Day 1: Canada – Night on board

It’s time to unearth the secrets of Ancient Egypt and get to know the vibrant culture of Egypt’s most emblematic cities. Arrive at your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Cairo.* Night on board.

* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

The order of the excursions and visits may vary, depending on the schedule of the internal flights, traffic and other logistical reasons. The planned visits will be carried out in any case.

Day 2: Cairo
Touch down in Cairo and transfer to the hotel. Once you’ve settled in the remainder of the day is free at your leisure to get to know the sights and sounds of Cairo, in the shadow of the Great Pyramids! Go shopping at the local souk or sample the national cuisine. Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 3: Cairo (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Get to know the Egyptian capital today with a tour of Cairo’s most emblematic sights. Begin at the Giza plateau, home of the three Great Pyramids, built over 4,500 years ago and one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Explore the pyramids and learn about their fascinating history as you walk in the footsteps of the pharaohs.

Continue to the Great Sphinx and the Temple of the Valley to unearth more secrets of Ancient Egypt before visiting the Egyptian Museum. This world-renowned museum is home to the largest collection of jewels, relics and statues from the golden age of the pharaohs.

End the day with a walk through the lively Khan el Khalili neighbourhood, home to the largest bazaar in the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure, we recommend rounding it off with an evening tour of Cairo with dinner*. Overnight stay in Cairo.

*Optional Cairo by Night: we take a walk around the most beautiful corners of Cairo (Tahrir Square, Zamalek, Cairo Tower and the Opera House) before heading to the restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious dinner in an Egyptian restaurant. We will finish the evening with a visit to the famous Mirror Café.

Day 4: Cairo – Aswan (B/D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Aswan, situated on the Nile River and known for its great importance to the Ancient Egyptian civilization. Upon arrival, head to the river to enjoy a cruise on a traditional felucca boat to see the Nile Falls. Watch life along the Nile as you travel along the river. Afterwards, continue to the Granite Quarry, home to an unfinished ancient obelisk and the High Dam of Aswan. Transfer to the port to board your Nile Cruise Boat, your home for the next three nights. Get settled in your cabin and enjoy the views of the river. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 5: Aswan – Kom Ombo (B/L/D)
Full-board on board. Today, if you’re an early riser, you have the chance to enjoy an optional excursion to Abu Simbel*, home to many rock-carved temples. Afterwards, we recommend to take the chance to book an optional visit to the Island of Philae**. A river island in the Nile where the ancient temple of the goddess Isis is located. Afterwards, navigate northwards towards Kom Ombo. Upon arrival explore the twin Temples of Haroeris and Sobek and see the amazing Nilometer, used to measure the rising and falling levels of the Nile, an important life source in Egypt. Later, visit a unique Crocodile Mummy museum, home to a number of mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship and enjoy relaxing on board. Dinner and overnight on board.

* Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel: Visit these amazing temples, carved on the western cliff of the desert by Ramses II in the Xl century BC. See the iconic 20-metre high statues, dedicated to the god Amon Ra, and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor.
Please note: If you take the optional excursion to Abu Simbel, you will depart from the ship at approximately 3 a.m. to make the most of the coolest and quietest part of the day. This way, you can fully experience Abu Simbel without the crowds and avoid sightseeing in high temperatures.

** Optional Island of Philae Excursion: Discover the historic island of Philae, in the reservoir of the Old Aswan Dam. It is home to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Isis and offers a fascinating insight into life and beliefs in Ancient Egypt.

Day 6: Edfu – Luxor (B/L/D)
Full-board on board. Dock in Edfu today to enjoy a ride in a traditional Egyptian carriage to arrive at the Temple of Edfu in style! Spend some time exploring the temple, dedicated to the Egyptian god of Horus. It’s one of the best-preserved monuments in the country as its imposing structure has been protected by the desert sands. Back on the ship, continue to Luxor where the ancient heart of Thebes awaits you. Here, discover the Temple of Luxor, constructed by the two great pharaohs, Amenhotep II and Ramses II. Return to the ship. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 7: Luxor (B)
Breakfast on board. Continue your discovery of the ancient city of Thebes today as you head to the world-famous Valley of the Kings*, where the tomb of Tutankhamon was discovered, revealing the riches of the ancient pharaohs. It is here that the most powerful and influential kings of Ancient Egypt were buried. After exploring the site, continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an imposing terraced structure, located below towering cliffs. Bid farewell to this world of ancient kings and queens as you cross the river into modern-day Luxor. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend an optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show**. Overnight stay in Luxor.

* Please note: The excursion to the Valley of the Kings includes visits to three tombs. Entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun is not included but, if you are interested in visiting, you can buy a ticket to see this tomb at the site during your visit.

** Optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show: Visit the largest open-air museum in Egypt, the Karnak Temple in Luxor. Discover the secrets behind the temple’s ancient name, Thebes, and explore its significant monuments. As you wander through the ruins of this once great complex, you will be guided by the voices of the pharaohs who built this site to honor their god Amon. Watch as the temples and statues come to life with the clever use of special effects , relive the times of the ancient pharaohs with their customs and rituals as they recount the dramatic history of ancient Thebes.

Day 8: Luxor – Cairo (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early in the morning to visit the Karnak Temple Complex, home to a vast array of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other ancient buildings. Explore the ruins as you soak up the unique atmosphere and let your imagination run wild as you learn about life in Ancient Egypt. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Cairo. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional excursion to the Saladin Citadel.* Overnight stay in Cairo.

* Optional Excursion to Saladin Citadel: Visit the Alabaster Mosque and medieval fortification of Saladin Citadel, perched atop a hill in central Cairo and dating back to the 12th-century. Learn about the importance of the site to Egypt’s Islamic heritage before walking through the Coptic Neighborhood, home to various churches.

Day 9: Cairo – Night on board (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the Canada. Night on board.
Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back to Canada the following day.
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Optional Tours
(Price is per person based on double occupancy)

Day 2: Experience Egypt Optional Excursions Package (Limited Offer) – 3 Excursions
Price: from $283
Add 3 unforgettable experiences to your trip! See Karnak Temple like never before with the Sound and Light Show, discover medieval Cairo with an excursion to the Saladin Citadel and visit the Island of Philae.
What’s included: Transfers, guide and tickets.

Day 2: Ultimate Egypt Optional Excursions Package (Limited Offer) – 4 Excursions
Price: from $447
Add 4 unforgettable experiences to your trip! See the Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show, discover medieval Cairo with an excursion to the Saladin Citadel, visit the ancient Island of Philae in Aswan and take an excursion to the temples of Abu Simbel.
What’s included: Transfers, guide and tickets

Day 3: Cairo by Night (Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination)
Price: from $120
Walk through the bustling sites of Tahrir Square, Zamalek, Cairo Tower, and the Cairo Opera House. End with an included dinner at a local restaurant. Vegetarian and/or children’s menu available upon request.
What’s included: Transfers, guide and dinner.
Not included: Drinks.

Day 5: Island of Philae (Duration 03:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination)
Price: from $103
Discover the historic island of Philae, in the reservoir of the Old Aswan Dam. It is home to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Isis and offers a fascinating insight into life and beliefs in Ancient Egypt.
What’s included: Transport, English speaking guide, entrance fees.
Please Note: Depending on the day of arrival in Aswan, the pick-up time of the activity will be adapted to the included and optional activities of the day.

Day 5: Abu Simbel Excursion (Duration 08:00h Approx. Pick up time: 03:30 Approx)
Price: from $225
Visit these amazing temples, carved on the western cliff of the desert by Ramses II in the Xl century BC. See the iconic 20-metre high statues, dedicated to the god Amon Ra, and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor.
What’s included: Transport, English speaking guide, entrance fees.
Please note: excursion leaves around 3:30 am. All timings are approximate and dependent on traffic, weather and local conditions. This timing schedule is intended for guidance only and is subject to change by our guide or driver.

Day 7: Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 19:10 Approx)
Price: from $101
Discover the secrets of the “Karnak Temple” in Luxor, built in honor of the god Amun. Stroll through its ruins guided by the voices of the pharaohs, while the statues come to life with special effects and the history of Thebes is narrated.
What’s included: Transfers, guide and tickets.

Day 8: Saladin Citadel Excursion (Duration 04:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination)
Price: from $130
Visit the Alabaster Mosque and medieval fortification of Saladin Citadel, perched atop a hill in central Cairo and dating back to the 12th-century. Learn about the importance of the site to Egypt’s Islamic heritage and walk through the Coptic Neighborhood.
What’s included: Transport, English-speaking guide, entrance fees.

• Entry requirements
  • Valid passport with at least six months validity.
  • From travel.gc.ca website: Starting December 1, 2024, Canadian passport holders will be able to obtain an electronic visa prior to travel or upon arrival in Egypt. If you travel to Egypt before December 1, 2024, you will be required to obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate abroad.
    Please always check with the Egyptian Embassy and Government of Canada travel advice for the latest requirements

• Important Notes
  • Flexible cancellation for any reason is TEMPORARY FREE ($49 savings per person) and it is valid up to 30 days prior to departure, guest(s) will receive 100% travel credit. Subject to change without notice.
  • Please note the following luggage allowances for your internal flight:
    Checked luggage allowance is between 21-23 kg (46-50 lbs)
    Hand luggage (carry-on) allowance is 8 kg (17 lbs)
  • For travellers arriving in Egypt on a Thursday, please note that the flight the following day from Cairo to Aswan usually departs early in the morning, so you will be required to leave for the airport before dawn.
  • The allocated cruise ship may be changed due to routine maintenance, in which case you will be allocated a cruise of the same or higher category.
  • The order of the itinerary varies according to the day of arrival:
    • Monday: 2 nights in Cairo, 3 nights Nile cruise, 1 night in Luxor and 1 night in Cairo.
    • Wednesday: 2 nights in Cairo, 3 nights Nile cruise, 1 night in Luxor and 1 night in Cairo.
    • Thusday: 1 night in Cairo, 3 nights Nile Cruise, 1 night in Luxor, 2 nights in Cairo.
  • This is a fast-paced itinerary that includes a comprehensive number of sights and activities in order to give you the most complete experience of Egypt! You can expect several early morning departures and a full daily schedule of activities.
  • Please be aware that the ship’s Wi-Fi connection is dependent on satellite coverage and that there are sections of the cruise in which Wi-Fi will not be available. High-speed Wi-Fi is available to use in port only, for an extra fee of $8 USD per day.
  • This trip is not suitable for a person with reduced mobility due to the nature of the excursions and the terrain.
    However, please note that this tour can be taken privately. There will be a private guide and a specifically designed itinerary to ensure maximum enjoyment. The excursions will be taken via alternative routes with ease of access and the pace will be dictated by the passenger.
    To take part in the private tour it is required that the person with reduced mobility is accompanied by a dedicated person at all times, to assist in any necessary situations, such as getting in and out of the transport vehicle, on excursions, and so on.