Days
15
Price from
An ancient adventure with modern comforts along the Nile
Discover the contrasts of modern and ancient Egypt on this 15-day premium adventure with Peregrine. Beginning and ending in Egypt’s capital, Cairo, gaze up to the magnificent Pyramids of Giza, take a four-day cruise down the legendary Nile and learn about the mystery and beauty of these ancient lands through the temple sites, museums and local people. Visit the tombs of ancient pharaohs, share meals with local families and stand in awe of gigantic, rock-cut statues on an adventure with all the creature comforts included as standard. And with a local leader who is a trained Egyptologist, your adventure is set to soar.
- Start
- Cairo, Egypt
- Finish
- Cairo, Egypt
- Destination
- Egypt
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PGNW
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 8 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Peregrine trips are now operated by Intrepid Travel
Why you'll love this trip
-
Take your time exploring Abu Simbel with an overnight stay, discovering this magnificent monument carved out of the mountainside at both day and night.
-
Relax with four nights on a premium Nile riverboat, cruising slowly down the river past ancient temples, and gazing from the terrace bar and restaurant to local life unfolding on the riverbank.
-
See two different sides of Cairo, gazing at the Great Pyramids of Giza from your nearby superior accommodation, and stroll the bazaars and eat local street food in the downtown district.
-
Pay your respects at the Commonwealth War Cemetery dedicated to the Battle of El Alamein, and visit the ancient Library of Alexandria turned ultramodern Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
-
Discover traditional Nubian customs and lifestyle at a dinner experience on Elephantine Island, and in Cairo, enjoy an authentic meal in a local Egyptian family home.
Is this trip right for you?
-
Depending on the time you choose to visit there could be some early starts as we beat the crowds and the heat and visit sites early. This is a 15-day adventure, so there is also time to relax with free afternoons and evenings.
-
Egypt can get incredibly hot in the summer months of July and August. Regardless of the month, it does heat up quickly during the day.
-
Some of the sites you will visit involve walking on rocky and/or steep hillsides, and there is often little or no shade. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and a hat are essential.
-
Accommodation aboard the Nile riverboat is full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Drinks are offered from the bar area for an additional cost. An evening program is also available.
-
In 2021, Ramadan will take place from 12 April to 11 May. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience. However, some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.
Gallery
Itinerary
Welcome to Egypt! You’ll be met at Cairo International Airport by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your hotel. You’re welcome to arrive at any time, but please note that there’s an important meeting at 6 pm with your local leader and fellow travellers. If you do happen to arrive early, there’s plenty to hold your attention in this chaotic city of contrasts. Perhaps take a stroll around the markets or, if there’s time, jump in a traditional felucca for a sail down the Nile.
Accommodation
- Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel and Spa (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - EGP180
- Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) - EGP100
- Cairo- Saqqara and Memphis Afternoon Tour (Min 2 customers) - Transfers/Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP1100
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel. Once you have provided your details, a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Optional Activities listed are suggestions for time spent in Cairo if arriving early or spending extra time in Cairo at the end of your tour.
This morning after breakfast, travel to arguably the most recognisable structures in the world – the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. These incredible feats of engineering are captivating when seen up close. For an additional charge, you may be able to step inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops). After spending some time here and eating lunch, continue to the Egyptian Museum where an expert guide will talk you through Egypt’s rich history. Have some free time to explore on your own, perhaps opting to purchase a pass to visit the Royal Mummy Room. As you return to your accommodation, enjoy the premium facilities on offer including the large outdoor pool overlooking the pyramids or multiple onsite eateries. Instead, you may like to take a taxi into town to explore Cairo further, or for something special, book in for a dinner cruise on the Nile.
Accommodation
- Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel and Spa (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Cairo - Egyptian Museum
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
Optional Activities
- Cairo -The Royal Mummy Room (entrance fee) - EGP180
- Cairo - The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre - Entry Fee - EGP100
- Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP400
- Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (Min 2 customers)-Transfers/Entry-p/p - EGP700
- Cairo - Dinner Cruise (deluxe cruise Nile Maxim or similar) - EGP1200
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The Great Pyramid of Khufu is occasionally closed to visitors without notice. There is an additional EGP 50 fee to take photos in the Egyptian Museum.The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids of Giza are very small and very warm, so for those who suffer from claustrophobia, it is not recommended. Please note that you'll be required to walk around the pyramids complex. It can be very hot in the summer months, so be prepared for little shade and pack appropriate clothing, sun protection, and carry lots of water.
Take to the road for your journey to Alexandria after breakfast, stopping in Wadi El Natrun after approximately 100 kilometres. This area became a sanctuary for Christians after Saint Macarius the Great retreated here in AD360, and there were once some 60-odd monasteries in the Wadi though now only four remain. One of these is Anba Bishoy Monastery, named for Saint Bishoi who came to the site to live in solitude. Take a wander around the gardens and observe the resident monks as they go about their daily lives, then visit the church for expansive views over the desert. Continue this afternoon to the city of Alexandria, which was founded by Alexander the Great and is often referred to as the Pearl of the Mediterranean.
Accommodation
- Sheraton Al-Montazah Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries
- Alexandria - Anba Bishoy Monastery
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
On occasion, it may not be possible to confirm a preferred hotel in Alexandria – the Sheraton Al-Montazah Hotel. For this reason, we have selected an alternative option – the Mediterranean Azur Hotel. If you would like to confirm in advance which hotel your departure will stay at, please contact a Peregrine booking agent 30 days prior to departure.
Enjoy a full day exploring Alexandria – Egypt’s second-largest city. Visit Pompey’s Pillar and the Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa, a Roman burial site dating back to the second century that wasn’t discovered until 1900. The fascinating tombs were created during a transitional period in Alexandria’s history and interestingly feature Greek, Egyptian and Roman elements. Continue to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (once the Great Library of Alexandra), which is found where the Library of Ptolemies once stood some 1700 years ago. Finish up with a stop at the Montazah Palace and Royal Gardens, a complex featuring beautifully maintained gardens and two royal palaces built during the 19th and 20th centuries. Spend the evening by the water wandering along the corniche or relax back at your hotel.
Accommodation
- Sheraton Al-Montazah Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
- Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Alexandria - Al Montazah Palace & Gardens
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today, travel 100 kilometres south of Alexandria for a more sombre experience at the historic battle site of El Alamein. It was here that British and Commonwealth soldiers fought a decisive Allied victory against the German Afrika Korps that defined the North African campaign. Both sides suffered heavy losses and the memorial commemorates nearly 12,000 Commonwealth servicemen who died in the Western Desert campaigns during the Second World War. Return to Cairo in the afternoon and spend the evening visiting Tahrir Square in Downtown Cairo – the site of the political demonstrations that led to the 2011 Egyptian Revolution.
Accommodation
- Steigenberger El Tahrir (1 night)
Included Activities
- El Alamein - War cemeteries and museum
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Transfer to Cairo Airport after breakfast and board a 1-hour flight to Luxor. Often referred to as its ancient name of Thebes, Luxor was the pharaoh’s capital during the height of their power and is now perhaps the world’s greatest open-air museum. Upon arriving in Luxor, transfer to your premium Nile cruise ship where you’ll unpack and settle in for the next four nights. This afternoon, visit Karnak – one of the world’s most celebrated temple complexes built over a period of approximately 200 years. Some parts date back to 2055 BC and your guided tour will take you to its finest sections. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to relax, take a shopping trip through the bazaar or perhaps relax in a local teahouse.
Accommodation
- Nile Premium River Boat (Feature Stay 4 nights) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Luxor - Karnak Temple
Optional Activities
- Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) - EGP140
- Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) - EGP160
- Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (entrance fee) - EGP300
- Luxor - Sound and Light Show at Karnak Tour - Transfers/Entry/Guiding -p/p - EGP800
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Your Peregrine Feature Stay on this Egypt trip is on board a premium Nile cruise boat, offering comfortable staterooms with five-star amenities such as a pool, gym, restaurants, health and wellness facilities and a panorama bar. Your boat has been carefully selected – it will be the ‘MS Nile Premium’ or of equal standard, depending on the departure. There are three meals per day included on board, and drinks are at your own expense.If you wish to confirm which exact boat is allocated for your departure, contact a Peregrine booking agent 30 days prior to departure. Please refer to the ‘Transport’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details on your cruise.
Rise early this morning to journey into the Valley of the Kings. There are over 60 pharaoh tombs buried under the hills here, many of which are richly decorated, and your guide will take you through this spectacular place where discoveries are still being made. Learn about the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and the significance of the paintings and hieroglyphics, and visit the final resting place of Tutankhamun. You’ll visit another three royal tombs and continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which is set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Your final stop is the Colossi of Memnon – giant statues that once formed part of an impressive colonnade – before returning to the boat for a leisurely lunch. Enjoy some time relaxing either on deck or in your cabin before setting sail upstream to Edfu, where you’ll arrive late in the evening.
Accommodation
- Nile Premium River Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
- Luxor - Tomb of Tut Ankh Amun
- Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Optional Activities
- Luxor - West Bank; additional site (Min 2 customers)-Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP300
- Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP100
- Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP1200
- Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP100
- Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings - USD120
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
u are able to purchase a photo ticket that will entitle you to take photos in any of the three tombs that you visit as part of your tour. The cost of the camera ticket is around EGP 300.Optional Activities mentioned today are for entry only or for organised tour programmes facilitated by your leader. In the past, we have found that this suits most of our travellers. If you prefer to do your own thing, transport to sites are available and your leader can assist with organising this.
It is possible to do a Valley of the Kings hot air balloon tour which your leader can reserve for you. Peregrine only uses providers that have been risk assessed. You will be picked up between 4.30 and 5 am from your hotel. Balloon capacity is a maximum of 25 people and cameras are prohibited in the basket (mobile phones are acceptable). This activity runs subject to weather conditions. Speak to a Peregrine booking agent for more details.
This morning, you will be moored near Edfu and may have the option to venture independently into town to see the nearby temple. Continue along the river, relaxing in the sun on deck and taking in the desert hills forming a backdrop over the lush riverbanks. This afternoon, arrive at Kom Ombo Temple, sitting spectacularly on the river’s edge. The temple was built in approximately 181 BC and is dedicated to two gods – Horus (god of protection) and Sobek (god of fertility, linked to the Nile’s water). Each god has a dedicated section – north or south – and there have been recent discoveries of mummified crocodiles in the Sobek section. Afterwards, board your boat around 6 pm and continue to Aswan, arriving at around 9.30 pm.
Accommodation
- Nile Premium River Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
- Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The only mode of transport to Edfu Temple is by locally managed horse and carriages. As a company committed to responsible travel, animal welfare is extremely important to us. Operators of this service have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and, for this reason, we do not include this visit. In addition to animal welfare concerns, we have had a large amount of feedback suggesting that the visit itself is uncomfortable due to pushy vendors and suppliers at the site.Previously, some travellers have decided to walk to the temple. This takes approximately 30 minutes each way. Be aware the road is busy and there have been instances of travellers getting hassled by the carriage drivers. If you choose to walk, inform your leader before you depart and ensure you are carrying water, hat and sunscreen and have comfortable shoes.
While we recommend that you do not visit Edfu Temple, the decision is ultimately up to you. Edfu is an included port stop on your cruise.
Spend the morning visiting the temple complex of Philae including the stunning Temple of Isis, located on Agilkia Island. The temple was reassembled in this location after being saved from rising waters and is a true architectural gem featuring some of Egypt’s finest carvings. Some Egyptologists believe that Philae was the last active site of the ancient Egyptian religion and where the last Egyptian hieroglyph was written. Afterwards, return to your sailboat for lunch before boarding a simple Nile felucca and visiting either El Nabatat Island or Kitchener’s Island, home to the Aswan Botanical Gardens. These lush gardens are filled with palms and plants from all over the world. Return to the boat for another evening being rocked to sleep by the calm Nile waters.
Accommodation
- Nile Premium River Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
- Aswan - Philae Temple
- Aswan - Sharia el Souk
Optional Activities
- Aswan - Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple -Entry Fee - EGP300
- Aswan -Sound & Light Show Philae Temple Tour (Min 2 customers) -Transfers/Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP800
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Travel by road this morning to Abu Simbel, taking approximately 3.5 hours. Your accommodation is located right by Lake Nasser and features lush grounds, two swimming pools and fantastic views over the lake. Spending the night here allows the group a chance to visit the Abu Simbel temples at a more leisurely pace as opposed to a jam-packed half-day trip. Built during the reign of Ramesses II, these mammoth temples took 20 years to complete and feature rock-cut statues of the pharaoh and the queen, some of which are 20 metres in height. This evening, head back to the temples for an impressive sound and light show.
Accommodation
- Seti I Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show (entrance fee)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Due to limited accommodation options in Abu Simbel, you may stay at either Seti I Resort or Nefertari Hotel. Please check with your booking agent 30 days prior to departure if you would like to confirm which hotel your tour will be accommodated in.
Travel back to Aswan, arriving in time for lunch and to check-in to the hotel. Enjoy some free time before meeting up with your fellow travellers later in the afternoon. Visit the Old Cataract Hotel – a 19th-century luxury hotel built by Thomas Cook that has hosted guests including Princess Diana, Winston Churchill, Tsar Nicholas II and Agatha Christie. Enjoy high tea in the luxurious surrounds then make the most of a free evening to find a local gem for dinner – your leader can help with recommendations.
Accommodation
- Basma Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Aswan - Afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel
Optional Activities
- Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) - EGP140
Meals Included
- Breakfast
This morning, visit a much more modern example of Egyptian engineering – the Aswan High Dam. Located 13 kilometres south of Aswan, its controversial history that required the relocation of many ancient temples and statues has, in the end, had a mostly positive impact on the region. Afterwards, head to the Unfinished Obelisk – an abandoned structure that would’ve been the largest obelisk ever erected in ancient Egypt, had it been finished! Return to Aswan for some time to relax, then meet your leader in the late afternoon to board a felucca and sail to the settlement of Elephantine Island. This island was once thought to be the home of Khnum – the god who guarded and controlled the Nile’s waters. Enjoy a sunset drink on the river before disembarking at a village to join a local family for a traditional Nubian feast.
Accommodation
- Basma Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Aswan - Elephantine Island
- Aswan - Felucca Ride incl sundowner (Peregrine moment)
- Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
This morning, transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight back to Cairo. Settle into your hotel in downtown Cairo then meet up with the group in the early afternoon for a walking tour of the area. Bring your appetite, as you’ll discover the food scene and taste some local favourites such as koshary – made of rice, pasta and lentils mixed together, topped with a spicy tomato sauce, garlic vinegar and garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions. It may look a bit messy, but its flavour combinations make it some of Egypt’s most popular street food.
Accommodation
- Steigenberger El Tahrir (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cairo - Downtown Walking and Tasting Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Spend the day discovering yet another layer of Egyptian history – medieval Cairo. Explore the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar – a labyrinthine area filled with sprawling alleyways packed with shops, cafes and more. This is a quintessential Cairo experience, home to the gold market, perfume street and the spice market. If you need a quick break, don’t miss a chance to relax and drink Arabic coffee or mint tea from El Fishawy, which is Cairo’s oldest café. Continue on to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and Gayer-Anderson Museum. To celebrate your Egyptian adventure, share an authentic Egyptian meal with a local family. Be welcomed into their home, chat with the family about life in Egypt and learn how to make some of your favourite traditional dishes while enjoying the delicious food.
Accommodation
- Steigenberger El Tahrir (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
- Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
- Cairo - Gayer-Anderson Museum (entrance fee)
- Cairo - Home Cooked Meal (feature meal)
Optional Activities
- Cairo - Sufi Dance Khan al-Khalili (entrance fee) - EGP85
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Check out is generally around 12 pm (midday), though you’re free to depart at any stage beforehand. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you will be advised of the pick-up time. If you would like to spend more time in Cairo, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinnersTransport
Plane, Private air-conditioned bus, RiverboatAccommodation
Comfortable Hotel (10 nights), Cruise ship (4 nights Feature Stay)Included Activities
- Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Cairo - Egyptian Museum
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
- Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries
- Alexandria - Anba Bishoy Monastery
- Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
- Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Alexandria - Al Montazah Palace & Gardens
- El Alamein - War cemeteries and museum
- Luxor - Karnak Temple
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
- Luxor - Tomb of Tut Ankh Amun
- Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
- Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
- Aswan - Philae Temple
- Aswan - Sharia el Souk
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show (entrance fee)
- Aswan - Afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel
- Aswan - Elephantine Island
- Aswan - Felucca Ride incl sundowner (Peregrine moment)
- Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam
- Cairo - Downtown Walking and Tasting Tour
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
- Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
- Cairo - Gayer-Anderson Museum (entrance fee)
- Cairo - Home Cooked Meal (feature meal)
Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information