Egypt Luxury Small-Group Tour with Four Seasons Stay, Nile River Cruise, Abu Simbel & Valley of the Kings

What you'll see

Day 1
One night
Arrive Cairo
Ahlan wa sahlan! The grandeur and glory of Egypt await as you arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI) and take your transfer to the spectacular Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, tucked between lush gardens on the western bank of the Nile.

Steeped in ancient mystery and buzzing with modern vibrancy, cosmopolitan Cairo is a city alive with culture. Fed by the lifeline of the glittering Nile, Egypt’s capital is known as the ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’ thanks to its spectacular collection of preserved Islamic Caliphate architecture.

Enjoy the first day at your leisure to relax and take in your timelessly elegant surroundings.

Inclusions
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence (Superior Room) or similar

Day 2
One night
Cairo
After a delicious buffet breakfast, meet your tour coordinator for an introduction to your resident Egyptologist. The study of ancient Egyptian language, history and architecture has obsessed archaeologists and linguists for centuries, and Egyptology has become a respected discipline across the world.

Waste no time mining your guide’s expert knowledge as you head to Cairo’s National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. This landmark institution covers great swathes of the nation’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum’s crown jewel is the fascinating Royal Mummies Hall, which displays embalmed pharaohs from Egypt’s distant past, including the remains of celebrated figures Hatshepsut, Thutmose III and Seqenenre Taa II.

Enjoy a set-menu lunch at Le Pacha 1901, an astounding floating palace moored on the banks of the great Nile, then return to your accommodation for an afternoon of leisure. In the evening, savour a sumptuous welcome dinner at your elegant hotel.

Inclusions
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence (Superior Room) or similar
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3
One night
Cairo
Today, experience one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, with a full day dedicated to the extraordinary pyramids.

Begin with the legendary city of Memphis, founded almost 5,000 years ago by the Pharaoh Menes, who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Memphis became the capital of the Old Kingdom and the heart of Egypt's busy import-export activity, with traders from around the world giving it a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Visit the necropolis of Saqqara, where the very first pyramids were built as tombs for kings. Instead of the smooth sides featured on other pyramids, these stepped pyramids represent the pharaoh's stepladder to heaven. Discover the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest known pyramid in Egypt and the world’s first freestanding stone structure.

Enjoy a lunch of traditional Egyptian cuisine at 9 Pyramids Lounge and relax in Bedouin-style seating overlooking the spectacular pyramids of Giza.

The Great Pyramids of Giza are the only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built over 4,500 years ago as giant tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Truly monumental in scale, the largest of these ancient structures is estimated to have taken over two million blocks to complete.

Nearby rests the enigmatic Sphinx, watchful guardian of the colossal funerary monuments. About a thousand years after its construction, a young prince had a dream in which the Sphinx promised him the title of Pharaoh if he cleared the sand from the statue. See the story for yourself, carved on the famed Dream Stele between the Sphinx's great paws.

Return to your luxurious accommodation in Cairo for another evening spent in Egypt’s vibrant capital.

Inclusions
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence (Superior Room) or similar
Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4
One night
Cairo
This morning, pay a visit to the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval fortress perched high on limestone hills above Cairo. Built in the 12th century to protect the city from crusaders, today the citadel complex houses various historic sites, including the National Military Museum and the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali.

Delve further into Cairo’s Islamic history when you stop at the incredible Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan. With its soaring heights and rich decoration, this is one of the finest mosques in Egypt. Next door, discover Refai Mosque, completed in 1912 and housing the tombs of an Islamic saint, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Egypt's last royal family and the last Shah of Iran.

Enjoy a set lunch overlooking expansive Cairo at Sky Rim, then continue to the Egyptian Museum. Wander through 7,000 years of history as you peruse the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian art. Explore the many priceless antiquities with your private Egyptologist guide and uncover the treasures of Tutankhamun, from his golden mask to his solid gold sarcophagus and regal throne.

Return to your hotel late this afternoon with the rest of the evening at leisure.

Inclusions
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence (Superior Room) or similar
Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5
One night
Cairo – Luxor – Nile River Cruise
Transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR), where you will be transferred to your luxury vessel for your four-night Nile cruise.

En route, visit the majestic Temple of Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient sanctuary, often called the world’s greatest open-air museum.

Continue to your luxury Sanctuary Retreats vessel and check in to your comfortably furnished cabin. Elegant interiors, opulent cabins, serene surroundings and lavish, freshly prepared meals – all complemented by daily sightseeing along the river – make a luxury cruise along the Nile an unforgettable experience.

Partake in a filling lunch aboard and enjoy a welcome zaffa – a traditional band procession that features wooden-framed bendir drums, horns and a mesmerising dance of flaming swords.

Later, set out to explore the West Bank of Luxor and uncover the fabled Valley of the Kings. Witness the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, then take the chance for an optional visit to one of the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Queens. On your return, pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, built to depict King Amenhotep III in a resting position and known for the mournful sounds they’re said to make at dawn.

Back aboard, enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge and meet your boat manager over canapes and refreshments. Tonight, indulge in a memorable gourmet dinner beneath the stars.

Optional activities:

Luxor tomb exploration (surcharges apply, please see Fine Print for details).
Inclusions
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer (Standard Cabin) or similar
Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6
One night
Nile River Cruise
After an energising buffet breakfast, set sail for the East Bank and the Karnak Temple Complex. Spend the morning digging into the vast collection of temples, pylons and historic landmarks, before taking your lunch onboard your luxury cruiser as you glide further along the Nile.

You may wish to enjoy an optional luxury hot air balloon flight over the Luxor skies, catching the breeze that sweeps the Nile and taking a new view of the ancient city. Your pilot will guide you as you spot notable landmarks and learn more about the area’s rich history.

Back aboard your vessel, enjoy a refreshing afternoon tea and laze in the Egyptian sun, then savour a mouthwatering dinner and a cosy movie night.

Optional activities:

Hot air balloon ride (surcharges apply, please see Fine Print for details).
Inclusions
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer (Standard Cabin) or similar
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7
One night
Nile River Cruise
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Egypt’s largest and best-preserved Pharaonic temple – the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Built to venerate ancient Horus, god of the Sun – later identified by the Greeks as Apollo – the site is a breathtaking glimpse into Hellenistic Egypt.

Back aboard, get hands-on with an aromatic Egyptian cooking lesson and reap the fruits of your labour over lunch as you cruise onward to the millennia-old agricultural settlement of Kom Ombo. Stroll through the charming village, positioned on a bend in the river where sacred crocodiles once basked in the sun. Wonder at the unique double temple, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Haroeris, the falcon god of the sky.

Return to your vessel and continue towards Aswan. In the evening, partake in an ‘Egyptian Night’ party, with the chance to don a traditional Egyptian jellabiya – loose-fitting garments associated with the Nile Valley – and enjoy a lavish buffet of local delicacies.

Inclusions
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer (Standard Cabin) or similar
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8
One night
Nile River Cruise
Following breakfast aboard, visit the magical island of Agilika and the historic sites it holds. Marvel at the enormity of granite quarries and survey the gargantuan Unfinished Obelisk, then meander through the majestic Philae Temple Complex and study the storied walls of the Temple of Isis.

Lunch awaits back on board. This afternoon, take to the water in a traditional felucca – a unique wooden boat used along the Nile for centuries. Sweep by Elephantine Island, Aswan Botanical Gardens and the Agha Khan Mausoleum, before taking afternoon tea to the melodious sounds of an oud trio.

Mark your final evening cruising the Nile with an extravagant farewell gala dinner. White-gloved waiters and fine-dining service are accompanied by a belly dancing performance and a hypnotic whirling dervish show.

Inclusions
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer (Standard Cabin) or similar
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9
One night
Nile River Cruise – Aswan – Abu Simbel – Cairo
After one more buffet breakfast out on the waters of the Nile, disembark and transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW) for your flight to Abu Simbel.

A UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex hewn entirely out of stone, Abu Simbel was constructed under the command of Ramses II – one of Egypt’s longest-ruling pharaohs – and stands as one of the most enduring symbols of Egypt. Wander through the two mighty temples, including the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte – flanked by massive statues and dedicated to Queen Nefertari.

These magnificent temples were moved in the 1960s when the creation of Lake Nasser threatened their existence. Organised by UNESCO, the relocation of these structures remains one of the greatest feats of preservation in history.

Later, take a flight back to Cairo, where you will be transferred to your luxury hotel conveniently located in proximity to the airport. The rest of the afternoon is yours for the taking, whether you wish to explore Cairo’s vibrant street life or settle in for indulgent comfort at your accommodation.

Inclusions
Hilton Cairo Heliopolis (King Guest Room) or similar
Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10
Last day
Depart Cairo
Savour one more breakfast, then collect your luggage and depart for Cairo International Airport (CAI). Say goodbye to Egypt’s dazzling treasures and colourful culture as your journey comes to a close.

Inclusions
Breakfast




Egypt Luxury Small-Group Tour with Four Seasons Stay, Nile River Cruise, Abu Simbel & Valley of the Kings
Starts and ends in Cairo
10 days
5 places
1 country
Highlights included
Five nights of handpicked accommodation, including Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence and Hilton Cairo Heliopolis
Four-night Nile cruise aboard the spectacular Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, offering an intimate cruising experience with all-inclusive dining
Daily breakfast and select local dining experiences as per itinerary, including a lavish welcome dinner, and lunch overlooking the mighty pyramids at Giza
Visit the awe-inspiring Giza pyramid complex – the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Experience the grandeur of the Valley of the Kings in Luxor
Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, built on the banks of the Nile to venerate Egypt's ancient crocodile god
Cruise the Aswan islands in a traditional felucca
Fly to Abu Simbel to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed twin temples Ra-Harakhte and Hathor
Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, including access to the extraordinary Royal Mummies Hall
Guided sightseeing with a private expert Egyptologist in Cairo
All internal flights with economy-class seating – including Cairo (CAI) to Luxor (LXR), Aswan (ASW) to Abu Simbel (ABS), and Abu Simbel (ABS) to Cairo (CAI)
Airport transfers and comfortable air-conditioned transport throughout
Expert local, English-speaking guides
All entrance fees and porterage at airports and hotels as per itinerary