Egypt: Cairo and the Nile

Stand in awe at the Giza Plateau, home to Egypt’s most iconic monuments. Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza, built around 2500 BC as tombs and lasting symbols of pharaonic power—the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Nearby, gaze upon the Great Sphinx, carved from limestone with the body of a lion and the face of a man, its missing beard a relic of history. Together, these timeless structures capture the majesty and mystery of ancient Egypt.

Once the capital of unified Egypt, Memphis has largely vanished with time, its mud-brick structures eroded over centuries. Yet remarkable relics endure, including a massive limestone colossus, a grand alabaster sphinx, and ancient embalming slabs once used to prepare sacred bulls, believed to be incarnations of the god Ptah, for burial.

Explore Sakkara, Egypt’s vast royal necropolis and one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. Once the burial ground for Memphis’s pharaohs and sacred animals, it is home to the remarkable Step Pyramid of Djoser, the first pyramid ever built. Rising over 200 feet, it marked the beginning of Egypt’s pyramid tradition. Surrounding the pyramid are intricate carvings, statues, and temples that reveal the artistry and spiritual beliefs of ancient Egypt.

Explore Aswan, a city where ancient and modern Egypt meet. See the Unfinished Obelisk, still attached to the quarry where it was carved and once intended to be the largest ever built. Visit the stunning Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and later a center of early Christianity, now beautifully relocated to an island in the Nile. Conclude with a visit to the High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that tamed the Nile’s floods and transformed Egypt’s agriculture.

Explore the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, carved over 3,000 years ago to honor Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Admire colossal statues and hieroglyph-covered halls aligned with the sun during the biannual Sun Festival, and learn how UNESCO relocated them to save them from Lake Nasser.

Enjoy a spectacular view of the Aga Khan Mausoleum, built of pink granite and sandstone, and the lush oasis of Elnabatat’s Island from the deck of your cruise ship as it glides along the tranquil waters of the Nile River.

Visit a Nubian village and experience the warmth of local hospitality. Step inside a traditional Nubian home to learn about the community’s culture and daily life. Meet local artists who will share their craft techniques, then enjoy free time to explore the village and connect with its residents.

Kom Ombo offers a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s ancient past and its connection to the animal world. Once a training ground for Ptolemy VI’s military elephants and home to sacred crocodiles, the site now draws visitors to the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. Perched dramatically on the Nile, the temple appears divided in two—one side honoring the crocodile god Sobek and the other dedicated to Haroeris, the falcon-headed god of light and healing.

The grand Temple of Horus at Edfu was built over the reigns of six emperors, including Ptolemy VII, fondly nicknamed “Fatty.” Its chapels and corridors are covered with carvings that tell the story of Horus, the falcon-headed creator god. According to legend, the sun and moon were his eyes—when both disappeared, he was said to be blind, a moment that once led him to mistakenly strike down his own allies in battle.

Experience the vibrant energy of Luxor, where ancient history comes to life. Visit the Temple of Ramesses III, once home to sacred boats used in royal processions, and explore Deir el-Medina, the village of artisans who built the pharaohs’ tombs. Journey into the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s rulers hid their richly decorated burial chambers deep within the hills. Admire the elegant Temple of Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs, and the towering Colossi of Memnon, guardians of a vanished temple complex.

Discover the grandeur of Luxor’s East Bank, home to two of ancient Egypt’s most magnificent temples. Visit the vast Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex whose massive Hypostyle Hall could fit both St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Paul’s Cathedral inside. Then explore the beautifully preserved Luxor Temple, where graceful columns and statues line the processional avenue that once connected the two sanctuaries. Together, these landmarks reveal the spiritual and architectural power of Thebes, Egypt’s ancient capital.

Experience the energy and history of Cairo, Africa’s largest city and Egypt’s vibrant capital. Visit the Saladin Citadel, its skyline crowned with soaring minarets, and step inside the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali, where the founder of modern Egypt is buried. Nearby, admire the elegant Mosque of Qalawun, a masterpiece of Mamluk architecture. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped Al-Azhar Park, offering sweeping views of the city’s historic skyline. Conclude at the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, home to ancient mummies, artifacts, and treasures that bring Egypt’s pharaonic past to life.