Cities, Culture and the Nile

Epic Egypt Escape:

Cities, Culture and the Nile

Feb - Oct

From £6,950pp

Cruise & Land

9 Nights

Felucca sailboats on River Nile, Aswan, Egypt

Sphinx, Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, Citadel of Saladin, Cairo, Egypt

Ancient Luxor Temple, Standing Ramses II statues, Egypt

Kemet Dahabeya cabin

Kemet Dahabeya

Temple of Horus, Edfu, Egypt

Nile-side life, Egypt

Colorful Nubian Houses, Egypt

Al Moudira Hotel Room, Luxor, Egypt

Al Moudira Hotel, Luxor, Egypt

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Aswan

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract room, Aswan

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo Nile Plaza, Egypt

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo Nile Plaza

Across ancient temples and timeless rivers, discover the living history and enduring landscapes of Egypt

This journey traces the great arc of Egyptian civilisation, from the iconic monuments of Cairo to the quiet reaches of the upper Nile. Begin in Cairo, where the pyramids of Giza and the treasures of the Egyptian Museum reveal a civilisation of extraordinary depth and ambition. A short flight south carries you to Luxor, where temples and tombs line both banks of the Nile in breathtaking abundance. From here, embark a private ship and drift southward through a landscape little changed across the centuries — pausing at Edfu’s magnificent temple, remote island villages, and the wild shores of Herbiab before arriving in Aswan, where the Nile narrows and the desert draws close. Accommodation and travel are chosen for comfort and character, allowing each setting to be absorbed at a considered pace. The itinerary is defined by thoughtful discovery, timeless scenery, and an unhurried immersion in one of the world’s most remarkable civilisations.

Itinerary highlights

Stay three nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo Nile Plaza with premium Nile views

Explore Cairo’s ancient pyramids, the Sphinx, and the treasures of the Egyptian Museum

Fly south to Luxor and spend a night at the boutique Al Moudira Hotel

Board the intimate Kemet Dahabeya for a four-night sailing voyage along the Upper Nile

Visit the magnificent temples of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus

Discover the remote charm of Bassau Village Island and Herbiab Island

Disembark in Aswan and stay at the iconic Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

Travel with expert English-speaking Egyptologist guides throughout your journey

Itinerary image

Across ancient temples and timeless rivers, discover the living history and enduring landscapes of Egypt

This journey traces the great arc of Egyptian civilisation, from the iconic monuments of Cairo to the quiet reaches of the upper Nile. Begin in Cairo, where the pyramids of Giza and the treasures of the Egyptian Museum reveal a civilisation of extraordinary depth and ambition. A short flight south carries you to Luxor, where temples and tombs line both banks of the Nile in breathtaking abundance. From here, embark a private ship and drift southward through a landscape little changed across the centuries — pausing at Edfu’s magnificent temple, remote island villages, and the wild shores of Herbiab before arriving in Aswan, where the Nile narrows and the desert draws close. Accommodation and travel are chosen for comfort and character, allowing each setting to be absorbed at a considered pace. The itinerary is defined by thoughtful discovery, timeless scenery, and an unhurried immersion in one of the world’s most remarkable civilisations.

Itinerary image

Itinerary highlights

Stay three nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo Nile Plaza with premium Nile views

Explore Cairo’s ancient pyramids, the Sphinx, and the treasures of the Egyptian Museum

Fly south to Luxor and spend a night at the boutique Al Moudira Hotel

Board the intimate Kemet Dahabeya for a four-night sailing voyage along the Upper Nile

Visit the magnificent temples of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus

Discover the remote charm of Bassau Village Island and Herbiab Island

Disembark in Aswan and stay at the iconic Sofitel Legend Old Cataract

Travel with expert English-speaking Egyptologist guides throughout your journey

Day 1

Your journey begins

Depart London on your flight to Cairo, where the timeless allure of Egypt awaits. Upon arrival, a private transfer whisks you to the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo Nile Plaza, your luxurious base for the next three nights. Settle into your Premium Nile View Room and take in sweeping vistas of the river as the city lights begin to shimmer below.

Day 2

Cairo, Egypt

Spend a full day immersing yourself in the wonders of ancient and modern Cairo. Visit the legendary Pyramids of Giza and gaze upon the enigmatic Sphinx before heading to the Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of pharaonic artefacts. A guided lunch experience rounds out the day, offering a taste of Egyptian hospitality at its finest.

Day 3

Cairo, Egypt

Continue your exploration of the Egyptian capital with visits to the atmospheric Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the stunning Citadel of Saladin. Stroll through Coptic Cairo, where centuries-old churches sit alongside ancient Roman towers. Return to the Four Seasons for an evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying the hotel's renowned spa facilities.

Day 4

Cairo to Luxor

Transfer to Cairo airport for your domestic flight south to Luxor, gateway to the ancient world's greatest open-air museum. On arrival, you are driven to the enchanting Al Moudira Hotel, a hand-built palace of domes and courtyards surrounded by sugar cane fields on the banks of the Nile. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the lush gardens or by the pool.

Day 5

Luxor, Egypt

Transfer to the port and step aboard the elegant Kemet Dahabeya, your floating home for the next four nights. This traditional two-masted sailing vessel offers an intimate and unhurried way to experience the Nile. Settle into your Aur Suite before your first onboard dinner as the ship begins its leisurely voyage southward.

Day 6

Edfu, Egypt

Wake to the gentle lapping of the Nile and disembark to visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. This Ptolemaic masterpiece is one of the most complete ancient temples in Egypt, its towering pylons and intricate reliefs offering a vivid window into the rituals of a civilisation that flourished millennia ago. Return to the dahabeya for lunch and an afternoon of sailing.

Day 7

Bassau Village Island, Egypt

Today the Kemet Dahabeya moors at Bassau Village Island, a peaceful settlement rarely visited by tourists. Walk through the village, meet local families, and gain insight into the rhythms of Nile-side life that have changed little over the centuries. The afternoon brings more scenic sailing as the landscape shifts from fertile farmland to dramatic desert escarpments.

Day 8

Herbiab Island, Egypt

The dahabeya continues its southward journey to Herbiab Island, where Nubian culture and warm hospitality create an unforgettable shore excursion. Enjoy a traditional Nubian tea ceremony and explore the vibrant painted houses that dot the island's narrow lanes. As evening falls, gather on deck for a farewell dinner beneath a canopy of stars.

Day 9

Aswan, Egypt

Disembark the Kemet Dahabeya in Aswan and transfer to the legendary Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, perched on a granite ridge overlooking the Nile and Elephantine Island. This afternoon is yours to savour — visit the colourful Nubian markets, take a felucca ride around Kitchener's Island, or simply enjoy the hotel's magnificent terrace views.

Day 10

Arrive home

Transfer to Aswan airport for your domestic flight to Cairo, where you connect with your international flight back to London. Arrive home carrying memories of pharaonic temples, Nile sunsets, and the warm hospitality of the Egyptian people.

What's Included

International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
Domestic flights
Seamless ground transfers
Handpicked accommodations
Meals as indicated
Entry visa upon arrival
Guided tours and excursions, including entrance fees, in Cairo
Expert English-speaking local guides

The towering columns of Karnak Temple

What's Included

International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
Domestic flights
Seamless ground transfers
Handpicked accommodations
Meals as indicated
Entry visa upon arrival
Guided tours and excursions, including entrance fees, in Cairo
Expert English-speaking local guides

The towering columns of Karnak Temple

Curate your exclusive expedition

Let’s get started. Share your details below and your personal Expedition Expert will be in touch to design your dream adventure.

First Name*

Surname*

Email*

Phone*

When would you like to travel?

How many travellers?

Estimated budget range for this trip?

How should we contact you?

Phone Email Phone & Email WhatsApp

Any other comments or requests?

Yes, I would like to receive communications by e-mail

Your information will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy

Speak to one of our team

+44 (0)808 164 4210

[email protected]

Every journey I plan starts with a conversation. Tell me what excites you, what you've always dreamed of experiencing, and I'll craft something extraordinary. The best expeditions begin with a single question: What would make this unforgettable for you?

Ashley | Expedition Planner