Long Nile Cruise tour
Long Nile Cruise tour
Long Nile Cruise tour
14 Days Starting in 30.044420,31.235712 and ending in 24.088938,32.899829
Visiting: Egypt
Tour operator:
Tour code:
93
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This iconic tour combines the pyramids, sphinx and Egyptian Museum in Cairo with the newly available Long Nile Cruise which sails between Cairo and Aswan. The lower parts of the Nile between Cairo and Abydos have been closed for most Nile cruisers for the last 15 years, cruise tour offers you an exciting opportunity to be one of the first to sail this route which is now officially re-open.
The cruise follows the Nile south from Cairo all the way to Aswan and passes through some of the Nile Valley's most rural areas where you can really experience traditional Egyptian life along the parts of the Nile which very few tourists are able to see. You will also be able to visit some of Egypt's most famous monuments and historical sites such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings. You'll also have the opportunity to visit many more sites including Tel Amarna, Beni Hassan and Hermopolis which are rarely visited by tourists.
Currently very few boats are permitted to operate this route and due to continuing low tourist numbers to Egypt, long periods of time may pass in between sailings. Please confirm availability with us before booking any international flights. Shorter itineraries from Cairo-Luxor (12 days), Aswan-Cairo (13 days) and Luxor-Cairo (10 days) are also available on other dates - please ask for details.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Cairo: Transfer To Cruise Boat
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Dinner
We will meet you at Cairo Airport today and transfer you directly to your Nile Cruise boat. The remainder of today is free for you to settle in and relax on board. This evening will be spent moored up on the Nile in Cairo. Extra days in a hotel in Cairo are available if you would like to spend more time here.
Single room supplement, Extra day in Cairo - pre-tour
Day 2: Pyramids: Sphinx & Egyptian Museum Tours
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your Egyptian adventure begins today with tours to some of Egypt's most famous attractions. Your tour today will include the Pyramids and Sphinx in Giza, and the Egyptian Museum in central Cairo where you'll be able to view many of the treasures recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. You head into central Cairo today to learn more about Pharaonic history in the Egyptian Museum, home to the treasures from King Tutankhamuns Tomb. This evening will be spent on board your Nile Cruiser in Cairo.
Day 3: Full Day Sailing To Beni Suef
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a day for relaxation as we begin sailing south for Beni Suef. You'll have the whole day on board the Nile Cruise ship where you can witness rural Egyptian life along the banks of the Nile.
Day 4: Fayoum Region Sightseeing
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Sail South To Minya
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll begin sailing to Minya before breakfast today as the journey to Minya is a long one. We will aim to arrive in Minya shortly after lunch at around 2pm, where we'll have a full afternoon of tours. Your first tour this afternoon is to Tuna al Gebel where you'll be able to see the Tomb of Petosiris, which has a fusion of Greek and Egyptian styles. Later in the afternoon you'll also visit Ashmunein before rejoining the boat and spending the night on board in Minya.
Day 6: Visit Tel El Amarna & Beni Hassan
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is set to be one of the cruise highlights for the Ancient Egypt enthusiasts among us. After breakfast we'll visit the fabled city of Tel el Amarna. This ancient city, which was originally known as Akhetaton got its modern day name from the nearby village of El-Till and the name of a local Bedouin tribe. The ancient name, Akhetaton means 'the horizon of the solar disk' in the ancient Egyptian language. The heretic pharaoh, Akhenaten controversially moved the capital of Egypt to this location as a sign of devotion to the Aten god after establishing monotheism in Egypt. Following the death of Akhenaten his son, Tutankhamun moved the capital back to Thebes (modern day Luxor) and re-established the polytheistic religion, much to the delight of the local population. Akhetaton was then abandoned and almost completely forgotten. Today, archaeologists continue to work on the site and we eagerly await news on what treasures could be found.
Whilst in the area today you'll visit the northern tombs, the ruins of the great palace and the small and great temples of the Aten. After returning to the boat for lunch we'll visit Beni Hassan in the afternoon. The tombs at Beni Hassan help to demonstrate the transitional period between the Old Kingdom style Mastaba tombs and the famous deep cut tombs which were prevalent throughout the New Kingdom (which you'll see later in the tour at the Valley of the Kings). You'll have the opportunity to visit 4 tombs whilst at Beni Hassan. Overnight on board in Minya.
Day 7: Sail To Asyut
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you'll have the whole day on board the cruise whilst continuing to sail south to Asyut.
Day 8: Sail To Sohag: Visit Abydos
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we'll sail a little further south to Sohag, where we'll arrive at around 2pm. Our tour today will take us to Abydos, home to the legend of Osiris. The ancient Egyptian faithful believed that Osiris was resurrected at Abydos after he was killed by his brother Seth. Osiris was then given powers to become the lord of the Afterlife.
Whilst at Abydos you'll also have time to visit the temple of Seti I, who founded Abydos. The temple was never completed during the lifetime of Seti, but his famous son Ramses II completed it after taking rule. This evening onboard the cruise, there will be a black and white party onboard.
Day 9: Sail To Qena
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today whilst sailing south to Qena we'll pass through two interesting locks and under a railway bridge in the town of Nag Hammadi. This evening will be spent on board in Qena.
Day 10: Visit Dendera: Sail To Luxor
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast on board this morning, we'll travel the short distance to to the important temple of Dendera, which is dedicated to Hathor - the goddess of joy, dance and love. The ancient Egyptians also believed that Hathor had healing powers, so often brought the sick here to be cured. After spending time exploring the temple we'll rejoin the boat and sail the rest of the way to Luxor. In the evening a belly dancer will join the boat for some traditional entertainment.
Day 11: Luxor West Bank Tours
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luxor is often referred to as the world's largest outdoor musuem and this morning we start our tours to the West Bank of the Nile. Whilst here we'll visit the amazing Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut.
Hot air balloon in Luxor
Day 12: Luxor East Bank Tour: Sail To Edfu
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll have breakfast on board today before visiting the huge temple complex at Karnak and also Luxor temple in the centre of town. In ancient Thebes these two temples we're linked by a huge avenue of sphinxes, much of which has been restored in recent years. You have a little more free time in Luxor before the boat begins to sail further south towards Edfu where we'll spend the night on board.
Day 13: Edfu & Komombo: Sail To Aswan
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We visit the impressive Edfu Temple this morning, dedicated to the god Horus. The temple is often described as the best preserved temple in Egypt, so this visit is not to be missed. Continuing further south, towards Aswan, we'll visit the unusual double temple of Komombo which is dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. The unique design of the temple means that everything is perfectly symmetrical along the main temple axis. Whilst at the temple you may also have the opportunity to see one of the mummified crocodiles which are on display here. After your tours you'll sail the remainder of the way to Aswan where you'll spend the night on board.
Day 14: Aswan Sightseeing
Accommodation Name: Nile cruise boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning begins with a short boat trip to the beautiful island temple of Philae. We'll also have visits today to the Aswan High Dam which holds back the waters of Lake Nasser. After a break for lunch we'll visit the Nubian Museum in the afternoon where you can learn more about the Nubian people who inhabit much of southern Egypt.
Day 15: Tour Ends In Aswan: Transfer To Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour will officially come to an end today after breakfast, but we do recommend you consider taking our optional tour to the temples of Abu Simbel, located on the shores of Lake Nasser. If you do choose to visit Abu Simbel this morning, you'll have an early start and should expect to arrive back into Aswan by 1pm. We recommend booking a flight out of Aswan no earlier than 6pm in case of any delays on the road back from Abu Simbel.
We can assist with extra nights hotel accommodation in Aswan if required as well as international flights into Cairo and out of Aswan (these will return via Cairo with Egypt Air). Please ask for details.
Abu Simbel overland
What's Included
What's Not Included
-
- International flights (available on request)
- Visa fees (USD 25 available on arrival for most nationalities)
- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Single room supplements (chargeable if a same-sex room share is
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tipping kitty (allow US$55)
- Tour guide tips
- Cruise boat gala dinners (if charged by the boat on 24 & 31 Dec, see below)
More Info
This iconic tour combines the pyramids, sphinx and Egyptian Museum in Cairo with the newly available Long Nile Cruise which sails between Cairo and Aswan. The lower parts of the Nile between Cairo and Abydos have been closed for most Nile cruisers for the last 15 years, cruise tour offers you an exciting opportunity to be one of the first to sail this route which is now officially re-open. The cruise follows the Nile south from Cairo all the way to Aswan and passes through some of the Nile Valley's most rural areas where you can really experience traditional Egyptian life along the parts of the Nile which very few tourists are able to see. You will also be able to visit some of Egypt's most famous monuments and historical sites such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings. You'll also have the opportunity to visit many more sites including Tel Amarna, Beni Hassan and Hermopolis which are rarely visited by tourists. Currently very few boats are permitted to operate this route and due to continuing low tourist numbers to Egypt, long periods of time may pass in between sailings. Please confirm availability with us before booking any international flights. Shorter itineraries from Cairo-Luxor (12 days), Aswan-Cairo (13 days) and Luxor-Cairo (10 days) are also available on other dates - please ask for details.
Mode of Transport
A/C minibus/coach\
5-star deluxe cruise boat
Accommodation
5-star deluxe cruise boat
Check out our Q&As
-
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
Jordan: Tetanus, Hepatitis A
Israel: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis
Lebanon: Dipheria, Hepatitis A
Malaria is not generally present unless it has been contracted abroad; you do not need to take malaria prophylactics.
Note: We are aware of some places in Egypt using 'black henna' instead of pure brown henna. Black henna contains a chemical dye PPD (paraphenylenediamine) which can result in severe allergic reactions and resultant scarring. To be safe we recommend avoiding any henna tattoos while in Egypt unless you are certain they are using pure brown henna. -
What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is very much a part of Egyptian culture and customs. To make our prices more transparent and so it is easier for you to budget and less hassle while in Egypt, on our small group tours we organise a ‘Tipping Kitty’ which needs to be paid as a local payment and will be around US$30-80 depending on the length of your trip. Payment is collected in US Dollars cash or can also be paid with Egyptian Pounds or other currencies converted to US Dollars at our local monthly exchange rate, or by credit card (3% fee). This kitty provides tips for a wide range of people you’ll meet along the tour including hotel porters, housekeeping staff, train and station staff, drivers, site guards, local reps etc. Please check the Included/Excluded notes below the tour itinerary for more information on how much to budget for this kitty.
Your Egyptologist guide (and Bedouin guides in the desert) is not included in this kitty and you may tip them at the end of your tour subject to your satisfaction with and appreciation of the service they have provided. You should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. We are often asked to provide a guide however, and can suggest that approx. USD 10-15 per person per day would be appropriate.
Children under the age of 12 do not need to pay this tipping kitty.
On private/tailor-made tours we can also arrange a tipping kitty if you wish, or you can tip people as you go along the tour. Your guide will be happy to help advise either way. -
What is the maximum group size?
We are committed to being a small group operator, as we feel this gives everyone in the group the best chance to get to know their fellow travellers and to hear and make the most of their guide. There’s no point in us providing great guides if you’ve got to peer over 30-40 shoulders to see them! So, we won’t ever put you in a 50-seater coach with 49 other people and just one guide. Instead, we set our Egypt small-group departures to have a maximum of 18 travellers.
Shoestring tours have a maximum group size of 26. On dedicated Nile Cruise tours you may join larger boat groups for the sightseeing trips, though a supplement is always available for a private Egyptologist guide for these tours (requires advance booking).
Specialist escorted tours and workshops may have different group sizes. -
What currencies are required for this tour?
The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, often denoted 'LE'. The Egyptian Pound can vary significantly in value against the British Pound, but sticks fairly close to the value of the US Dollar. You do not need to arrange to bring any Egyptian Pounds with you to Egypt, as change facilities are available in all the hotels, airports and banks. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and many local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees.
While in Egypt you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in Egyptian Pounds. You may also need to pay for the tour Tipping Kitty and site Entrance Fees while you are in Egypt. Payments for these may be made to your tour guide in hard currency (USD, GBP, EUR) at the start of your tour. Please see your tour Included/Excluded details for more information and guideline amounts for these.
It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 15-25 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks. -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
We recommend that you contact your closest Egyptian consulate or embassy for current information for your nationality.
In general official advice is that all nationalities obtain their Egypt visas in advance, as we cannot guarantee that you can get them in the airport. An online e-visa is available through visa2egypt. Please do not use any other website as there are many scam sites offering Egypt e-visas.
In practice however, many nationalities (including British and European, Australian, New Zealand, USA) can and do obtain their visas on arrival in Cairo airport. The process is much quicker and simpler, the cost is currently US$25 p/p and must be paid in hard currency (i.e. GBP, USD or EUR) - you'll be given change in local currency if necessary. There are no forms to fill in and you don't need to bring passport photos. Visas are issued at one of the bank desks in the immigration hall, before you get to passport control. Our representative will have met you by this stage and will assist with the process.
Imporant Note: Due to recent changes in the visa regime for Canadians, a visa on arrival or e-visa will no longer be possible for Canadian Citizens entering Egypt after October 1st 2023. Until further notice Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa prior to arrival, from the nearest Egyptian Consulate.
All African & Indian nationals, and some others, will need to obtain their visas in advance.
For further information on your visa requirements, please either contact us or your local Egyptian embassy/consulate.
-
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
-
When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
-
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Tuesday
Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024Monday - Sunday
Nov 04, 2024 - Nov 17, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Feb 19, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025Monday - Sunday
Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Saturday - Friday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
May 08, 2025 - May 21, 2025Saturday - Friday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."