Egypt & the Eternal Nile

February 07 - 21, 2025

Length: 15 days

Region(s): Africa

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Cruise, Land, Small Group Tours

This small group journey through antiquity travels from vibrant Cairo and the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel and the Upper Nile for a fascinating cruise on Lake Nasser. A classic voyage then brings us along the Lower Nile from Aswan to Luxor before returning to Cairo.

Operated by Odysseys Unlimited

Tour Highlights

Explore Cairo’s intriguing ancient sites: the Pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Sphinx, Memphis, and the necropolis of Sakkara.
Tour the renowned Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s greatest repositories of ancient relics.
See Abu Simbel’s dramatic temples that were dismantled and moved to higher ground during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Visit the immense Aswan High Dam, a marvel of engineering.
Take in Aswan’s sights, including the acclaimed Nubia Museum and the Temples of Philae.
Relax during a fascinating four-night cruise on Lake Nasser, disembarking to tour ancient Nubian temples and sites.
Embark on a deluxe three-night Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor.
Enjoy a relaxing sail aboard a traditional felucca.
Tour the ancient Karnak and Luxor temple complexes and also the Luxor Museum, housing relics discovered at these sites.
Visit the West Bank temples and tombs that comprise the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, including the Temple of Hatshepsut honoring one of the few female pharaohs.
See the massive Colossi of Memnon.
View the West Bank from above on an optional hot air balloon ride.
Returning to Cairo, explore the exotic Khan el-Khalili bazaar, among the largest in the Middle East.
Encounter important ruins in Old Cairo, where early capital cities once stood.
Discover the fabled “rose-red” city of Petra, ancient Jerash, and Jordan’s capital, Amman, on an optional 5-day/4-night post-tour extension.

If you would like to view a digital copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the words “Digital Brochure” under Additional Resources (follows directly below Itinerary at a Glance) on this webpage.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Activity Level 3

What to expect: These trips feature long touring days with travel via motor coach, ship, zodiac, all-terrain vehicle, or train. Travelers are required to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time. Some tours may include optional higher-intensity activities and travel at higher altitudes with steep ascents and descents. Outings last four to six hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk four to six miles, or 6,900–9,200 steps, each day.