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EGYPT & THE NILE
November 5 - 15, 2027
Join Stephanie Hansen as your host for an incredible 11-day journey through Egypt, accompanied by a professional Egyptologist throughout the trip who will bring the country's fascinating history to life. Explore the legendary Pyramids of Giza and, subject to availability, have the opportunity to enter the Great Pyramid. Discover the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, and visit the famous Tomb of King Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings.
With included domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan back to Cairo, you'll spend less time traveling and more time exploring. Enjoy a four-night Nile River cruise aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess, visiting the magnificent temples of Karnak, Hatshepsut, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. For an extraordinary perspective of Egypt, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Nile and the desert landscapes of Luxor, weather permitting.
Along the way, experience the people and traditions of Egypt with a special dinner with a local Egyptian family, a visit to a traditional Nubian village, a felucca sail on the Nile, authentic Egyptian food tastings and time exploring Cairo's colorful Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Enjoy included breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the tour, with select meals and experiences highlighting the flavors and traditions of Egypt. Also appreciate the beautiful accommodations, expert guides and included sightseeing while we take care of the details so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
From the extraordinary wonders of ancient Egypt to the people, food and traditions that make this destination so special, experience Egypt with Stephanie Hansen and Defined Destinations!
Highlights & Inclusions:
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Explore the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
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Visit the newly built GEM museum and view treasures of King Tutankhamun
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Enjoy a 4-night Nile River cruise between Luxor and Aswan
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Discover the Valley of the Kings, final resting place of Egypt's pharaohs - including the famous King Tut's tomb
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Tour the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon
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Experience the grandeur of Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
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Visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Edfu
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Join a local Egyptian family to prepare traditional dishes and enjoy dinner together while learning about their customs and everyday life.
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Explore the unique twin Temple of Kom Ombo
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Sail aboard a traditional felucca on the Nile River
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Tour Aswan's highlights, including Philae Temple and the High Dam
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Visit ancient Memphis, Egypt's first capital
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Explore Saqqara and the iconic Step Pyramid of Djoser
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Browse the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo
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Included lunches and dinners aboard the Nile cruise
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Visit a traditional Nubian village in Aswan, meet local families and discover their colorful culture and traditions.
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Taste the flavors of Egypt during a Cairo food experience featuring a traditional lunch, Koshari and Egyptian falafel.
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Professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide
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Traditional felucca sailing experience in Aswan
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Visits to local artisan workshops and cultural experiences
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Leisure Time Throughout the Trip
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Optional excursion to the spectacular temples of Abu Simbel
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Optional Balloon Ride over the desert in Luxor
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And so much more!
Day 1: NOV. 5
FLY TO CAIRO
Depart the United States for an overnight flight to Cairo! This travel experience begins and ends and in Cairo, Egypt. Airfare is NOT included in the land package, however, we are happy to help obtain flights for you. The trip officially begins on November 6 at the hotel in Cairo and ends on November 15 at the hotel in Cairo. Group airfare will be available in December 2026 for a November 2027 departure.
Day 2: NOV. 6
ARRIVE IN CAIRO, EGYPT
Welcome to Egypt and the beginning of an extraordinary journey through one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Guests will arrive in Cairo throughout the day and make their way to our hotel. Hotel check-in begins at 4:00 PM, and once flight schedules are finalized, we’ll provide additional information regarding airport transfers and possible early check-in arrangements for those arriving earlier.
Until rooms are ready, relax after the overnight journey, enjoy the hotel’s pool and amenities, or simply take some time to settle in.
This evening, we’ll gather together at the hotel for our welcome dinner, meet our fellow travelers and get ready for the incredible adventure ahead.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 3: NOV. 7
GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM & THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
Today is one of those travel days you may remember for the rest of your life.
After breakfast, begin with a visit to the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, an extraordinary new home for the treasures of ancient Egypt. Here, you'll come face-to-face with artifacts that help tell the story of the pharaohs, their kingdoms and one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations.
Then comes the moment many travelers have dreamed about for years—the Pyramids of Giza.
Stand at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, built more than 4,500 years ago and the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Photographs simply cannot prepare you for the scale of these monuments when you finally see them rising from the desert in front of you.
For those who are interested, there may also be an opportunity to enter the Great Pyramid itself, following its narrow interior passageways toward the burial chamber. It is an experience few travelers ever forget. Please note that interior access is subject to availability and can close without notice.
During the day, we'll also visit a papyrus workshop and take in panoramic views across the Giza plateau.
There are famous sights around the world, and then there are places like this. Standing before the pyramids—arguably among the most recognizable structures ever created—is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences of your journey through Egypt.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: NOV. 8
LUXOR & THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS - Embark on Nile Cruise
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the short 55-minute flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, cross to the West Bank and begin exploring some of ancient Egypt’s most extraordinary sites, including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the towering Colossi of Memnon.
After sightseeing, board the Sonesta Moon Goddess, our Nile cruise ship and home for the next four nights. Enjoy lunch onboard as we settle in for the journey ahead.
Later this afternoon, visit Luxor Temple, especially beautiful as the sun begins to fade and the temple is illuminated. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along Luxor’s Corniche before joining us for one of the most unique and special experiences of the entire trip.
This evening, we will be welcomed into the home of a local Egyptian family for dinner. This is much more than a meal. It is a chance to experience everyday life from a local perspective, learn how traditional Egyptian dishes are prepared, and sit down together around the table to enjoy the food while talking about family life, customs, traditions, and culture. For a group that loves food and travel, this should be one of the most memorable evenings of the journey.
After dinner, return to the Sonesta Moon Goddess for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: NOV. 9
THE TEMPLE OF KARNAK & CRUISING THE NILE
Today, guests may choose to begin the day with an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor. Float above the Nile, surrounding desert, and ancient temples as the morning light spreads across the landscape. It is a memorable and beautiful way to experience Luxor from above.
After breakfast onboard, visit the extraordinary Temple of Karnak.
Karnak is not simply one temple, it is an enormous complex of temples, chapels, courtyards, obelisks and sacred spaces built and expanded by generations of pharaohs over many centuries.
One of its most memorable sights is the Great Hypostyle Hall, where enormous stone columns rise high above you in what feels almost like a forest made of stone. Standing among these massive columns gives you a real sense of the scale and ambition of ancient Egyptian architecture.
After exploring Karnak, return to the ship and begin one of the most relaxing parts of the journey—sailing the Nile.
As we cruise south toward Edfu and pass through the Esna Lock, watch scenes of daily life unfold along the riverbanks: farmland, palm trees, villages and landscapes that have depended on the Nile for thousands of years.
Enjoy lunch onboard and spend the afternoon relaxing on the ship, watching Egypt along the Nile slowly pass by.
Sometimes the best travel experiences aren't about rushing from sight to sight. Today gives us time to appreciate both one of Egypt's greatest temples and the timeless beauty of the Nile itself.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: NOV. 10
EDFU, KOM OMBO & THE SPICES OF EGYPT
After breakfast, travel by horse-drawn carriage to the impressive Temple of Edfu.
Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, Edfu is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. Walking through its towering entrance and into its courtyards and chambers gives visitors an unusually vivid sense of what an Egyptian temple may have looked and felt like thousands of years ago.
Return to the ship and continue sailing along the Nile toward Kom Ombo, enjoying lunch onboard along the way.
Upon arrival, visit the fascinating Temple of Kom Ombo, dramatically positioned beside the Nile. What makes this temple especially unusual is its symmetrical design—it was dedicated to two gods, including Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder.
We'll also visit a local spice market, where the history moves from ancient Egypt into everyday Egyptian life today. Discover some of the herbs, spices and ingredients used in Egyptian kitchens and learn how they influence the flavors of local cuisine.
Return to the ship and continue sailing toward Aswan.
Ancient temples, river villages, local flavors and the Nile—today offers a wonderful mixture of the Egypt you've read about and the Egypt people experience every day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: NOV. 11
ASWAN & A FELUCCA ON THE NILE
Wake up in Aswan, where the Nile is dotted with islands, traditional sailboats and dramatic desert scenery.
Enjoy a more leisurely morning and some time to appreciate life aboard the ship before lunch.
This afternoon, we'll take to the river aboard a traditional felucca, the graceful sailboats that have traveled the Nile for generations.
With no roaring motor, a felucca provides a peaceful way to experience the river—sailing past islands, desert landscapes and views toward the Aga Khan Mausoleum as the wind carries us across the Nile.
After several days filled with temples and archaeological sites, this afternoon offers something different: a chance to slow down and simply enjoy being on the Nile in Egypt.
Return to the ship and enjoy dinner together on our final evening onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
**OPTIONAL EXCURSION: ABU SIMBEL
See details below (Last section of this webpage)
Day 8: NOV. 12
PHILAE TEMPLE, ASWAN & BACK TO CAIRO
After breakfast, say goodbye to our Nile cruise and continue exploring Aswan.
Our first stop is the Unfinished Obelisk, where an enormous stone monument remains partially carved into the ancient quarry. It provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the ancient Egyptians created monuments of almost unbelievable size—and what happened when one didn't go according to plan.
Continue to beautiful Philae Temple, one of the most picturesque temple complexes in Egypt. Dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis, the temple sits on an island surrounded by the waters of the Nile.
Philae also has an extraordinary modern story. When construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge the temple, an international UNESCO effort carefully dismantled and relocated it to higher ground—an enormous undertaking that saved it for future generations.
We'll also see the Aswan High Dam, one of modern Egypt's most important engineering projects.
Later, transfer to the airport for your included flight from Aswan to Cairo.
Upon arrival, step into another side of Cairo as we explore Khan El Khalili, the city's legendary historic bazaar. Wander through narrow lanes filled with shops selling spices, jewelry, lanterns, textiles, perfumes and souvenirs while soaking up the energy of one of Cairo's most atmospheric neighborhoods.
Tonight, enjoy dinner together in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: NOV. 13
OLD CAIRO & THE FLAVORS OF EGYPT
After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore the historic streets and neighborhoods of Old Cairo on a guided sightseeing tour. Along the way, visit a traditional spice market filled with the aromas of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, hibiscus, and other flavors that play an important role in Egyptian cooking.
Today is also a chance to experience Cairo through its food. Enjoy an authentic Egyptian lunch and make two additional local food stops to sample Koshari, one of Egypt’s most beloved comfort foods made with rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and crispy onions, as well as Ta’Meya, the Egyptian version of falafel, traditionally made with fava beans and fresh herbs.
This is a fun introduction to the flavors, ingredients, and everyday food traditions of Egypt, while also giving us time to experience the atmosphere of Old Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: NOV. 14
MEMPHIS & THE STEP PYRAMID OF SAQQARA
After breakfast, travel beyond modern Cairo and journey even farther back into Egypt's extraordinary past.
Begin at Memphis, once the capital of ancient Egypt and an important center of power for centuries. Here we'll see the enormous statue of Ramses II, one of the country's most famous and powerful pharaohs.
Then continue to Saqqara, one of Egypt's great archaeological treasures.
Long before the famous pyramids at Giza were built, ancient Egyptian builders were experimenting here with something revolutionary—constructing monumental buildings from stone.
The result was the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built around 4,700 years ago and widely considered one of the world's earliest major stone monuments. Its distinctive stepped shape represents an important moment in architectural history and helped pave the way for the great pyramids that followed.
Seeing Saqqara after visiting Giza gives you a fascinating perspective: you've already seen the pinnacle of pyramid building, and today you get to see where that story began.
During the day, we'll also visit a traditional carpet workshop and learn more about this long-standing Egyptian craft before returning to Cairo.
Tonight, gather for dinner and reflect on an incredible journey through thousands of years of Egyptian history.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: NOV. 15
FAREWELL EGYPT
Today it's time to say goodbye to Egypt.
Guests will transfer to Cairo International Airport according to their flight arrangements for the journey home
Over the past several days, we've stood before the Pyramids of Giza, entered the world of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, sailed the Nile, wandered through ancient temples, explored Cairo's markets and experienced a civilization whose history stretches back thousands of years.
We may be leaving Egypt today, but this is the kind of journey whose stories and memories tend to travel home with you. (transfers are not included unless on group airfare but we are happy to help arrange).
Meals: Breakfast
Featured Included Experience:
Spend an evening with a local Egyptian family, sharing food, conversation, and a glimpse into everyday life. Learn how to prepare traditional Egyptian dishes, then gather around the table to enjoy the meal together. As you talk about family life, customs, and traditions, you’ll have the chance to connect with the people who call Egypt home. It’s a special opportunity to experience the country through its people and the food they share.
Hyatt Regency Cairo West
Begin your Egyptian journey with two nights at Hyatt Regency Cairo West, a stylish, contemporary retreat in Giza. Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and calming interiors, providing a welcoming place to unwind after exploring. Relax beside the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a cocktail at the Lounge Bar, or take in views of the distant pyramids from The Plaza lounge. It's an inviting base for the start of our adventure.
Sonesta Moon Goddess
Spend four nights aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess, sailing the Nile between Luxor and Aswan while exploring Egypt’s ancient temples and historic sites along the way. Comfortable cabins feature sliding glass doors opening onto private balconies, giving you your own space to relax and watch life along the Nile.
Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
Enjoy three nights at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah, set directly on the Nile at the southern tip of Gezirah Island. Elegant rooms with private balconies offer a welcoming retreat after exploring Cairo. Relax beside the heated outdoor infinity pool overlooking the river, stroll the hotel’s riverside promenade, or enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets over the city. With inviting terraces and restaurants featuring Egyptian, Moroccan, and international flavors, it’s a beautiful setting to enjoy our final days in Egypt.
Optional Abu Simbel Excursion by Air
$650 per person
Fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel for a morning exploring some of Egypt’s most impressive ancient monuments. Colossal statues of Ramses II welcome you to his magnificent temple, alongside the neighboring temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Famously relocated to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, these temples are a remarkable sight.
This excursion departs early and returns around lunchtime, allowing you to rejoin the group for our afternoon felucca ride on the Nile.
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26 Included Meals
Enjoy 26 included meals throughout the tour, including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Highlights include our Egyptian food experience and a special dinner with a local Egyptian family.
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Accommodations
Enjoy 2 nights at the Hyatt Regency Cairo West, 4 nights aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess on the Nile, and finish with 3 nights at the Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah.
Unique Itinerary
Carefully curated as a one-of-a-kind travel experience for our guests
Local Guides
Benefit from the expertise of our dedicated Egyptologist and local guides, who bring Egypt’s history, culture, and incredible sites to life while helping handle the details along the way. They’ll also share restaurant recommendations, local favorites, and ideas for your leisure time so you can relax and enjoy the very best of Egypt.
Items Not Included
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Beverages, except where specifically noted
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Airfare to/from Egypt
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Airport Transfers
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Gratuities for Cruise Staff
Tour Price:
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY RATE
$6,999
PER PERSON
Deluxe outside cabin with balcony.
Fully air-conditioned cabins equipped with hairdryer, safe deposit box, LCD TV, internal phone and vanity.
(Based on two people sharing a cabin. Airfare is not included.
ESTIMATED AIRFARE
$1,200 - $1,900
PER PERSON
We are happy to provide airfare options for your trip to Cairo. Our staff can assist with flights based on the tour schedule, including options if you would like to arrive early or extend your stay in Egypt.
We also expect to have group airfare available for purchase beginning in January 2027 for the November 2027 departure. Individual airfare quotes can also be provided for guests who prefer different travel dates or routing.
*Estimated airfare is based on current pricing and may vary depending on availability, routing, and travel dates.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY RATE
$8,399
PER PERSON
Deluxe outside cabin with balcony.
Fully air-conditioned cabins equipped with hairdryer, safe deposit box, LCD TV, internal phone and vanity.
(Based on 1 person in a cabin) Airfare is NOT included.
FINAL PAYMENT
July 7, 2027
