🌙 Nile Dreams: 4 Nights Cruise & 3 Nights in Magical Cairo

An 8‑Day Journey through Egypt’s Timeless Wonders

Embark on a once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey that combines the grandeur of Ancient Egypt with the comfort of modern luxury. This carefully curated 8‑day program blends four nights aboard a five‑star Nile cruise with three nights in Cairo, offering travelers the perfect balance between cultural immersion, historical discovery, and relaxation.

📅 Daily Itinerary

🛬 Day 1 – Arrival in Luxor & Embarkation

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Luxor International Airport. After assistance with arrival formalities, you will be transferred privately to your five‑star Nile cruise ship. Once checked in, enjoy dinner onboard and settle into your cabin as the ship rests on the banks of the Nile. Luxor, often called the “world’s greatest open‑air museum,” will be the gateway to your exploration of Egypt’s ancient treasures.

🏛️ Day 2 – East & West Banks of Luxor + Sailing to Edfu

After breakfast, the day begins with a guided tour of Luxor’s East Bank. Here you will visit the Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious structure ever built. Dedicated primarily to the god Amun, Karnak is a sprawling site of colossal columns, towering obelisks, and intricately carved reliefs. The Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 massive columns, is one of the most awe‑inspiring architectural achievements of the ancient world.

Next, you will explore the Luxor Temple, a masterpiece of symmetry and grandeur. Unlike Karnak, Luxor Temple was not dedicated to a single god but rather to the rejuvenation of kingship. It was here that pharaohs were crowned and divine legitimacy was reinforced.

In the afternoon, cross to the West Bank of Luxor, the land of the dead in ancient Egyptian belief. Begin at the Valley of the Kings, the royal necropolis where pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried. The tombs, carved deep into the limestone hills, are decorated with vivid scenes from the Book of the Dead, guiding the pharaohs through the afterlife. Among the most famous is the tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered almost intact in 1922.

Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a striking mortuary temple built for Egypt’s most successful female pharaoh. Rising in terraces against the cliffs of Deir el‑Bahari, the temple is a marvel of design and symmetry. Finally, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood for over 3,000 years.

Return to the ship for lunch and begin sailing through the Esna Lock towards Edfu. Dinner and overnight onboard.

🦅 Day 3 – Edfu & Kom Ombo

After breakfast, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best‑preserved temples in Egypt. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this temple is dedicated to Horus, the falcon‑headed god of protection and kingship. Its walls depict the mythical battle between Horus and Seth, symbolizing the eternal struggle between order and chaos.

Sail onward to Kom Ombo, where you will explore the unique Temple of Kom Ombo. This unusual double temple is dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility and the Nile, and Horus the Elder, symbolizing protection. The temple’s symmetrical design reflects this dual dedication, with duplicate halls and sanctuaries. Nearby, you can also see mummified crocodiles displayed in the Crocodile Museum, a reminder of the sacred role these creatures played in ancient religion.

Lunch is served onboard as you continue sailing to Aswan. Dinner and overnight onboard in Aswan.

🐊 Day 4 – Aswan & Abu Simbel

Breakfast onboard before embarking on an excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples, one of Egypt’s most iconic monuments. Built by Ramses II in the 13th century BC, these colossal temples were carved directly into the mountainside. The Great Temple is aligned so that twice a year, the sun illuminates the inner sanctuary, a testament to the Egyptians’ advanced astronomical knowledge. The smaller temple, dedicated to Queen Nefertari, is equally impressive, celebrating the queen alongside the goddess Hathor.

These temples were relocated in the 1960s to save them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam, an engineering feat in itself.

Return to the cruise for lunch. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional excursion to a Nubian Village, where you can experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Egypt’s Nubian community. Dinner and overnight onboard.

✈️ Day 5 – Aswan → Cairo

After an early breakfast, visit the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This temple complex, relocated to Agilkia Island, is renowned for its graceful architecture and romantic setting on the Nile. Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, which offers insight into ancient stone‑working techniques. Had it been completed, it would have been the largest obelisk ever erected. Finally, see the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that transformed Egypt’s economy and landscape.

After lunch onboard, check out from the cruise and transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, check in at your five‑star hotel, enjoy dinner, and overnight stay.

🏜️ Day 6 – Ancient Marvels: Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis

Breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, built around 2580 BC, is a staggering achievement of engineering and remains a symbol of Egypt’s grandeur. Nearby, the Sphinx, with its lion’s body and human head, guards the plateau and continues to inspire mystery and legend.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Designed by the architect Imhotep, this pyramid represents the earliest large‑scale stone construction in history and marks the transition from mastaba tombs to true pyramids.

Continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. Here you will see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx, remnants of a city that was once the political and cultural heart of the kingdom. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

🕌 Day 7 – Grand Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Khan El Khalili

After breakfast, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the newest and largest archaeological museum in the world. Housing thousands of artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun, the museum offers an unparalleled journey through Egypt’s history.

Next, explore the Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortress built in the 12th century to defend Cairo against Crusaders. Within the citadel stands the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, with its Ottoman‑style domes and commanding views over Cairo.

In the afternoon, stroll through the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s most famous market. Here you can shop for spices, jewelry, textiles, and traditional crafts while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Old Cairo. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

🛫 Day 8 – Departure from Cairo

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some free time for last‑minute shopping or relaxation. Afterwards, check out and transfer to Cairo International Airport. Assistance will be provided with departure formalities before your flight back to Italy.

✅ Inclusions

• Airport transfers and assistance
• 4 nights Nile cruise (full board)
• 3 nights in Cairo at a 5★ hotel (half board)
• Domestic flight Aswan → Cairo
• Entry tickets as per itinerary
• Excursion to Abu Simbel included
• Italian‑speaking guide during visits
• Private air‑conditioned transport throughout the trip
• Lunches at local restaurants in Cairo

❌ Exclusions

• International flights Italy ↔ Egypt
• Egypt entry visa (€30 per person)
• Nubian Village excursion (€50 per person, optional)
• Drinks during the cruise
• Gala dinners (if organized by the hotel, payable directly)
• General tips (€45 per person, mandatory onsite – guide excluded)
• Personal expenses

📌 Notes

This program is designed for comfort and flexibility. Flight times may vary depending on local conditions. All visits are guaranteed, though the order may change for operational reasons. Prices are based on current taxes and fuel rates; significant changes may affect the final cost.

📩 Book your “Nile Dreams: 4 Nights Cruise & 3 Nights in Magical Cairo” package today with Intravel Tour and experience Egypt’s wonders in comfort and style. ✨