Best of Greece and Egypt with Nile Cruise

12 Days

Best of Greece and Egypt with Nile Cruise

The cradle of all civilization
Between the two, Greece and Egypt offer more history than many hundred countries combined. In 11 nights, experience the jaw-dropping natural beauty and magnificent man-made wonders of Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Cairo and the Nile River.

Unique Explorations

  • Tour Athens’ top attraction: the Acropolis! You’ll also visit its sister museum showcasing treasures from the historic site.
  • Explore the clifftop monasteries of Meteora and be greeted by traditional Greek hospitality.
  • Cruise the Nile on a 4-night adventure taking you to countless important sites nestled along the river.
  • Gaze up in wonder at the Temple of Edfu, considered to be one of the most beautiful and preserved temples in Egypt!
  • Cap off an exciting vacation by visiting a Wonder of the World: the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Starting at – $3786.00 (Without Air) – $5339.00* per person Including supplier contracted air schedules only.

*Vacation is round-trip, per person, based on 2 travelers departing from Atlanta in the off season. Includes air (Air Package Only), airport taxes, hotel, transfers, daily breakfast and more. Additional baggage charges may apply. SCR23

Terms and Conditions apply.

Overview

Both Greece and Egypt are known for their ancient treasures, from the Parthenon to the Pyramids of Giza. In 11 nights, get a crash course on Greek and Egyptian culture and history!

Fly into Greece’s capital of Athens, a city that’s equal parts modern metropolis and open-air museum. Discover the Acropolis and the adjoining Acropolis Museum on a tour, then head out on a 2-day adventure to Delphi and Meteora. Back in Athens, don’t miss the charming Plaka district and bustling Syntagma Square.

From Athens, fly to Cairo and spend one night in the capital before flying to Luxor for your 4-night Nile River cruise! Aboard a luxurious ship, cruise the Nile and explore the famous temples and tombs that straddle it: Luxor, Karnak, Kom Ombo and Edfu. End your trip in Cairo, where you’ll have a full-day tour taking you to the Pyramids, the largest bazaar in the Middle East and more!

Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What’s Included for full details on inclusions.

Itinerary

Welcome to Greece’s historic capital of Athens! Once you arrive and settle into your hotel, start exploring the city on foot. Since 2004, the 2.5-mile long Archaeological Promenade at the foot of the Acropolis has made the city center much more walkable and reduced the notorious traffic congestion.

Transfer to Athens hotel

Day 2 :
Athens

On an included tour, explore the famous Acropolis and its sister museum housing the archaeological findings uncovered from the Acropolis.

Later, visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone theater structure located at the base of the Acropolis. The theater was built during Roman times around 161 A.D. by the Roman philosopher, teacher and politician Herodes Atticus in memory of his late wife. Live performances are still held there today.

At night, head to the charming neighborhood of Plaka for a traditional Greek meal of moussaka, a Mediterranean casserole layered with ground meat, bechamel, eggplant and potatoes.

Athens Morning Sightseeing Tour with Acropolis

Discover the secrets of Athens, including its famous Acropolis on your sightseeing tour! Your expert guide will take you to see the center of the city, the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library.

On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and will make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.

On the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the famous Parthenon.

Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where, at last, the statues have found their home. Here, you can admire the wonders and architectural masterpieces of the classical era.

Breakfast
Included Hotels

Enjoy breakfast, then depart for your tour to Delphi located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. After your tour, check into your hotel in Kalambaka.

Visit to the Archaeological Site of Delphi

During the 6th century BC, Delphi was the religious center and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. Today you will have the chance to explore the pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo once spoke. You will also visit the Treasury of the Athenians and the Delphi Museum, which hosts valuable pieces of art like the famous bronze Charioteer.

*Please note: children under 5 years old are not permitted on this Tour

Visit the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora today! After lunch at a local restaurant in Kalambaka, return to Athens bypassing Trikala, Lamia and Thermopylae where you will stop to visit the memorial of Leonidas and the 300 brave Spartans.

Visit to Meteora

Prepare to feast your eyes on one of Greece’s most majestic world wonders! The word Meteora translates literally to “middle of the sky” or “suspended in the air,” a fitting description for the monolithic pillars that dominate the landscape.

Check in to Athens hotel

Enjoy a unique and breathtaking scenery with ageless Monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, which stand between the earth and sky sprinkled atop the massive rocks.

Say goodbye to Greece as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo! Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and assisted through immigration and customs by a representative who will be holding a sign with your name. After transferring to your hotel, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Transfer to Athens airport (ATH)

Fly to Cairo!

Transfer to Cairo hotel

Today, transfer to Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, meet a representative and transfer to your Nile Cruise. Settle into your room and enjoy lunch on board. After lunch, enjoy a half-day tour taking you to the Karnak and Luxor temples!

Transfer to Cairo airport (CAI)

Fly to Luxor!

Transfer to cruise ship – Based on Availability
1. MS Monaco
2. MS Jen Mojito
3. MS Monte Carlo

Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)

Discover Karnak, a great temple of Amon Ra known during the Middle Kingdom period as Ipt-Swt, which means the Selected Spot. It was also called Pr-Imn, which means the House of Amon. At the entrance, you will find a ram-headed avenue of Sphinxes, which was built to protect the Temple. There are 20 rams on each side, and as you cross this pylon, it takes you into an Open court, whose dimensions are 325-feet long by 250-feet wide, built during the 22nd Dynasty, and containing rows of bud papyrus columns.

You’ll then head to the Temple of Luxor, among the most beautiful temples in Egypt. It was known in the New Kingdom period as Ipt-Rsyt, which means the southern shrine (This was to differentiate between this Temple and Karnak Temple, which was the northern house of Amon Ra). The temple runs close and parallels the river Nile from north to south, and it was constructed on the site of a small temple of Amon, built by kings of the 12th dynasty.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the glittering Nile River, enjoy breakfast on board, then take a tour of the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail towards Edfu.

Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon

Enjoy a tour of the West Bank! Your first stop is the Valley of the Kings. The first king of the New Kingdom, Ahmose of the 18th Dynasty, built a pyramid-like structure at Abydos, which may or may not have been his original tomb. The Valley, known as Biban el-Muluk, “doorway or gateway of the kings,” or, the Wadyein, meaning “the two valleys,” is actually composed of two separate branches. The main eastern branch, called TA set aat, or “The Great Place,” is where most of the royal tombs are located, and in the larger, The Valley is hidden from sight, behind the cliffs, which form the backdrop to the temple complex of Deir el-Bahari.

Next stop: the Temple of Hatshepsut! The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Queen’s architect, Senenmut, designed it and set it at the head of a valley overshadowed by the Peak of the Thebes, the “Lover of Silence,” where lived the goddess who presided over the necropolis. His daughter became pharaoh, her father Tutmose I circulated the legend that the God Amon became the father of Hatshepsut and therefore she is half a God. She was married twice unfortunately and her second husband and stepbrother Tutmose III hated her so much that he had all pictures and inscriptions of her destroyed after she died.

Your final stop brings you to the Colossi of Memnon. These two, gigantic figures of Amenhotep III were originally situated in front of his Mortuary temple which was destroyed for unknown reasons. The two colossi are made of sandstone, which during ancient times was brought from Gabal El Silselah. Each colossus, including the pedestal and the crown, is about 70-feet tall and represents King Amenhotep III seated on his throne, wearing the Nimes, or royal headdress, with the divine cobra protecting his forehead.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Ship Cabin

Today, visit the Temple of Edfu, the most well-preserved temple of Ancient Egypt, renowned for its gigantic pylons. You’ll also visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. After your tour, have lunch on board and sail to Aswan.

Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)

On this tour, visit the Temple of Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple. Edfu was the 2nd Nome of Upper Egypt and the center of the cult of a triad of Gods, which consisted of Horus of Behdet, Hathor, and their son, Hor-Sama-Tawy. Edfu was known as “Apollo polis Magna” because the Greeks identified Horus with their God Apollo. Construction began during the reign of Ptolemy III (about 237 BC) and was finished during the reign of Ptolemy IV.

You’ll then sail to Kom Ombo and visit Kom Ombo Temple. The temple is unique in one respect: it is dedicated to two gods, and the entire temple holds two perfectly symmetrical sections. The sanctuary to the left is dedicated to the falcon-headed sky god Harwer (also written Haroeris), or Horus the elder and his family.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Ship Cabin

In Aswan, explore the High Dam, constructed in the 1960s to tame the mighty waters of the Nile, and Philae Temple, one of Nubia’s most important monument sites. You’ll also get to experience sailing on a felucca, a traditional sailboat used on the Nile.

Guided Tour of the Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple

Located near Aswan, the world famous High Dam was an engineering miracle when it was built in the 1960s. It contains 18 times the material used in the Great Pyramid of Cheops. The Dam is 11,811 feet long, 3215 feet thick at the base and 364 feet tall.

You’ll then visit Philae Temple, dedicated to Goddess Isis and constructed on the beautiful island of Philae. Philae the modern day name is Greek but the ancient Egyptians called the island P-aaleq which amongst other definitions has the dual meaning of “end” and “creation.”

Felucca ride in Aswan, around Agha Khan & The Elephantine Island

Enjoy a relaxing ride on a felucca, a traditional sailboat found on Egypt’s Nile. Feel the river breeze as you sail around Elephantine, an island forming part of the city of Aswan, and the Mausoleum of Aga Khan.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Ship Cabin

Your Nile Cruise ends today. Head to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo where you will spend your final two nights. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own – you might want to check out Cairo Citadel or the Mosque of Muhammed Ali.

Transfer to Aswan airport (ASW)

Fly to Cairo!

Transfer to Cairo hotel

Day 11 :
Cairo

Cairo Sightseeing Tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)

Begin your tour at the famous Great Pyramid of Giza! Giza is the main part of a complex that included two mortuary temples in honor of Khufu (one close to the pyramid and one near the Nile), three smaller pyramids for Khufu’s wives, an even smaller “satellite” pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small Mastaba tombs surrounding the pyramid for nobles. One of the small pyramids contains the tomb of Queen Hetepheres (discovered in 1925), sister and wife of Snefru, and the mother of Khufu.

The next stop takes you to the Lord of the Sphinx. The word sphinx, which means “strangler,” was first given by the Greeks to a fabulous creature which had the head of a man and the body of a lion. In Egypt, there are numerous sphinxes, usually with the head of a king wearing his headdress and the body of a lion. The head and face of the sphinx certainly reflect a style that belongs to Egypt’s old kingdom and to the 4th dynasty in particular.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Egyptian Museum. Your Egyptologist will escort you on a fascinating tour of 7,000 years of history, as this famous museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts (more than 145,000 items on display). Highlights include the famous Tutankhamen collection with its beautiful gold death mask and sarcophagus, and the Royal Mummy room, which houses an additional eleven Pharaonic dignitaries.

Your final stop takes you to the fascinating Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East, it was originally founded as a watering stop for Caravanserai in the 14th century. As you wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets, you will find workshops and stalls selling all kinds of items from woodwork, glassware and leather goods to perfume, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities.

Breakfast, Lunch
Included Hotels

Your Greece-Egypt vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to Cairo airport for your flight home.

Transfer to Cairo airport (CAI)

Fly home!

Breakfast

Included

  • Round-trip economy class airfare into Athens (ATH), out of Cairo (CAI) (Air Package Only)
  • Round-trip airport transfers for all flights
  • 2 nights in Athens at the Polis Grand Hotel, or similar
  • Athens city tour (morning/half-day) with Acropolis site & Acropolis Museum
  • 2-day/1-night guided tour of Delphi & Meteora
  • 1 night in Kalambaka at the Amalia Hotel Kalambaka, or similar
  • 1 night in Athens at the Polis Grand Hotel, or similar
  • One-way economy class flight from Athens (ATH) to Cairo (CAI) (Air Package Only)
  • 1 night in Cairo at the Sheraton Cairo, or similar
  • One-way, economy class flight from Cairo (CAI) to Luxor (LXR) (Air Package Only)
  • 4-night Nile Cruise on board the M/S Monaco, or similar (including all meals)
  • Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)
  • Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
  • Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)
  • Guided Tour of the Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple
  • Felucca ride in Aswan, around Agha Khan & The Elephantine Island
  • One-way, economy class flight from Aswan (ASW) to Cairo (CAI) (Air Package Only)
  • 2 nights in Cairo at the Sheraton Cairo, or similar
  • Cairo Sightseeing Tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)
  • Daily breakfast, 5 lunches & 4 dinners
  • Sightseeing as indicated, with private, local English-speaking guides

Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Additional baggage charges may apply
  • City Taxes: A city tax (also known as a tourist tax) is a small fee charged to visitors to help fund and maintain local facilities, activities, and attractions. You may be asked to a pay a city tax directly to your hotel upon check-out. This amount will vary by city and hotel category and is subject to change at any time based on local legislation.

Athens

You’ll be in one of these hotels, or similar, depending on availability

Polis Grand Hotel

4-star city center hotel in Athens
The Polis Grand Hotel is a fine 4-star hotel in the heart of the historical and commercial center of Athens. Since 1974, this Greece hotel has been combining modern high-standard services with the tradition of genuine hospitality.

The central location offers easy access to the public transportation means, the Eleftherios Venizelos international airport and the Piraeus and Rafina ports, the major exposition centers, public services and organizations, the most important tourist attractions of Athens and more.


The Stanley Hotel

Modern hotel with amazing rooftop views
Located in Metaxourgio, the 4-star Stanley Hotel is within one mile of several major sites including the National Theatre of Greece, Ancient Agora, and Roman Agora. Hellenic Parliament and Syntagma Square are also within one mile. Enjoy incredible panoramic views from the rooftop pool and restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. Other hotel facilities include a fitness center, breakfast buffet, complimentary parking and day bar. Accommodations at the Stanley are bright and welcoming, furnished with a mini-fridge, safety deposit box, air conditioning and more.


President Hotel Athens

A leader in comfort and convenience
A vibrant hotel located in a safe and lively district of Athens, President hotel places you right in the cultural and commercial center of Athens. Enjoy close proximity to the city’s top attractions and transportation hubs that will bring you straight to the best shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city. While you stay on the property, you can treat yourself to a relaxing stay in one of the multiple lounge areas, a cool cocktail in the bar, or a dip in the pool.


Best Western Candia Hotel

A warm welcome in the Greek capital
Stay in the heart of the Greek capital with the famed historical center of Athens at your doorstep at the Best Western Candia Hotel! Less than a mile from Athens City Hall, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Athinais, Omonia Square, the National Theatre of Greece and convenient public transit hubs such as the Athens Railway Station, the Larissis Metro station, and the Omonia Metro Station, you’ll never have to travel far to find excitement. While you’re at the hotel, head to the roof garden and terrace for breathtaking views of the illuminated Acropolis and the Lycabettus hill!


Athenaeum Grand Hotel

Comfortable accommodations with Athens at your feet
Located just moments from Athens’s historic center and boasting direct access to the city’s commercial quarters, Athenaeum Grand Hotel is ideally located for a sweet Grecian getaway. The brand new premises showcase a modern design and the best of Greek hospitality. Each guestroom boasts stunning views of Athens with modern decor that enhances the feeling of casual luxury at every turn. The rooms are completed with amenities to ensure your stay is as comfortable and convenient as possible. The hotel’s bar and restaurant provide a great place to grab a bite or a refreshing cocktail, and the hotel also offers a fitness center for guests who want to keep up on their exercise routines during their stay.


Athenaeum Palace & Luxury Suites

Four-Star accommodations in Athens
Located close to top attractions in the city such as the Onassis Cultural Centre and Filopappos Hill, Athenaeum Palace & Luxury Suites is an ideal base to visit Athens. The hotel is a 20-minute walk from Acropolis Museum and close to Odeum of Herodes Atticus. Guestrooms are equipped with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV and private bathroom, and many have their own balcony. Enjoy a bite at the on-site restaurant or head into town to explore the options in the city.


Kalambaka Greece

Hotel Amalia Kalambaka

This scenic hotel is housed on 14 acres of greenery and has been built with traditional materials to match its surroundings. This beautiful scenery is completed with running waters, extensive gardens, a large swimming pool and views to the Meteora rocks. From the wooden and iron details to the fireplaces of the café and the piano bar, each detail has been intricately picked out to make your stay more memorable and comfortable.

The café overlooking the swimming pool is the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploring. The piano bar on the lobby level , is the perfect place for lounging in the evening. Theopetra and Polythea restaurants are on the ground level and extend views to the internal garden with its running waters.The Hotel offers 170 comfortable guestrooms and 2 suites, with views to the gardens or the Meteora and Theopetra rocks.


Divani Meteora Hotel

The raw beauty of nature topped with stunning monasteries
The Meteora of the Divani Collection of luxury hotels in Greece offers guests the opportunity to enjoy traditional Greek hospitality in a contemporary setting. Surrounded by the immense natural beauty of the stone monoliths supporting the Meteora monasteries, Divani Meteora entices outdoor enthusiasts escape the grind of the every day and adventure while enjoying modern conveniences.

The Divani Meteora Hotel is a 4-hour drive from Athens and boasts a modern design, renovated facilities and a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. An outdoor pool and bar, hotel spa featuring sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi and fitness center are all available for guests to utilize. With a variety of specially crafted local and international dishes, on-site facilities are sure to please even the most discriminating palates, whether it’s a light snack, a quick drink, or a multiple-course meal. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Meteora rocks in a relaxed and open atmosphere, flooded with natural light. hotel offers a stunning locale from which, one can experience one of the natural wonders of the world, practically in front of their room window.


Cairo

You’ll be in one of these hotels, or similar, depending on availability

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino

Great location in Cairo
Stay on the west bank of the Nile River at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino, where you’ll never be far from the city’s greatest attractions. Try your luck at the hotel’s slots or Blackjack tables in the glittering casino or take a stroll to the nearby Cairo Opera House, Egyptian Museum, or Cairo shopping center. The famous Pyramids of Giza are only 20 minutes away. Indulge in stunning views, convenient amenities, and spacious guestrooms during your stay at this lavish hotel.


Fairmont Nile City

Modern luxury amid ancient wonders
Nestled on the banks of the Nile, the Fairmont Nile City stands in the center of Egyptian culture and commerce. Enjoy quick and easy access to the area’s top attractions such as Tahrir Square, Cairo Tower, Muizz Street, and more. Experience the hotel’s expert blend of beauty and history as you dine in the hotel’s restaurants, kick back at the rooftop poolside sky bar, indulge in a treatment at the Willow Stream Spa, or get a good night’s sleep in your luxurious guestroom.


Conrad Cairo

Conrad Cairo stands proudly in the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown scene and looks over the spectacular Nile River. From here, you will be able to access the city’s top attractions with ease, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Spinx and Giza Pyramid. Choose from six incomparable restaurants and bars to indulge in outstanding cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails before a visit to the International Casino or the glamorous Stage One bar. Relax in the sauna, steam room, heated outdoor pool, or with the on-site massage therapies available for your convenience and enjoyment.


InterContinental Cairo Semiramis

Landmark luxury hotel on the Nile
Indulge in the height of opulence at InterContinental Cairo Semiramis. Featuring a rooftop pool, fine dining, and a Nile Terrace offering breathtaking views over the river. Ideally located in the heart of the city, the hotel is only steps away from attractions such as the Egyptian museum and the bazaars of old Cairo. Enjoy wellness treatments at the hotel’s spa, indulge in top-notch cuisine on-site, or work off your extra energy in the state of the art fitness center.


MS Monaco

Totally renovated and relaunched in 2009, MS Monaco is designed to delight each of its guests. Cruise down the Nile river as you indulge in the opulence of elegant decor and attentive staff aboard this deluxe vessel offering nightly entertainment such as a belly dancer show, the “Gallabiya” party, and more! Unwind at the lounge and discotheque, shop around at the boutique and gift shop, or treat yourself to a new look at the beauty shop. Equipped with a swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, a sundeck, and 24-hour cabin service, MS Monaco has everything you need for the ideal getaway.


MS Zen Mojito

Featuring smooth wooden surfaces and modern decor, MS Zen Mojito will whisk you down the River Nile in the height of luxury. Enjoy the calm ambiance and peaceful scenery as you are pampered with 5-star deluxe amenities aboard the vessel. Treat yourself to a spa day after a workout in the gym then a sweat in the sauna or pop into the swimming pool or Jacuzzi on board! Lounge on the sundeck in the afternoon before visiting the restaurant. The MS Zen Mojito also offers a Lounge bar, piano bar, and discotheque for your enjoyment.


MS Monte Carlo

Visit ancient historical sites in style on MS Monte Carlo! Equipped with outside cabins, bathrooms with all the modern conveniences, an outdoor pool, and even a discotheque, this cruise ship has everything you need for the ideal vacation. Climb aboard to begin the fun with a non-alcoholic welcome drink and settle in before you get ready to enjoy your nightly entertainment such as the folkloric dance show, peruse the boutique gift shop, or go for a latte at the indoor cafe. There’s even an activity room and fitness equipment on board to help you work off an excess energy you might have!

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Best of Greece and Egypt with Nile Cruise