Signature: Egypt's Cairo, Luxor & the Nile Valley - 10 Days

Welcome to Egypt. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Cairo, a city where the desert winds carry the echoes of five thousand years of history. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Take a moment to absorb the energy of the capital — a metropolis of a thousand minarets where modern life buzzes against a backdrop of antiquity. In the evening, meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome reception and dinner with the group.

Stand in the colossal shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, feeling the heat radiating from the ancient limestone blocks that have watched over the desert for millennia. Leave the plateau for the fertile countryside to experience the the tour operator-supported Nawaya project. Share a warm, farm-to-table lunch in a verdant garden, prepared by local women reclaiming Egypt’s agricultural heritage. Discuss their vital work empowering women in rural communities before traveling to the necropolis of Şaqqārah. Here, explore the step pyramid of Djoser and the intricate, life-like carvings of the Mereruka Tomb, a masterpiece of the Old Kingdom that reveals daily life in ancient Egypt.

Depart early and fly to Aswan. On arrival, board a small ferry to Philae Temple, a sacred complex dedicated to Isis — the goddess of magic, motherhood, healing, and kingship — that was famously relocated to save it from rising waters after the dam was built. After exploring the colonnades, transfer to your elegant ship and settle into your cabin. In the afternoon, board a traditional wooden felucca for a sail to Elephantine Island. Wander through a vibrant village to a local home for tea and authentic interaction with a family, gaining a personal perspective on enduring Nubian culture. Return to the ship to freshen up before a delicious dinner as the lights of Aswan begin to shimmer across the Nile.

Fly to the edge of the Sahara to visit Abu Simbel, a magnificent architectural masterpiece carved into a mountain by Ramses II. Stand before the four giant statues of the Pharaoh himself and learn about the temple’s unique solar alignment. Then, return to Aswan and board your ship to begin sailing toward Kom Ombo. Along the way, attend a fascinating presentation detailing the history of the sites ahead. Upon arrival, explore the dual temple dedicated to Sobek — the ancient Egyptian crocodile god — and Haroeris, then visit the onsite museum to see ancient mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship for dinner as you begin an overnight sail to Edfu.

Experience the temple in near-silence at dawn with a private access pre-opening visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This Ptolemaic masterpiece features a grand pylon and intricate reliefs; wander the hypostyle hall before the crowds arrive to absorb the spiritual atmosphere. Return to the ship for a delicious breakfast as you sail toward Luxor. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on deck watching life along the Nile, spotting birds and more as you sail. Later, attend a presentation allowing for a deeper discussion on the day's discoveries. Enjoy dinner as the ship docks in Luxor.

Explore Luxor’s West Bank, starting at a G for Good project that empowers local youth through tourism training. Choose to cycle through the village or engage with students at the centre. Then, continue to the magnificent Habu Temple at the foot of the Theban Hills, and the striking Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel built into sheer cliffs. After a light lunch, cross to the East Bank to explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex — a monumental labyrinth of towering columns, sacred lakes, and awe-inspiring temples built by generations of pharaohs over 4,000 years. Check into your hotel and enjoy an optional evening visit to Luxor Temple when the columns are beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Dinner is served at your leisure at the hotel.

Return to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings — a UNESCO-listed site recognised for its immense historical and cultural value. Descend into the earth to witness the vibrant colours and preserved hieroglyphics within the royal tombs, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun. After lunch, fly back to Cairo and check into your beautiful hotel overlooking the Nile River. The travel day concludes with an elegant rooftop lounge experience. Enjoy a dinner of sophisticated tapas and drinks as the sun sets over the Nile, providing a panoramic view of the bustling city skyline below — the perfect transition from the quiet southern temples back to the energy of the capital.

Begin at the Saladin Citadel and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, then descend into Old Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. Wander through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar before you enjoy an atmospheric lunch with local music. The evening then features a private, after-hours access to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Here, visit the Royal Mummies gallery for a presentation on the science behind mummification. This intimate encounter provides a powerful perspective on ancient beliefs and practices. The evening is yours to do as you choose with dinner on your own.

Kick off the day experiencing the sheer scale of the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to the world’s largest collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. In the afternoon after lunch, you may choose to remain at the museum or return to the hotel to rest and enjoy free time. Gather with your Expedition Leader in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner. Set at a venue overlooking the eternal Nile, toast the memories of your Egyptian odyssey and the timeless wonders witnessed with your fellow travellers.

Your expedition to Egypt concludes today. After breakfast, individual transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.