ُEmbark on a 14-day journey beginning in Cairo with a visit to the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, followed by the timeless Pyramids of Giza and the mighty Sphinx. Afterwards, board the classic train to Aswan, just as great figures of the past such as Howard Carter and Agatha Christie once did. On arrival in Aswan, your Nile adventure begins with a visit to the city’s highlights, the very place where Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel Death on the Nile.
From here you sail northwards, stopping at Kom Ombo, and making an excursion to the magnificent Abu Simbel, considered one of the greatest temples ever built. You then continue to Edfu, home to the most complete and best-preserved temple in ancient Egypt, still retaining its splendour through the ages. The voyage then takes you to Luxor, the city of history and legend, where you will explore the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak Temple Complex, and Luxor Temple.
From there, you sail towards Cairo, far from the bustle of the crowded cruise ships, where you may often feel as though you have the river to yourself, rarely passing another vessel. En route, visit Dendera, Abydos, and Tel elAmarna, where Akhenaten built his new capital.
Conclude in Cairo with a direct transfer to the airport after a unique Nile journey along the eternal waters of the White and Blue Nile.
Please note: Shore excursions during the Nile cruise are optional and may be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival on the cruise boat.
Excursion pricing is flexible to suit all guests. While Cairo’s iconic highlights are included, all other shore visits on the longer cruise are optional, giving you the choice to explore or simply relax on board.
7 Nights in a 5★ North Coast Hotel available as an add on from £497pp
What Makes This the Best of the Nile?
The Nile Few Get to See
Most visitors only ever sail the short stretch between Luxor and Aswan, where more than 98% of cruise boats are concentrated. This makes the temples and riverside stops along that section feel crowded, busy, and rushed. By choosing a long Nile cruise from Cairo, you’re stepping away from the ordinary. With only 1.6% of boats sailing this route, your journey feels calm and exclusive, with a sense of space and tranquillity that’s almost impossible to find elsewhere on the river. It’s
Discover Egypt in Peace
The Complete Story of the Nile Imagine walking through temples that have stood for thousands of years, without the noise and bustle of large tour groups around you. On the long Nile route, the historic sites you’ll visit remain far less crowded, giving you the rare opportunity to absorb their magic almost in private. From little-visited temples to charming riverside towns, each stop becomes a personal encounter with history. You don’t just see Egypt you feel it, undisturbed and unhurried
The Complete Story of the Nile
Sailing from Cairo is not an ordinary Nile cruise – it is the complete story of the Nile. From the Pyramids on the Giza Plateau to the temples of Upper Egypt or in the opposite direction you will journey along the very waters that gave life to Egypt. Did you know that over 110 million Egyptians live mostly along the river’s banks, confined to a fertile green strip that makes up only 6% of the country’s land, while the desert covers the rest? It is on these banks that one of the greatest civilisations in history was born. This is the best way to experience the Nile watching the scenery shift from lush farmland to endless desert, and uncovering hidden treasures missed by shorter cruises. It is a voyage that unites Egypt’s past and present in an unforgettable experience.
Before embarking on your unforgettable Nile Cruise aboard MS Coral II, part of your Best of the Nile itinerary, enjoy a comfortable and stylish stay in Cairo at one of our carefully selected hotels.
Depending on availability, you will enjoy your time in one of our trusted partner hotels:
Hilton Pyramids Golf: Nestled beside a championship golf course and overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza, this resort-style hotel offers spacious rooms, elegant dining, and a tranquil setting. A wonderful choice for travellers who prefer a more relaxed retreat with world-class facilities.
Baron Hotel Heliopolis: A modern, welcoming hotel in the heart of Heliopolis, offering easy access to both Cairo’s cultural highlights and the airport. Perfect for those who wish to be close to the city’s vibrant life before setting sail.
Experience the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and authentic Egyptian charm on the MS Coral II.
Enjoy world-class dining in both the main restaurant and the rooftop à la carte venue, relax by the panoramic swimming pool, and browse the boutique shop for authentic treasures such as organic Egyptian cotton and local herbs.
Evenings come alive with entertainment in the lounge bar, ensuring your journey is as memorable on board as it is ashore. What makes MS Coral II truly special is its unique design: with a rare short draft (shared by less than 2% of Nile boats), it can navigate shallow stretches of the river, making it one of the few vessels able to complete the full Long Nile Cruise between Cairo and Aswan.
Accommodation: The ship offers 63 well-appointed cabins across the Nile, Main, and Upper decks, all standard cabins measuring 12 m² and 2 family suites of 24 m². Each cabin is designed for comfort and convenience, featuring a private bathroom with shower cabin, hairdryer, satellite TV (available while docked), mini-bar, in-room safe, and laundry service on request.
Facilities: Elegant main restaurant with seating for up to 140 guests Stylish roof deck à la carte restaurant, overlooking the Nile – perfect for lunch, special dinners and BBQ nights under the stars Panoramic swimming pool at the bow of the boat, offering spectacular views while sailing Elegant boutique shop, featuring unique souvenirs including authentic Egyptian organic cotton and local herbs Lounge bar with a variety of evening entertainment, making your nights on board as enjoyable as your days
Dining: The Coral II’s main restaurant accommodates up to 140 guests in one sitting, offering international favourites and Egyptian specialities served buffet-style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, an à la carte restaurant is available at no extra charge for food, giving guests more dining choice. Your stay includes Full Board, with the option to upgrade to an All-Inclusive Drinks Package. Drinks are also served in the elegant lounge bar, the perfect place to relax in the evening
Traveling by rail has its own special charm, especially when it carries a touch of classic elegance. And what could be more enchanting than a journey to Ancient Egypt? It awakens memories of the great expeditions and discoveries of the past century, recalling the travels of writer Agatha Christie, explorer Howard Carter, and other legendary adventurers.
That’s why our program includes travel between Cairo and Upper Egypt by Sleeper Train, adding a sense of authenticity and history to your journey. Fortunately, this year the Egyptian National Railways has renewed its trains, transforming them into an experience reminiscent of the classic carriages of old—while offering the highest standards of comfort.
A unique experience that completes your journey from the Pyramids to Aswan, echoing the footsteps of early travelers like Agatha Christie. Dinner and breakfast are served in your cabin in refined style, with drinks available in the café car at an extra charge
2 nights’ accommodation in a 5★ hotel in Cairo ,BB
1 night Sleeper Train Cairo to Aswan HB
10-night Nile Cruise, officially 5★ (our rating: 4★+), full board, sailing Aswan to Cairo.
All transfers to and from the airport and Nile cruise, as per the itinerary
Sightseeing in Cairo with an English-speaking guide
Tour leader and English-speaking guide throughout the Nile cruise
All meals as per itinerary
Flight Tickets to/from Egypt
Travel Insurance is highly recommended
Tipping on board the Nile cruise (approx. USD 10–15 per person, per night)
Optional excursions (e.g., Abu Simbel $200 pp)
Personal expenses, drinks, and extra meals
Entry visa to Egypt (currently USD 25)
Shore Excursion on Board Nile Cruise
On Board AI Supplement $75 pp per Night
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo – Meet & greet at the airport, transfer to your hotel, and welcome briefing.
Day 2: Pyramids & GEM – Explore the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Day 3: Old Cairo & Train to Aswan – Visit Coptic Cairo, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, then board the sleeper train.
Day 4: Aswan – Sightseeing – Tour the High Dam, Philae Temple, and enjoy a felucca ride on the Nile.
Day 5: Abu Simbel – Kom Ombo – Early morning visit to Abu Simbel, then sail to Kom Ombo Temple.
Day 6: Edfu – Luxor – Discover Edfu Temple and continue sailing to Luxor.
Day 7: Luxor’s West Bank – Explore the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon.
Day 8: Luxor – Qena – Visit Dendera Temple and enjoy evening sailing to Qena.
Day 9: Abydos & Sailing to Sohag – Tour the Temple of Seti I at Abydos, then sail toward Sohag.
Day 10: Tel El Amarna – Asyut – Explore Akhenaten’s ancient capital at Tel El Amarna and sail to Asyut.
Day 11: Royal Tomb of Akhenaten – Visit the tombs of Amarna’s nobles and Akhenaten’s burial site.
Day 12: Beni Hassan Tombs – Explore the Middle Kingdom tombs of Beni Hassan and continue sailing.
Day 13: Cairo Old Market – Return to Cairo, stroll through Khan El Khalili market, and enjoy free time.
Day 14: Departure – Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight home.
For more details and a day-by-day itinerary, download our brochure — don’t miss it!