Egypt: Jewels of the Nile with Tauck

On arrival in Cairo, you’ll be transferred to the iconic Marriott Mena House, your luxurious base for the next two nights. Once a royal hunting lodge, this historic hotel offers unrivalled views of the Great Pyramid and an elegant retreat from the city’s bustle. After settling in, join your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome reception and dinner – the perfect opportunity to relax, connect, and set the tone for your journey through Egypt’s timeless wonders.

This morning, set out for Giza with your expert guide to explore Egypt’s most iconic landmarks. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza – the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World – and stand before the legendary Sphinx, its lion’s body and regal head guarding the plateau for over three millennia. 

After an included lunch, enjoy a guided visit to Egypt's newest wonder, the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the largest archaeological museums in the world. Among the awe-inspiring displays you can see the complete collection of Tutankhamun's treasures, brought together again for the first time since they were discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.

This morning, fly from Luxor, once the great city of Thebes and today an extraordinary open-air museum of ancient wonders. On arrival, transfer to your elegant Oberoi Nile cruiser and settle in over a leisurely lunch on board.

This afternoon, join your group for an exclusive excursion to the Valley of the Queens and then the Valley of the Kings for a privileged after-hours visit, with access to the legendary tomb of Tutankhamun – discovered in 1922 and celebrated worldwide for its priceless treasures. Return to your ship this evening for a refined dinner as the Nile drifts quietly by.

Meet your expert guide this morning at the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex of its time. Spanning three main temples and numerous smaller sanctuaries, this vast site evolved over a thousand years. Explore its fascinating history and marvel at the Great Hypostyle Hall, where 134 towering columns create one of Egypt’s most iconic sights. Continue along the Avenue of Sphinxes to reach Luxor Temple, a masterpiece dating back to the 14th century BC, as your guide shares its remarkable story.

Return to your Nile cruiser for lunch on board, then spend a leisurely afternoon sailing towards Esna. Relax on deck and watch timeless scenes of life along the river unfold as you glide through the heart of Egypt.

This morning, step ashore at Edfu to explore the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved and most beautiful sanctuaries. Pass through its grand entrance, flanked by imposing falcon statues, and admire intricate reliefs that recount the birth of Horus and scenes of Ptolemaic rulers offering tribute to the gods. Built over nearly two centuries, this temple is a true masterpiece of ancient architecture.

Return to your cruiser as it sails towards Kom Ombo. Here, discover the remarkable twin temples standing just steps from the riverbank. Take time to study their unique carvings, including fascinating depictions believed to represent some of the earliest medical instruments in history.

Begin the day at the atmospheric ruins of the Monastery of St Simeon, once a thriving sanctuary for hundreds of monks and pilgrims before its destruction in the 12th century. Continue by boat to Agilkia Island to visit the sacred Temple of Isis at Philae, one of the last great monuments built in the classic Egyptian style and a masterpiece of devotion and artistry. Spend the afternoon relaxing as your ship glides towards Aswan. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a tranquil sail aboard a traditional felucca, a timeless wooden vessel that has graced these waters for centuries. Return to your cruiser for an elegant dinner on board.

Disembark your ship this morning for a flight to Abu Simbel, the Nubian village famed for its colossal temples carved into the sheer rock face. With your expert guide, uncover the story of these masterpieces, created during the reign of Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. Stand before the Great Temple, soaring nearly 30 metres high, and its smaller counterpart, both adorned with imposing statues of Ramesses and his queen, Nefertari.

Your journey continues with an afternoon flight back to Cairo, where you will be transferred to the opulent, riverside St Regis hotel, which offers outstanding views of the Nile and old Cairo.

Stay: The St Regis Cairo

After checking out, fly to Cairo and arrive late morning for a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant with your group. This afternoon, explore the Old Egyptian Museum with your expert guide. Home to the world’s largest collection of ancient artefacts, it includes many of the treasures uncovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb – a true highlight for history enthusiasts. Later, check into the St. Regis Cairo for the final two nights of your journey.

The next day, your last full day in Egypt, a guided exploration of Old Coptic Cairo, a historic district on the banks of the Nile. Discover sites dating back to the 6th century BC, including those said to have been visited by the Holy Family. Wander among Roman ruins, ancient Coptic churches and mosques before continuing to the magnificent Al Rifai Mosque or the Sultan Hassan Mosque, both masterpieces of Islamic architecture.

Stay: The St Regis Cairo

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be privately transferred to the airport to begin your journey home.