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YOU ARE VIEWING THE 2026 ITINERARY. SELECT YOUR DEPARTURE DAY
About the Tour:
On this tour, you can tailor your experience by choosing your preferred category of hotels and cruise boat, from budget-friendly 3-star accommodations to luxury 5-star Nile-view hotels and cruises.
Discover the ancient secrets of Egypt’s great pharaohs as you explore the historic cities of Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor. Then, embark on a standard or luxury cruise along the Nile to witness Egypt’s breathtaking temples, sacred monuments, and archaeological wonders.
A highlight of the journey is a visit to the majestic twin Temples of Abu Simbel, an awe-inspiring monument to Pharaoh Ramesses II. These temples were famously relocated in 1963, thanks to the efforts of UNESCO, to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Notably, Egypt was also the destination of Great Rail Journeys’ very first tour back in 1973.
Itinerary
Our journey begins. On arrival at Cairo Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your chosen three- or five-star Cairo hotel. After settling in, you’ll meet your expert tour guide—an Egyptologist—who will accompany you throughout your holiday adventure, as we explore the sensational sights of Egypt.
After an early breakfast, we travel by First Class rail to the port city of Alexandria, where we transfer to our chosen 5-star or 3-star hotel. We then set out on a sightseeing tour led by our expert guide, exploring the ancient catacombs, the Alexandria Lighthouse, the Roman Theatre, and the imposing Pompey's Pillar.
We enjoy lunch at the Fish Market, a popular restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, renowned for its fresh seafood. Next, we visit the modern Library of Alexandria—one of the most famous libraries of Classical antiquity. Once regarded as the cultural epicentre of the ancient world, this remarkable institution stands out for both its architecture and priceless collection. Afterward, we return to our hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we depart Alexandria and head to El Alamein, a key battlefield from World War II and a major British victory. After some time to reflect at this historical site, we continue towards Cairo with a guided visit to Wadi El-Natrun en route.
Wadi El-Natrun is a desert valley with twelve lakes and a fascinating history. Once a source of valuable mineral salts used in mummification, it later became a Christian sanctuary during Roman persecution. While many monasteries were once found here, only four remain today. We continue on to Cairo and check in to our selected 5- or 3-star hotel in West Cairo, just a few miles from the Great Pyramids. The evening is yours to dine independently and relax.
Includes: Breakfast
Today’s highlight is an immersive tour of Egypt’s most iconic sites. We begin with the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, and the famed Sphinx, whose story our guide will share.
We then visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. Admission is included, and you are free to explore the magnificent collection, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. After the tour, we return to our hotel. The evening is free to spend at your leisure.
Includes: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, we board a First Class train for a scenic journey from Cairo to Luxor in Upper Egypt. A picnic lunch is provided for the ride, and we take in views of bustling towns, lush farmland, and the banks of the Nile.
Arriving in Luxor by evening, we check into our chosen hotel on the East Bank of the Nile. Our 5-star hotels offer excellent facilities, including an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving Middle Eastern and international dishes. This evening, you can unwind or explore Luxor’s nearby cafés, shops, and restaurants.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Today marks the beginning of our four-night Nile cruise aboard your selected standard or deluxe 5-star cruise ship, combining comfort and elegance. After lunch onboard, we disembark for a guided excursion to the West Bank of the Nile.
We begin at the Valley of the Kings, the ancient royal necropolis, and continue to the spectacular mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. We also visit the Tomb of Seti I—one of the finest and most elaborately decorated tombs of ancient Egypt. After exploring, we return to the cruise ship for dinner.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today offers a rich mix of sightseeing and leisure. After breakfast onboard, we visit the East Bank’s two most prominent temples: the Karnak Temple Complex—the largest in Egypt and once the most sacred—and Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak via the Avenue of Sphinxes.
After our tour, we return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax as we cruise towards Edfu via Esna, enjoying a delightful dinner onboard.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We arrive in Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus, one of the most complete and best-preserved temples in Egypt. Our guide explains its myths and magnificent structure. After returning to the ship for lunch, we continue to Kom Ombo, where we explore its unique double temple—dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
The day concludes with more relaxation onboard and a delicious dinner.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we arrive in Aswan. This afternoon’s tour features the impressive Aswan High Dam, the Philae Temple devoted to Isis, and the massive Unfinished Obelisk, revealing the skill of ancient Egyptian masons.
Later, we embark on a serene felucca sail to Kitchener Island, gifted to Lord Kitchener in the 1890s. He transformed it into a lush botanical paradise filled with rare plants. We return to the ship for a final dinner onboard the Movenpick MS Sunray.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a true highlight. We leave early for a short flight to Abu Simbel, home to the colossal twin temples built by Ramesses II. These ancient marvels were saved from rising waters in a historic relocation effort led by UNESCO in 1963.
After exploring this iconic site, we fly back to Cairo and transfer to our central hotel.
Includes: Breakfast
Today we delve into Cairo’s rich religious heritage. We visit the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church (Suspended Church), and a historic Jewish Synagogue—traditionally believed to be where baby Moses was found. After this insightful day, we return to our hotel.
Includes: Breakfast
Our unforgettable journey concludes. After breakfast, we transfer to Cairo International Airport for our return flight to London Heathrow. From the Great Pyramids to the Nile’s ancient temples, we’ve experienced the wonders of Egypt in comfort and style.
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