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Receive a $2,000*pp Air Credit!
- Experience the timeless wonders of Egypt
- Receive a $2,000*pp Air Credit!
- Cruise the Nile in luxury with Uniworld
Trip Details
- Departs
- 31 January 2026
- Returns
- 6 January 2027
- Operator
- Uniworld
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.
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 welcome.
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 5:00 am or earlier.
*Note: Due to cultural differences and other factors, the beverage policy for our Egypt program differs from our European programs. Please refer to the “What’s Included” section at the bottom of this page for inclusion details.
Departures & Pricing
Multiple departure dates are available from September 2026 to December 2028
Cairo Roundtrip 2026 prices start from (below price is for 12 December 2026 departure):
- Grand Suite from $11,049 per person twin share / $19,299 per person Sole use*
- Royal Suite from $23,249 per person twin share / $46,299 per person Sole use*
Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Cairo
Arrive at Cairo International Airport.
- 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 their shoulders are covered and legs are concealed at least to the knee on all shore excursions throughout this itinerary.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10
Luxor (Disembark), Fly to Cairo
Disembark in Luxor and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. After checking into 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.
- 11
Cairo
It’s a day of Bucket List Moments today as we venture to see several 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.
- 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.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Dining
- Meals onboard are 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 are 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
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Shore Excursions
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
The S.S. Sphinx offers two gourmet dining venues, a swimming pool, a 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.
All staterooms and suites onboard have French balconies. While the S.S. Sphinx is a beautiful and luxurious ship, its amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship.
Common questions about this voyage
What is included in the tour?
Who will guide the excursions?
What type of accommodation is provided?
Are meals included?
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Are flights included?
Is Wi-Fi available?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
-
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- Complimentary shore excursion included in every port of call
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