2027 Egypt inc. Nile River Cruise

We commence the tour with an overnight flight to Dubai.

We arrive in Dubai early this morning and after clearing Customs and Immigration formalities, we are met and transferred to our hotel. There is time to rest up after the flight until mid-afternoon when we visit the Museum of the Future. One of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, the museum takes pride of place along the city’s superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation and launched on 22 February 2022, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology. Termed a ‘living museum’, it incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions, so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future’s limitless possibilities. Visitors have the chance to engage with this game-changing technology. Each floor of the museum is designed like an expansive, interactive movie set, brought to life by expert storytellers, technologists and visionary artists. There is time for exploration before we return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

A leisurely morning, before we head back to the airport in time to join our midday flight to Cairo. On arrival, we are met by our local operators and transferred to the Marriott Mena House Hotel, set in palm-fringed gardens with spectacular views of the pyramids. After settling in we enjoy a welcome drink and dinner.

Today we set out to explore the fascinating heritage of Coptic and Islamic Cairo. Begin at Coptic Cairo, where the ancient Fortress of Babylon stands as a reminder of Egypt’s Roman past. Within its walls, visit the Church of St. Sergius, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt, and the historic Synagogue of Cairo. Continue to the Ibn Tulun Mosque, Cairo’s oldest and largest mosque, admired for its vast courtyards and unique spiral minaret. Discover how its enclosing walls once separated sacred and secular spaces, later becoming part of grand Egyptian homes. Next, step into the enchanting Gayer Anderson Museum, housed in two beautifully preserved 16th- and 17th-century residences. Wander through rooms filled with Islamic art, antiques, carpets, silks, and furniture collected by British officer John Gayer-Anderson.

This morning, we meet our expert Egyptologist guide and journey to the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, the newest jewel in Egypt’s cultural crown. Explore its impressive highlights including the Hanging Obelisk, the towering statue of King Ramses II, the Victory Column of King Merneptah, and the majestic Grand Staircase lined with ancient statues. Discover the newly opened 12 galleries, showcasing a remarkable collection of Egypt’s treasures through the ages.
After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Pyramids, we continue to the iconic Pyramids of Giza — the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. Stand in awe before these monumental structures and experience the thrill of entering the Great Pyramid of Cheops.
We conclude our exploration with a visit to the enigmatic Sphinx, whose silent gaze has watched over Giza’s sands for millennia. Our guide will share the legends and mysteries surrounding this timeless guardian.

Today we journey to Saqqara, the ancient necropolis of Memphis and home to the world’s first limestone structure – the magnificent Step Pyramid of Djoser. Explore richly decorated tombs dating back over 4,000 years and marvel at the intricate hieroglyphics that adorn their walls. During our visit we also see the Tomb of the Noble Kagemni, the Imhotep Museum, and the Mastaba of Ti, each offering remarkable glimpses into Egypt’s ancient artistry and architecture.
After a delicious lunch at an authentic local restaurant, we experience the mesmerising Whirling Dervishes performance at Wekalet El-Ghouri, where music, colour, and movement combine in a centuries-old Sufi ritual passed down through generations. Continue to the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a labyrinth of narrow lanes filled with spices, jewellery, perfumes, and handcrafted treasures — one of the oldest and largest markets in the Middle East.
We conclude our day with a flavourful dinner at a traditional Egyptian restaurant, soaking up the lively spirit of Cairo.

We check out of our hotel this morning and journey about an hour and a half southwest of Cairo to the Fayoum Oasis, Egypt’s largest and most fertile oasis. Here, we uncover a side of Egyptian life rarely seen by tourists. Once home to prehistoric hunters and gatherers, Fayoum later became one of the world’s earliest agricultural regions, centred around Lake Qaroun, Egypt’s largest saltwater lake. Known as the “Garden of Egypt”, the area remains a thriving agricultural hub, famed for its citrus fruits, nuts, olives, and vegetables. We enjoy a delicious lunch at an authentic local restaurant before checking into the charming lodge. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the local village. Take a leisurely walk through Tunis Village, a picturesque community known for its pottery traditions. Established in the 1960s by an Egyptian poet and his Swiss wife, the village has become a centre for eco-tourism and handmade pottery, where generations continue to craft beautiful ceramics inspired by Fayoum’s natural beauty.

This morning, we meet our 4×4 drivers and set out for an unforgettable journey into Egypt’s Western Desert. Begin with a visit to Wadi Rayan, a breathtaking desert valley where cascading waterfalls and tranquil pools bring life to the arid landscape. Continue to the remarkable Valley of the Whales (Wadi El Hitan), a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its ancient whale fossils and stunning natural scenery. As you explore the area, enjoy the striking contrast of crystal-clear lakes, golden dunes, and endless desert horizons. At a scenic spot in the oasis, locals will prepare a freshly cooked lunch. Next, visit the enchanting Magic Lake, known for its shimmering colours that shift throughout the day with the changing sunlight. Surrounded by desert beauty, this tranquil spot invites you to swim or simply soak in the serene atmosphere. Its mineral-rich waters are even said to have therapeutic benefits. After this magical desert escape, we return to Cairo for our evening flight to Luxor, the land of ancient temples and timeless treasures. On arrival in Luxor, we are met and transferred to our hotel, for our 2-night stay.

We begin our day with a leisurely breakfast and time to enjoy the hotel’s facilities before heading out to discover the treasures of Luxor. We visit the Luxor Museum, home to a magnificent collection of artefacts spanning Egypt’s rich history, from the Predynastic Period through to the Islamic era. Admire the beautifully preserved granite statues of pharaohs, queens, and high-ranking officials, as well as exquisite pieces from the tomb of Tutankhamun, many of which are not displayed in Cairo. As the sun begins to set, explore the majestic Luxor Temple, a masterpiece of ancient architecture largely built by Pharaoh Ramses II. Bathed in golden light, the temple’s towering columns and statues create an unforgettable atmosphere. We return to our hotel in the afternoon, where we enjoy dinner together, while reflecting on our day.

This morning, having previously visited the Luxor Temple, we now explore the Karnak temple. It is believed to be the second-most-visited historical site in Egypt; only the Giza pyramid complex receives more visits. Later this morning board we board our cruise ship to begin our 4-night cruise on the life-giving waters of the Nile. Each cabin has a Nile view. Cabins include TV, Telephone, Satellite channels, Safety deposit box, and hairdryer. The upper deck includes a swimming pool, spa and deck chairs to relax and watch the life along the Nile slip by.

Today cross to the West Bank of the Nile to the Valley of the Kings. Part of the ancient city of Thebes, this area was the burial site of almost all the pharaohs of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties (1539–1075 BCE). Later, continue to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and haunting Colossi of Memnon, which is known to make an eerie wailing sound. Today your tour will also include entrance into the Boy King Tutankhamun Tomb. (no photos permitted). Later, visit the fascinating Howard Carter’s house. Neglected for a long time, the house has now been restored to its former state by the famous Egyptologist and Archaeologist Dr Zahi Hawass and now offers a fascinating insight into the life of Howard Carter against an amazing 1920 backdrop.

Another unforgettable day beckons as we visit Edfu Temple. This temple, the best preserved in all of Egypt, was completed during the reign of Cleopatra and has provided much knowledge of ancient Egypt. Afternoon visit to the Kom Ombo Temple known for its murals, bas relief, fine Nile views and fascinating mummified crocodiles! Later sail to Aswan.

After breakfast on our boat, we visit the Temple of Philae dedicated to the Goddess Isis and the granite quarries. Delight in the serenity of an afternoon sail on a traditional Felucca around Elephantine Island. Stretching about 1.2 kilometres in length, this tranquil island marks Egypt’s southern border in ancient times and was once a vital trading post between Nubia and Egypt. Its name, Elephantine, derives from the island’s shape, which was thought to resemble an elephant’s tusk, and from the ivory trade that once flourished here.

We disembark this morning after breakfast and transfer to the airport in time to join our flight to Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel is the site of one of the greatest engineering feats by UNESCO. It was built to save Egyptian monuments from the waters of Lake Nasser, the artificial lake created behind the Aswan High Dam that wiped out the Kingdom of Nubia. On this tour which includes return flights, we will see the great temple of Ramses II, with its four massive, seated figures of the youthful Ramses, carved into the side of the cliff, to resemble a temple pylon and rising to 32m. Now they are supported on an artificial domed structure, which you will be able to enter. Later today, we fly back to Aswan and we transfer to our hotel, the historic Old Cataract Hotel, where Dame Agatha Christie penned Death on the Nile. We spend two nights here.

Today is at your leisure. Explore the city further or simply relax and enjoy the facilities of the legendary hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast and hotel check-out, we embark on a delightful motorboat journey along the Nile to the west bank near Aswan, where the vibrant Nubian villages await. Renowned for their brightly painted houses and warm hospitality, these colourful communities offer a glimpse into a way of life that has flourished for over 8,000 years. Learn about the Nubians’ unique culture, language, and traditions as you stroll through their charming riverside settlements. Enjoy a truly authentic lunch prepared by local families in the village, followed by a visit to a traditional Nubian home. Share a cosy teatime with your hosts, discover their fascinating practice of raising reptiles, and experience a joyful Nubian “Zaffa” celebration filled with rhythmic drumming, singing, and dancing. Later, we transfer to Aswan Airport for our afternoon flight to Cairo, where we transfer back to the luxurious Marriott Mena House Hotel for our final night in Egypt.

Late check out has been arranged which gives us a final opportunity to soak up the hotel facilities!
We are transferred to Cairo airport at lunchtime, in time to join our late-afternoon flight to Dubai. Arrival time is late evening and overnight accommodation is reserved at the airport.

Time for the last leg of our journey.

Arrive Auckland mid-morning.