12 Days Splendors of Egypt & the Nile - S.S. Sphinx

Day 1 Cairo

Arrive at Cairo International Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the opulent Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or to the stunning Nile Ritz-Carlton (or similar).

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Day 2 Cairo

The ancient quarter of Cairo is intense—the colors, the sounds, the density of people—and it’s likely been this way for thousands of years. Your local expert will show you a 12th-century citadel, the beautiful Alabaster Mosque, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Note: Dressing modestly is recommended as a show of respect for the culture and customs of the Egyptian people. In particular, women should ensure that shoulders are covered and legs are concealed at least to the knee on all shore excursions throughout this itinerary.

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Day 3 Cairo, Fly to Luxor (Embark) Cruising the Nile River, Dendera

Prepare to be amazed at the legendary Temple of Karnak, a massive and absolutely astounding site, with gigantic columns, broad avenues lined with stone sphinxes and halls of truly epic proportions. This evening, you’ll revel in a Welcome Reception and Dinner onboard.

Note: Flights to Luxor depart early in the morning to take advantage of more favorable weather and traffic conditions, and to optimize tour scheduling.

Before dinner onboard this evening, guests will be treated to a folkloric dance performance. A local band of dancers, in traditional costumes representing different Egyptian districts, will perform a Whirling Dervish show.

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Day 4 Dendera, Cruising the Nile River, Luxor

Like its twin shrine, the Temple of Karnak, the Temple of Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes, the once flourishing capital of Egypt’s New Kingdom. It was built over hundreds of years and even in ruins it is still an extraordinary place. You’ll also visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty.

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Day 5 Luxor, Cruising the Nile River, Kom Ombo

The word “colossal” will take on a whole new meaning after today’s excursion to the gigantic twin statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. And that’s just the beginning—you’ll also visit the temple of one of Egypt’s rare female pharaohs as well as the Valley of the Kings, used as a royal burial place for nearly 500 years and where the mummified remains of Tutankhamen are on display.

After dinner onboard tonight, guests will enjoy a Galabeya Party with music, dancing and singing by crew members. Guests are encouraged to bring their own Galabeya clothing.

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Day 6 Kom Ombo, Cruising the Nile River, Aswan

After visiting a temple dedicated to a crocodile god today (don’t miss the display of some of the 300 mummified crocs found in the local area), take a ride in a felucca—a traditional Egyptian sailboat—and enjoy afternoon tea at a famous hotel depicted in Agatha Christie’s novel Death on the Nile.

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Day 7 Aswan

Today is an epic day, filled with wonders from start to finish. You’ll visit a marvel of modern engineering—the Aswan High Dam—as well as the Unfinished Obelisk and the beautiful Philae Temple complex, which was moved from one island to another back in the 1970s. But wait, there’s more. You’ll also hop aboard a small boat for a bird-watching excursion along the Nile.

After dinner onboard this evening, you’ll be treated to an enchanting Nubian show featuring traditionally attired performers, live music and dancing.

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Day 8 Aswan, Cruising the Nile River, Edfu

Spend the day at leisure or join us for an optional excursion to see the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.

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Day 9 Esna, Cruising the Nile River, Luxor

On today’s excursion, you’ll learn how the Temple of Esna was buried under debris for many centuries and is one of the last great Egyptian temples ever built. Your Egyptologist guide will share all sorts of fascinating insights about this significant cultural site and show you the façade bearing the last known hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded in Egypt.

Later, savor the Nile’s majestic scenery as the ship cruises to Luxor.

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Day 10 Luxor (Disembark), Fly to Cairo

Disembark in Luxor and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. After checking in to your luxury hotel, you’ll have time to relax on your own and explore Cairo at your leisure.

Note: Flights to Cairo depart early in the morning to take advantage of more favorable weather and traffic conditions, and to optimize tour scheduling.

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Day 11 Cairo

It’s a day of Bucket List Moments today as we venture to see a number of amazing monuments—including the enigmatic Great Sphinx. You’ll have a thrilling opportunity to view the pyramids from an up-close perspective, the only way to fully appreciate their remarkable size and grandeur.

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Day 12 Depart Cairo

Check out of your hotel. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to the Cairo International Airport for your flight home. Or, extend your trip with a memorable optional extension in Jerusalem or on the Red Sea.

Note: Ship schedule and order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Tour to port of destination by motorcoach and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to the impact of water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors.

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Optional, Jordan Pre-Cruise Extension

• 3 nights at The St. Regis Amman (or similar)
• 1 night at Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba (or similar)
• 1 night at Palmera Camp, Wadi Rum (or similar)
• Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
• All service charges, taxes and porterage
• Explore Jordan—4 days of excursions
• Transfers and transportation throughout the extension are included
• Flight between Amman and Cairo
• Services of a local host/guide

Optional, The Red Sea Post-Cruise Extension

The Red Sea area is one of the best places in the world for diving, snorkeling and sea sports. Discover why on this post-cruise/tour extension to our Egyptian river cruises, during which you’ll stay at a remarkably elegant resort in Sharm El Sheikh.

Please note: A local host will be with you throughout the itinerary to facilitate flights, excursions, hotel changes and any other needs guests may have.

• 3 nights at the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh (or similar)
• 1 night at the Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis (or similar)
• Breakfast daily
• All service charges, taxes, and porterage
• Explore Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Dahab City, and Sea Scope Submarine
• Transfers and transportation throughout the extension are included
• Flights between Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh
• Services of a local host/guide~

Optional, Jerusalem Post-Cruise Extension

NOTE: The 2026 Jerusalem extension will be available from September through December of 2026.

• 4 nights at the Orient Jerusalem Hotel, Israel (or similar)
• Breakfast daily
• All service charges, taxes, and porterage
• Explore Jerusalem—3 days of excursions
• Transfers and transportation throughout the extension are included
• Flight between Cairo and Tel Aviv
• Services of a local host/guide