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Signature: Egypt's Cairo, Luxor & the Nile Valley

Begin in the shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza before flying south to Aswan. Explore the Island sanctuary of Philae and the Colossi of Abu Simbel, and set sail along the Nile to the royal city of Luxor. Your expedition drifts from the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu to the silent tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Guided by experts, experience a land where ancient history and living culture flow together.

10 DaysCairo to Cairo
Valid on May 5 2026Trip Code: DPCCNS
From $7999 USDIncluding taxes and fees

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Signature

Exceptional exploration led by renowned experts, offering rare, private access to the world’s most storied sites — all defined by an unparalleled level of service and comfort.

Service Level: Luxury

Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.

Physical Grading: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Merchandising: New Trips

Merchandising: Planeterra Project

Trip Type: Small Group

Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.

Age requirements: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Signature: Egypt's Cairo, Luxor & the Nile Valley - Itinerary

Trip Start: CairoTrip End: Cairo

DAY 1

Cairo

Welcome to Egypt. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Cairo, a city where the desert winds carry the echoes of five thousand years of history. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Take a moment to absorb the energy of the capital — a metropolis of a thousand minarets where modern life buzzes against a backdrop of antiquity. In the evening, meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome reception and dinner with the group.

Arrival Transfer:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Arrival Day:
The adventure begins tomorrow. Feel free to explore on your own before your welcome meeting on the morning of day two. Check for the meeting time in the welcome note at the hotel. There will be an included dinner this evening at the hotel.

Nile Ritz Carlton:
Nile Ritz Carlton

Signature: Egypt's Cairo, Luxor & the Nile Valley - Itinerary

Trip Start: CairoTrip End: Cairo
DAY 1
Cairo

DAY 1

Cairo

Welcome to Egypt. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Cairo, a city where the desert winds carry the echoes of five thousand years of history. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Take a moment to absorb the energy of the capital — a metropolis of a thousand minarets where modern life buzzes against a backdrop of antiquity. In the evening, meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome reception and dinner with the group.

Arrival Transfer:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Arrival Day:
The adventure begins tomorrow. Feel free to explore on your own before your welcome meeting on the morning of day two. Check for the meeting time in the welcome note at the hotel. There will be an included dinner this evening at the hotel.

Nile Ritz Carlton:
Nile Ritz Carlton

DAY 2
Cairo
+
DAY 3
Cairo/Aswān
+
DAY 4
Aswān/Edfu
+
DAY 5
Edfu/Luxor
+
DAY 6
Luxor
+
DAY 7
Luxor/Cairo
+
DAY 8
Cairo
+
DAY 9
Cairo
+
DAY 10
Cairo
+

What’s Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Nawaya Project Visit, Cairo
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Cairo
  • Your Local Living Moment: Nubian Village Felucca Ride Visit & Tea, Aswān
  • Signature Moment: Visit to the Royal Mummies Museum After-hours, Cairo
  • Arrival transfer
  • Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour
  • Şaqqārah Visit
  • Internal flight from Cairo to Aswan
  • Philae Temple Visit
  • Nubian Village Felucca Ride Visit & Tea
  • 3-night Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
  • Internal flight to/from Aswan to Abu Simbel
  • Temple of Abu Simbel Visit
  • Kom Ombo Temple & Museum Visit
  • Private Opening of Edfu Temple
  • Habu Temple Visit
  • Hatshepsut Temple Visit
  • Karnak Temple Visit
  • Valley of the Kings Visit
  • The History & Sites of Old Cairo
  • Evening Rooftop Experience in Cairo
  • Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Visit & Lunch
  • Grand Egyptian Museum Visit
  • Departure transfer
  • Free time to enjoy hotel/Nile Cruise amenities
  • Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Accommodations
  • Hotels (6 nts), Nile River Cruise Vessel (3 nts).
Meals
  • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Transportation
  • Private Vehicle, Motorized Boat, Nile River Cruise Vessel, Bicycle, Plane, Walking.
Staff & experts
  • National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.

Signature: Egypt's Cairo, Luxor & the Nile Valley Departure Dates

All Years

StartEndingAvailabilityPrices from
Wed, Jan 13 2027Fri, Jan 22 2027Open (21)$7,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Feb 03 2027Fri, Feb 12 2027Open (16)$8,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Mar 10 2027Fri, Mar 19 2027Open (22)$8,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Mar 17 2027Fri, Mar 26 2027Open (22)$8,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Mar 31 2027Fri, Apr 09 2027Open (22)$8,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Apr 07 2027Fri, Apr 16 2027Open (20)$8,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Apr 14 2027Fri, Apr 23 2027Open (22)$8,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Apr 28 2027Fri, May 07 2027Open (22)$8,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, May 05 2027Fri, May 14 2027Open (22)$7,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Sep 15 2027Fri, Sep 24 2027Open (22)$8,499 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)

USEFUL INFO

Your G for Good Moment: Nawaya Project Visit, Cairo
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Cairo
Your Local Living Moment: Nubian Village Felucca Ride Visit & Tea, Aswān
Signature Moment: Visit to the Royal Mummies Museum After-hours, Cairo. Arrival transfer. Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour. Şaqqārah Visit. Internal flight from Cairo to Aswan. Philae Temple Visit. Nubian Village Felucca Ride Visit & Tea. 3-night Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Internal flight to/from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Temple of Abu Simbel Visit. Kom Ombo Temple & Museum Visit. Private Opening of Edfu Temple. Habu Temple Visit. Hatshepsut Temple Visit. Karnak Temple Visit. Valley of the Kings Visit. The History & Sites of Old Cairo. Evening Rooftop Experience in Cairo. Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Visit & Lunch. Grand Egyptian Museum Visit. Departure transfer. Free time to enjoy hotel/Nile Cruise amenities. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Soak up views of the colossal statues of Ramses II carved directly into the mountainside, Gain private access to Edfu Temple before public hours, watching the sun rise over the hypostyle hall, Experience the Royal Mummies gallery after-hours and hear all about the science of mummification, Visit this social enterprise in Luxor to learn how students train in conflict resolution and tourism

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Max 22, avg. 16.

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