Egypt: Pyramids & the Nile
Nov. 30 - Dec. 8, 2026 | US$ 6,590 Superior Room | US$ 6,290 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!
November 30, 2026: Flight to Cairo, Egypt
Upon arrival at Cairo Airport (CAI) on November 30, you will be met by our on-the-ground representative who will whisk you through the VISA process as part of our VIP experience. You will then be transferred, by private vehicle, to the beautiful Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah hotel (Luxury Nile View Room). Located at the tip of El Gezirah Island in the centre of the Nile, Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah is an oasis of luxury and tranquility in the heart of Egypt’s vibrant capital.
December 1, 2: Dahsur, Saqqara, Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum
After a full breakfast at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, we dig 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. Overnight in Cairo: Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah hotel, Luxury Nile View Room
On December 2nd, after breakfast overlooking the Nile, we will continue our adventure, again 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).
Here we will continue to learn more about ancient Egypt with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Expected to be fully opened in July 2025, the GEM will be the largest archaeological museum complex in the world and host to more than 100,000 artifacts. For the first time ever, King Tut’s entire treasure collection will be on display alongside artifacts from prehistoric times through Egypt’s many thousands of years of pharaonic civilization through the [comparatively] more modern ancient Greek and Roman periods of Egyptian history. Overnight in Cairo: Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah hotel, Luxury Nile View Room (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
December 3: Fly to Abu Simbel & Aswan
Enjoy a final breakfast in Cairo before transferring to the airport for our flight (included) 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 flight (included) to the town of Aswan. In the afternoon we will visit Aswan’s Nubian Museum, which artfully displays the parallel histories of the Nubian and Egyptian empires through artifacts not found in any other museum in Egypt. We will also shop like the locals by taking a stroll through Aswan’s outdoor market (aka “souq” in Arabic) consisting of vendors selling everything imaginable. Overnight in Aswan: Movenpick Resort Aswan, Superior Nile View Room (Breakfast and Dinner included).
December 4,5,6,7: Cruising the River Nile
After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and first visit the world-famous Aswan High Dam, followed by the Philae Temple, a temple dedicated to the goddess Isis (goddess of motherhood, healing, and birth), her husband Osiris, and her son Horus. We will then transfer to our luxury Dahabiya – called Kemet – in time for a delicious lunch prepared by our private chef. 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 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).
During our 4-night sail along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor, we have planned a curated adventure with guided temple visits, nature and history excursions, stargazing, relaxation, and entertainment. Most days on board will take on a leisurely rhythm, with gourmet meals, temple visits and time for relaxation in between. 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.
On December 5th, we will visit El Silsila Quarry Temple in the early morning, followed by a walk among the mango and banana trees on the Island of Bassau. Enjoy a smooth sailing experience among breathtaking scenery for the rest of the day. On the 6th, we will visit Esna town and temple in the morning, pass the levy and continue to Mellons Island for a BBQ picnic dinner on the shore. And on December 7th, we will explore the west bank sites of Luxor, including several tombs in the Valley of the Kings (where the tomb of King Tut was discovered), the temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Around sunset we will visit the beautiful Temple of Luxor. Overnight: The Kemet Dahabiya (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).
Note: For those who don’t mind a VERY early wake-up call, when in Luxor guests can elect to board a hot air balloon (at additional cost, and weather permitting) to watch the sun rise over the Nile River.
December 8: Fly Luxor to Cairo & Depart
After our final breakfast onboard Kemet, we will bid farewell to the amazing crew and head out to explore our last site – Karnak Temple. This complex comprises a vast mix of temples, pylons, chapels, and other buildings and is the largest complex in all of Egypt. After our visit, we will be transferred back to the Luxor Airport in time for our flight (included) back to Cairo. Our time together ends upon arrival at the Cairo airport, with incredible memories and photos of our Egypt experience!
Included for this adventure:
- Tourist Entry Visa on arrival (no need to apply for a VISA in advance)
- En-suite accommodations (based on double occupancy)
- All meals as per the itinerary.
- Exclusive transport in private, air conditioned vehicles.
- Services of English-speaking Egyptologist, knowledgeable of 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
- Leadership in ethical, socially responsible practices.
- Complete pre-departure information including packing lists, trip itinerary, and flight details.
- All tips EXCEPT for those to the Kemet Dahabiya staff (this is at your discretion, guidance will be provided).
Not included:
- International airfare.
- Travel/medical insurance.
- Single Supplement (if you would like your own room).
- Alcohol on board Kemet, or at meals.
- Passport fees
- Gratuities for your Kemet boat staff.
- Any optional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Souvenirs, laundry, and items of a personal nature.