Rome to Egypt: 11-day Cairo, Nile Cruise Tour

Upon your arrival in Rome, the Eternal City, our private transfer service will be waiting to greet you and take you comfortably to your accommodation.

As we journey through the city, you will begin to sense the immense legacy of this ancient capital, a living museum of the Western world where every corner holds a story and every monument whispers centuries of history.

The rest of the day is yours to relax, recover from your journey, or start discovering the magic of Rome at your own rhythm.

Greca Tip: For a truly Roman atmosphere, visit the Trastevere district at sunset. Stroll through its cobblestone alleys, discover hidden piazzas, and settle in at a cozy osteria to savor a traditional carbonara or amatriciana. And to end your evening sweetly, indulge in an artisanal gelato while admiring the city bathed in golden light.

In the morning you will enjoy a delicious breakfast and then have the rest of the day free to appreciate and delight in the beauty of this wonderful city.

Don't miss out on the must-see landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Forum, as well as taking a stroll through the vibrant Roman squares adorned with captivating fountains.

In the evening, you can enjoy a dinner of your choice and unwind with a rejuvenating night's sleep at your hotel.

Greca Tip: For a memorable dining experience in Rome, we recommend exploring the Trastevere neighborhood and trying one of the charming trattorias. Indulge in a delectable Italian seafood dish paired with a glass of their house white wine.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, you'll have the entire day to explore Rome at your own pace. With countless options at your fingertips, you can choose to wander around on foot, visit magnificent monuments, indulge in shopping, or savor the local cuisine, which offers a wide array of pasta, vegetable, meat, and fish dishes.

Rome holds a special place as the epicenter of the Catholic religion and boasts the highest concentration of historical and architectural treasures in the world. In 1980, Rome, along with the extraterritorial properties of the Holy See within the city and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, was rightfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Greca Tip: If you wish, you can opt to visit the Colosseum, either in the morning or the afternoon. Simply select your preference during Step 1 of the reservation process.

After enjoying breakfast, you will be transferred to the Rome airport at the designated time for your flight to Cairo.

Upon arrival in Cairo, the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, a friendly member of our English-speaking team will be waiting for you at the exit.

This guide will provide you with assistance during the visa process, offer detailed information about your trip, and address any queries or concerns you may have. Additionally, he will provide a brief introduction to the city and its daily life.

The transfer to your hotel will be arranged in one of our private air-conditioned vehicles. Upon reaching the hotel, your assistant will assist you with the check-in process.

The remainder of the day will be yours to relax and start enjoying the amenities offered by the hotel.

Greca Tip: Learn everything you need to know about this incredible country before your arrival, from our specialists: All about Egypt.

After enjoying a delicious and hearty breakfast featuring traditional regional products, we will begin our journey through the most iconic landmarks of the largest metropolis on the African continent.

Accompanied by our official English-speaking guide, we will start with the majestic Pyramids of Giza, where the only surviving wonder of the ancient world still stands: the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

This extraordinary funerary complex is guarded by the legendary Sphinx, bearing the head of Pharaoh Khafre and the body of a lion. We will admire it both from the panoramic esplanade and from up close. 

As an optional experience, we may include lunch and an excursion to the Saqqara necropolis, home to the extraordinary Step Pyramid of Djoser—the first monumental stone structure built in Egypt. This impressive site was conceived as a city for the king’s eternal life.

To end the day in style, you may choose to witness the Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show or enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile—both optional and available upon request with your travel assistant.

Greca Tip: Beyond its famous pyramid, Saqqara also shelters richly decorated mastabas and tombs of nobles and high priests—hidden gems of ancient Egyptian art and history.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Cairo International Airport for a domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, we begin our included visit to two of Upper Egypt’s most remarkable landmarks: the Temple of Philae, a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, and the High Dam of Aswan, a masterpiece of 20th-century engineering that forever transformed the Nile’s course.

We will then be transferred to the cruise ship, where we will enjoy a lunch on board.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a serene felucca sailboat ride along the Nile, offering unique views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum, the lush Botanical Garden, and the ancient Elephantine Island, once a vital trade post in Pharaonic times.

In the evening, we will enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation on board.

Please note that the optional excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples may take place either today or tomorrow, depending on flight schedules and cruise navigation times.

Greca Tip: If you enjoy photography, keep your camera ready during the felucca ride—Aswan’s golden light and tranquil landscapes make for truly unforgettable snapshots.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast on board, you will have the option to join a fascinating excursion to the Temples of Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological sites.

The highlight of the complex is the Great Temple of Ramses II, whose majestic façade features four colossal statues, each standing nearly 20 meters tall. Whether seen in daylight or illuminated at night, the temple offers a breathtaking interplay of light and shadow across its ancient stone.

Back on board, the cruise continues toward Kom Ombo, where you will visit the unique double temple dedicated to Haroeris, the falcon-headed god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. A brief stop at the adjacent museum will allow you to view well-preserved mummified crocodiles, offering a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual world of ancient Egypt.

After the visit, the journey continues toward Edfu, where you will enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation on board.

Greca Tip: Treat yourself to a cup of local coffee—Turkish-style with a hint of cardamom is a traditional favorite that perfectly complements the atmosphere of the Nile.

Kickstart your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on an exciting tour. Our first stop will be the remarkable Temple of Edfu, nestled on the west bank of the majestic Nile River.

Dedicated to the god of gods, Horus, this architectural marvel stands as Egypt's second-largest temple, rivaling the grandeur of the Karnak temple. Remarkably well-preserved, it offers captivating inscriptions on its walls that unveil fascinating insights into the mythology, religion, and daily life of the Greco-Roman civilization during the Hellenistic period (237-57 BC).

Continuing our journey, we'll venture towards Esna, passing through the awe-inspiring Nile lock, an engineering marvel designed to regulate a remarkable 10-meter drop.

Our next destination awaits in Luxor, the city of temples. Indulge in a delectable dinner on board, followed by a well-deserved rest.

Greca Tip: The average duration to navigate the lock is approximately 30 minutes, providing you with ample time to unwind and enjoy the ship's amenities.

Begin your day with a delightful and generous breakfast before embarking on an exciting tour. Our first stop takes us to the captivating Necropolis of Thebes, famously known as the Valley of the Kings, situated on the west bank of the Nile River, opposite Luxor.

This remarkable site has been recognized as a World Heritage Site since 1979. The valley is divided into the East and West Valley, and it houses numerous tombs, primarily belonging to the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom (18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties).

We'll explore the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which showcases the remarkable Deir el Bahari and the awe-inspiring Colossi of Memnon.

In the afternoon, we'll embark on an excursion to the monumental and extraordinary Temples of Luxor and Karnak.

As you stroll through the grandeur of these ancient structures, you'll be surrounded by sphinxes and immersed in the captivating stories of the pharaohs who played pivotal roles in their construction.

At the designated time, we'll transfer you to Luxor Airport for your return flight to Cairo. Once you arrive, you'll be escorted to your hotel, allowing you to relax and rest.

Greca Tip: If you're a beer enthusiast, don't miss the opportunity to try the famous local brews, Stella and Saqqara.

You will begin your day with a delicious breakfast served in the hotel. The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure, giving you the chance to explore the vibrant streets of Cairo at your own pace.

If you prefer a deeper dive into the city’s rich heritage, you may opt for a full-day guided tour of Cairo’s most iconic landmarks. The experience starts at the Museum of Pharaonic Art, home to an extraordinary collection of priceless artifacts, including the treasure of Tutankhamun, intricately carved sarcophagi, preserved mummies, and timeless sculptures.

The journey continues through Historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the city since the 10th century. Once the center of the Caliphate, this area is filled with ancient mosques and landmarks, including the imposing Citadel of Saladin, originally built to defend the city from the Crusaders nearly a thousand years ago.

Later, you will visit the lively Khan El Khalili bazaar, where you’ll have time to shop, soak in the local atmosphere, and test your bargaining skills with friendly vendors.

Before returning to the hotel, you will explore Coptic Cairo, a fascinating area where different faiths converge. Highlights include the Hanging Church, built above the ancient Babylon Fortress; the Church of Saint Sergius, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt; and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest in the country.

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional buffet dinner with live entertainment aboard a Nile River cruise, offering a unique view of Cairo by night. Afterward, return to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Greca Tip: At the bazaar, haggling is not just accepted—it’s expected! Just make sure you actually want to buy before you start negotiating.

At the indicated time, one of our vehicles will take you to the Cairo International Airport to check in your luggage and, if necessary, process any tax refund on tax-free products that you have purchased.

From Greca, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you will say yourself, “Rihlat Jayida!”

Greca Tip: If you feel that your stay in Egypt has not revealed all its secrets yet, you can add more nights to this fantastic city.