history and famous guests it has hosted such as Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin.

View Property

Sofitel Winter Palace £££££

  • Egypt

The Sofitel Winter Palace on the banks of the Nile was once the private residence of King Farouk of Egypt and has hosted royalty and celebrities. Designed like an English stately home, this 19th-century palace is a landmark on the riverfront. Each of the 86 guestrooms and six suites is different, with high ceilings, beautiful fixtures, modern amenities and comforts, and all rooms enjoy views of either the Nile or the hotel gardens.

View Property

Royal Steam Ship MISR £££££

  • North Africa

A small steam powered boat, the MISR Royal Steamer was originally commissioned by the British Royal Navy and launched in 1918 when she journeyed 3276 nautical miles from England to Alexandria. Steeped in history she has since served in multiple wars and been the private yacht to Egypt’s last Monarch, King Farouk before being restored and rebuilt to her original drawings in 2006.

View Boat

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan £££££

  • Egypt
  • City

The Sofitel Old Cataract is perched on a shelf of pink granite, overlooking the Nile, with wonderful views towards Elephantine island and the beginnings of the Western Desert. Behind the Victorian facade of this 19th-century palace are many original features, from the polished marble floor of the historic lobby and high, classic Islamic arches.

View Property

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling, the cruise boat chosen and cruise duration.

Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Low Season
From £3,445 Per person
High Season
From £5,630 Per person

When to travel

Egypt in January

January is an optimum time to visit Egypt, as generally, it is the coldest month of the year, but still warm with an average daytime temperature of 22°C. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.

Egypt in February

Temperatures in February are generally warm by day, with an average daytime maximum temperature of 22°C, while on average the temperature falls to 14°C at night. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.

Egypt in March

The weather in March is typically warm, but not uncomfortable, with the average daytime temperature of 25°C, making it a pleasant time to visit. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.

Egypt in April

April is the first of the generally hot months in Egypt, although the heat is not as intense than the later summer months.

Egypt in May

In May, temperatures can reach 32°C, and you can expect around 11 hours of sunshine a day, along with warm sea water temperatures, making a dip very inviting.

Egypt in June

Low season is from June to August. This is due to the weather being rather unbearable with daytime temperatures in the south soaring to 40 degrees and higher.

Egypt in July

Low season is from June to August. This is due to the weather being rather unbearable with daytime temperatures in the south soaring to 40 degrees and higher.

Egypt in August

Low season is from June to August. This is due to the weather being rather unbearable with daytime temperatures in the south soaring to 40°C and higher.

Egypt in September

In September the temperature begins to cool, but it still remains very humid and averages around 30°C with zero rainfall.

Egypt in October

The most popular time to visit Egypt is during the winter months, from October to March. The temperature begins to cool in October, but it still remains exceedingly hot with an average of 30°C. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.

Egypt in November

November is relatively warm and dry, with an average of 3 mm of rain during this month. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.

Egypt in December

Daytime temperatures rise to an average of 23°C, and with generally low humidity, December a perfect time of year to visit. Note that in the western desert during the winter months (Oct-March) the mosquitos and flies are at their worst.

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