Travel Notices

Best of Egypt & Nile Cruise

Timeless Cairo & the Pyramids, plus a Nile cruise through the temples & history of Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Aswan; optional extension to Petra

Overview

from$3799Tour + Flights 11days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on May 8, 2025 departure from JFK
$300 – $500 Instant Savings. Expires Oct 31, 2024.*   All prices reflect savings.
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$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
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Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures December 2024 – December 2025 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & CultureGrand ToursRiver Cruises
Activity Level Moderate
What to Expect This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Expect early wake up times and very long days in order to fit in all included visits. The Nile cruise portion of this tour can total up to 100 passengers. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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Join us to celebrate the land of ancient wonders and modern miracles on our Best of Egypt & Nile Cruise tour. Enjoy 11 wonderful days, including airfare from JFK, 5-nights in high-quality Cairo hotels, 4-nights aboard a deluxe Nile cruise, many meals, transfers, and plenty of included touring.

Once again, Friendly Planet is defying skyrocketing travel prices to bring you a fantastic, truly first class Egypt vacation deal fit for a pharaoh. You'll see the famous Sphinx and pyramids at Giza, the temples at Luxor and Edfu, King Tut's tomb, old Cairo, and much more.

Extend your stay with a post-tour to Jordan, including the spectacular lost city of Petra and Amman.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Cruise
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round trip flights from New York (JFK) via EgyptAir, including taxes & fees
  • Arrival & departure transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage
  • All intra-Egypt flights and ground transportation
  • 4 nights Deluxe hotel accommodations in Cairo
  • 1 night Deluxe hotel accommodations in Luxor
  • 4 nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship in an outside, middle deck, cabin
  • 21 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 6 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
  • All shore excursions on Nile Cruise
  • Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
  • Professional English-speaking Egyptologist tour director and local guides

Optional add-ons

  • Exciting optional excursions in Cairo
  • Optional tour to Abu Simbel
  • Post-tour extension to Jordan and the lost city of Petra

Why you'll love it

  • Enjoy a free upgrade to a middle deck cabin aboard the 5-star MS Tulip.
  • Browse the Egyptian Museum's extensive collection of ancient treasures.
  • See the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren.
  • Visit the Temple of Karnak, one of the most significant monuments of the Pharaonic legacy.
  • Explore the Valley of the Kings, once a royal burial ground for pharaohs.
  • Tour the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural wonder built beneath a looming cliff face.
  • Discover the ancient mysteries of King Tut on an included tour of his tomb in Luxor.
  • Marvel at the towering sandstone walls of the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples.
  • Sail aboard a felucca to The Terrace in the Old Cataract Hotel for a traditional High Tea experience.
  • Visit Aswan's High Dam and learn about the dam's many purposes, such as controlling flooding and generating power.

Itinerary at a Glance

Best of Egypt & Nile Cruise map

Videos

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 – $500 off if you book by Oct. 31, 2024!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 19, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Sep 29, 2024
Sep 19 – Sep 29
$4299 Departed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 26, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Oct 6, 2024
Sep 26 – Oct 6
$4299 Departed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 3, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Oct 13, 2024
Oct 3 – Oct 13
$4299 Departed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 10, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Oct 20, 2024
Oct 10 – Oct 20
$4299 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 17, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Oct 27, 2024
Oct 17 – Oct 27
$4299 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 24, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Nov 3, 2024
Oct 24 – Nov 3
$4299 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 31, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Nov 10, 2024
Oct 31 – Nov 10
$4299 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 7, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Nov 17, 2024
Nov 7 – Nov 17
$4299 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 14, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Nov 24, 2024
Nov 14 – Nov 24
$4299 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 21, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Dec 1, 2024
Nov 21 – Dec 1
$4299 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 28, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Dec 8, 2024
Nov 28 – Dec 8
$4299 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 5, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Dec 15, 2024
Dec 5 – Dec 15
$4399 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 19, 2024
Finishes: Sun, Dec 29, 2024
Dec 19 – Dec 29
$4899 Sold Out
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 16, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Jan 26, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 16 – Jan 26
$4399 –$300 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 30, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Feb 9, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 30 – Feb 9
$4399 –$300 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 13, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Feb 23, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Feb 13 – Feb 23
$4399 –$300 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 20, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Mar 2, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Feb 20 – Mar 2
$4399 –$300 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 6, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Mar 16, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 6 – Mar 16
$4399 –$300 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 20, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Mar 30, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 20 – Mar 30
$4399 –$300 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 3, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Apr 13, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 3 – Apr 13
$4399 –$300 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Apr 17, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Apr 27, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 17 – Apr 27
$4699 –$300 $4399 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 1, 2025
Finishes: Sun, May 11, 2025
May 1 – May 11
$4099 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 8, 2025
Finishes: Sun, May 18, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
May 8 – May 18
$4099 –$300 $3799 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 15, 2025
Finishes: Sun, May 25, 2025
May 15 – May 25
$4249 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 29, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Jun 8, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
May 29 – Jun 8
$4249 –$300 $3949 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jun 19, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Jun 29, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jun 19 – Jun 29
$4249 –$300 $3949 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jul 17, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Jul 27, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jul 17 – Jul 27
$4249 –$300 $3949 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Aug 21, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Aug 31, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 21 – Aug 31
$4399 –$300 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 4, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Sep 14, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 4 – Sep 14
$4749 –$300 $4449 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 11, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Sep 21, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 11 – Sep 21
$4749 –$300 $4449 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 18, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Sep 28, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 18 – Sep 28
$4599 –$300 $4299 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 9, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Oct 19, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 9 – Oct 19
$4599 –$300 $4299 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 16, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Oct 26, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 16 – Oct 26
$4599 –$300 $4299 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 23, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Nov 2, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 23 – Nov 2
$4599 –$300 $4299 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 6, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Nov 16, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 6 – Nov 16
$4599 –$300 $4299 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 20, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Nov 30, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 20 – Nov 30
$4599 –$300 $4299 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 4, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Dec 14, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 4 – Dec 14
$4599 –$300 $4299 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Dec 21, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 11 – Dec 21
$4899 –$300 $4599 Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 18, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Dec 28, 2025
Book by Thu, Oct 31, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 18 – Dec 28
$4799 –$300 $4499 Select

Unfortunately, we don't offer late returns on this package. Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Best of Egypt & Nile Cruise
Rooming selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
May 1, 2025;  May 8, 2025;  May 15, 2025;  Jun 19, 2025;  Jul 17, 2025;  Aug 21, 2025 $1179
Sep 19, 2024;  Sep 26, 2024;  Oct 3, 2024;  Oct 10, 2024;  Oct 17, 2024;  Oct 24, 2024;  Oct 31, 2024;  Nov 7, 2024;  Nov 14, 2024;  Nov 21, 2024;  Nov 28, 2024;  Dec 5, 2024 $1199
Sep 4, 2025;  Sep 11, 2025;  Sep 18, 2025;  Oct 9, 2025;  Oct 16, 2025;  Oct 23, 2025;  Nov 6, 2025;  Nov 20, 2025;  Dec 4, 2025;  Dec 11, 2025 $1459
Dec 18, 2025 $1629
All other dates $1349
Optional Excursions1
Discounted Optional Excursions Package2 $145
Abu Simbel Optional Tour3 $350
Memphis & Sakkara $90
GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum) $90

1. Prices based on a minimum of two passengers.

2. Includes Cairo's Old City and Walking Tour El Moez with Lunch

3. Space is limited and must be pre-booked, tour is not available for purchase locally

Jordan Extension1
Jordan Extension
Sep 19, 2024;  Oct 3, 2024;  Oct 10, 2024;  Oct 17, 2024;  Oct 24, 2024;  Oct 31, 2024;  Nov 7, 2024;  Nov 14, 2024;  Nov 21, 2024;  Dec 12, 2024;  Dec 19, 2024;  Dec 26, 2024 $1899
Sep 26, 2024;  Nov 28, 2024;  Dec 5, 2024 $2049
Jan 16, 2025;  Jul 17, 2025;  Aug 21, 2025;  Nov 20, 2025;  Dec 4, 2025 $2199
May 15, 2025;  May 29, 2025;  Jun 19, 2025 $2249
Sep 4, 2025;  Sep 11, 2025;  Nov 6, 2025;  Dec 11, 2025;  Dec 18, 2025 $2349
Sep 18, 2025;  Oct 9, 2025;  Oct 16, 2025;  Oct 23, 2025 $2399
All other dates $2149
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
Dec 5, 2024 $259
Nov 20, 2025;  Dec 4, 2025 $349
Sep 19, 2024;  Sep 26, 2024;  Oct 3, 2024;  Oct 10, 2024;  Oct 17, 2024;  Oct 24, 2024;  Oct 31, 2024;  Nov 7, 2024;  Nov 14, 2024;  Nov 21, 2024;  Nov 28, 2024;  Dec 12, 2024;  Dec 19, 2024;  Dec 26, 2024 $389
Sep 4, 2025;  Sep 11, 2025;  Sep 18, 2025;  Oct 9, 2025;  Oct 16, 2025;  Oct 23, 2025;  Nov 6, 2025;  Dec 11, 2025;  Dec 18, 2025 $459
All other dates $519

1. Prices based on a minimum of four passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York Kennedy (JFK) included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? Unfortunately, we don't offer flights from other cities, but you can book your own connecting flights.

Detailed Itinerary

Notice Note: Itinerary touring sequence is subject to change. However, please be assured that all included features will be provided.

Day 1 Depart USA

  • Check in for your overnight flight for Cairo, Egypt

Day 2 Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx

  • Arrive in Cairo, Egypt and transfer to your hotel
  • Tour the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren
  • Enjoy an evening panoramic tour of the city
  • Get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner at a local restaurant

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Pyramid and Sphinx

Arrive in Cairo, where East and West come together in a wonderful mix of old and new. After customs formalities, you'll be met by our representatives in Cairo and then escorted to your centrally located 5-star hotel overlooking the Nile River. 

Depart the hotel with your guide, who, after lunch, will escort you on a fascinating tour of Egypt's most famous sites—the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren. These monuments have stood for 46 centuries and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, possibly the most visited monuments of Egypt. The Sphinx, a feline character with the body of a lion and the face of Khufu (Cheops in Greek), is 50 meters long and 22 meters high. Carved from a single stone, it lies just before the Pyramids, and even today, its meaning and origin remain shrouded in mystery.

This evening, take a panoramic tour by bus to downtown Cairo, which includes the culturally rich Zamalek Island, Cairo Opera House, Maspero television building, and the historic Qasr El Nil Bridge. Get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Optional Excursion: Inner Chamber of the Great Pyramid at Giza (purchased locally), $35
Pyramids at Giza

Take advantage of a unique opportunity to explore the interior of the pyramids. This 30-minute visit to the interior is unguided and will take place during free time.

Note: You must be in good physical condition to fully enjoy this tour, which involves traversing narrow passages and steep stairways. Some areas have shallow ceilings preventing visitors from standing upright. This excursion is not recommended for anyone suffering from heart conditions, back problems, asthma, or claustrophobia.

Day 3 Cairo

  • Enjoy the day at leisure, or join an optional excursion to Memphis & Sakkara and/or the new GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum)

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Memphis & Sakkara, $90
Step Pyramid of Djoser

Today, visit the royal burial ground of Sakkara, located in the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Discover the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest known complete stone building from the Third Dynasty.

Optional Excursion: GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum), $90

Be prepared to be captivated by the world of Ancient Egypt and visit one of the largest archaeological museums in the world, situated near the Giza pyramids. The museum exhibition is only partially open to a limited of visitors. The experience will include The Grand Staircase Gallery and the King Tutankhamun show. This is a 30-minute immersive show and a 45-minute guided tour of the museum's Grand and Glass Halls.

Day 4 Cairo & Luxor

  • Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Cairo
  • Discover the treasures of the Egyptian Museum
  • See the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque
  • Experience the sights and sounds of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar
  • Board your evening flight from Cairo to Luxor

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Egyptian Museum, Cairo

This morning, enjoy a full-day tour of Cairo, starting with the Egyptian Museum, where you'll see, among other treasures, the priceless antiquities of Tutankhamun's tomb. After free time for lunch, your day of sightseeing continues with the Citadel of Saladin, built on the remains of a Crusader-style fortress and the Alabaster Mosque. Continue to the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where the sights, sounds, spices, exotic clothing and jewelry, hand-hammered copper, ceramic ware, and other treasures await your deft bargaining to win them at astounding prices.

Later this evening, transfer to the airport for a flight to Luxor, the capital of the New Kingdom, when in 1580 BC, Pharoah Ahmos drove foreign invaders (the Hyksos) from Lower Egypt. Then, Luxor became a grand city of luxurious palaces, massive temples, extensive gardens, and a significant diplomatic and trade center of the ancient world. Transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Day 5 Luxor

  • Embark on your Nile cruise and enjoy lunch aboard
  • Tour the East Bank of the Nile and the Temple of Karnak

MS Tulip, MS Tamr or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Temple of Luxor at night

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the pier for embarkation aboard your deluxe Nile cruise ship. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch aboard.

This afternoon, visit the East Bank of the Nile. Highlights of today's tour include visits to the Temple of Karnak, one of the most significant monuments of the Pharaonic legacy, with work carried out on the temples over 1500 years, and Luxor Temple, strikingly graceful and added to over the centuries by Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Alexander the Great, and others.

Note: All 2024 departures will stay on the MS Tamr.

Day 6 Luxor, Esna & Edfu

  • Tour the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings via motor coach
  • Visit the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
  • Discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun

MS Tulip, MS Tamr or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Aerial view of the Valley of the Kings, Luxor

After breakfast, disembark and board your touring coach to visit the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings, where 64 of Egypt's Pharaohs have their royal tombs hewn into the sheer rock. Continue to the impressive Deir El Bahari mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural wonder built against a looming cliff face, and the Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated statues of Amenhotep III. Afterward, discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun. Explore the rooms covered in mural paintings and the burial chamber, which still contains the pharaoh's mummy in its original sarcophagus.

Note: All 2024 departures will stay on the MS Tamr.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride (purchased locally), $170
Hot air balloons over the  Nile River, Luxor

Wake up early to embark on a hot air balloon ride for an incredible bird's eye view over the Nile. (Subject to weather conditions.)

Day 7 Esna, Edfu & Kom Ombo

  • Tour Edfu, including the Temple of Horus
  • Sail along the Nile River to Kom Ombo
  • Sail to Aswan overnight

MS Tulip, MS Tamr or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Temple of Horus

Sail from Esna to Edfu. As you go south, have an opportunity to view rural life in Egypt. The crops, farming methods, animals, and irrigation systems have mostly stayed the same from 4,000 years ago. Appreciate the fascinating contrast between ancient and modern ways of life, which coexist in Egypt and make it one of the world's most interesting travel destinations.

At Edfu, you'll see the Temple of Horus, Egypt's best-preserved temple. Afterward, board your ship and sail to Kom Ombo, where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank. The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in all of Egypt and is shared by the two gods, Sobek and Haroeris. These Ptolemaic temples overlook the Nile and feature fascinating drawings on the walls, including detailed drawings of surgical instruments.

Note: All 2024 departures will stay on the MS Tamr.

Day 8 Aswan

  • Join an optional early morning excursion to Abu Simbel
  • Take a tour by felucca
  • Enjoy High Tea at the Historic Old Cataract
  • Enjoy a festive dinner on board

MS Tulip, MS Tamr or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Feluccas, Aswan

Wake up in Aswan this morning, the ancient Egyptians' gateway to Africa. Originally named "Syene" for the coarse-grained syenite extracted from its quarries, Aswan became a trading hub for spices, leather, ivory, fruit, grains, baskets, and mummified and living crocodiles.

Early this morning, take advantage of an optional excursion to the temple complex of Abu Simbel.

This morning, spend time relaxing on board. Later, take a felucca tour (a small, swift Egyptian sailboat).

In the afternoon, visit The Terrace in the Historic Old Cataract to enjoy High Tea. The Terrace is a legendary venue where Dame Agatha Christie once settled for hours, intently penning chapters of her celebrated Death on the Nile. Look out over the Nile, Khnum Temple, and Elephantine Island while savoring an authentic High Tea experience enriched with mouthwatering international pastries.

Later this evening, enjoy a festive dinner on board.

Note: All 2024 departures will stay on the MS Tamr.

Optional Excursion: Abu Simbel, $350
The Small Temple of Nefertari, Abu Simbel

Early this morning, fly from Aswan to nearby Abu Simbel, the site of the Great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most magnificent temples in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of the Nubian Monuments, the twin temples of Abu Simbel were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century B.C. as a lasting tribute to himself and his queen Nefertiti. After the creation of Lake Nasser, formed by the building of Aswan High Dam in 1968, the Abu Simbel complex was relocated entirely above the reservoir. After exploring the temple complex, return to Aswan. Space is limited. This tour must be pre-booked and is not available for purchase locally. 

Day 9 Aswan & Cairo

  • Visit Philae Temple, the former holiest site for Isis worshipers
  • Admire Aswan's High Dam and the granite quarries
  • In the early afternoon, board your flight to Cairo

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Nile waterfront, Aswan

This morning, visit Philae Temple, considered the holiest site for Isis worshipers for centuries. The temple was officially closed down in the 6th century A.D. by the Byzantine emperor Justinian and was the last pagan temple to exist in the Mediterranean world. After the construction of the Aswan Dam, the half-submerged temple complex was completely dismantled and rebuilt to the original specifications on the nearby island of Agilika, which was reshaped and landscaped to resemble the original Philae. Metal pylons on the old island of Philae can still be seen rising from the water to the south of Agilika.

Then, visit Aswan's High Dam, which controls the Nile and is a significant source of hydroelectric power in Egypt. See the granite quarries where a partially carved and cracked obelisk demonstrates how the giant forms were hewn from the solid rock.

Transfer to the airport to board your short flight back to Cairo. After settling into your hotel, enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 10 Cairo

  • Spend your day at leisure, or enjoy an optional excursion
  • Meet with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at your hotel on your last evening in Egypt

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast & dinner

Optional Excursion: Walking Tour of El Moez Street with lunch, $85
El Moez Street, Cairo

This morning, enjoy an optional guided walk along El Moez Street, one of Cairo's oldest and most impressive streets, dating back to the Fatimid period, followed by lunch. Begin at Azhar mosque, one of the best medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world. Continue to Bab Zuweila, a medieval gate in Cairo considered one of the city's significant landmarks, and Al Hussein Mosque, named for the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed and one of the holiest Islamic sites in Cairo.

Walk by Al-Hakim Mosque, Bab al-Fetouh, and Bab al-Nasr, a massive fortified gate with rectangular stone towers flanking the semicircular arch of the eastern Portal. Proceed to the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, remarkable for its size and innovative architectural components, Al-Rifa'I Mosque, then to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the oldest mosque in the city surviving in its original form.

Optional Excursion: Cairo's Old City, $80
The Hanging Church, Cairo's Old City

This afternoon, continue discovering Cairo's history during an optional excursion to its Old City. See The Hanging Church, named for its location atop the southern gate of the Roman Fortress. Continue to Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope. Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, believed to be Cairo's oldest synagogue.

Day 11 Cairo/USA

  • Bid farewell to Egypt as you're escorted to the airport for your return flight
  • Arrive in the USA later today
Discounted Optional Excursions Package: $145

Save by pre-booking a discounted package of our most popular optional excursions:

  • Walking Tour of Al Moez Street ($85)
  • Cairo's Old City ($80)

You can book these excursions individually in Egypt. But you can save if you purchase this special package ahead of time—with or before your final payment. These are not "seat in coach" excursions that pick up passengers at various hotels; all are operated for Friendly Planet groups only.

Abu Simbel Excursion: $350

Pre-book this excursion to save money and ensure your spot as space is limited and is not available for purchase locally. See details above.

Jordan & Petra Optional Post-Tour Extension

Take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Jordan and the lost city of Petra. You'll return to the USA 4 days after the return dates listed. 

Note: This extension requires a minimum of 4 passengers to operate at the listed price.

Day 11 Cairo, Egypt/Amman & Petra, Jordan

  • Board your morning flight to Amman, the capital of Jordan
  • Drive to the lost city of Petra
  • En route, visit Saint George Church and Mount Nebo
  • Spend the remainder of the day at leisure

Old Village Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Madaba Map

This morning, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Amman, Jordan. After completing immigration and customs formalities, be met by our representatives. Drive south to the lost city of Petra. En route to Petra, visit Mount Nebo for a panoramic view of the Holy Land. Afterward, explore the early Byzantine church of Saint George to see the 6th-century Madaba Map, a floor mosaic depiction of the Holy Land.

Check into your hotel, and have some time to relax and enjoy the facilities.

Day 12 Petra

  • Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Petra

Old Village Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Siq and Petra Treasury

Your guided tour of Petra begins with a ride on horseback, followed by a walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by cliffs. At the end of the Siq, the breathtaking sight of the Treasury comes into view with its elaborately carved façade. Explore this site's various tombs and structures and marvel at the artistry and creativity that must have inspired the Nabateans to construct such an impressive and dramatic city. After lunch, return to your hotel.

Day 13 Petra & the Dead Sea

  • Relax at the Dead Sea

Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Dead Sea

After breakfast, depart Petra for the Dead Sea. Relax along the Dead Sea's soothing, buoyant, and mineral-rich waters, thought to restore visitors with its healing properties.

Note: Please note that all 2024 departures will stay at the Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea and 2025 departures will stay at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa. 

Day 14 Dead Sea, Amman & Cairo

  • Enjoy an Amman city tour
  • Transfer to airport for flight to Cairo

Hilton Heliopolis or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
The Citadel, Amman

After breakfast, travel to Amman, where you'll visit important historical sites, including the Citadel and the Roman Theater. Later, transfer to airport for your flight to Cairo and transfer to your hotel.

Day 15 Cairo/USA

  • Early this morning, transfer to the airport as you bid farewell to Cairo and board your return flight to the USA
  • Your fascinating journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today.

Breakfast

Hotels & Ships

Hotels

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino
Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino
Deluxe

See Egypt in a new way at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino. Sitting on the west bank of the Nile River, the hotel proudly stands as one of Cairo's most recognizable landmarks. Try your luck at Blackjack or the slots in our dazzling casino or take a short walk to the Cairo Opera House, Egyptian Museum or Cairo shopping centers. The Pyramids of Giza are just 20 minutes away.

More information

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Deluxe

Enjoy modern luxury on the Nile River at Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa. Located less than 4 miles from the city center and a few miles from both Karnak and Luxor temples, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers stylish decor with breathtaking views of the West Bank.

More information

Old Village Resort
Old Village Resort
First Class

The Old Village Resort is located on the outskirts of Wadi Musa, overlooking the Shahara Mountains, home to the fabled UNESCO world heritage site of Petra. There are many areas throughout the resort where guests can relax and sip a refreshing cup of mint tea or Arabic coffee whilst enjoying spectacular views of the mountains.

More information

Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa
Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa
Deluxe

The Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa offers a serene escape with its prime location along the world's lowest point, the Dead Sea. Guests can indulge in a peaceful spa treatment within walking distance of the beach or relax with stunning sea views from several locations on the property. 

More information

Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
Superior First Class

The luxury Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea enjoys a traditional village setting nestled among lush gardens. The resort is set on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, at the lowest point on earth. Indulge in the legendary therapeutic secrets of the Dead Sea at Zara Spa. Soothe your cares away with their wide range of health and beauty therapies. Revitalize your mind and body in the hydro jet whirlpool, infinity pool, and the indoor Dead Sea flotation pool.

More information

Hilton Heliopolis
Deluxe

Enjoy a modern luxury stay at the Hilton Cairo Heliopolis hotel in the middle of the City Center and Cairo's top attractions. Choose between a relaxed atmosphere at the spa or an opportunity to gamble at the hotel's casino.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ships

MS Tulip
MS Tulip

Wings Group welcomes you aboard their newly renovated five-star M/S Tulip cruise ship. Your deluxe cruise along the Nile will take you back thousands of years to places where history unfolded and unearthed the romances of Cleopatra, some of the wonders of the ancient world, and impressive structures mysteriously built without modern technology.

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MS Tamr
MS Tamr

Discover the ancient wonders of Egypt along the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan while indulging in the comforts of MS Tamr, your luxurious floating oasis. This cruise ship offers an unparalleled experience combining Egypt’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes with the highest standards of comfort and hospitality.

More information

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Trip Details

More Common Questions

Other Packages

Small Group Tour A Taste of Egypt
from $3299 w/ Flights 9 days
per person, double occupancy*
Small Group Tour Dazzling Dubai & Cairo
from $3999 w/ Flights 9 days
per person, double occupancy*
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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