Egypt & Nile River Cruise



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Pharaohs and pyramids, sultans and souks, temples and tombs.
Descend into a world of ancient wonders to discover the lands behind the legends. Walk past towering stone icons, through avenues of sphinxes, and into royal valleys amid the desert sands. Then, cruise down the Nile and anchor at remote islands and beside the Theban Hills. End your adventure in Cairo, where historic mosques mingle with today’s modern bustle.
Your tour package includes
- 6 nights in handpicked hotels
- 4 nights aboard a Nile River cruise ship
- 10 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 9 dinners with beer or wine
Included highlights
- Pyramids of Giza
- Great Sphinx
- Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
- Temples of Karnak and Luxor
- Luxor Museum

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itinerary
Board your overnight flight to Cairo today.
Welcome to Egypt! Arrive in Cairo and transfer to Giza.
This evening, enjoy an included dinner.
Spend the day exploring Cairo on a sightseeing tour lead by your Egyptologist.
- Visit the citadel that was built in the 12th century by mighty Salah el-Din and originally used as a fortress before it became the residence of the Sultans until 1850
- Stop at Mohammed Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque
- Enter the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, which houses the famous masks of Tutankhamun
Please note: Travelers will not be able to enter the mummy room as it’s moved to a different museum. Additionally, the visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities will be replaced with a visit to the new Grand Egyptian Museum on day 4 once it opens.
Gather with your group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Meet up with a professional Egyptologist, who’s also your Tour Director, and set off on a guided tour of Giza.
- Uncover the Pyramids of Giza, the only Wonder of the Ancient World to have survived the modern era
- Visit the enigmatic Great Sphinx, the largest monolith statue in the world
- Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant
- Continue to Saqqara, the pharaohs’ royal graveyard for more than 3,000 years
- Visit a carpet factory to learn about the traditional Egyptian textile industry and enjoy a cup of tea
Spend a free afternoon in Giza or add an excursion.

Cairo Home-Hosted Dinner
From $165 per person
Please note: Some cruise departures will follow days 5–9 in reverse. Travelers may purchase a sunrise hot air balloon excursion directly from your Tour Director.
Fly to Luxor and set off on a guided tour. You’ll step inside the Luxor Museum to see one of the world's highest-quality collections of Egyptian artifacts, including a statue recovered from King Tutankhamen's tomb.
Board your cruise ship this afternoon and enjoy an included lunch before seeing the painstakingly excavated Temple of Karnak and Luxor, once connected by an avenue of sphinxes.
- Enter Karnak Temple for a walking tour through the complex to see the Precinct of Amun Re, walls of hieroglyphics, and the Temple of Khonsu
- Visit a papyrus shop to learn about traditional Egyptian paper and enjoy free time to shop
- Take an early evening walking tour through Luxor Temple, located on the banks of the Nile River
- View obelisks, statues, and the Abu Haggag Mosque
Sit down for an included dinner aboard the ship this evening.
Spend the day touring the Nile’s West Bank with your Egyptologist as your guide.
- Explore the Valley of the Kings, a series of tombs hidden in the Theban hills
- Tour the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, devoted to one of the few female pharaohs
- View the 64-foot-high Colossi of Memnon
This afternoon, enjoy an included lunch before sailing toward Edfu. Then, sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Continue your exploration of the wonders of Egypt today.
- Sail along the Nile and learn about the region during an engaging talk led by your Egyptologist from the comfort of the ship
- Ask questions to discover more about the country’s history from your Egyptologist
- Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
- Dock in Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, built during the Greco-Roman period and noted for its twin deities, Sobek and Horus
Later today, arrive in the busy market city of Aswan and sit down for an included dinner aboard the ship.
Enjoy a free morning on board the ship or add an excursion.
Please note: Depending on flight schedules, the Abu Simbel optional excursion may be offered on day 9 instead of day 8.
Later, enjoy an included lunch before climbing aboard a felucca, a traditional sailboat, to ride past Elephantine Island.
- See the dark granite rocks that resemble a herd of elephants bathing in the river
- Take in panoramic views of the water from the Mausoleum of Aga Khan
Sit down for an included dinner aboard the ship this evening.

Abu Simbel
From $529 per person
Disembark your cruise in Aswan and set off on a sightseeing tour of the city led by your Egyptologist.
- See the Aswan High Dam, one of the crowning achievements of modern Egypt
- Board a boat and visit the temples at Philae, located on an island in the Nile River
- Walk through the local market and stop at a perfume oil shop to learn about Frankincense and other natural remedies
Spend a free afternoon in Aswan or add an excursion.
Sit down for an included dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Nubian Village Visit
From $89 per person
Fly to Cairo this morning and spend free time exploring the city at your leisure.
After sitting down for an included dinner, enjoy a free evening in Cairo.
Spend today in the oldest part of Cairo as you explore the labyrinth like alleys, ancient churches, and ornate mosques as you learn more about Egypt’s history.
- Enter the Hanging Church, one of the oldest churches dating back to the 3rd century
- Step inside the Ben Ezra Synagogue and view its ornate Turkish style interior that is a place of pilgrimage for North African Jews
Then, transfer to the Gayer-Anderson Museum, once a classic Islamic home now showcases Egyptian art, carpets, other unique/rare collectables.
Celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers during tonight’s farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Transfer to the airport to board your flight home. If you are continuing your tour in Jordan, fly to Amman today.
Fly to Amman, Jordan this morning and transfer to Petra. Then, sit down for an included dinner.
Head to the city of Petra, which was carved into the red rocks of Mount Hor, and embark on a guided tour.
- Learn about Petra’s unique architecture, one of the reasons it was named to the list of modern world wonders
- Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to the famous Al-Khazneh temple
- See the intricately carved pillars and columns that make up the Palace Tomb
- Stroll through the winding gorge known as the Siq
Please note: In order to enter Petra, customers should be able to walk two miles round-trip in hot weather over uneven terrain. Other modes of transportation may be available for you to book upon your arrival at an additional cost.
Spend a free evening in Petra or add an excursion.

Jordanian Home-Hosted Dinner
From $75 per person
Today, further explore the history and culture of Jordan on guided tours before continuing on to Amman, the capital city.
- Visit Madaba to tour the City of Mosaics and visit St. George’s Church
- Stop at Mount Nebo, Moses’ burial site, and Wadi Mujib
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Spend your last day in Jordan getting to know the city of Amman and relaxing in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea.
- Take a guided tour of the Jordanian capital, entering the citadel and Roman theater
- Travel to the Dead Sea for time to float in the salty water and share a farewell lunch with your fellow travelers
Later, return to Amman to board your late-night flight home.
Arrive home after your overnight flight.
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Reviews
4.6 star rating
Overall rating 4.6 out of 5
4.0 star rating
5.0 star rating
Overall, the trip was awesome, checked all the boxes for me. Many thanks to Dalia, our Tour Director, she made our trip a great experience. We learned a lot about Egypt's rich and ancient history. We also experienced cultural immersion throughout the tour period, from shopping at the Aswan market t...
Thank you for sharing your positive experience and...
4.0 star rating
Egypt and Jordan are amazing. this is truly a once in a lifetime trip. there is so much to see and do. I recommend flying in early so you can spend some time going to the sites not on the tour.
Thank you for your review, we are so glad to hear ...
Traveler photos






Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
This modern hotel is located outside of Giza. Guests enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, fitness area, restaurant, and bar options. Nearby you’ll find the...
This luxury ship cruises along the nile and features spacious cabins, gourmet meals, outdoor pool, spa, nightly shows, and more.
This resort-style hotel is located on Elephantine Island in Aswan. Guests enjoy a pool, tennis courts, and laundry services. Nearby, you’ll find Kitch...
This classic hotel is located in the Zamalek Island district of Cairo. Guests enjoy 15 restaurant options to choose from, outdoor pool, and fitness ce...

This unique, rustic-chic hotel is located in the town of Wadi Musa, Jordan. Guests enjoy a swimming pool, sauna, restaurant, and bar. Nearby, you’ll f...

This bold hotel is located in the Al-Abdali district of Amman, Jordan. Guests enjoy yoga on the sun terrace, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Nearby you’ll...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ- In order to enter Egypt (and Jordan on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in order to enter Egypt. U.S. citizens can purchase your visa at the airport upon arrival for $25. The entry authorities require exact change in crisp, new bills. You can also purchase your visa in advance by using a visa provider, such as our partner VisaCentral. Additionally, you can opt to purchase an electronic visa on the Egyptian Electronic Visa Portal website (Please note: Canadian citizens may only obtain a visa directly from the Egyptian Embassy or consulate). Passport control officers at ports of entry can verify your e-visa in their systems. However, we advise keeping either a digital or hard copy of your e-visa in case of any system failures.
- A group visa for entry into Jordan (on the tour extension) will be provided for all travelers whose flights have been arranged through Go Ahead Tours, as well as for travelers who book their own flights and provide Go Ahead Tours with their full passport and flight details.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ENE.
- You will walk for at least 2.5 hours daily across uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets and paved roads, with some hills and stairs.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
- You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of small boats.
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- Your Tour Director, who’s also an Egyptologist, will be with you throughout the duration of your Egypt tour. There will also be additional staff working alongside your Tour Director to confirm logistics, as well as assist with transfers and on-tour flights. Having these staffers, who are solely focused on ensuring all on-tour logistics go smoothly, allows your Tour Director to dedicate even more one-on-one time to teaching your group about Egyptian history and culture. While it’s customary to tip your Tour Director, you don’t need to tip these additional staff members.
- You will have a different Tour Director in Jordan on the tour extension.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Cairo (or from Amman on tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
- Flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes flights from Cairo and Amman.)
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered, as well as a light jacket or rainwear. While many places in Egypt have a warm, sunny climate, the desert can be very cold at night and temperatures will dip with changes in elevation throughout your tour. Therefore, we also recommend packing a few long sleeve shirts and warmer layers to wear at night.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is recommended for outdoor activities.
- A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while on the road.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit mosques or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders (entrance may be denied on this basis).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- Please be sure to take proper care with sun exposure, the sun can be especially strong in some of the areas you are visiting.
- Drink bottled water only. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
- Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
- Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
- Public restrooms in Egypt can be quite bare. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you.
- Depending on season and weather patterns, air pollution in Cairo may be problematic for travelers with a history of respiratory problems. Based on your health history, please discuss any precautions with your healthcare provider prior to departure.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
- Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications may be banned in one or all of the countries on this tour. Importing these drugs can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to departure to ensure that any drugs you may want to bring with you are legal in all countries you will visit.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ENE.
- Egyptian cuisine uses the bountiful harvests of the Nile Valley—corn, eggplant, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, chickpeas, and citrus fruits are popular in many dishes. Don’t miss out on Egyptian interpretations of typical Mediterranean staples like baba ghanoush, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves. Tea is the national drink and is offered at breakfast, after lunch, and in most social situations.
- Meal times vary greatly in Egypt and locals often skip lunch. While on tour, breakfast will be served around 8am and lunch is often served around 3pm. Therefore, we recommended bringing energy bars, crackers, or other packable snacks with you during the day.
- On the tour extension, Jordanian cuisine resembles that of the rest of the Middle East. Olives, hummus, sesame seeds, and herbs are typical in many meals. Falafel is the main street food and many meals are served with rice. Hummus and salad are also popular and available at many restaurants. You'll find plenty of opportunities to sip mint tea or Turkish coffee.
- Egypt operates on 220 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two round pins.
- Jordan, on the tour extension, operates on 220 volts and uses Type C or G plugs with two round pins or three flat pins, respectively.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- The strength of the air conditioning in hotels in these regions is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
- Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
- You will use the Egyptian pound in Egypt (and the Jordanian dinar on the tour extension).
- Better rates of exchange are usually available abroad, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- You may find it useful to have a supply of U.S. currency in small denominations when bargaining for everything from taxi rides to souvenirs.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director, $1USD per person per day for the bus helper, $3USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- In Egypt, tipping is an important part of the local culture and you will be expected to tip for services including, but not limited to, taking photos in some areas or seeing additional exhibits. Travelers should carry small bills (in USD) for this purpose.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
- Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
- Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
- Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
- As dictated by Egyptian Tourism Police, all foreign groups must be accompanied by an armed guard and/or convoy.
- Be aware of your surroundings, as pickpockets are active at most tourist sites. We recommend leaving your passport in the hotel safe, and concealing credit cards and cash in a money belt or a hidden pouch.
- Bring photocopies of your passport, credit cards, and other important documents. Keep them separate from the originals.
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4.6 star rating