The Classic Nile Tour

The Nile is a major north-flowing river in northeastern Africa, generally regarded as the longest river in the world. It is 6,650 km (4,130 miles) long. It runs through the ten countries of Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Egypt. The Nile has two major tributaries, the White Nile and Blue Nile. The White Nile is longer and rises in the Great Lakes region of central Africa, with the most distant source still undetermined but located in either Rwanda or Burundi. It flows north through Tanzania, Lake Victoria, Uganda and South Sudan. The Blue Nile is the source of most of the water and fertile soil. It begins at Lake Tana in Ethiopia at 12°02′09″N 037°15′53″E and flows into Sudan from the southeast. The two rivers meet near the Sudanese capital of Khartoum.

Day 1:
(Saturday) Arrive Cairo, clear immigration and customs then staff will transfer you to the Fairmount hotel. Overnight Cairo VISAS: All travelers to Egypt must have a visa. Citizens of most countries can obtain one on arrival. Please let us know what passport you are traveling with and we will confirm whether you can get yours on arrival.

Day 2:
Enjoy an international buffet breakfast and check out before spending the day at the Egyptian National Museum featuring King Tut's treasures. Afterwards staff transfers you to the airport, assists with checking in and you fly to Luxor. Arriving staff transfers you to your hotel. Overnight Luxor (B)

Day 3:
International buffet breakfast, check out, Staff will meet you for transfer to your Deluxe Five Star Nile Cruiser, the M/S Royal Viking or the M/S Amarco. Lunch on board then visit the East Bank of Luxor including the Temple of Luxor and Temple of Karnak. Overnight Luxor (B, L, D) Optional Tour of West bank sites not included in cruise: $95 per person (includes the Valley of the Queens, the tombs of the nobles and artisans, Medinet Habu, Ramessium, temple of Seti 1)

Day 4:
Breakfast, then visit the West Bank of Luxor including the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship for Lunch while sailing to Esna, cross the river lock, continues sailing to Edfu. Dinner. Overnight Edfu. (B, L, D)

Day 5:
Breakfast followed by a visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. After touring then return to the ship for lunch while sailing to Kom Ombo. Upon arrival in Kom Ombo visit the Temple of Two Gods. Dinner while sailing to Aswan. Overnight Aswan (B, L, D)

Day 6:
Breakfast then visit the Aswan High Dam, the Granite Quarries with the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae. Lunch on board then in the afternoon FREE BONUS: Sail on the Nile by Felucca (native sailboat). (Please note that these boats are solely wind powered, if there is no wind this will not operate). Dinner on board. Overnight Aswan (B, L, D) NOTE: Optional excursion to Abu Simbel including transfers, flights, guide, entry fees, service charges and taxes. (This is a morning excursion so if you go you will visit the antiquity sites in Aswan upon your return, then enjoy the Felucca)

Day 7:
Disembark the cruise. Staff will transfer you to the airport and assist with checking in for a flight to Cairo. Arriving, Visit the Giza Plateau featuring the Great Pyramid and Sphinx. After the tour staff will transfer you to the Fairmont Heliopolis hotel. Overnight Cairo (B)

Day 8:
Staff will transfer you to the airport; assist with exit formalities and checking in for your international departure.