directions_boatCruise, Tours & Packages in Egypt
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11-night Egyptian Discovery Cruise/Tour (2024 & 2025)

2023 Sold Out - Book now for 2024
Join expert Egyptologists on an epic day cruise/tour along the Nile. Book by 31 March and save up to $3,400 per couple! Sailings in 2025 just released call 1300 414 198 to make a booking today
FROM
$7,995PP
Get your quote
DURATION
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11 nights
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • hotelAccommodation
  • free_breakfastDaily breakfast
  • directions_boatPort taxes & fees
  • local_activitySelected entry fees
  • local_barSelected drinks
  • restaurantSelected meals
  • airport_shuttleSelected transfers
  • terrainShore excursions
  • thumb_upTips & gratuities

About this holiday

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Your itinerary at a glance

Uncover the ancient secrets of Egypt amid the welcoming culture of today. See the pyramids from astride a majestic camel. Explore the Temple of Karnak’s 136 soaring pillars. Visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Skim the waters of the Nile by traditional felucca. Enjoy the fragrances of Aswan’s spice market. 

Here are some of the highlights that you will see on an Egypt river cruise:

  • Millennia-old treasures in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum
  • The Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure
  • The mighty Citadel of the Mountain
  • Sprawling temples of Luxor and Karnak in Luxor
  • Tombs of the Valley of the Kings
  • The remarkably preserved Dendera Temple complex
  • Esna’s towering Temple of Khnum
  • Aswan’s Nile via felucca sail
  • A Nubian home and school visit
  • Horse-drawn calèche ride to Edfu’s Temple of Horus

Inclusions

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  • One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
  • 24-hour specialty coffees, teas& bottled water
  • Port taxes & fees
  • Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
  • Visits to UNESCO Sites
  • Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
  • Onboard gratuities

ALL STATEROOMS INCLUDE:

  • Outside staterooms with river view
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Voltage: 220V & 110V (US outlet), plus USB ports
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed with optional twin-bed configuration
  • All Upper & Middle Deck staterooms have a full veranda or French balcony (a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door)
  • Private bathroom with shower; heated floor & anti-fog mirror; premium Freyja toiletries; robes & slippers (upon request)
  • 40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more
  • Telephone, safe, refrigerator, hair dryer & individual climate control
  • *All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Accommodation

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EXPLORER SUITE (ES)

Osiris is a brand new vessel, the most upscale ship in Egypt. Specifically built to navigate the Nile, she is a state-of-the-art vessel—designed in the clean, elegant Scandinavian aesthetic. Accommodating just 82 guests, she offers the ultimate in comfort.

  • Only 82 guests
  • Crew: 65
  • Length: 236 feet
  • Year built: 2022

Ship Features

  • 41 comfortable outside staterooms (12 Deluxe Staterooms, 21 Veranda Staterooms, 6 Veranda Suites, 2 Explorer Suites)
  • Explorer suites feature two full-size rooms with a veranda off the bedroom & a spacious bathroom with separate bathtub and glass enclosed shower
  • Veranda suites feature two full-size rooms with a veranda off the living room & a French balcony in the bedroom
  • Pool & Sun Deck with 360-degree views & shaded sitting area
  • Aquavit Terrace & Lounge, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area for al fresco dining
  • Lounge & Bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
  • Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
  • Library & onboard shop
  • Elevator from Main Deck to Pool Deck only; no elevator access for Sun Deck
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Laundry service

Stateroom Features

This intimate, all-veranda ships offer a wide variety of staterooms for your selection. From Veranda Staterooms to the abundance of extra perks and amenities in the spacious Explorer Suites, there’s no finer way to travel. And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known.

Travel dates

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A​dvertised price based on travel dates 25 Aug - 05 Sep, 2024 - Onboard the Viking Osiris

B​ook by 31 March 2023 to secure savings

  • DELUXE (B) – Was $8,995, NOW from $7,995pp twin share
  • VERANDA (A) – Was $10,995, NOW from $9,995pp twin share
  • VERANDA SUITE (AA) - Was $12,695, NOW from $11,695pp twin share
  • EXPLORER SUITE (ES) – Was $15,695, NOW from $14,695pp twin share

J​ust released 2025 sailings

  • DELUXE (B) – Was $10,580, NOW from $9,580pp twin share
  • VERANDA (A) – Was $12,680, NOW from $11,680pp twin share
  • VERANDA SUITE (AA) - Was $15,580, NOW from $14,580pp twin share
  • EXPLORER SUITE (ES) – Was $19,880, NOW from $18,880pp twin share

For pricing on alternative departure dates, please call our team on 1300 414 198 today!

Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

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D​ay 1 - Cairo, Egypt

Arrive in Cairo, Egypt’s exhilarating capital. This pulsating, historic city was made prosperous over millennia as a stopover for Sahara caravans on trade routes to Byzantium. Transfer to the Sheraton Cairo Hotel (or similar) for a 3-night stay.

D​ay 2 - Cairo, Egypt

This morning we take an excursion to the necropolis at Sakkara to see the world’s oldest step pyramid. After lunch, continue to the Giza Plateau to behold the only Wonder of the Ancient World still standing: the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. There, you can experience them as the ancients did—from astride the “ships of the desert”—during a brief camel ride. Nearby, see the Great Sphinx, forever facing due east. Return to your hotel for dinner and a free evening to relax or explore on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

D​ay 3 - Cairo, Egypt

Today the fascinating sights of Cairo unfold before you. Marvel at the sprawling Citadel of the Mountain and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Then tour the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities and admire its huge collection of artifacts, and visit the famous gallery displaying the riches of King Tutankhamen. After lunch on your own at or near your hotel, use your free time in the afternoon to follow your own interests. Later, you might join an optional visit to Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s most famous outdoor souk (bazaar). After an orientation from your guide, you can shop for all manner of Egyptian goods, from brassware to spices, and admire the Al-Azhar Mosque. Conclude your outing with a traditional Egyptian dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast)

D​ay 4 - Luxor, Egypt

Early this morning, fly to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes beautifully set on the Nile River, where history will be brought to life by your expert Egyptologist. At the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, long buried beneath desert sands, walk among monumental peristyles and obelisks, and learn how ancient hieroglyphics hint at the beliefs and lifestyle of ancient Egyptians. Proceed to your Nile cruise ship for check-in and a welcome lunch. Join an excursion to the Luxor Library and Heritage Center, where the city’s past is preserved and shared in engaging exhibits. Enjoy an onboard dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

D​ay 5 - Luxor, Egypt

Relax over breakfast, or (weather permitting) join an optional early-morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s temples and monuments. Marvel at breathtaking views of an ancient city, the surrounding desert sands and the magnificent Nile. Later, head to the Nile’s west bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where ancient pharaohs were entombed deep in the hillsides, and the Valley of the Queens, resting place of pharaohs’ wives. Here you enjoy Privileged Access to the tomb of Queen Nefertari, an exquisitely preserved tomb only a few visitors get to see. Among the sites is the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female rulers and most successful pharaohs. Return to your ship as we set sail for Qena; lunch and dinner are served on board as we cruise along the spectacular Nile. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

D​ay 6 - Qena, Egypt

This morning’s excursion takes you to the sprawling complex of Dendera. Remarkably, its fascinating Temple of Hathor was built not by the ancient Egyptians, but by Ptolemies and Romans in classic Egyptian style. During your tour, walk through its towering stone gate to view the columns and hieroglyphics of some of Egypt’s best preserved structures. Return to your ship after a guided visit. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

D​ay 7 - Esna, Egypt

Disembark at Esna today to explore the red sandstone Temple of Khnum. In the 1st-century Hypostyle Hall, admire its 24 columns, 6 across and 4 deep, each topped by a differently designed, intricately carved floral capital. As you explore, be sure to examine the hieroglyphics depicting Roman emperors making offerings to the gods. After a guided tour, use your free time to take in more of this fascinating site on your own. Alternatively, head to Esna Village on foot for a full tour of the town and its lively market scene. View the temple remains and stroll the covered street market, where you can witness an array of colourful fabrics. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

D​ay 8 - Aswan, Egypt

Awake in Aswan this morning, Egypt’s bustling market city. Today, you can choose to visit the Aswan High Dam, visit a local market and take a scenic Nile cruise on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian wooden sailboat. Or join an optional excursion to Abu Simbel to admire the Great Temple of Ramses II, Egypt’s longest-ruling pharaoh. It is dominated by 4 colossal statues, 60 feet high and directly facing the rising sun. The statues are all of Ramses, with his queen and daughters at his feet. Moved from its original location near Aswan to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, it was built as a tribute to the deities and Ramses II’s favourite wife, Nefertari. Make the most of your overnight stay with an optional sound and light show at Philae Temple, and discover the legend of Goddess Isis and God Osiris. Afterward, return to your ship for dinner on board and spend the night in Aswan. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

D​ay 9 - Aswan, Egypt

After breakfast, receive a warm welcome at a Nubian village, where you visit the elementary school and are invited into a local home to get a glimpse of day-to-day life. Then, visit Philae Temple—the small, elegant Temple of Isis, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser that submerged Philae Island. This temple is one of the Nubian monuments that comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have lunch on board as you enjoy scenic cruising along the Nile. Disembark later to explore Kom Ombo. Here, enjoy a guided tour of the unusual double temple dedicated to the sky god Haroeris and the crocodile god Sobek, a protective deity thought to have created the world. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

D​ay 10 - Edfu, Egypt

This morning, ride in a horse-drawn calèche, or carriage, to the Temple of Horus. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god of light, it was built in Edfu during the Ptolemaic Dynasty. This is another of Egypt’s best preserved temples, fronted by a massive wall whose entrance is flanked by 2 falcon statues. Or, you can choose to visit Edfu market with our resident chef and hear him explain this evening’s planned tasting menu. Enjoy more Nile cruising today, marvelling at the lush green riverbanks backed by hills of desert sands. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

D​ay 11 - Luxor, Egypt

Early this morning, disembark in Luxor and head for the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Check in to the first-class Cairo Citystars Hotel (or similar) for 1 night and enjoy a buffet-style lunch, followed by free time, or take an optional tour to the Coptic Quarter and Jewish Synagogue. Return to your hotel and later enjoy dinner and an evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Questions

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What is the dress code?

During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. There are no “formal nights” in the evening; recommended evening dress is “elegant casual.” For ladies, this may include a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; and for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional. 

Some shore excursions visit religious sites that require modesty of dress. To avoid being denied entry, we recommend men wear long pants and refrain from sleeveless shirts; and for women, clothing that covers the knees and tops that are not sleeveless or too revealing.

What is the tipping policy?

From the Program Director and Hotel Manager to restaurant servers and housekeeping, the onboard staff is dedicated to serving you. Gratuities are included on board. Any additional tipping is at your discretion; should you choose to tip your local guides and drivers, we recommend tipping at the end of each tour in cash. Most restaurants include service in their prices, and it’s customary to round up generously for good service.

Are there COVID-19 related travel requirements I need to meet before leaving on my Viking voyage?

Yes, Viking requires the following:

  1. Vaccination: Viking requires all guests to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to departure. For added protection, we strongly recommend that guests who are eligible for a booster receive one before they travel. (Please note: some countries along your journey may require a booster dose.)
  2. Pre-Departure COVID-19 Testing: Viking highly recommends, but no longer requires, a pre-departure COVID-19 test, taken no more than 3 days prior to traveling—unless one is required by the destination.
Couldn't find an answer to your question? Ask us!

Fine print

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Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.

*Prices are per person, in Australian dollars, based on double occupancy and correct at time of printing. Prices include all advertised discounts and all offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. All offers are only valid for new bookings and only on selected departures made until 31 March 2023 unless sold out prior. A non-refundable deposit of AU$1,000 per person is required to secure a confirmed reservation within 3 days of booking otherwise the reservation may automatically cancel.

PRICE GUARANTEE
Once you have paid the deposit for your trip, you are safe from any additional charges. Currency fluctuations, increased fuel surcharges, new government taxes—none of these will apply to you.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS: Cruise fares listed are cruise only in Australian dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Cruise fares listed are valid for Australian and New Zealand residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only as of 5 March 2022, are subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers except Past Guest Travel Credit and Referral Rewards Credit, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your travel agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking River Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Passenger Ticket Contract.