The journey
Journey through time — Egypt by rail & sail
There is no better way to experience Egypt than by following the tracks that have connected its ancient cities for more than a century — and by drifting down the river that nurtured them. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the timeless temples of Luxor and Aswan, this 13-day adventure combines Egypt's greatest treasures with two unforgettable rail journeys and a four-night Nile cruise.
Two of those nights are spent aboard the legendary Elite First-Class Sleeper Train — a favourite among explorers since the days of the early Nile expeditions. Four more are spent sailing the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Edfu and Kom Ombo and crossing the historic Esna Lock.
Every Tuesday departure. 12 nights — three in Cairo, two on the Mediterranean, two aboard the Sleeper Train and four sailing down the Nile.
Tour highlights
What you'll experience
- 01Grand Egyptian Museum — the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures.
- 02Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, standing for over 4,500 years.
- 03Khan El Khalili Bazaar — Cairo's historic marketplace of crafts, spices and cafés.
- 04El Alamein — WWII battlefields, military museum and three days on the Mediterranean coast at Marassi.
- 05Alexandria — Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar and the Corniche.
- 06Two nights aboard the Elite First-Class Sleeper Train between Alexandria–Luxor and Aswan–Cairo.
- 07Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple by evening light.
- 08Luxor's West Bank — Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 09Four nights aboard a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, crossing the historic Esna Lock.
- 10Temple of Edfu and the double Temple of Kom Ombo on the riverbanks of the Nile.
- 11Abu Simbel — Ramses II's colossal temples carved into the mountainside.
- 12Felucca sailing around Aswan's granite islands and a guided visit to the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple.
- 13Walking tour through Cairo's oldest streets with a traditional Egyptian breakfast.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 1 · Tuesday
Welcome to Cairo
Arrival at Cairo International Airport, meet & assist and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure to settle in and absorb the atmosphere of Egypt's capital. Overnight: Cairo Baron Hotel or similar (BB).
Day 2 · Wednesday
Cairo's Ancient Wonders
Full-day Cairo tour: Grand Egyptian Museum, Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, ending in the winding alleys of Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Overnight: Cairo Baron Hotel or similar (BB).
Day 3 · Thursday
The Road to El Alamein
Drive west along the Mediterranean to El Alamein — WWII battlefields, the military museum and the war cemeteries that commemorate soldiers from many nations. Overnight: El Alamein Hotel / VEDA or similar (HB).
Day 4 · Friday
Mediterranean Leisure
A relaxing day at Marassi resort. Beaches, the Mediterranean coastline and tranquil surroundings. Overnight: El Alamein Hotel / VEDA or similar (HB).
Day 5 · Saturday
Mediterranean Leisure
Second free day at Marassi to enjoy the pristine beaches and resort. Overnight: El Alamein Hotel / VEDA or similar (HB).
Day 6 · Sunday
Alexandria & Overnight Sleeper Train
Transfer to Alexandria for a full-day tour: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar and the Corniche. Evening transfer to the railway station to board the Elite First Class Sleeper Train to Luxor. Dinner served onboard. Overnight: Elite Sleeper Train (HB).
Day 7 · Monday
Arrival in Luxor & the Temples of Thebes
Arrive Luxor and transfer to your Nile cruise. Afternoon tour of Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple as the ancient stones glow at dusk. Overnight: Tower Prestige Nile cruise or similar (FB).
Day 8 · Tuesday
Luxor West Bank · Sailing to Edfu
Early start for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the cruise and begin sailing towards Edfu, crossing the historic Esna Lock. Overnight onboard (FB).
Day 9 · Wednesday
Edfu & Kom Ombo
Morning visit to the well-preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Continue sailing to Kom Ombo and visit the double temple of Sobek and Horus the Elder. Sail on to Aswan through the beautiful scenery of the Nile Valley. Overnight onboard in Aswan (FB).
Day 10 · Thursday
Abu Simbel & Felucca on the Nile
Early departure for Abu Simbel — Ramses II's colossal twin temples carved into the mountainside more than 3,000 years ago. Return to Aswan and, after lunch, a relaxing felucca sailing experience around Aswan's granite islands and lush riverbanks. Dinner onboard. Overnight onboard in Aswan (FB).
Day 11 · Friday
Aswan → Cairo by Sleeper Train
Guided tour of the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple. Free time to stroll the Old Market or relax by the Nile. Evening transfer to Aswan Railway Station for the Elite Sleeper Train to Cairo — dinner onboard. Overnight: Elite Sleeper Train (BB + dinner).
Day 12 · Saturday
Cairo Hidden Gems
Morning arrival in Cairo and transfer to the hotel. Walking tour through Cairo's oldest streets with a traditional Egyptian breakfast among historic mosques, old houses and bustling markets. Overnight: Cairo Baron Hotel or similar (BB).
Day 13 · Sunday
Departure
Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your final departure — end of service.
Inclusions
What's included & what's not
What's Included
- Meet & assist on arrival and departure at Cairo International Airport
- All transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- Full-day Cairo tour (Grand Egyptian Museum, Pyramids, Sphinx, Khan El Khalili)
- El Alamein sightseeing tour with military museum
- Full-day Alexandria sightseeing tour
- Luxor East & West Bank guided tours (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon)
- Edfu and Kom Ombo temple visits on the Nile cruise
- Aswan guided tour (High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple)
- Excursion to Abu Simbel
- Felucca sailing on the Nile in Aswan
- All train tickets, including 2 nights on the Elite First-Class Sleeper Train
- 3 nights in Cairo at Baron Hotel or similar (BB)
- 2 nights in El Alamein at Al Alamein Hotel / VEDA Resort or similar (HB)
- 4 nights aboard a Nile cruise (Tower Prestige or similar) Luxor → Aswan (FB)
- Carbon footprint neutralisation certificate
Not Included
- International flight tickets
- Egypt entry visa
- Fuel surcharge and entry tax
- Tipping (recommended)
- Extra meals and beverages
- Optional sightseeing by locals
- Nubian Village excursion with dinner
- Hot-air balloon over Luxor
- Karnak and Luxor Temple sound & light show
- Travel insurance
Good to know
Group size & pricing
- Dual occupancy from $2,700 pp (deposit $220, 4 PAX minimum) · Single occupancy from $3,860 pp (deposit $280, 4 PAX minimum).
- Smaller group option: Dual occupancy $2,900 pp (deposit $212, 2 PAX minimum) · Single occupancy $5,100 pp (deposit $403, 1 PAX minimum).
- If the minimum group size is not met we will notify you 40–90 days before departure — you may pay the difference to operate the trip or cancel free of charge.
Reserve your place
Board the Sleeper Train & sail the Nile
Tuesday departures, limited cabins each week. Contact us for a personalised quote.