Splendors of Egypt and Nile

Pricing is based on departure date 1st March 2025

Plan in advance and take advantage of latest offers with range of departure dates available.

Cruise Overview

Cruise the Nile in a manner once reserved for queens and pharaohs.

For 12 adventure-filled days, experience Egypt and the Nile’s most wondrous sites in style and luxury.* Wander amongst the towering ruins of the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest ancient religious complex, and the entrancing Temple of Luxor. Follow in the footsteps of renowned scholars and explorers as you venture forth into the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty.

This captivating itinerary begins and ends in Cairo, where you’ll visit the famous Egyptian Museum and its unrivaled collection of pharaonic artifacts. Journey to Giza to gaze upon the mighty ancient Pyramids and the Sphinx.

Generations Family Program (select River Tosca sailings): These cruise/tours feature unique, fun-filled adventures for youngsters and are packed with culturally and historically significant experiences. There will also be an opportunity to meet local children—if your family would like to bring a gift to share with the children (such as school supplies, books, balls or games) it is welcomed.

Itinerary highlights:

Ship: S.S. Sphinx

Cabin: French Balcony 

Sail Date: 1st March 2025

Duration: 11 Nights 

Day 1: Cairo

Arrive at Cairo International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the opulent Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or to the stunning Nile Ritz-Carlton (or similar).

Day 2: Cairo

The ancient quarter of Cairo is intense—the colors, the sounds, the density of people—and it’s likely been this way for thousands of years. Your local expert will show you a 12th-century citadel, the beautiful Alabaster Mosque and an unsurpassed collection of priceless artifacts, including mind-boggling treasures once buried with the boy king Tutankhamen.

Note: Dressing modestly is recommended as a show of respect for the culture and customs of the Egyptian people. In particular, women should ensure that shoulders are covered and legs are concealed at least to the knee on all shore excursions throughout this itinerary.

Day 3: Cairo, Fly to Luxor (Embark) Cruising the Nile River, Dendera 

Prepare to be amazed at the legendary Temple of Karnak, a massive and absolutely astounding site, with gigantic columns, broad avenues lined with stone sphinxes and halls of truly epic proportions. This evening, you’ll revel in a Welcome Reception and Dinner onboard.

Note: Flights to Luxor depart early in the morning to take advantage of more favorable weather and traffic conditions, and to optimize tour scheduling.

Before dinner onboard this evening, guests will be treated to a folkloric dance performance. A local band of dancers, in traditional costumes representing different Egyptian districts, will perform a Whirling Dervish show.

Day 4: Dendera, Cruising the Nile River, Luxor

Like its twin shrine, the Temple of Karnak, the Temple of Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes, the once flourishing capital of Egypt’s New Kingdom. It was built over hundreds of years and even in ruins it is still an extraordinary place. You’ll also visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty.

Day 5: Luxor, Cruising the Nile River, Kom Ombo

The word “colossal” will take on a whole new meaning after today’s excursion to the gigantic twin statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. And that’s just the beginning—you’ll also visit the temple of one of Egypt’s rare female pharaohs as well as the Valley of the Kings, used as a royal burial place for nearly 500 years and where the mummified remains of Tutankhamen are on display.

Day 6: Kom Ombo, Cruising the Nile River, Aswan

After dinner onboard tonight, guests will enjoy a Galabeya Party with music, dancing and singing by crew members. Guests are encouraged to bring their own Galabeya clothing.

After visiting a temple dedicated to a crocodile god today (don’t miss the display of some of the 300 mummified crocs found in the local area), hop aboard a small boat for a bird-watching excursion along the Nile.

Day 7: Aswan 

Today is an epic day, filled with wonders from start to finish. You’ll visit a marvel of modern engineering—the Aswan High Dam—as well as the Unfinished Obelisk and the beautiful Philae Temple complex, which was moved from one island to another back in the 1970s. But wait, there’s more. You’ll also take a ride in a felucca—a traditional Egyptian sailboat—and enjoy afternoon tea at a famous hotel depicted in Agatha Christie’s novel Death on the Nile.

After dinner onboard this evening, you’ll be treated to an enchanting Nubian show featuring traditionally attired performers, live music and dancing.

Day 8: Aswan, Cruising the Nile River, Edfu

Spend the day at leisure or join us for an optional excursion to see the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.

Day 9: Esna, Cruising the Nile River, Luxor

On today’s excursion, you’ll learn how the Temple of Esna was buried under debris for many centuries and is one of the last great Egyptian temples ever built. Your Egyptologist guide will share all sorts of fascinating insights about this significant cultural site and show you the façade bearing the last known hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded in Egypt.

Later, savor the Nile’s majestic scenery as the ship cruises to Luxor.

Day 10: Luxor (Disembark), Fly to Cairo

Disembark in Luxor and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. Then, check in to your luxury hotel where you’ll have time to relax before dinner.

Note: Flights to Cairo depart early in the morning to take advantage of more favorable weather and traffic conditions, and to optimize tour scheduling.

Day 11: Cairo

It’s a day of Bucket List Moments today as we venture to Ancient Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a number of amazing monuments to see—including the enigmatic Great Sphinx. You’ll have a thrilling opportunity to view the pyramids from an up-close perspective, the only way to fully appreciate their remarkable size and grandeur.

Day 12: Depart Cairo

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the Cairo International Airport for your flight home, or extend your trip with a memorable optional extension in Jerusalem.

Note: Ship schedule and order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Tour to port of destination by motorcoach and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to the impact of water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors.

What's included?

Dining

Meals onboard prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients

11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners

Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner

Farewell Dinner

Complimentary house wine, local beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served during lunch and dinner onboard

Excursions

8 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking trained Egyptologists

Accommodation:

7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the gorgeous S.S. Sphinx or the elegant River Tosca

Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites

4 nights in Cairo at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or at the Nile Ritz-Carlton (or similar)

Experiences

1 country: Egypt

12 UNESCO World Heritage sites

Services of an experienced Egyptologist

Cultural enrichment

Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)

Flights included between Cairo and Luxor

Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour

Your Ship: S.S. Sphinx

The S.S. Sphinx offers two gourmet dining venues, a swimming pool, massage room, and 42 gorgeously appointed suites. This Super ShipTM vessel offers an authentically immersive onboard experience, with bespoke decor by local artisans and materials sourced regionally—such as fine Egyptian cottons, marble, and hand-carved blonde wood—to highlight Egyptian craftsmanship while minimizing our carbon footprint.

Enquire Now!

All fares are displayed in Great British Pound, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.