Cairo, Luxor & Nile Cruise with Hurghada Beach

Land in Cairo, the colourful Egyptian capital, and settle into your hotel for the first of three nights in the city.

Rise early this morning, with breakfast served at your hotel, for a fascinating full-day guided tour of Giza’s ancient landmarks. Your first stop today, an emblem of Egyptian history, will be the world-renowned pyramids. Standing at almost 150 metres tall, these monumental structures were once the crowning glories of the pharaohs and remain home to ancient artefacts, which offer a glimpse into Egypt’s golden age.

You’ll then move eastward to the Great Sphinx of Giza, which was modelled on one of Egyptian mythology’s most recognisable creatures. This limestone statue was originally built to guard the neighbouring pyramid complexes and remains a truly magnificent sight after over 4,500 years.

After your visit, you’ll head to a local restaurant for lunch, before continuing back into the heart of Giza for a guided tour of the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum in the company of your tour manager and an expert Egyptologist. While exploring the exhibits, your guide will offer exclusive insights into the rich history and cultural significance of each artefact, some of which have only been made available for public viewing since the GEM’s opening in 2025. 

Set off this morning for a short internal flight to historic Luxor, a hub of cultural sites and age-old temples. Upon arrival, join an included excursion to Karnak temple, housed in the ruined city of Thebes, and witness the towering pillars of its Great Hypostyle Hall. This grand open-air building, dedicated to the god Amun, is part of Thebes’ wider temple complex and is one of only two buildings open for public access. 

Your tour will then continue to the neighbouring Luxor Temple, a sprawl of religious sites and ornate facades, which hosted the coronation of numerous pharaohs across the centuries. As you trace a path through these time-weathered sandstone halls, keep an eye out for the intricate carvings and hieroglyphs that adorn their walls. 

After a busy day’s exploration, board the MS Blue Shadow IV, a luxury river cruiser, and your base for the next seven days. Complete with an expansive sundeck, outdoor swimming pool and a bar, perfect for an evening cocktail, your cruise ship promises total comfort as you take in the panoramic views of the Nile’s pristine riverside vistas. Heading below deck, you’ll find a colourful bazaar and a restaurant where you’ll stop this evening for a special welcome dinner. 

As the sun sets over Luxor, you'll have the chance to head back into Karnak for a fascinating glimpse into Egypt's ancient history as the temple's pillared walls become the backdrop of a spectacular optional Sound and Light show. 

Begin your cruise back north and make the most out of your ship’s facilities. Perhaps spend time in the on-board swimming pool or sip a cocktail against the backdrop of the Nile’s idyllic stretches. 

Continue your cruise this morning, taking in the best of the Nile’s scenic beauty as you glide past, and enjoy the final full day of your Egyptian cruise before mooring overnight in Luxor.  

Enjoy the first of four leisurely days on the Red Sea with a morning transfer to elegant Hurghada, one of Egypt’s most popular coastal resort cities. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your beachfront hotel and, once you’ve checked in, you’ll be free to spend the rest of the day as you see fit.

Make the most of your hotel’s first-class amenities today, perhaps taking an early dip in the swimming pool or taking in the Hurghada landscapes from the sun terrace. If you’d like, you can also venture out for some self-guided exploration in Hurghada. The bazaars at El Dahar are a particular highlight, and you won’t want to miss out on the Mosque El Mina Kabeer with its impressive twin minarets and iconic domed roof. 

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll be free to spend another full day at leisure, however you see fit. Hurghada is particularly well-known for its pristine white-sand beaches and colourful underwater reefs, and you can see them up close with time spent scuba diving and snorkelling. If you’d prefer to relax instead, you’ll find no shortage of delightful seaside resorts and coastal lagoons, which are perfect for unwinding in the sun.  

It’s your last day at leisure on the Red Sea today, and you’ll have a few final moments to tick off any remaining wish-list experiences in Hurghada. If you haven’t already, why not head further into the city for some self-guided exploration, or simply unwind by the poolside with a cocktail in hand?

Bring an extraordinary tour of Egypt’s ancient past to a close with a return flight from Hurghada (via Cairo).