Cairo and Nile Adventure
Unravel the marvelous beauty of Egypt through our carefully curated 11-day Cairo and Nile adventure. Revel in the splendor and grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization in the Pharaonic Capital, Cairo, before embarking on a splendid Nile cruise down the magical waters of the Nile from Luxor to Aswan on the traditional yet luxurious Nebyt Dahabiya. Wind down the tranquil waters of the Nile on a unique route taking you through El Batekh, El Kab Village, Esna, Edfu, Gebel El Silsila, and much more. Enjoy a luxurious sailing experience on this intimate Dahabiya with a small number of cabins, mini bar, jacuzzi, and a shaded sun deck with a hot tub and chaise lounges, where you can back in the warm breeze of the Nile while feasting your eyes on the picturesque views of Upper Egypt’s charming river-side cities.
- Meet and greet service by our representatives at airports
- Assistance of our guest relations during your stay
- Entry Visa for Egypt provided upon arrival Cairo Airport
- All airport transfer by a private air-conditioned deluxe vehicle with Free WIFI
- Accommodation for 3 nights in Cairo including daily breakfast.
- Accommodation for 7 nights onboard Dahabiya on full board basis
- Domestic flight Cairo/luxor/Cairo
- All sightseeing tours in Cairo - privately guided tours
- All sightseeing tours on the cruise sharing Dahabiya group
- All sightseeing tours in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan as mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary.
- Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks during Meals on board your Dahabiya
- Local English-speaking tour guide during your tours
- Lunch at a good quality local restaurant
- Bottled water during your tours and transfers
- Free wifi service during your stay in Egypt
- All service charges and applicable taxes included
- Complimentary Cairo Photo Session around Giza Pyramids
- International Airfare
- Any optional tours
- Personal spending
- Tipping Kitty
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo - Welcome to land of Pharaohs
Welcome to the mystical lands of Egypt, where the Pharaohs ruled thousands of years ago. Your tour manager will meet and assist you at Cairo International Airport and ease the process by providing an entry visa. You will then be escorted through the bustling streets of Cairo in an exclusive air-conditioned vehicle. Once you reach the magnificent boutique hotel, tucked in the heart of Old Islamic Cairo, your tour manager will assist you with your check-in and double-check your itinerary with you to establish and confirm all the pick-up times for your activities.
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2: Visiting the Pyramids & Sakkara
After enjoying a mouthwatering, wholesome Egyptian breakfast, your personal guide will take you to the Giza Plateau to marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Walk or take a camel over to the iconic Sphinx and Valley Temple. After, you’ll go for lunch at an authentic Egyptian restaurant and then head over to the Sakkara area to visit the Sakkara Complex and the first pyramid ever built, the Djoser Pyramid.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Valley Temple, Sakkara Complex, Djoser Pyramid.
Day 3: Cairo Sightseeing
Enjoy another delicious oriental breakfast at your hotel then head over to visit the Egyptian Museum, in the heart of historic Downtown Cairo, overlooking the infamous Tahrir Square. After relishing over the magnificent ancient Egyptian artifacts and treasures, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, frequented by locals. After lunch, drive through Old Cairo to arrive at the historic Medieval Islamic Cairo area. Explore the vibrant, meandering, treasure-filled alleys ways of Khan El Khalili—Cairo’s oldest bazaar.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, Khan El Khalili.
Day 4: Embark in Luxor
Today’s adventure will take you all the way to the sun-kissed lands of Luxor in Upper Egypt. You will be met at your hotel and assisted to Cairo Airport for your trip to Luxor Airport early in the morning. From there you’ll be whisked away to visit the magnificent Karnak Temple and the iconic Valley of the Kings— the most famed collection of Pharaonic royalty’s elaborate tombs.
After absorbing the great, mighty spirit of ancient Egypt in Luxor, head over to the West Bank to embark on your simple yet luxurious Dahabiya before noon. The quaint, wooden boat will begin gently sailing to Esna as you enjoy a hand-crafted lunch on board. Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset set against the backdrop of idyllic Upper Egypt as you cross over the Esna Lock. Enjoy dinner surrounded by the calm, serene water of the Nile River.
Overnight at El Hegz Island.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Visits: Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings.
Day 5: Esna, El Kab Village, and Edfu
Enjoy a delicious early morning breakfast enveloped by the Nile’s warm breeze. Visit the city of El Kab and explore the sprawling desert terrain, discover the hidden beauty of the ancient temples, walls and rock-cut tombs from the New Kingdom period.
Begin sailing to Edfu while enjoying another delightful lunch on board your traditional dahabiya. Upon arrival to Edfu, visit the Edfu Temple and take a whimsical horse-drawn carriage ride to the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the largest and best-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt. The two beautiful granite statues of the falcon god Horus towering over the entrance as you walk in.
Return to the dahabiya and pass through the slow-paced, rural life of the local farmers and fishermen. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking lush, fertile landscapes dotted with banana and date palm trees and sprawling with lovely sugar cane fields. Marvel at Upper Egypt’s unique wildlife on the riverbanks of the Nile.
Enjoy a picturesque sunset as you disembark at Sheikh Rehan Island, where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner. Take time to absorb the atmospheric surroundings of the Nile-side spot.
Overnight near El Sheikh Rehan Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: El Kab Village, Edfu Temple, Temple of Horus.
Day 6: Gabal El Silsela
Another delicious breakfast on board while slowly sailing to Gebel Silsela. Relax during the peaceful slow sail until lunch. Lounge in the sun or enjoy a refreshing drink until arrival. Once you arrive at the ancient quarries of Silsela, you’ll be met with the mystical rock-cute Temple of Hormoheb. Climb to the top of the mountain and relish in a truly breathtaking view.
Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner at the edge of Al Bashir Island, neighboring Kom Ombo.
Overnight at the edge of Al Basher Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Gabal El Silsela, Temple of Hormoheb, Al Basher Island.
Day 7: Sailing to Aswan
Take the whole day to lounge and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board as you proceed on the long trip to Aswan. The whole day is left open for you to enjoy the luxurious facilities and fine food offerings on board.
Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8: Aswan & Philae Temple
Enjoy another delightful breakfast on board before heading over to visit the iconic Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The Temple of Philae is located in a stunning setting, landscaped to match the original site when it was relocated by UNESCO after the building of the Aswan Dam threatened the site.
Continue sailing and enjoy another star-lit dinner on board the slow-sailing dahabiya.
Overnight Herdiab Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Visits: Aswan, Philae Temple.
Day 9: Kom Ombo
Wake up to a hand-crafted breakfast and enjoy lunch later in the afternoon while sailing to Kom Ombo. Touch down on the shores of Kom Ombo and visit the unusual Kom Ombo temple with its two identical entrances, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries. Head back on board for another mouthwatering dinner.
Overnight near Edfu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Visits: Kom Ombo Temple.
Day 10: Sailing to Esna
Enjoy another long, laid-back day on board while sailing to and across Esna. Rise early to enjoy the sunrise, painting the sky with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Take a dip in the Jacuzzi, enjoy a light snack with a book while absorbing the warm sun and out of this world Nile River views. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.
Overnight in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 11: Disembarkation & Final Departure
It’s the last day of your grand adventure through the marvelous lands and waters of magical Egypt. Enjoy your last, scrumptious breakfast on board, then disembark and transfer to Luxor Airport for your final departure via Cairo International Airport!
Meals: Breakfast
Very impressed overall with our Memphis Tours experience and the quality of some of the staff was standout, from Mustafa who dealt with all my questions prior to the trip, to Mohamed Essam in Cairo. Highly recommended!
The tour guide, Mustafa Darwish, who accompanied us on our journey to the various locations in Egypt was experienced and well informed. He elaborated quite decently through the sites and ensured our safety.
The main issue for us was the condition of the cabin on the Nile cruise, Kontiki, the service there was great, however the infrastructure was run down and old, the toilet bath wasn't working well and the electrical sockets were looking quite suspicious. The food provided was same same but different. Overall not the 5 star experience it claims to be, there are definitely much more improvements needed for me to consider it as 5 star.
For guests in the future, I think it is important to run through your itinerary thoroughly before the trip, question the tour managers about what is and what is not included and all other queries, ensure you get a definite answer. (This is mainly due to upselling. For example, horse rides, tickets to the temples like Abu Simbel, and the extra costs of travelling to the Nubian village.)
I recommend this tour with this company. If you are looking for a cultural tour this tour has a great itinerary that covers all Egypt highlights from Cairo and the Pyramids to an amazing Nile cruise.
This trip exceeded all expectations. It was my first tour group and I was worried about the whole thing. I’m happy to say that the worry wasn’t needed. Memphis Tours is wonderful and they did an amazing job planning and organzing everything, so that everything was enjoyable. I had an amazing time and I’m walking away with new friends and an extra luggage of purchases.
The trip was fantastic, tour guide amazing and the group incredible! I would definitely recommend Memphis Tours to anyone looking for an amazing adventure in Egypt without the need to take the unnecessary risks.