Morocco is home to a spiritually uplifting culture grounded by gracious hospitality and compelling customs. It stretches across fertile valleys, snow-capped mountains, two extensive coastlines and an immense desert. Every region harbors a distinct local culture, tied to a distant past that shapes Morocco’s distinguished personality.
Exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt makes for an incredible family journey. The Nile valley has long been the lifeblood for the region. After Cairo, your Nile cruise will take you from Aswan to Luxor's famed Valleys of the Kings and Queens, up the Nile to see how it has sustained this fascinating civilization.
Oct. 19 – 22 | Cairo
Oct. 22 – 24 | Aswan
Oct. 24 – 28 | Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise
Oct. 28 | Departure
Weather in Egypt in October can vary depending on the region you are visiting, as Egypt has a diverse climate due to its geographical features. In Cairo, daytime temperatures typically range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). You can expect minimal rainfall in October. In Luxor and Aswan, October is a great time to visit as temperatures are more comfortable, with daytime highs around 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). Minimal to no rainfall is expected in these areas.
It is polite to adhere to and show respect for local customs with what you wear. Women should not wear strappy dresses, miniskirts, shorts, or low-necked dresses in public places. Modest dress is particularly important when visiting mosques, synagogues, and churches. Ladies should wear loose-fitting, non-see-through clothes and shoulders should be covered.
Cairo is stunning, wild and possibly infuriating to some! The echoes of the calls to prayer five times a day are mingled with the never-ending, tuneless symphonies of traffic down dusty avenues. Cairo is a mega city with a constant buzz, home to 22-or-so million people. People there have exceptional humor and one of the most studied histories on earth. The energy in this city is one of a kind. It will leave you speechless in all the ways.
You will be greeted at the airplane exit area and assisted with customs clearance and luggage.
Booked by scenset.
Private transfer to your hotel in Giza.
Booked by scenset.
Check into your hotel and enjoy a recommended lunch at your hotel with views of the pyramids.
If you're interested, your guide and driver will take you to Khan El Khalili Market for a tantalizing experience! Khan El Khalili Market is a mesmerizing spectacle with the bustling lanes illuminated by a myriad of colorful lanterns and twinkling lights. The ambient sounds of vendors calling out their wares and traditional Arabic music create an enchanting atmosphere. The market's vibrant energy remains palpable as locals and tourists alike explore its labyrinthine alleys, discovering a captivating array of handcrafted treasures, spices, jewelry, and delectable street food. It's a captivating and unforgettable nocturnal experience in the heart of historic Cairo.
Booked by scenset.
You must stop by this famous café in the Khan El Khalili bazaar. The area has dozens of cafés, but this is the oldest, best known, and most frequented by locals. Here you can sip a Turkish coffee or mint tea; fresh juice; karkadeh, a hibiscus drink served hot or cold; and sahleb, a warm milk-based drink sprinkled with coconut and nuts. You can also have your shoes shined or smoke a shisha (water pipe).
Booked by scenset.
Zeeyara Restaurant is highly recommended for connoisseurs of Mediterranean and Egyptian cuisine. This establishment is known for its delectable pies that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The restaurant offers a great view and the staff are known to be exceptionally attentive.
Booked by scenset with Dinner Included
Why we love it for you: Marriott Mena House is a luxurious hotel located in Giza, Egypt, nestled in the shadow of the iconic pyramids. Its rich history dates back to 1869, offering guests a unique blend of modern comfort and historic charm. The hotel boasts stunning views of the Pyramids of Giza, which can be admired from many of its rooms and restaurants. With its unparalleled location and timeless elegance, Marriott Mena House provides an unforgettable and culturally immersive experience for travelers seeking to explore the wonders of ancient Egypt.
Marriott Mena House Cairo
Deluxe Guest Room
As the sun rises over Dahshour, Sakkara, and the Giza Pyramids, you embark on a captivating morning journey with your private guide. The serene ambiance of Dahshour's lesser-visited pyramids envelopes you in ancient history, allowing for intimate exploration. Moving to Sakkara, the Step Pyramid and its vast necropolis reveal the evolution of pyramid architecture. Next, you arrive at the iconic Giza Pyramids, basking in the soft morning light. Your guide's expertise brings these colossal structures to life, sharing tales of pharaohs and mysteries of the ancient world.
Booked by scenset.
After your tour of the Pyramids, your guide will escort you to 9 Pyramids for lunch.
Booked by scenset
Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Contact: will be provided
Greeting by your personal English-speaking Egyptologist at your hotel lobby and private transfer to the Grand Egyptian Museum for a guided tour. This is a world-renowned cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Egypt's rich history. It stands out for its remarkable collection of over 100,000 ancient artifacts, including the iconic treasures of King Tutankhamun, displayed in a state-of-the-art facility that provides an immersive and educational experience for visitors. This museum serves as a testament to Egypt's enduring legacy and commitment to preserving its archaeological heritage for future generations to appreciate.
Booked by scenset.
This evening we recommend dinner at a restaurant in New Giza. You will be transferred to and from the restaurant.
Recommended by scenset.
Marriott Mena House Cairo
Deluxe Guest Room
Explore the ancient Fortress of Babylon, a Roman-era stronghold constructed to safeguard Egypt from external threats. Within the fortress walls, you'll discover the venerable Church of St. Sergius, built upon a crypt believed to be one of the Holy Family's refuge points during their journey to Egypt two millennia ago. Witness the "Hanging Church," an architectural wonder held aloft by a single column, adorned with breathtaking interior paintings. Option to visit a synagogue, a testament to Egypt's once-vibrant Jewish community. Continue to Sultan Hassan Mosque and the elegant Refaai Mosque, the final resting place of the Shah of Iran, and the hallowed grounds of the Egyptian Royal Family's cemeteries.
Cairo is a city of contrasts and there is no better way to experience these contrasts than by exploring the Coptic and Islamic heritage. Explore the city's Coptic neighborhood followed by a tour of Rafai and Sultan Hassan mosques, two of the most spectacular architectural feats of Cairo.
Booked by scenset.
Have lunch in Cairo before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.
Explore the endless wealth of the Egyptian Museum, a worthwhile destination on its own. This museum is one of the world’s most important collections of ancient artifacts. Inside the great domed building, the glittering treasures of Tutankhamun and other great pharaohs lie alongside the mummies, jewelry, houseware, and toys of Ancient Egyptians whose names are lost to history.
Booked by scenset
Enjoy the rest of afternoon and evening at leisure. We recommend dinner at the hotel tonight.
Marriott Mena House Cairo
Deluxe Guest Room
Greeting by your host at your hotel and private transfer to the Cairo airport for your flight to Aswan.
Booked by scenset.
Arrival at Aswan airport where you will be greeted at the arrivals terminal and transferred to your hotel on the Nile.
Booked by scenset.
Why we love it for you: BenBen Hotel is a dare-to-be different destination, conveniently nestled on the old Nubian Island of Heissa, overlooking the serene city of Aswan and prioritizing the natural environment by applying best ecological practices. This Hotel, as an idea, was built with a passion for its beautiful location, the peace that exists here, and to offer something unique. The exceptional Nubian-style architecture and the majestic panoramic natural surroundings make this eco-friendly hotel the absolute recharging hideaway to discover your most refreshed self.
BenBen by Dhara
Deluxe Queen Room with Nile View
On the northern end of the First Cataract, marking ancient Egypt's southern frontier, Aswan has always been of great strategic importance. In ancient times it was a garrison town for the military campaigns against Nubia; its quarries provided the granite used for so many sculptures and obelisks. The river is wide, languorous and beautiful here, flowing gently down from Lake Nasser around dramatic black-granite boulders and palm-studded islands. Colorful Nubian villages run down to the water and stand out against the backdrop of the west bank's desert escarpment.
BenBen by Dhara
Deluxe Queen Room with Nile View
Embarkation will take place before lunch, which will be served on board once you're settled into your suites. In the afternoon, take feluccas down the Nile around Kitchener's Island and Agha Khan. Your afternoon tea will be followed by a traditional Nubian Folkloric Show on board.
Included by your cruise.
Why we love it for you: You will enjoy a spacious suite with private terraces, plasma TV with satellite channels and in-house movie programs, wireless internet connection, panoramic windows, direct line telephone, individual climate control, hair dryer, fully-purified water filtered and softened before distribution, mini bar, safe, and complimentary local wine upon check-in. Bathroom is equipped with full-size bathtub.
Sonesta Star Goddess
Mozart Suite
Booked by scenset
Embark on a journey to explore the remarkable sites of Egypt, starting with a visit to the High Dam, the Granite Quarries, and the Temple of Philae. By noon, the cruise will set sail towards Kom Ombo, where you'll savor a delicious lunch on board. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to visit the unique Temple shared by two gods, Sobek and Haeroris, in Kom Ombo. Later, the cruise continues to Edfu, with afternoon tea served. As the evening unfolds, you'll be treated to a warm Captain's Welcome Cocktail, followed by a sumptuous dinner on board. To cap off the day, you can unwind and enjoy live music in the lounge, making for a memorable and leisurely day of exploration and relaxation on the Nile.
Included by your cruise.
The Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel, was constructed to control the flooding of the Nile River and provide hydroelectric power. Visiting the dam offers an opportunity to witness the impressive scale of this structure and learn about its impact on Egypt's development.
Situated on an island in the Nile River, Philae Temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis. This beautiful temple complex was also relocated due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The site showcases stunning architecture, reliefs, and hieroglyphics.
Sonesta Star Goddess
Mozart Suite
Booked by scenset
Thursday's itinerary promises another exciting day of exploration along the Nile. Your day begins with a wake-up call in the morning, followed by breakfast served on board. You'll have the opportunity to visit the awe-inspiring Horus Temple in Edfu, a true marvel of ancient Egyptian architecture. Afterward, the cruise will set sail for Luxor in the late morning, allowing you to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Lunch will be served on board. In the afternoon, you can enjoy an afternoon tea, followed by dinner on board. The highlight of the evening will be the Galabeya Party, providing a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
Sonesta Star Goddess
Mozart Suite
Booked by scenset
The day's adventures begin with a visit to the enchanting West Bank, where you'll explore the legendary Valley of the Kings and Queens, as well as the awe-inspiring temple of Hatshepsut. A delightful lunch on board awaits in the early afternoon. In the afternoon, you'll journey to the East Bank, where the magnificent Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple await your exploration. As the day draws to a close, you can relax with afternoon tea. Later in the evening, a delectable dinner is served on board.
Luxor is like no other place on earth. Successor to the ancient city of Thebes, which served as Ancient Egypt’s capital for most of the Middle Kingdom (2055-1650 BC) and New Kingdom (1550-1077 BC), Luxor is situated at the very heart of mankind’s most antique past, embedded in five thousand years of Egyptian history.
With your private guide, visit the Karnak Temple Complex. This vast complex is one of the largest religious sites in the world, comprising several temples, pylons, obelisks, and the famous Hypostyle Hall. The Temple of Amun-Ra is a prominent highlight within Karnak.
Booked by scenset.
Explore Luxor Temple. Situated on the east bank of the Nile, Luxor Temple is an impressive ancient temple dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. It is known for its colossal statues, elegant colonnades, and magnificent entrance.
Located on the west bank of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings is an archaeological site that served as the burial place for many pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Visitors can explore elaborately decorated tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
Sonesta Star Goddess
Mozart Suite
Booked by scenset
Greeting at your cruise in Luxor and private transfer to the Luxor airport for your morning flight to Cairo.
Booked by scenset.
Once your international flight is confirmed, those details will be added here.
Booked Independently
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.