Inspiration Itinerary

The Nile in Style

Follow Egypt's lifeblood

The Nile in Style

Ancient Egypt was once one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world. Adventure, enchantment and luxury are all delivered on this incredible journey combining signature accommodation – from iconic hotels such as Sofitel’s Winter Palace in Luxor and the Old Cataract in Aswan to the Marriott Mena House, overlooking the pyramids, to a Nile cruise aboard an intimate river yacht. You will be the envy of all!

Follow the Nile Valley as it snakes its way into Upper Egypt from the capital of Cairo – home to the great Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) housing artifacts of ancient Egypt – including the complete Tutankhamun collection, to Aswan – teeming with temples and the perfect location to enjoy a sailboat ride aboard a traditional felucca and the opportunity to visit the fabulous temple of Abu Simbel, on the shores of Lake Nasser.

Boarding your small river yacht, representing the ultimate in luxury Nile cruises, you will follow the timeless landscapes of the Nile Valley passing traditional villages where farmers tend the fertile soil; stopping to wander the ancient temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo and, on arrival in Luxor, you will be enthralled by the Valley of the Kings and the spectacular remains of Karnak and Luxor Temples. On return to Cairo you will view ancient Coptic churches, spectacular Islamic architecture and have the opportunity to shop amongst the aromatic spice stalls and colourful bazaars of Khan el Khalili.

The sheer scope of Egypt’s history is monumental and you will often feel that you have been transported back in time to another century. This itinerary inspiration is an absolute treat for the senses!

14 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 | CAIRO | 2 NIGHTS | Marriot Mena House

Arrive in Cairo today and transfer to your stunning hotel overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza. Evening at leisure.

DAY 2 | CAIRO

Today visit the inspiring Pyramids themselves, the solar boat museum and the enigmatic Sphinx. Take in the panorama of the Giza Plateau on foot or riding a camel before travelling to Saqqara this afternoon to visit the oldest pyramids in the world at Saqqara.

DAY 3 | ASWAN | 3 NIGHTS | Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel

This morning we visit the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original great library of Alexandria & built to hold over 8 million books, before exploring the Qaitbay Citadel, a fortress built by Sultan Qaitbey in the 14th Century to defend Alexandria from the advances of the Ottoman Empure. Finally visit the Royal Jewellery Museum before returning to Cairo in time to take our flight to Aswan. On arrival in Aswan we check in to the new wing of the historic Old Cataract Hotel. Dating back to 1899 the original property was built by Thomas Cook to house European travellers, including Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher & Agatha Christie, whose novel “Death on the Nile” was set in the Palace.

DAY 4 | ASWAN

Board a traditional wooden felucca (sailboat) this morning to cruise the Nile relaxing and taking in the sights & sounds of the bustling shores of the city of Aswan with light lunch on board. Early afternoon at leisure; later we board a Nubian motorboat to travel along the Nile to a traditonal Nubian Village to enjoy an evening of music, dinner and dancing! Return to the Old Cataract Hotel for overnight .

DAY 5 | ASWAN

An early start to drive to Abu Simbel to view the iconic, commanding twin temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari. This entire site was moved here and reassembled to save it from the floodwaters created by the Aswan High Dam. Return to Aswan by road with a lunch stop enrout. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure with an optional visit to a perfumerie & a walk through the souk this evening. Dinner by own arrangements.

DAY 6 | NILE CRUISE | 4 NIGHTS | Sanctuary Sun Boat III

Board your 5-star deluxe Nile cruise boat, moored in a private dock in Aswan, where you will be welcomed by the reception staff. Lunch will be served on board. This afternoon you will have the chance to take a ride on a felucca (a typical Egyptian sail boat) around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (weather permitting, life jackets will be provided). Tonight, you will be greeted by your Boat Manager as you enjoy a selection of canapés with some complimentary Egyptian wine and local beer. A gourmet dinner will be served on board. Enjoy a Folkloric Show and Dervish Show after dinner.

DAY 7 | NILE CRUISE

A breakfast buffet will be served on board, followed by a short motorboat ride to visit the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilika. This will be followed by a visit to the Granite Quarries, which supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples, and still hold a huge unfinished obelisk. Later, an Egyptian cooking demonstration will be presented on board. Enjoy lunch, while you cruise to Kom Ombo and visit the magnificent Temple of Kom Ombo – dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. Tonight will be an “Egyptian Night” costume party for all guests, with a chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian “galabeyya”. Dinner will be a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by oriental music and dancing for everyone.

DAY 8 | NILE CRUISE

A breakfast buffet will be served on board. This morning, explore the extraordinary Temple of Horus and once you return to the boat, continue to enjoy your cruise onward to Esna, while enjoying your lunch. This afternoon, your Egyptologist will guide you round the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna. The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius; it was excavated from the silt that had accumulated through centuries of annual Nile floods and is about nine metres below present-day street
level.
Afternoon tea will be served while you sail to Luxor.
Tonight, a delicious dinner is served on board.

DAY 9 | NILE CRUISE

This morning, your Egyptologist will guide you around the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor, dedicated to the god Amun – and then onwards to the Temple of Karnak. After lunch, visit the Valley of the Kings. You will have the chance to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens, and visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. On the way back to the river Nile, you will pass by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn.
Return your luxury Nile Cruise boat where afternoon tea will be served in the lounge.
Tonight’s farewell dinner will be a gala dinner, with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine.

DAY 10 | LUXOR | 1 NIGHT | Sofitel Winter Palace & Spa

Disembark from your Nile cruise boat and check in to the famous Sofitel Winter Palace & Spa where you have the day at leisure on solid ground. Swim in the pool, indulge in the spa and later wander through the markets close to the hotel. The market is a bustling hive of activity at dusk and your guide is on hand to lead you through.

DAY 11 | CAIRO | 2 NIGHTS | Four Seasons Nile Plaza

Fly from Luxor to Cairo this morning and, on arrival, proceed straight to the new Egyptian Museum – home to an incredible collection including the treasures of Tutankhamun.

DAY 12 | CAIRO

This morning embark on a guided tour of the Old Islamic District of Cairo to visit the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, admiring the early Mamluk architecture, before viewing the twin‐towered Bab el‐Foutouh, a fortified gate in Cairo’s Old City walls & the entrance to the world’s oldest bazaar, built in 1382, Khan el‐Khalili. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore this vast souk housing all manner of treasures from carpets to jewellery and antiques to spices before spending your final evening in Egypt on the banks of the Nile.

DAY 13 | END OF ITINERARY

Your itinerary ends after breakfast today with a transfer to the airport for your outbound flight, or further adventures in Egypt!

WHERE YOU'LL STAY

Our handpicked selection of recommended accommodation

Marriott Mena House – Cairo

Overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza, Mena House offers perhaps the finest views in all of Cairo. Originally a hunting lodge, the hotel has an impressive history with a guest book of kings and emperors to match. It harks back to an era of outrageous opulence with the added benefit of modern-day luxury and contemporary elegance. Read More

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract – Aswan

Rising grandly from a pink granite shelf at the edge of the Nubian Desert with views of Elephantine Island, the five star Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan hotel sits within a 19th-century Victorian palace and blends a stunningly beautiful setting with ancient heritage and modern design. Read More

Sofitel Winter Palace – Luxor

The Hotel Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor is a 5-star luxury hotel on the banks of the river Nile in Luxor, set amidst ancient temples and tropical gardens. To stay in the Winter Palace Luxor is to experience the Egypt of old in all its ancient splendour and colonial glamour. Read More

Four Seasons at Nile Plaza – Cairo

Situated on the banks of the Nile with panoramic views Cairo and the pyramids beyond, the Four Seasons at Nile Plaza offers an iconic Egyptian experience. The rooms are luxurious and plush, styled with ornate light fittings, thick carpets, and golden colour palettes - gilded luxury fit for a pharaoh. Read More

NEED TO KNOW

12 awe-inspiring nights that can be shortened or extended to suit

Please enquire for pricing based on your preferences

START: Cairo, Egypt | Finish: Cairo, Egypt

Recommended Routings to Cairo | Emirates via Dubai | Etihad / Qantas via Abu Dhabi

This itinerary provides the perfect inspiration for a spectacular journey and can be tailored to suit your style, pace, preferences and budget. Elements of this trip may vary based on your chosen season and dates of travel and, once the departure dates of your chosen Nile Cruise plus the timing of internal flights is known, this may also present the opportunity to see & do even more!

Enquire Now

Hosted by...

Sarah Hoyland

Sarah is the Founder of our Journeys for Women collection and co-Director of The Classic Safari Company. Over the years she's travelled to all seven continents, visited over 63 countries, forged global lifelong friendships and honed her haggling skills to perfection! In her own words 'I am happiest when I am lost in a souk, on safari in Africa, travelling with my daughters or when I have the privilege of viewing wild and wonderful places afresh through the eyes of the ladies I host on our womens-only soirees!'.

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience

CALL 1300 130 218