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Days
18
Price from
6660EUR
Map of Nile Valley and Greece by land and sea including Egypt, Greece and Turkey

Traverse Egyptian towns and cruise Aegean seas.

Balance the best of land and sea with a fascinating small-group journey through Egypt and the Aegean coast. Explore the famed and mysterious tomb of King Tutankhamun, travel to Abu Simbel’s monumental temples by plane to marvel at the sheer scale of these stunning structures, and experience not only the charm of Nubian hospitality, but also some delicious traditional cuisine. Cruise the Aegean Sea aboard the M/Y Harmony G and take in the perennial favourites of the Cyclades as well as charming hill villages, secluded beaches and an unusual rock-hewn monastery. By exploring this slice of Mediterranean paradise from both angles, you’ll get a true sense of the land and a wholesome experience, without having to worry any of the detail. Sit back, as it’s all smooth sailing from here.

Start
Cairo, Egypt
Finish
Athens, Greece
Destinations
Egypt, Greece, Turkey
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Adventure Cruising
Code
PENGT
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 40

Why you'll love this trip

  • A four-night river cruise is the ideal way to experience the Nile. Rest and relax on the sun deck and in the pool while local riverside life streams by.

  • 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.

  • Witness the spectacular colours of Santorini’s famous sunset bathe the caldera.

  • Discover the mythology behind one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece – Delos –and let a local guide give you a fascinating insight into its history.

  • Tour the Turkish ruins of Ephesus and discover the fascinating relics that remain of this vibrant ancient city including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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 and there will be some site visits with little or no shade. There are a lot of early morning starts on this itinerary where we visit sites early to beat the heat, and avoid the crowds. These are often balanced out with free afternoons and evenings.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Part of your adventure is a small ship Adventure Cruise, which means you’ll be sailing on a motorised yacht with 30–50 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but this cruise focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, we’ve got board games and a good book. There’s also no formal dress code to worry about. Wi-Fi is available for a small charge.

  • Our ship moves under engine power, rather than sailing, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when we drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

  • Onshore activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. You’ll be visiting ancient sites and historical places, and at times you may have to cross cobbled streets and uneven ground, sometimes in hot conditions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your group leader before taking part.

  • Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. There will be seasickness tablets on board and your crew will do all they can to minimise any discomfort.

  • There are no lifts (elevators) on board our ships, so you’ll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs (fitted with handrails) to access all the decks.

  • This is a combination trip of two of our most popular trips. Please note you will spend one night in hotel accommodation in Cairo in between the two trips unescorted. The flight from Cairo to Athens is included and is also unescorted.

Egypt-Abu-Simbel
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Boats

Harmony G on a tour

Harmony G

Drop anchor and swim right off the back of this 54m Mega Yacht.

Boat type
Motor Yacht
Passengers
42
Learn more

Itinerary
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Arrive at Cairo International Airport and be transferred to your hotel. This is simply an arrival day, so you may arrive in Cairo at any time. Note that hotel rooms are generally only available after midday. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city, but an important welcome meeting will be held at 6 pm this evening. Please check the hotel reception for details. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can perhaps be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. In free time perhaps get out and explore the busy streets of this city of contrasts, where you can see donkey carts and expensive cars, medieval slums and modern shopping malls.
Accommodation
  • Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (Min 2 customers)-Transfers/Entry-p/p - EGP700
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 (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 15 days of 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.

Please note that your hotel for the tonight, usually the Novotel El Borg, is a dry hotel. However there are a number of great options to grab a drink and a meal in the surrounding Zamalek area.

This morning after breakfast drive out to Giza, home to perhaps the greatest iconic structures ever created by man – the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Instantly familiar yet retaining a mystique and power, getting up close to these incredible pharaonic tombs is captivating. For an additional charge you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops), although occasionally it may be closed to visitors. The Egyptian Museum is simply one of the world's great museums, home to a stupendous collection of antiquities and the perfect introduction to your tour, exhibiting many of the region's treasures. You will head there after lunch and your expert guide will take you through Egypt's rich and fascinating dynastic history. You will then have some free time to explore on your own; you may wish to visit the Royal Mummy Room (optional and at extra cost). Afterwards you will return to your hotel, where there is plenty of time to freshen up before you are transferred to the railway station for the overnight sleeper train to Luxor.
Accommodation
  • Sleeper Train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
  • Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre - Entry Fee - EGP100
  • Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops - Entry Fee - EGP400
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
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. Your bags will be stored in your cabin, where airline-style dinner and breakfast will be served. However it may be worth bringing some additional snacks, especially if you are vegetarian or have dietary requirements. Your tour leader can help you to arrange this. Despite being a tourist class train facilities are basic. Please also keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.

After an early breakfast on board, the train rolls into Luxor. It's a vibrant place with an excellent bazaar, situated close to some of ancient Egypt's most important and extraordinary sights. Travel to Karnak, one of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, built over a period of some 200 years, and some of it dating back to 2055 BC. Your guided tour of the temple reveals its finest sections. Later you will be transferred to your Nile cruise boat, which will be your home for the next four nights. You can relax by the pool on the boat or explore the town. For the rest of the afternoon and evening you will be free to relax, shop in the bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local tea house.
Accommodation
  • Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Sound and Light Show at Karnak -Entry Fee - EGP300
  • Luxor - Luxor Museum -Entry Fee - EGP140
  • Luxor - Luxor Temple -Entry Fee - EGP160
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that audits were carried out on balloon operators within Egypt to confirm the safety of their operations, unfortunately we were not able to ascertain the safety standards of these balloon operators therefore, we are not able to recommend or assist in the booking of any balloon excursions.

Rise early this morning and head into the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. Explore this sprawling and spectacular place where discoveries are still being made. Tutankhamun's final resting place is also located here, and you'll have free time to visit it. Your guide will explain the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. You will visit three royal tombs and then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Your final stop is the Colossi of Memnon – giant statues that were once part of an impressive colonnade. Enjoy lunch upon your return to the boat. There is time to relax on deck or in your cabin before you set sail for Edfu. Generally the journey from Luxor to Edfu is from 1 pm to 11 pm. Departure time may vary, depending on river traffic – please refer to the Essential Trip Information regarding cruise schedules in the 'Other Information' section. You will pass through Esna Lock, which can sometimes be a slow process depending on the number of vessels waiting to get through, and continue your journey upstream.
Accommodation
  • Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens -Entry Fee - EGP100
  • Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee - EGP80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Morning finds you moored near Edfu, a beautifully preserved temple dedicated to Horus. Please see the special information below regarding visiting the temple.Continue travelling upriver, relaxing on the sundeck and taking in the surrounding sights – desert hills forming a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets and farmers working their land. This afternoon we will arrive at Kom Ombo temple (about 45 km north of Aswan city) which sits picturesquely ruined on the river's edge and provides an interesting insight into the Greco-Roman period. The temple was built in approximately 181BC and is dedicated to 2 Gods: Horus the protection god and Sobek fertility god linked to the Nile Water . The temple consists of 2 identical northern sections the North and South each dedicated to either god. In the Sobek section recent discoveries have been made of mummified Crocodiles, which are now displayed in the Crocodile museum attached to the temple - don't miss it! Board your boat again at around 6 pm and continue to Aswan, arriving at around 9.30 pm.
Accommodation
  • Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The only mode of transport available to visit the Edfu temple is by locally managed horse and carriages. As a responsible travel focused business, animal welfare is extremely important to us and we want to ensure that we are not promoting any activities where the working animals are not properly cared for. Unfortunately, some operators of the Horse and Carriages have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and it is, for this reason, we will no longer including the visit the Edfu Temple.

In addition to the animal welfare concerns, we have had a substantial amount of feedback suggesting that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the pushy nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. While we recommend that you do not use the horse and carriage to visit the Temple, the decision is ultimately up to you. Edfu is an included port stop on the Nile River cruise schedule.

Explore Aswan today, Egypt's southernmost city. Its easygoing charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom) that was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island (alternatively you will visit it tomorrow). It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt. Access to the temple is by small motorboats. The rest of your day will be free to wander, and Aswan is a great place for it. The Nubian Bazaar is a must, while the excellent Nubian Museum is recommended by many. The waterfront promenade, or Aswan's 'corniche', runs alongside one of Nile's most appealing stretches and is the perfect place to stop for a mint tea. Watch the waterfront come alive at dusk, as families are out strolling, socialising and relaxing along the corniche.
Accommodation
  • Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aswan - Felucca Ride
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

We depart early this morning to visit the iconic Abu Simbel by plane. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. The rest of the day is free for you to make your own discoveries. A popular afternoon option in Aswan is a sailboat ride around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Alternatively travel to the Monastery of St Simeon, an abandoned seventh-century fortress monastery located in the desert on the Nile's west bank. Your tour leader will be on hand to help you arrange any excursions. Alternatively, you may prefer to simply relax by the hotel pool or do some shopping in the local bazaar. In the evening you will visit a Nubian village and enjoy the warm hospitality (and cuisine) of these locals. You will also be treated to some Nubian dancing, and may even have the chance to try some moves yourself. 
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 -Entry Fee - EGP140
  • Aswan - Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple -Entry Fee - EGP300
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Your included flight to Abu Simbel will be at around 7 am from Aswan. You will have two hours on site which includes transport to and from the temple.  Expected arrival back to Aswan is midday. Due to flight scheduling and availability, these times may change.

On rare occasions the group may be split over several flights OR this included activity may take place yesterday.  If this occurs an additional local guide is contracted to ensure that full guiding services are included at the temple for the entire group.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Aswan airport for the short flight back to Cairo (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) where you will be met and taken to your hotel. Today you will dive into another layer of Egyptian history: medieval Cairo. Head to Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo's oldest mosque and the Gayer-Anderson Museum. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. It retains a distinctly medieval feel. You will explore the gold market, 'perfume street' and the spice market, where heady aromas hang in the air like a thick blanket of Damascene cloth (which can be purchased next door in the cloth market). The gorgeous 9th-century Ibn Tulun Mosque is one of the oldest and largest in Egypt, possibly its most beautiful too. Its perfectly proportioned courtyard and distinctive minaret make it a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Nearby stands the Gayer-Anderson Museum, housed in two fine old villas and vaunting a fascinating collection of Arabic artefacts, furniture and memorabilia. Also don't miss the chance to drink Arabic coffee or mint tea from Cairo's oldest cafe, it has a long history and fantastic atmosphere. This evening you will get to share an authentic Egyptian meal with a local family. Visit a family home, chat with the local family members about life in the Middle East, and learn some of your favourite traditional Egyptian dishes while enjoying a delicious dinner.
Accommodation
  • Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - Gayer Anderson
  • Cairo - Home Cooked Meal
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
  • Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
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, subject to the airline's discretion.

Today is a free day for you as the first part of your trip comes to an end and many of your fellow travellers will be departing from Cairo along with your leader. You will stay another night in Cairo and have today to do as you please. You might want to jump on an Urban Adventure tour or just wander around the backstreet bazars to purchase a special souvenir to take home or spend the afternoon relaxing in one of the many coffee houses in Cairo. Please note this day will be unescorted.
Accommodation
  • Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for an included flight bound for Athens. Please note that this flight will be unaccompanied; however, on arrival, you will be met at Athens Airport and transferred to your hotel. With a free afternoon, perhaps take a walk around the local area and find a nice vantage point to gaze at the hilltop Acropolis at twilight. An important welcome meeting will take place at your hotel this evening for the second part of your trip.
Accommodation
  • Astor Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, check-out of the hotel and enjoy a guided city tour taking in the historic Plaka neighbourhood and the Acropolis. This afternoon transfer to the port where you will board the M/Y Harmony G at about 3 pm and set sail at around 4 pm. The first stop of your journey is Sounion, where a memorable sunset dinner awaits. Get to know your fellow travellers as you dine under the magnificent temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek mythology. Towering 65 metres (213 feet) above the Aegean Sea, its marble columns have inspired many who came before, including poet Lord Byron. Sail overnight to Poliegos.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Harmony G (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sunset Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Arrive in Poliegos. Meaning ‘many goats’ in Greek, the aptly named island is uninhabited apart from its large goat population, and is known for its untouched beaches, gorgeous rock formations and sea caves. Enjoy a swim in the clear Aegean Sea and a lunch barbecue on the beach before setting sail for Folegandros. Stretch your legs in the clifftop town of Hora, one of the oldest and most picturesque traditional towns in the Cyclades. Enjoy free time for dinner. Stay overnight in port.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Harmony G (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Beach BBQ
  • Local bus on Foliegandros
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Sail to los in the morning for a stop at Manganari Beach. Its remote location makes it a private paradise and an ideal spot for a relaxing morning swim. Enjoy a delicious onboard barbecue as you continue on to Santorini. In the afternoon, take a cable car from Thira Old Port up to town for a leader led orientation walk. Later transfer to Venetsanos Winery and enjoy some local tastings. Next stop is Oia for that picture- perfect view before having free time back in Thira to check out one of the many the local restaurants. Head back to the boat to relax and unwind perhaps under the stars on the deck.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Harmony G (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Thira Cable Car and Orientation Walk
  • Venetsanos Winery wine tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Depart early for Amorgos, where you will spend half a day touring the island. This tour includes a visit to the Monastery of Hozoviotissa (Monastery of the Virgin Mary). Built precariously into the face of a cliff, the 11th-century monastery offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Follow this with a stop at Aegiali Beach where there’s time to swim and enjoy a barbecue on the beach. Sail overnight to Samos.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Harmony G (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Monastery of Hozoviotissa visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After an early morning customs clearance in Samos, continue to Kusadasi, a resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast and the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. Tour this incredible archaeological site and learn about its varied history with a local guide. After a traditional Turkish lunch, indulge in some shopping and learn a thing or two about Turkish carpets. Spend the evening at port in Samos, then depart at midnight for Mykonos.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Harmony G (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ephesus with local guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

In the morning, sail to the ancient World Heritage-listed site of Delos. The mythological birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis, this tiny island is considered one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. Explore these awesome ruins with the help of a local guide, who will explain some history and point out key attractions. Head back to the ship for a late lunch and a swim stop, before continuing to Mykonos for a leader lead orientation walk followed by a free evening.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Harmony G (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delos Archaeological Site
  • Mykonos Orientation Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today is a free day to acquaint yourself with the glitz and glamour of Mykonos. Its charming Old Town is a delightful maze of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. Perhaps explore the chic boutiques that line the town’s photogenic walkways. Or you may opt to soak up the sun on one of the main beaches. Return to the ship for a captain’s dinner, then sail overnight to Athens.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Harmony G (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Captain's Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Enjoy a final breakfast with fellow travellers before disembarking in Athens between 8 and 9am.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
No departure transfer is included today, but one can be booked for you at an additional cost. Please speak to your agent or consultant.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

17 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners

Transport

Small Cruise Ship, Private air con bus, Plane, Riverboat, Sleeper train

Accommodation

Hotel (5 night), Small cruise ship (7 nights), Cruise ship (4 nights Feature Stay), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Included Activities

  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
  • Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb
  • Aswan - Felucca Ride
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Abu Simbel - Flights to and from Abu Simbel
  • Cairo - Gayer Anderson
  • Cairo - Home Cooked Meal
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
  • Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
  • Sunset Dinner
  • Beach BBQ
  • Local bus on Foliegandros
  • Thira Cable Car and Orientation Walk
  • Venetsanos Winery wine tasting
  • Monastery of Hozoviotissa visit
  • Ephesus with local guide
  • Delos Archaeological Site
  • Mykonos Orientation Walk
  • Captain's Dinner

Dates & availability

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Important notes

SINGLE TRAVELLERS for Greece Adventure Cruise part of trip
Single travellers will share a twin a room with another traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share, a single cabin supplement is available at an additional charge. A single passenger cannot be booked or confirmed in a double cabin unless a single supplement is paid.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS for Egypt part of trip
An optional single supplement is available on this trip. Please refer to your booking agent for further information.

Following recent safety incidents we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Egypt before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - http://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/travel-alerts

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

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