12 Days Long Nile River Cruise From Cairo To Luxor

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by a representative from Nile Cruise Holiday who will assist with your visa and arrival procedures. From here, you’ll be whisked away to your 5-star Nile cruise and be warmly welcomed by the crew. Settle into your comfortable cabin and get acquainted with the inviting ambiance of your floating home.

As the sun sets over the bustling city, gather for a delightful dinner prepared by talented onboard chefs. Afterward, head to the lounge bar and unwind with soft music playing in the background. Let the rhythm of Cairo at night ease you into a restful sleep, docked in one of the world’s oldest cities.

Enjoy a generous breakfast before stepping into Egypt’s legendary past. You’ll begin your day with an unforgettable visit to the Giza Plateau, home to the iconic Pyramids – timeless tributes to the Pharaohs’ grandeur. Stand in awe before the Great Sphinx, its expression still guarding the mysteries of ancient Egypt.

Return to the ship for a well-earned lunch before heading out again, this time to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. Marvel at an astonishing collection of ancient treasures, including the golden mask of Tutankhamun. In the evening, return to your cruise for a traditional Egyptian dinner accompanied by a live Takht performance, filling the night with authentic oriental melodies.

After breakfast, depart on a guided excursion to the ancient capital of Memphis. Explore the ruins and marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II. Continue to Sakkara to see Egypt’s oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, a significant leap in pyramid-building history.

Following lunch onboard, discover the spiritual side of Cairo in Coptic Cairo. Visit the Hanging Church with its impressive wooden ceiling, the rich exhibits of the Coptic Museum, and the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue. Return for a festive evening aboard, featuring the Captain’s cocktail reception and another sumptuous dinner.

Today marks your first full day of cruising along the lifeline of Egypt Nile River. As you drift south from Cairo to Beni Suef, enjoy a relaxed breakfast while the scenery transitions from urban buzz to tranquil riverbanks dotted with palm trees and villages.

Spend your afternoon on deck or in the lounge as the ship glides along the water. Lunch and dinner are served onboard. In the evening, sample locally produced Egyptian wines in an exclusive onboard tasting session before settling in for the night in Beni Suef.

Wake up to the peaceful rhythm of the Nile as the cruise continues toward Minya. This is a perfect day to slow down, enjoy the amenities on board, and absorb the passing scenery, lush farmlands, small villages, and timeless scenes of rural Egypt.

Feast on delicious meals throughout the day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served as the Nile guides your way. In the evening, enjoy some downtime at the bar where soft music and warm company make for a relaxing end to the day.

After breakfast, head out to explore the archaeological wonders of Middle Egypt. Start with a visit to Tuna El Gebel and Ashmunein, lesser-known gems filled with Greco-Roman and Pharaonic ruins.

Return to the ship for lunch before setting out again, this time to the remarkable cliffside tombs of Beni Hassan. Carved into limestone hills, these elaborately painted tombs reveal detailed scenes of ancient life: fishing, hunting, agriculture, and family rituals. Back onboard, enjoy a vibrant folkloric show after dinner, adding a splash of culture to your evening in Minya.

Set sail early to Tel El Amarna, the revolutionary capital built by Pharaoh Akhenaten. After breakfast, visit the Amarna Visitor Center and watch a presentation about Akhenaten and his queen, Nefertiti, and their devotion to the sun god, Aten.

Next, tour the Northern Tombs of Amarna, where intriguing inscriptions and artwork shed light on this unique chapter of Egyptian history. After lunch on board, continue sailing to Assyut. Along the way, pause to admire the view of Prince Tawdrous Monastery from the ship. As night falls, join the spirited Galabeya Party, a colorful celebration of Egyptian dress and dance.

Rise to another peaceful day on the Nile. Today’s journey takes you from Assyut to Sohag, a scenic stretch of the river where you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of nature and the gentle pulse of river life.

Take this opportunity to rest, read, or simply watch the world drift by. Meals are served on board throughout the day. This evening, enjoy a themed “Black & White” party with music, games, and laughter, a lively way to end a serene day on the river.

The cruise sails early to El Balyana. After breakfast, disembark for a visit to the sacred site of Abydos, once a key religious center dedicated to Osiris. Explore the stunning Temple of Seti I, renowned for its beautiful reliefs and powerful atmosphere.

Return for lunch as the ship navigates the Naga Hammadi bridges and continues its journey. This evening, enjoy dinner and test your knowledge during a fun and interactive quiz night. Overnight in Naga Hammadi.

Early in the morning, sail to Qena and prepare for an excursion to Dendera Temple, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temple complexes. Explore the grand Temple of Hathor, adorned with intricate ceiling paintings and sacred chambers.

Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise toward Luxor. In the afternoon, participate in an Egyptian cookery class where you’ll learn to prepare local favorites. After dinner, enjoy an exciting belly dancing performance to end the evening on a high note.

Today is filled with monumental history. After breakfast, set off for the West Bank, visiting the Valley of the Kings where pharaohs like Tutankhamun lie buried. Continue to the breathtaking Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and marvel at the Colossi of Memnon.

After lunch, visit the East Bank to explore the majestic temples of Luxor and Karnak, two of the most iconic landmarks in all of Egypt. This final night in Luxor is a fitting tribute to the grandeur of ancient Thebes.

Enjoy your final breakfast on board as your journey along the Nile draws to a close. Disembark with cherished memories, ready to carry the magic of Egypt with you wherever you go.