Majestic Egypt Cairo and Nile Cruise
, 8 daysThe Timeless Egypt – From the Pyramids to the Nile
Daily schedule in brief
Options of daily programs
This trip has different daily programs. Select the programs and read the descriptions below.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Cairo.
Around lunchtime, we enjoy a meal at a local Egyptian restaurant.
In the afternoon, we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, located just beside the Giza Pyramids. This spectacular and modern museum is the world’s largest dedicated to a single civilization and showcases more than 100,000 artifacts from 7,000 years of Egyptian history. Among the highlights are the complete treasures of Tutankhamun, the colossal statue of Ramses II, and the restored Khufu solar boat. A must-see for anyone fascinated by ancient Egypt.
We end the day at the vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where narrow streets and small shops are alive with activity. Here, we pause to enjoy a cup of tea or traditional Egyptian coffee. The market is a sensory feast: the aromas of spices, perfumes, and freshly baked bread mingle with the sounds of bargaining and the ringing of the blacksmith’s hammer. From handmade brassware and jewelry to textiles and souvenirs, it is the perfect place to experience Cairo as if stepping into the tales of One Thousand and One Nights.
We return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight stay in Cairo.
We visit the magnificent Karnak Temple, one of Egypt’s largest and most awe-inspiring temple complexes. Expanded over more than 2,000 years, Karnak is renowned for its vast hypostyle hall with 134 towering columns. Walking through this monumental “forest of stone” feels like stepping back into a world of ancient rituals and architectural splendor.
After the visit, we board our comfortable cruise ship Semiramis III and enjoy lunch on board.
Dinner and overnight stay on the ship in Luxor.
Early in the morning, those who wish may join an unforgettable hot air balloon flight over Luxor. As the sun rises in the east, a magical 360-degree panorama unfolds across the Nile, lush fields, and the city’s ancient wonders. From the air, we can admire Luxor Temple, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and much more. A serene and breathtaking experience high above the heart of history. Price from 132 USD.
After breakfast, we set out to explore Luxor’s West Bank, visiting the famous Valley of the Kings and the imposing Colossi of Memnon. The Valley of the Kings is a majestic and mysterious burial ground, where pharaohs such as Tutankhamun rest in tombs adorned with intricate wall paintings and hieroglyphs—vivid portals to ancient Egypt’s vision of the afterlife. The Colossi of Memnon, each towering over 18 meters high, once guarded the grand mortuary temple of Amenhotep III and still stand as proud symbols of Egypt’s royal legacy.
We return to the ship for lunch before beginning our sail toward Edfu.
Dinner and overnight stay on board in Edfu.
After the visit, we sail onward toward Kom Ombo, enjoying lunch on board as we travel along the Nile. In the afternoon, we explore the remarkable Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Its striking double, mirrored design—one side for each deity—symbolizes balance and harmony. With grand stone arches, finely carved reliefs, and its dramatic location on the riverbank, the temple radiates both serenity and majesty.
We then continue sailing toward Aswan, where dinner is served on board.
Overnight stay on the ship in Aswan.
We depart early in the morning with breakfast boxes for a guided visit to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples. Carved into the cliffs by Ramses II, they rank among the most remarkable monuments of antiquity. Four colossal statues guard the entrance, while richly decorated halls inside reflect royal splendor and eternal glory. Saved from flooding in a dramatic UNESCO relocation project, Abu Simbel today stands as both a triumph of human determination and a timeless homage to the gods. Price from 132 USD.
Back in Aswan, we continue our discoveries with:
• The Aswan High Dam, a 20th-century technological masterpiece that harnesses the Nile. This symbol of modernization has transformed both the landscape and daily life in southern Egypt.
• The Philae Temple, idyllically located on an island and also rescued from the rising waters by UNESCO. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple is surrounded by tranquil water and palm trees. With its graceful colonnades and enigmatic reliefs, Philae is often described as one of Egypt’s most romantic and atmospheric sites.
We return to the ship for lunch on board.
Dinner and overnight stay in Aswan.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
You may choose to explore the city at your own pace: enjoy panoramic views from Cairo Tower or take a traditional felucca ride on the Nile. Alternatively, wander through Islamic Cairo with it's historic mosques and ancient city walls.
In the evening, we have dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Cairo.
Our unforgettable tour through Egypt comes to an end.
Program with 4-night cruise starts on Saturday.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Travelers:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least one blank page. You can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport that costs around US $32, this is the easiest way to obtain a visa. Alternatively you can apply for your Egypt e-Visa online before departure ( apply for your Egypt e-Visa at the official website Visa Application. Cost from US $59, processing time about 3 days) to apply for a e-visa you will need to provide several documents with confirmation numbers and itinerary provided by Rolfs. Our customer service team Customer Service can assist you with any questions.Travel information
Everything has been completely satisfying. As mentioned, it was a fantastic trip that met all of our expectations, all thanks to Rolf’s tour leaders and our guide Ali!
A really well-planned trip that was so rich in experiences. You get to see so much and experience a ton.