12 Day Egypt Experience: Hang a while on the Nile!

12 Days 9 Nights

$1,800.00

Cairo, Egypt

18+ +

10/20

English

Date Expired !

Overview

Step into the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and timeless legends on this 12-day immersive journey through Egypt’s most extraordinary treasures. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the majestic temples of Luxor and the serene waters of the Nile, this adventure blends ancient history, cultural wonders, and five-star indulgence into one unforgettable experience.

Explore the Great Pyramid and the enigmatic Sphinx, wander through the hallowed halls of Karnak Temple, and sail down the legendary Nile River on a luxury cruise, stopping at breathtaking temples and hidden gems along the way. In Cairo, dive into the bustling energy of the city’s souks and museums, while in Aswan, witness the beauty of Nubian culture and golden desert landscapes. Finally, unwind on the shores of the Red Sea, where crystal-clear waters and world-class resorts provide the perfect ending to an incredible journey.

With private guides, handpicked luxury accommodations, and VIP access to Egypt’s most remarkable sites, this is not just a trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime voyage through history, mystery, and unparalleled elegance.

💎 All-Inclusive (except flights) | Hotel (7 nights), Cruise boat (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

🛎 What’s Included?

✅ 11 nights’ accommodation
✅ 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
✅ Experienced local guides for the duration of the trek
✅ Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
✅ Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries – just a phone call, email or chat away
✅ Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re ‘trip ready’
✅ Nutritious snacks to keep you fueled
✅ All activities outlined in the itinerary
✅ All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
✅ Transportation in our air-conditioned vans – safe, clean, modern and comfortable!

❌ Not Included: International flights, personal expenses

Sail Through Time on the Timeless Nile

Pharaohs and pyramids, temples and tombs, bustling bazaars and ancient secrets—Egypt is a land where history comes alive at every turn. Over 12 incredible days, you’ll step into a world where the past meets the present, following the legendary Nile in comfort and style.

Lose yourself in the vibrant maze of Cairo’s Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, marvel at the sheer scale of Abu Simbel’s colossal temples, and stand in awe in the Valley of the Kings, where royalty was laid to rest in golden splendor. Cruise the mystical waters of the Nile, drifting between monumental wonders and untouched landscapes, as you soak in thousands of years of history with expert local guides by your side.

With every detail taken care of, from luxury stays to exclusive insider experiences, this journey is more than just a trip—it’s a grand adventure through the heart of Egypt’s most iconic sites. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of the pharaohs?

Explore the magnificent temples at Abu Simbel and see the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile.
Brush shoulders with the locals and meet some of the many store owners as you stroll through the famous bazaars of Aswan, Luxor and Khan al-Khalili in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.
Set sail down the Nile – one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Relax in comfort as scenes of everyday Egyptian life stream by and experience day turn to night from your sundeck.
Join a local family in a small village near Aswan for a memorable night of Nubian hospitality. Learn about this ancient culture while sharing a special dinner with your hosts.
Explore the marvels, mythology and mystery of Ancient Egypt, including the Pyramids at Giza and the tombs of iconic pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, with expert guides providing a local insight.

Schedule Details

Day 1: Cairo

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel, before your Egyptian adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy city streets or visit the Cairo Citadel which dates back to 1176 and is home to multiple museums and mosques.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Meals: dinner

Included activities: Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional activities

Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) - EGP280
Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP340
Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour - USD29
Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - EGP550
Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Afternoon Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD49

Special information

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.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Day 2: Cairo

This morning after breakfast you’ll see two of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore these structures which have stood tall for over 4500 years, and for an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, although occasionally it’s closed to visitors. Afterwards, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of ancient artefacts. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight – from jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Special information

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.

The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids of Giza are very small and very warm, so for those suffering from claustrophobia, it is not recommended.

Day 3: Alexandria

Jump in a private van today and drive for 3h to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria. Egypt's second-largest city and main port, locals call this vibrant city the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea. The Greek architect Dinocrates built Alexandria in 331 BC under the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalising Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis. On arrival, head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs. This Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt. The crypts are 20 metres below street level, and what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. Afterwards, stop by the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original great library of Alexandria and built to hold over eight million books. Take some time to stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey and enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities

Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Alexandria - Fort Qaitbey

Day 4: Alexandria-Cairo Overnight Train

This morning, pay a visit to Wadi El Natron, a place used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans for extracting precious resources like salt, silica for making glass and carbonated sodium which was essential for the mummification process. Learn about the history of this fascinating place, view the lakes and soak up the surroundings before returning by private van to Cairo. Take some time to relax or get some snacks before you board an overnight sleeper train to Aswan.

Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities

Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries

Special information

Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours. The train journey from Cairo to Aswan departs around 8pm and takes approximately 13 hours.

Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included lunch, dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.

In rare circumstances you may be paired in your cabin with a group member of the opposite gender (if you're traveling alone), depending on the group configuration.

Day 5: Aswan

The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas. You’ll pull into Aswan – Egypt's southernmost city – at around 9am. Its easy-going charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. When you arrive, you’ll explore the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the gems of Upper Egypt. This afternoon is yours to explore your way. You might choose to visit the excellent Nubian Museum, which showcases the history, art and culture of the Nubians. This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture firsthand with a visit to a nearby village. Join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner where you’ll get to sample traditional dishes like okra stew or tagen, a tasty tomato-based tagen dish, with sanasel bread to mop up the delicious sauces.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Abu Simbel, Nile river cruise

This morning, make the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel where you’ll explore some magnificent temples. Built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. You'll have two hours to explore Abu Simbel before making the drive back to Aswan, where you’ll board your Nile cruise boat. Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sailing trip on a traditional felucca before dinner on the ship.

Accommodation: Cruise Boat (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities: Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples, Aswan - Felucca Sail

Special information

Today’s driving time is approximately 6 hours. Tonight, your boat will be docked in Aswan.

Nile cruise boats are typically very large with a passenger capacity of around 150. All cabins have private facilities and the boat is fully air-conditioned. All meals are included onboard, but you will need to pay for drinks.

Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, the local equivalent of five stars isn't the same standard that you might expect at home. Nile cruise boats are not luxurious, but they are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile. Due to varying schedules, we are not able to provide advance notice of which exact boat you’ll be sailing on.

Day 7: Nile river cruise

Enjoy a free morning in Aswan, perhaps enjoying coffee and exploration of the bazaar during the morning bustle. After lunch on board your ship, you’ll set sail for your first stop – Kom Ombo. This second century BC complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, divided down the middle, with either side dedicated to a different set of gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility) and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god), and the whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs. Afterwards, return to the boat and travel upriver, with free time 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. Enjoy dinner on board, before your ship docks in Edfu late in the night.

Accommodation: Cruise Boat (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Nile River Cruise

This morning finds you moored near Edfu – a beautifully preserved temple also dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. After breakfast on board, your ship will sail onwards to Luxor, passing through the Esna Locks. Ships often have to queue to proceed through the locks, a great opportunity to check out the process from deck with a cool drink in hand, listening to the shouts of the many captains as they navigate their way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares to a captive audience. On arrival in Luxor, join your leader for an orientation walk of the town. You have the option to visit Luxor Temple, which looks incredible, lit up at night. Return to the ship for dinner and your last night on board.

Accommodation: Cruise Boat (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Special information

Tonight, your boat will be docked in Luxor.

We do not include a visit to Edfu Temple as the only mode of transport there is through locally managed horse and carriages, the operators of which have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines. We have also received feedback that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. Edfu is an included port stop on the Nile River cruise schedule. The duration of the walk is about 30 mins each way, along a busy road. Please inform your Leader if you will be leaving the boat to visit Edfu.

Day 9: Luxor

Your Nile cruise comes to an end in the open-air museum of Luxor. From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs. After breakfast, depart the ship and drop your bags at your hotel in Luxor. From here, you’ll set off with your leader to explore Karnak Temple which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharaoh’s monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, shop in the excellent bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local teahouse.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Luxor

Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Continue on to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore this place, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. You will visit three of the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb where Tutankhamun is buried, then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum where you can discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Special information

It is possible to do a hot air balloon ride (extra 80€/pp) over the Valley of the Kings and the Temples of Antiquities on the West Bank. Your Leader can reserve this service for you. We use Dream Balloons in Luxor. Pick up will be from your hotel between 04:30 and 05:00; balloon capacity is 16-25; cameras are prohibited in the basket but phones are allowed. Activity is subject to weather conditions. Payment by card is possible and will attract a 3% bank service fee.

Day 11: Cairo

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and catch a short flight back to Cairo. On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the bazaar with your leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. 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. You might explore the gold market, ‘Perfume Street’ and the spice market, where heady aromas fill the air, or make a purchase next door in the cloth market. Or you could visit atmospheric El Fishawy, one of Cairo’s oldest cafes, and discover why it’s been operating for more than 200 years. Tonight, perhaps gather together your fellow travellers for a celebratory kebab, kofta, sheesha, or all three.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Goodbye Cairo!

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are free to depart at any time. Please ensure you confirm your hotel check-out time with your leader. If you would like to extend your stay in Cairo, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Meals: Breakfast

F.A.Q

Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Yes, most travelers will need a visa to enter Egypt. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport, while others may need to apply in advance through the Egyptian e-Visa portal or an embassy. We recommend checking with your local Egyptian consulate for specific requirements.

How physically demanding is this trip?

This trip is moderately active, with daily walking tours, visits to archaeological sites, and optional hikes. The Valley of the Kings, pyramids, and temple complexes involve walking on uneven terrain. While the Nile cruise provides a relaxing break, expect some long days exploring Egypt’s fascinating sites. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are essential.

What’s included in the trip price?

Your package covers:
✅ 11 nights’ accommodation (hotels, Nile cruise, and sleeper train)
✅ All meals (11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners)
✅ Private guided tours and entry fees to all major sites
✅ All necessary transportation, including the Nile cruise, sleeper train, and domestic flights where applicable
✅ An expert Egyptologist guide throughout the journey

Not included: International flights, personal expenses, optional activities, and gratuities.

What should I pack for this trip?

We recommend packing:
✔ Light, breathable clothing for hot days and comfortable walking
✔ A scarf or shawl for temple visits and sun protection
✔ A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the desert heat
✔ Comfortable walking shoes for exploring archaeological sites
✔ A small backpack or day bag for carrying water and essentials during excursions
✔ A light jacket for cooler evenings, especially in winter months

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Yes! While the itinerary is full of expert-led guided experiences, we also include downtime in Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor for independent exploration. You can visit a local market, enjoy a coffee in a historic café, or relax at your luxury hotel.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

What's Included

Accommodation
Additional Services
Airport Transfer
Breakfast
Guide
Lunch
Meals
Transport

What's Excluded

Flights

Location Map

Why Book With Us?

Once-in-a-Lifetime, Handpicked Experiences. We curate exclusive, immersive journeys that go beyond sightseeing.
Every stay is at a 4 5-star luxury retreat, boutique heritage hotel, or secluded mountain sanctuary—because adventure should come with a touch of indulgence.
We handle every detail—from private guides to curated dining—so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
We keep our groups intimate and exclusive so that every traveler gets a bespoke, tailored experience. Looking for a private trip? We can customize your journey for an even more personal adventure.