| Cruise |
S.S. Sphinx, 11 Night Splendors of Egypt & the Nile ex Cairo, Egypt Return |
| Cruise Line |
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises |
| Ship |
S.S. Sphinx |
| Destination |
Egypt & Nile |
| Brief Description |
11 Night Cruise sailing from Cairo, Egypt onboard S.S. Sphinx |
| Type of Cruise |
River |
| Departure Date |
18 Dec 2027 |
| Cruise Description |
For 12 adventure-filled days, experience Egypt and the Nile’s most wondrous sites in style and luxury.* Wander amongst the towering ruins of the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest ancient religious complex, and the entrancing Temple of Luxor. Follow in the footsteps of renowned scholars and explorers as you venture forth into the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty.
This captivating itinerary begins and ends in Cairo, gateway to Giza. Here, you'll visit the mighty ancient pyramids, gaze upon the Great Sphinx, and enter the largest archeological museum in the world, the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Generations Family Program (select River Tosca sailings): These cruise/tours feature unique, fun-filled adventures for youngsters and are packed with culturally and historically significant experiences. There will also be an opportunity to meet local children—if your family would like to bring a gift to share with the children (such as school supplies, books, balls or games) it is welcomed.
Day 1 - Cairo
Arrive at Cairo International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Alternatively, join a Masterpiece Collection visit to one of Egypt’s great museums.
* Note: Flights to Cairo depart early in the morning to take advantage of more favorable weather and traffic conditions, and to optimize tour scheduling.
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.
Day 12 - Depart Cairo
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the Cairo International Airport for your flight home, or extend your trip with a memorable optional extension in Jerusalem.
* 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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| Sailing Dates |
| 18 Dec 2027 |
| Pricing |
| Please enquire for pricing |
Cruise Itinerary
| Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 18 Dec 2027 |
Cairo, Egypt |
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| 19 Dec 2027 |
Cairo, Egypt |
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| 20 Dec 2027 |
Luxor, Egypt |
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| 21 Dec 2027 |
Dendera, Nile |
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| 22 Dec 2027 |
Luxor, Egypt |
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| 23 Dec 2027 |
Kom Ombo, Egypt |
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| 24 Dec 2027 |
Aswan, Egypt |
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| 25 Dec 2027 |
Aswan, Egypt |
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| 26 Dec 2027 |
Esna, Egypt |
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| 27 Dec 2027 |
Luxor, Egypt |
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| 28 Dec 2027 |
Cairo, Egypt |
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| 29 Dec 2027 |
Cairo, Egypt |
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All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
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