Classic Egypt Explorer

Arrive in the timeless city of Cairo, where ancient wonders and modern energy blend seamlessly. After clearing customs, you’ll be met by our local representative and transferred to the elegant Cairo Marriott Hotel, a historic palace property set on Zamalek Island. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind, explore the hotel’s lush gardens, or enjoy a relaxing evening overlooking the Nile.
 

After breakfast, begin your Egyptian adventure with a morning visit to the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx—icons that have inspired travelers for centuries. Enjoy a memorable lunch overlooking the pyramids, a setting that brings ancient history to life.

In the afternoon, explore the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Return to the hotel with the evening at leisure to dine or stroll along the Nile. (B,L)

This morning’s tour takes you to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, and Saqqara, where the Step Pyramid of Djoser marks the earliest monumental stone structure in the world. 

Lunch today will be at a local restaurant near Saqqara. After lunch we will drive back to our hotel in central Cairo. The afternoon and evening is free at leisure to enjoy the services of our hotel or explore this fascinating city at your own pace.   

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for our flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, settle into the tranquil Sonesta St. George Hotel, a 5‑star resort set on the banks of the Nile. Our rooms will be Nile View. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel’s gardens, pools, and river views. (B)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the resort’s amenities. For those wishing to explore further, an optional excursion is available to Dendera, home to one of Egypt’s best‑preserved temples with beautifully detailed astronomical ceilings and vibrant reliefs.

Whether you choose exploration or relaxation, today offers a perfect balance to your journey. (B)

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the treasures of Luxor’s East Bank, the heart of ancient Thebes. Your morning includes a guided visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple, a vast complex of sanctuaries, pylons, and sacred lakes that evolved over 2,000 years. Walk the impressive Avenue of the Sphinxes, once the ceremonial route linking Karnak to Luxor Temple, and feel the grandeur of Egypt’s pharaonic past come to life. 

After your visit, transfer to the Deluxe MS Concerto Plus, your elegant Nile cruise ship and home for the next stage of your journey. Enjoy a relaxing lunch on board as the ship settles into its mooring along the Nile.

In the early evening, experience the magic of Luxor Temple illuminated after sunset. The temple’s soaring columns and statues take on a golden glow, creating one of the most atmospheric moments of the entire trip. Return to the ship for dinner on board, and enjoy a peaceful night on the Nile. (B,L,D) 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before crossing to Luxor’s West Bank, home to some of the most extraordinary archaeological treasures in the world. Your morning begins in the Valley of the Kings, the royal necropolis of the New Kingdom pharaohs. Step inside several beautifully decorated tombs, their walls still glowing with ancient colour and mythological scenes. (Entrance to the Tomb of Tutankhamun is available at an additional fee for those who wish to visit this iconic site.)

Continue to the elegant Temple of Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of ancient architecture carved directly into the cliffs of Deir el‑Bahari. Learn the story of Egypt’s remarkable female pharaoh as you explore its terraces and colonnades. Before returning to the ship, pause at the towering Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues that have guarded the Theban plain for more than 3,000 years.

Return to the MS Concerto Plus for lunch on board, followed by a relaxing afternoon as the ship begins its journey south along the Nile. Take in the timeless scenery from the sun deck as you sail toward Edfu, watching rural life unfold along the riverbanks. Enjoy dinner on board this evening as your cruise continues through the heart of Upper Egypt. (B,L,D) 

The day begins with breakfast on board as your cruise continues its journey along the Nile. Step ashore in Edfu for a guided visit to the Temple of Horus, one of the best‑preserved temples in all of Egypt. Its towering pylons, intricate reliefs, and grand ceremonial spaces offer an extraordinary window into ancient religious life.

Return to the ship and enjoy lunch on board as you sail south toward Kom Ombo. The scenery along this stretch of the Nile is especially beautiful, with palm groves, small villages, and timeless river life unfolding along the banks. 

In the afternoon, visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dramatically perched above the river. Dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, this twin temple features symmetrical halls, fascinating medical reliefs, and a small museum displaying mummified crocodiles discovered in the area.

Rejoin the cruise for dinner on board, then relax on deck as the ship continues sailing toward Aswan, arriving later in the evening. The gentle movement of the river and the warm desert air create a perfect end to a day filled with history and unforgettable landscapes. (B,L,D)

Breakfast on board.  Your morning visit takes you to the enchanting Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and set on its own island. Reached by a short boat ride, Philae is one of Egypt’s most atmospheric temples, with graceful colonnades and stories carved in stone.

Return to the ship for lunch on board, then continue with an afternoon visit to the impressive High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that reshaped the Nile. Nearby, explore the Unfinished Obelisk, an immense monument left in place within the ancient granite quarries, offering a fascinating look at how these colossal structures were carved.

Enjoy dinner on board this evening as the sun sets over the river, and settle in for a peaceful night in Aswan. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, disembark the cruise and enjoy a classic Aswan experience: a gentle felucca sail on the Nile. These traditional wooden boats glide silently across the water, offering beautiful views of Elephantine Island, the Aga Khan Mausoleum, and the golden desert hills beyond.

Following your sail, transfer to the Aswan Airport for our flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, we will be met and transferred to the Cairo Marriott Hotel.  The remainder of the day is free at leisure. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, your day begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel and a scenic drive through the heart of Cairo. Your first stop is the Mohamed Ali Mosque, where sunlight filters through stained glass and panoramic views stretch across the city from the historic Citadel. Its soaring domes and elegant architecture offer a beautiful introduction to Cairo’s rich heritage. 

Continue to the Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of pharaonic treasures. As you explore its galleries, statues, royal artifacts, and ancient masterpieces bring Egypt’s storied past vividly to life.

Midday offers a relaxing lunch near the legendary Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the perfect prelude to your afternoon wander. After your meal, step into the bazaar’s lively maze of narrow lanes, discovering handcrafted jewelry, aromatic spices, brass lamps, and traditional cafés tucked between centuries‑old shops. There’s time to browse, shop, and soak in the atmosphere of one of the world’s oldest markets.

As the afternoon winds down, you’ll return to your hotel with the colours, sounds, and stories of Cairo still fresh in your mind.

Whether you choose adventure or relaxation, today offers a perfect balance before your journey back to Cairo. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to Cairo International Airport. Depart with memories of ancient wonders, vibrant cities, and the timeless beauty of the Nile. (B)