Egyptian Icons of Antiquity and Luxurious Nile River Cruise

When constructed in 2560 BCE, the Great Pyramid of Giza was so massive that it remained the world's tallest manmade structure for the following 3,800 years. Although by far the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world, it is also the only one still intact. An eight-day, seven-night tour of Egypt from Classic Escapes reveals the tombs and treasures of ancient pharaohs, beginning at the Giza Pyramids near Cairo and continuing along the Nile on a four-day river cruise.

Days 1–3: After an overnight flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Cairo International Airport (CAI), travelers touch down in Africa's most populous city, home to about 7 million people. An English-speaking guide will escort groups to either the Mövenpick Resort Cairo-Pyramids or Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa, both of which overlook the Giza Necropolis.

The next morning, the Great Pyramid lures travelers into underground burial passages (additional entrance fee of $20/person), and the timeworn Great Sphinx gazes photogenically at the sand dunes. Back in Cairo proper, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities brims with carved sarcophagi, golden jewelry, and Tutankhamun's Beanie Baby collection. Finally, a visit to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar transports travelers to 14th-century Egypt, through a labyrinth of brass lanterns and colorful mounds of spices.

Days 4–7: Travelers hop aboard a one-hour flight south to the city of Luxor, where a five-story cruise ship awaits. The boat noses its way south along the Nile River, stopping at ancient monuments such as Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings in Thebes, and the Temple of Horus in Edfu, where still-intact reliefs of Horus line the walls. Between stops, passengers can sun beside the top-deck swimming pool or indulge in a massage at the spa. The river journey concludes at the Aswan High Dam, a concrete arc more than 12,000 feet long, bordering the vast Lake Nasser. From here, a traditional wooden sailboat known as a felucca embarks for landmarks such as Kitchener's Island, which is blanketed entirely by the Aswan Botanical Garden's lush palms.

Days 8–9: After free time exploring Aswan's markets and mosques, travelers fly back to Cairo for a final night in Egypt’s capital, staying at either Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis or Concorde El Salam Hotel Cairo. International flights back to JFK depart early the following morning.

View the trip overview and extended itinerary for more information. Optional trip extensions to Sinai, Jordan, and Alexandria are available for additional fees.