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Unlock the secrets of Egypt’s ancient past
The cruising route along the Nile is home to ancient wonders, desert landscapes and snapshots of everyday Egyptian life. Take to the Nile Valley on a nine-day Peregrine adventure by river, road and air, visiting the mighty pyramids of Giza, ancient temples of Abu Simbel, Aswan’s vibrant waterfront corniche and Cairo’s bustling Khan al-Khalili Bazaar. Spend an evening with a Nubian community and another with a local Egyptian family for a meal and have plenty of time dedicated to your own independent discoveries in each destination. An ancient past that has led to a colourful present – Egypt is a traveller’s dream.
- Start
- Cairo, Egypt
- Finish
- Cairo, Egypt
- Destination
- Egypt
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PGNV
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 41 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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A day spent among the incredible Pyramids of Giza is only the beginning. Discover the mighty Valley of the Kings, spend a spectacular morning in Abu Simbel and see both sides of Kom Ombo Temple.
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A four-night river cruise is an ideal way to experience the Nile. Rest and relax on the sun deck and in the pool while local riverside life streams by.
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Discover the traditions and cuisines of Egypt with an included meal at a local family home, plus a memorable evening with a Nubian community, full of food and dancing.
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Cairo's Khan al-Khalili Bazaar is an essential Egyptian experience, and you'll have plenty of time to lose yourself in the colours and aromas of this fascinating marketplace.
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Do like the locals and settle in with a coffee or mint tea amid the chatter and hookah smoke in what's said to be Cairo's oldest coffee shop.
Is this trip right for you?
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There are a lot of early morning starts on this itinerary so that we beat the heat and avoid the crowds by visiting sites early. These are often balanced out with free afternoons and evenings.
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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.
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Some of the sites you visit involve walking on rocky and/or steep hillsides with little or no shade. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and a hat are essential.
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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.
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Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins which convert to bunk beds. All bedding is provided on board and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.
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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.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
- Cairo- Saqqara and Memphis Afternoon Tour (Min 2 customers) - Transfers/Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP1100
- Cairo - Sufi Dance Khan al-Khalili (entrance fee) - EGP85
- Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP140
- Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - EGP180
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.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.
Accommodation
- Sleeper Train (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
- Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Optional Activities
- Cairo - The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre - Entry Fee - EGP100
- Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP400
- Cairo -The Royal Mummy Room (entrance fee) - EGP180
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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.You will 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 lots of water. Inside the pyramids is very small and warm. For those suffering from claustrophobia, it is not recommended.
Accommodation on board the overnight train is in two-berth cabins which convert to bunk beds. All bedding is provided and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. Your bags will be stored in your cabin. A simple dinner and breakfast will be served. It may be worth bringing some additional snacks, especially if you are vegetarian or have dietary requirements. Despite being a tourist class train, facilities are basic. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standard you are used to.
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (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
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (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 - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP100
- Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP1200
- Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee - EGP80
- 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
Optional Activities mentioned today are for entry only or an organised tour facilitated by your leader. If you prefer to do your own thing, transport to sites are available and your leader can assist with organising this.You can 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.
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 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.
Please note that passing through Esna Lock may be a slow process depending on the number of vessels waiting.
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Optional Activities
- Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP180
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.
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca
- Aswan - Philae Temple
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
If there is no time today, you may visit the Temple of Isis tomorrow. Access to the temple is by small motorboats.Accommodation
- Hotel Basma or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
- Abu Simbel - Flights to and from Abu Simbel
Optional Activities
- Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk -Entry Fee - EGP80
- Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) - EGP140
- 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
- Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (Min 2 customers) Transfers/Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP700
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Your included flight to Abu Simbel will leave at around 7 am from Aswan. You will have two hours on site which includes transport to and from the temple. The expected arrival time back to Aswan is 12 pm (midday). Due to flight scheduling and availability, these times may change.On rare occasions the group may be split over several flights, or that this activity may take place yesterday. If this occurs, an additional local guide will join you to ensure that all travellers enjoy a full guided tour.
Accommodation
- Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cairo - Gayer-Anderson Museum (entrance fee)
- Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
- Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
Optional Activities
- Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (Min 2 customers)-Transfers/Entry-p/p - EGP700
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
For the flight from Aswan to Cairo, the baggage allowance is up to 23 kilograms for checked-in luggage and 7 kilograms for carry-on baggage. These allowances are subject to the airline's discretion.Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinnersTransport
Plane, Private aircon bus, Riverboat, Sleeper trainAccommodation
Comfortable hotel (3 nights), Cruise ship (4 nights Feature Stay), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
- Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Cairo - Egyptian 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 - Sunset drinks on a felucca
- Aswan - Philae Temple
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
- Abu Simbel - Flights to and from Abu Simbel
- Cairo - Gayer-Anderson Museum (entrance fee)
- Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
- Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
Dates & availability - 2021 season
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Nile Valley Highlights trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
Jump to a departure month
Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel.

Essential trip information
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