Egypt: Pyramids & the Nile
Feb. 23 - March 4, 2025 | US$ 5,890 Superior Room | US$ 5,590 Deluxe Room
On this journey we will explore, with an expert Egyptologist, all the significant archaeological treasures and stellar museums in Cairo, cruise along the Nile River in style with exclusive use of a luxury dahabeya (a traditional Nile sailing vessel), go ashore to discover ancient Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sites, and journey to Abu Simbel to discover the impressive rock-hewn temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. This adventure is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience!
February 23, 2025: Flight to Cairo, Egypt
Upon arrival on February 23rd, Lisa will meet you and transfer you by private vehicle to the beautiful Kempinski Hotel Cairo, located directly on the east bank of the River Nile, in the heart of the Garden City historic quarter. It is conveniently located just minutes away from the Egyptian Museum, and has been voted one of the best hotels in North Africa & The Middle East. Settle into your lovely Medina Deluxe room. Overnight: Kempinski Hotel Cairo.
February 24, 25: Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum
On the 24th, after breakfast overlooking the Nile, we will start our adventure, accompanied by our private Egyptologist. Today we will visit the Giza Pyramids, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, and the nearby colossal Sphinx. There is an optional opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures and/or to ride a camel across the sands of Giza (optional activities can be paid directly). We will continue to learn more about ancient Egypt with a ‘sneak peak’ at the new Grand Egyptian Museum, or the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Enjoy dinner on your own, possibly at one of the restaurants inside our hotel. Included: B, L.
On the 25th, we dig a little deeper into Egypt’s past by visiting the ancient capital city of Memphis, the famous Step Pyramid of Zoser in nearby Saqqara, and some of the most impressive and historically significant pyramids in Dahshur. In the afternoon, we will head to one of Cairo’s most picturesque areas, taking in the paths and alleyways of Khan El Khalili bazaar (souk). We will end the evening with a traditional dinner at one of Cairo’s most iconic eaters and shisha bars. Overnight: Kempinski Cairo Hotel Included: Medina Room; B, L, D.
February 26: Fly to Abu Simbel & Aswan
Enjoy a final breakfast in Cairo, before transferring to the airport in time for your flight to Abu Simbel for a guided tour of this unique and interesting destination overlooking beautiful Lake Nasser. Known for the remarkable twin rock-cut temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari, it is even more remarkable that this entire site was disassembled and relocated in 1968 to higher ground to avoid it being submerged by floodwaters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
After spending a few hours in Abu Simbel, we will board our afternoon flight to Aswan, before transferring to our luxury Dahabiya called Kemet. Exclusively occupied by our group, Kemet maintains the classic Dahabiya look and feel, while incorporating authentic Egyptian furniture and décor elements with an infusion of modern style art, colours and utilitarian function. Overnight: The Kemet Dahabiya Included: B, D
Feb. 27,28, Mar. 1,2: Cruising the River Nile
We will spend the four days cruising slowly down the River Nile, going ashore to discover ancient Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sites. The voyage onboard Kemet explores the southern part of the Egyptian Nile Valley, starting in Aswan and travelling all the way north to Luxor. Most days on board will take on a leisurely rhythm, with gourmet meals, temple visits and a night of live music. The highest deck on the boat, the Stardeck, is a great place to view the surrounding landscapes glide by, sunbath or stargaze at night. During our Nile cruise, we will go ashore to visit ancient sites and temples including the Temple of Horus in Edfu (the falcon-headed god of the sky), the Temple of Haroeris, Sobek in Kom Ombo, Philae, and the High Dam.
On our last day (Mar. 2nd) on the Dahabiya, participants can elect to board a hot air balloon (at additional cost) as the sun rises over the African continent. After which, we will begin our exploration of Luxor, often referred to as an open air museum. The Nile River splits Luxor into two parts and we will spend our day exploring two of Egypt’s most spectacular sites – Karnak Temple complex and Luxor Temple. The West Bank was the ancient Egyptian necropolis, and located here are the famous tombs in the Valley of the Kings (where the tomb of King Tut was discovered), the Valley of the Queens, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Overnight: The Kemet Dahabiya Included: B, L, D
March 3: Fly from Luxor to Cairo
This morning we will be met by our driver and driven to the airport for our flight (included) back to Cairo. Upon arrival, we will spend out last day in Egypt by visiting the National Museum of Civilization which houses 50,000 artifacts from pre-historic time to present, and a collection of 22 mummies (18 kings and 4 queens) on display in the Royal Mummies Hall. Later, we will tour Old Cairo, within the boundaries of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. For 300 years, Egypt was a Christian nation and the most famous Coptic church in Cairo – El Muallaqa – is located in Old Cairo. Enjoy a final dinner together in downtown Cairo, before returning to our hotel for the night. Overnight: Kempinski Hotel Cairo Included: B, D.
March 4: Cairo Departure Flight
After breakfast, proceed to the airport terminal for your international flight home, with visions of pyramids and pharaohs dancing in your head!
Included for this adventure:
- En-suite accommodations (based on double occupancy) and all meals as per the itinerary.
- Exclusive transport in private, air conditioned vehicles.
- Services of exceptional English-speaking Egyptologist, knowledgeable of local region and culture.
- Complimentary bottled drinking water with all your meals.
- Snacks, hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages, fresh juices, and mineral water on board Kemet.
- Three domestic flights as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All site entry fees, airport transfers, and departure taxes.
- Leadership in ethical, socially responsible practices.
- Complete pre-departure information including packing lists, trip itinerary, and flight details.
Not included:
- International airfare.
- Travel/medical/cancellation/interruption insurance.
- Single Supplement (if you would like your own room).
- Alcohol on board Kemet, or at meals.
- Passport fees, and Tourist Entry Visa.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and boat staff.
- Any optional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Souvenirs, laundry, and items of a personal nature.