Splendors of Egypt & the Nile Luxury River Cruise 2026 & 2027

  • history
    DURATION
    12 days, 11 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
    12 days
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    11 nights
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    DEPARTURE MONTHS
    September 2026 - December 2027
  • All-inclusive luxury with immersive, expertly guided shore excursions
  • Boutique-style river ship with elegant, locally inspired design
  • Exceptional service with highly personalised, small-group experiences

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, gateway to Giza. Here, you’ll visit the mighty ancient pyramids, gaze upon the Great Sphinx, and enter the largest archeological museum in the world, the Grand Egyptian Museum.

This program is an active one, including plenty of walking and early starts on most days to take advantage of the favorable morning weather. Flights between Cairo and Luxor may require wake-up calls at 5:00am or earlier. 

Photos

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Pyramid, Egypt

Inclusions/Exclusions

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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)
  • Free Wi-Fi

DINING

  • Meals onboard prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
  • Welcome & Farewell Receptions
  • 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

EXPERIENCES

  • 1 country: Egypt
  • 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Egyptologist
  • Cultural enrichment
  • Flights included between Cairo and Luxor
  • Gratuities for onboard and onshore personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager or Egyptologist, local experts, drivers) are included both during the cruise/tour as well as on any pre- or post-cruise land extensions
Your fare excludes:
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance

Itinerary

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Day 1: Cairo

Arrive at Cairo International Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld 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 the Grand Egyptian Museum.

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.

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.

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

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), 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.

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 hop aboard a small boat for a bird-watching excursion along 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. After checking in to your luxury hotel, you’ll have time to relax on your own and explore Cairo at your leisure.

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 see a number of amazing monuments—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. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to the Cairo International Airport for your flight home. Or, extend your trip with a memorable optional extension in Jerusalem or on the Red Sea.

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.

Dates and Prices

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This amazing cruise offers regular departures from September 2026 to December 2027

Advertised Pricing is based on the following departures:

26 December 2026

  • Grand Suite from $13,119 pp twin share / $22,959 sole use *
  • Royal Suite from $18,599 pp twin share / $37,199 sole use *

Call today on 1300 414 198 and speak with one of our experienced Travel advisors to learn more about this and many more bucket list cruises and experiences.

NOTE: all prices are correct at the time of publishing; prices are subject to availability and change at the time of booking.

Accommodation

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River Tosca

The River Tosca perfectly captures the warmth and style of Egypt, taking guests on a culturally enriching adventure down the Nile in absolute luxury. This all-suite ship elegantly designed with wood finishes, features enticing public areas and stylish amenities including a stylish lounge decorated with local wares with full-service bar, well-equipped fitness centre, restaurant, massage room and sprawling Sun Deck with shaded cabanas and a swimming pool. Comfortable suites are fitted with the finest locally made products—like Egyptian cotton linens, for example. With a maximum capacity of 82 guests and a staff to guest ratio of almost 1:1, a cruise on the River Tosca is about as intimate and indulgent as it gets.

Royal Suite: all beautifully appointed suites feature a French balcony and custom-made beds draped with the finest bed linens. Added conveniences include a vanity and make-up mirror, generous built-in closets, a hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, iPod® docking station and flat-screen television with satellite channels. Private bathrooms have both a bathtub and shower, and are stocked with thick towels, cozy robes, his and her slippers and soothing bath amenities. Size: 651 sq ft - 60.5 sq m.

Grand Suite: All beautifully appointed suites feature a French balcony and custom-made beds draped with the finest bed linens. Added conveniences include a vanity and make-up mirror, generous built-in closets, a hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, iPod® docking station and flat-screen television with satellite channels. Private bathrooms have both a bathtub and shower, and are stocked with thick towels, cozy robes, his and her slippers and soothing bath amenities. Size: 313–335 sq ft - 29.1–31.1 sq m).

While the River Tosca is a beautiful and luxurious ship, its amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld-company-owned ship.

T&Cs

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Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

Share this holiday with your friends!

Prices per person from

A$13,119

A$22,959

Share this holiday with your friends!
Simply click any of the buttons below to share this holiday with your favourite travel buddy/group!

Prices per person from

A$13,119

A$22,959