Splendours of Egypt - Classic Group, Summer - World Travellers Riccarton

Tour Description

Explore the splendours of Egypt on this 12-day tour. Cruise down the Nile and follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie for high tea at the Old Cataract Hotel. Continue down the Nile to Luxor, where you will see the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs — including the famous Tutankhamun — are buried. Later, break bread with a family in Geziret Bahirat, who will welcome you with stories of local life. In Cairo, marvel at the oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, before travelling to see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Pyramids of Giza. Stand face-to-face with the towering Sphinx and as night falls, watch a spectacular sound and light show dance across the ancient stones.

Priced From:

$ 8295pp ^*

From: 2026-04-01

To: 2026-10-28

Start Location: Cairo, Egypt

End Location: Cairo, Egypt

Trip Type: Ancient Civilizations

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

Arrive in Cairo

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino

Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll have time to unwind and explore its elegant amenities. Later, get acquainted with your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a drink, toasting the start of your Egyptian adventure.

Fly to Luxor, Cruise the Nile

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum to admire its impressive collection of ancient artefacts. In the evening, enjoy dinner on the ship and unwind at your leisure.

Exploring Dendera and on to Edfu

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

A day of legend and history awaits you as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it features a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarion, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime, return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey through the Esna Lock to Edfu.

Edfu to Aswan

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Start the day with breakfast as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo, before continuing on to the city of Aswan. Renowned for its archaeological sites, including the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portrays an appealing blend of ancient and contemporary Egypt. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.

Aswan’s High Dam and Temple of Isis

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan's High Dam and granite quarries, where you'll see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, which rises from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. Enjoy a retelling of the Nile flood and the stories of the goddesses Isis and Hathor in a Roman-style theatre. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship.

Feluccas and High Tea Relaxed Start

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Throughout your journey, you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your turn to explore one for yourself. On board this traditional vessel, meet a local sailor who shares the history and techniques behind navigating this culturally significant boat. Visit the local women’s co-op on your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and discover how scrap materials are transformed into fine handicrafts, supporting vulnerable women in the community. As the sun starts to set, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did. Round off the day with an atmospheric Sound and Light Show at Philae Island, where the temple’s illuminated facade becomes the stage for tales of Isis, Hathor and the sacred Nile.

Free Time and on to Kom Ombo Relaxed Start

Day 7

Duration: 1

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel. These temples overlook Lake Nasser and consist of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit Egypt's only double temple, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.

Cruising the Nile to Luxor Relaxed Start

Day 8

Duration: 1

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy the facilities on board and keep your cameras ready for the sights as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor Temple, where your ship will dock for the night.

Explore Luxor and fly to Cairo

Day 9

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino

This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. Delve into history seeing both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, as they regale you with fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.

Cairo Sightseeing

Day 10

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino

Ascend to the Citadel for sweeping views over the city. While here, visit the Alabaster Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, who is regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to the home of a remarkable collection of ancient artefacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.

Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza

Day 11

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino

Today, you’ll head to Memphis, the legendary capital of the ancient world. Once the heart of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, it was a flourishing centre of politics, religion and art. Marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx, believed to represent Queen Hatshepsut. Continue to Sakkara to view the extraordinary Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest in Egypt, designed by the architect Imhotep around 2700 B.C. This afternoon, journey to Giza to come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. Gather at your hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travellers to share canapes and a drink, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.

Depart Cairo

Day 12

Duration: 1

Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-04-12

twin

Child Price: 8925

Adult Price: 8925

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11952

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-04-19

twin

Child Price: 8925

Adult Price: 8925

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11952

Start Date: 2026-04-15

End Date: 2026-04-26

twin

Child Price: 8925

Adult Price: 8925

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11952

Start Date: 2026-04-22

End Date: 2026-05-03

twin

Child Price: 8925

Adult Price: 8925

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11952

Start Date: 2026-04-29

End Date: 2026-05-10

twin

Child Price: 8750

Adult Price: 8750

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11605

Start Date: 2026-05-20

End Date: 2026-05-31

twin

Child Price: 8295

Adult Price: 8295

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10841

Start Date: 2026-05-27

End Date: 2026-06-07

twin

Child Price: 8295

Adult Price: 8295

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10841

Start Date: 2026-06-10

End Date: 2026-06-21

twin

Child Price: 8295

Adult Price: 8295

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10841

Start Date: 2026-06-17

End Date: 2026-06-28

twin

Child Price: 8295

Adult Price: 8295

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10841

Start Date: 2026-07-01

End Date: 2026-07-12

twin

Child Price: 8350

Adult Price: 8350

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10945

Start Date: 2026-07-15

End Date: 2026-07-26

twin

Child Price: 8350

Adult Price: 8350

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10945

Start Date: 2026-07-22

End Date: 2026-08-02

twin

Child Price: 8350

Adult Price: 8350

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10945

Start Date: 2026-07-29

End Date: 2026-08-09

twin

Child Price: 8350

Adult Price: 8350

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10945

Start Date: 2026-08-19

End Date: 2026-08-30

twin

Child Price: 8350

Adult Price: 8350

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10945

Start Date: 2026-08-26

End Date: 2026-09-06

twin

Child Price: 8350

Adult Price: 8350

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10945

Start Date: 2026-09-02

End Date: 2026-09-13

twin

Child Price: 8350

Adult Price: 8350

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10945

Start Date: 2026-09-16

End Date: 2026-09-27

twin

Child Price: 8750

Adult Price: 8750

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11594

Start Date: 2026-09-23

End Date: 2026-10-04

twin

Child Price: 8825

Adult Price: 8825

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11743

Start Date: 2026-10-07

End Date: 2026-10-18

twin

Child Price: 8825

Adult Price: 8825

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11765

Start Date: 2026-10-14

End Date: 2026-10-25

twin

Child Price: 8825

Adult Price: 8825

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11765

Start Date: 2026-10-21

End Date: 2026-11-01

twin

Child Price: 8875

Adult Price: 8875

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 11864

Start Date: 2026-10-28

End Date: 2026-11-08

twin

Child Price: 8975

Adult Price: 8975

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 12062