Private Egypt & the Nile 2025
10
4
The Nile River, a lifeblood coursing through the Land of the Pharaohs, cradles a civilization steeped in history, mythology and enduring resilience. Bask in the timeless majesty of ancient Egypt on an immersive, independent journey uncovering archaeological treasures with an Egyptologist and enjoying a luxurious Nile cruise aboard graceful Sun Boat IV, an A&K Sanctuary.
Uncover the mysteries of the Nile on a four-night cruise, venturing ashore to explore Egypt’s most exemplary ancient sites
Be among some of the first visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, on a soft opening featuring 12 spectacular galleries, and also visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view the treasures from King Tut's tomb
Step back in time as you venture inside a pyramid and view the legendary Great Sphinx up close
Descend into the tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut) and the lavishly decorated tomb of Seti I in the Valley of the Kings
Step into the world of Queen Nefertari, exploring her colorful, preserved tomb in the Valley of the Queens
Journey to the twin temples of Abu Simbel, carved into the Nubian sandstone and dedicated to the powerful pharaoh Ramses II and his Queen Nefertari
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in Cairo, where you are met by your A&K representative and transferred to your historic hotel ideally situated just moments from the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World - the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Day 2 | Cairo - Ancient Treasures
This morning, join your expert A&K Egyptologist for an exploration of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view a vast trove of artifacts including the treasures from King Tut's tomb. After lunch, accompany your Egyptologist for the unveiling of 12 never-before-seen main galleries at the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, part of a soft opening that showcases 15,000 artifacts spanning Egypt's history. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity puts you up close with items, from the stone tools and pottery of the earliest human settlements along the Nile to the artifacts of the Graeco-Roman era, that reflect the evolution of one of the world's most remarkable civilizations.
Day 3 | Giza - The Pyramids & the Sphinx
Today, roam the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chefren as well as the Great Pyramid. Built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC), it is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Revel in the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures. Then, view the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries.
Day 4 | Luxor - Temples of Karnak & Luxor
Fly to Luxor, site of the ancient city of Thebes. Upon arrival, transfer to the Nile and step aboard Sun Boat IV, an elegant river cruiser renowned for the warmth and attentiveness of its service staff. Enjoy lunch on board before disembarking to explore the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, strolling among its expertly aligned columns, which soar 80 feet high. Proceed to the striking Temple of Luxor to behold the three soaring statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple pylons, the Courtyard of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 50-foot-high columns. Walk in their shadows, as visitors have done since antiquity, and ponder the astonishing feats of engineering it took to create them.
Day 5 | Cruising the Nile - Valley of the Kings & Queens
Journey to the west bank of the Nile river and the Necropolis of Thebes, and view the Colossi of Memnon. Continue to the architecturally stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt's first female pharaoh and regarded today as one of its most successful. Carry on to the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a period of 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, tombs were built along this valley for pharaohs and nobles, including that of "the boy king," Tutankhamun. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamun - found in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter - to discover the secrets of this storied chamber. Next, descend into the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the valley. Continue to the Valley of the Queens, enjoying access to Queen Nefertari's tomb, famous for the colorful artwork that adorns its walls. Back on board, learn to prepare local dishes during a Chef's Table experience: a cooking lesson with an onboard chef.
Day 6 | Cruising the Nile - Temple of Horus & Kom Ombo
Today, view the Temple of Horus, falcon-headed god of the sky. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, this amazingly well-preserved and colorful structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like. Later, disembark at Kom Ombo (hill of gold) to visit the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), whom some ancient Egyptians considered the creator of the world. View the mummified remains of several crocodile that once basked along the ancient Nile shore, just as their descendants do today.
Day 7 | Aswan - Majestic Philae
Cruise to Aswan and proceed to the ancient granite quarries and site of the Unfinished Obelisk. Illustrating the skills of Egypt's stonemasons, this monolith is taller than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk. Board a motorized boat to picturesque Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. A sacred complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, it reflects a fusion of three great civilizations; Egyptian, Greek and Roman. Later, sail around the Aswan Islands in a felucca.
Day 8 | Abu Simbel - Temples of Ramses II & Nefertari
Today, bid farewell to Sun Boat IV, disembarking to fly to Abu Simbel, and discover the commanding twin temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari. The former's façade is dominated by four 70-foot-tall statues of the pharaoh. Perhaps even more impressive, this entire site was disassembled and moved here to save it from the floodwaters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Return to Cairo for an evening at leisure.
Day 9 | Cairo - Sakkara & Royal Mummies
Drive to Sakkara, site of hundreds of tombs and 14 pyramids, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser. After lunch, view the royal mummies, and countless other artifacts, as you tour the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 10 | Depart Cairo
Today you are transferred to the airport to board your departure flight.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Arrive in Cairo, where you are met by your A&K representative and transferred to your historic hotel ideally situated just moments from the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World - the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Itinerary:
Hand Selected for an Unmatched Experience
Marriott Mena House Hotel
Located in the shadows of Giza's Great Pyramids, the Marriott Mena House Hotel has hosted royals and celebrities since 1869. Originally a hunting lodge of Egypt's King Ismail, this deluxe hotel offers 523 guest rooms in its Palace and Mena Garden wings. Most rooms overlook the pyramids, with suites featuring antiques, high ceilings and separate seating areas. Five restaurants and lounges include a terrace restaurant where guests can relax with cocktails or afternoon tea. Other amenities include a spa, fitness center, outdoor heated pool and Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course. Located 45 minutes by car from Cairo International Airport, the Marriott Mena House Hotel is an excellent choice for guests seeking accommodations set in the shadow of the pyramids.
Sun Boat IV, an A&K Sanctuary
Setting the bar for luxury river cruising on the Nile, Art Deco–influenced Sun Boat IV pampers guests with contemporary common spaces, 36 chic cabins and four luxurious suites. The river cruiser’s stylish amenities include a restaurant, two lounges and a library. Inviting outdoor spaces afford plenty of room to stretch out on the teak sun deck and cool off in the refreshing plunge pool. The vessel also offers Wi-Fi service (in the lounge), hair dryers and laundry service. English is the official language on board. Meals are prepared fresh daily by professional onboard chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Located on the legendary Corniche on the east bank of the Nile, the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza reflects the vibrancy of modern-day Cairo. This contemporary luxury hotel sports bright interiors, natural wood finishes and sumptuous furnishings. The 365 large guest rooms and suites feature chic decor with panoramic views across the Nile to the island of Zamalek and beyond, or toward the sprawling, 12th-century Citadel. Ten restaurants and lounges cater to every palate. Other amenities include a rooftop pool, kids' amenities, family activities, and a large spa and 24-hour fitness center overlooking the Nile. Located 30 minutes by car from Cairo International Airport, the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is an ideal choice for guests who prize this iconic brand's hallmark style of luxury and service.
Sun Boat IV, an A&K Sanctuary
Setting the bar for luxury river cruising on the Nile, Art Deco–influenced Sun Boat IV pampers guests with contemporary common spaces, 36 chic cabins and four luxurious suites. The river cruiser’s stylish amenities include a restaurant, two lounges and a library. Inviting outdoor spaces afford plenty of room to stretch out on the teak sun deck and cool off in the refreshing plunge pool. The vessel also offers Wi-Fi service (in the lounge), hair dryers and laundry service. English is the official language on board. Meals are prepared fresh daily by professional onboard chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
Inclusions
English-Speaking Local Guides
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
Entrance Fees and Taxes
24/7 A&K On-Call Support
Internal Air Included (Economy Class, $800 value)Cairo/Luxor; Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan/Cairo
Dates & Prices
Choose a date to view available Suites
From $15,795
From $12,795
From $12,795
Includes extended walks over sand and uneven terrain
Minimum Age: 10 years
Includes shared sightseeing onboard with non-A&K guests
Routes may run in reverse on select departures.
10 Days
|
from $10,295
