Passage Through Egypt Aboard Oberoi Philae

Arrive in Cairo, the ancient capital of Egypt, and check in to the five-star St. Regis hotel, your home for the next three nights. Arrival Time: Arrive after 3:00 p.m. local time. Arrival City: Cairo, Egypt

Your journey begins with an exploration of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks: the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Discover the incredible story behind the Pyramid of Cheops, constructed from more than two million stone blocks by tens of thousands of workers over the course of 20 years. Nearby, marvel at the legendary Sphinx, carved from a single massive block of stone and featuring the head of Pharaoh Chefren on the body of a lion. Enjoy privileged access beyond the barrier for a rare, up-close encounter with this iconic monument. Step inside the Great Pyramid and follow the narrow passageway of the Grand Gallery to the burial chamber of Cheops. As your Egyptologist shares fascinating stories and insights that bring ancient history to life, your National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor will be by your side to help you capture the moment. After lunch, explore the galleries of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) with expert Egyptologists. Witness the 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II in the Grand Hall, the Solar Boat, the riches of King Tut and select treasures from the prehistoric to the Greco-Roman period. Enjoy a festive welcome reception before dinner at the hotel this evening.

This morning, journey to Saqqara, home to the remarkable Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Zoser—a revolutionary design that marked the beginning of pyramid building. Here, you’ll also discover some of Egypt’s most enchanting wall paintings and reliefs, depicting scenes of harvests, fishing, music and dance. Explore the mastaba of Mereruka, the largest and most elaborate tomb in Saqqara. Though not of royal blood, Mereruka—known also as Meri—served as Chief Justice and Vizier to Pharaoh Teti of the Sixth Dynasty, and his wealth and status are reflected in the tomb’s exquisite artistry. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Khan el Khalili bazaar, the city’s largest and most famous market, dating back to the 14th century. Wander its lively alleys filled with filigreed silverwork, semiprecious stones and colorful keepsakes. Continue your stroll along El Moez Street, one of Cairo’s oldest thoroughfares, dating to the 10th century. Admire the stunning Islamic architecture as you arrive at the Qalawun Complex—a magnificent ensemble of a mausoleum, madrasa and hospital, celebrated as one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Egypt.

Fly by private charter to southern Nubia, traversing nearly the entire length of Egypt, to visit the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel. Set on a sun-drenched rise above Lake Nasser, this remarkable site features two sanctuaries: the grand temple of Ramses II, celebrating his victory at Kadesh, and the smaller temple dedicated to his beloved Queen Nefertari. Carved in the mid-13th century B.C. and rediscovered in 1817, these masterpieces were later moved—stone by stone—to their present location to save them from the rising waters of the newly formed Lake Nasser. After lunch, reboard your private aircraft for the flight north to Aswan, where golden hills frame the horizon and feluccas bob in the shimmering waters. Once a bustling frontier town and vital trading post with Nubia, Aswan remains a place of striking beauty and timeless charm. This evening, embark the elegant Oberoi Philae, your luxurious home for the next four nights. Settle in and enjoy dinner on board as your journey along the storied Nile begins.

This morning, explore the enchanting Temple of Isis on the island of Philae—the namesake of Oberoi Philae. Like Abu Simbel, this sacred temple was saved from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam, meticulously dismantled and reassembled on higher ground to preserve its timeless beauty. Continue to a nearby granite quarry, where ancient artisans once carved colossal obelisks directly from the bedrock before transporting them down the Nile to adorn temples and mark sacred sites. In the afternoon, visit the Nubian Museum, where exquisite exhibits celebrate the art, culture and history of Nubia. Later, unwind aboard a traditional felucca as it glides across the Nile and the Nubian crew shares songs and stories. Conclude the day with a vibrant Nubian cultural performance on board as Oberoi Philae sails north toward Kom Ombo.

This morning, visit the striking Temple of Kom Ombo, dramatically perched on a hill overlooking the Nile. Built during the Ptolemaic era, this unique temple was dedicated to two deities—the hawk-headed Haroeris and the crocodile-headed Sobek. Its beautifully preserved reliefs and inscriptions reveal ancient rituals honoring both gods and the duality they represent. After your visit, relax on board Oberoi Philae as you sail toward Edfu. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, browse the ship’s library of Egyptian history or simply take in the ever-changing scenery along the riverbanks. In Edfu, explore the magnificent Temple of Horus—the second largest in Egypt—dedicated to the falcon-headed god of kingship and the sky. Built on the legendary site of the battle between Horus and Seth, the temple’s walls depict the eternal struggle between order and chaos. Ancient rituals performed here upheld cosmic harmony and renewed the divine power of the pharaohs. After your exploration, continue sailing north to Esna, where the ship will overnight.

This morning, step ashore to visit the nearby Temple of Khnum. Still only partially excavated, the temple lies nearly nine meters below the current level of the Nile, buried for centuries beneath layers of silt left by the river’s annual floods. As your Egyptologist shares the story of its rediscovery, you’ll gain insight into how the Nile both preserved and concealed Egypt’s ancient treasures. On your walk back to the ship, glimpse everyday life in this charming riverside town. This afternoon, enjoy engaging presentations and recaps from your Egyptologists and certified photo instructor as Oberoi Philae continues sailing north to Luxor.

This morning, disembark Oberoi Philae and set out for the Temple of Dendera in Qena, a short drive from Luxor. Built during the reign of the Roman emperors, this beautifully preserved sanctuary was once darkened by centuries of soot. Today, after meticulous restoration, its vibrant colors and exquisite reliefs—including depictions of Empress Cleopatra—shine once again, revealing the remarkable artistry of Egypt’s later dynasties. Return to Luxor for lunch before checking in at the Luxor Hilton Resort and Spa (or similar), and enjoy an engaging presentation by your Egyptologist on the region’s ancient wonders. As evening falls, visit the magnificent Luxor Temple, majestically guarded by colossal statues of Ramses II. A sacred site for millennia, its grand pylons, columns and statues are especially captivating when illuminated after sunset.

Set out early this morning for the West Bank of the Nile and the fabled Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs. Step inside history as you explore and photograph the richly decorated tombs of Seti I and Tutankhamun, masterpieces that illuminate the beliefs and artistry of the New Kingdom. Continue to the Valley of the Queens to visit the most celebrated tomb of all—Nefertari’s. The walls of her resting place are adorned with radiant paintings depicting her beauty and her passage to the afterlife, their colors and detail unmatched anywhere in Egypt. Nearby, admire the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically nestled beneath towering sandstone cliffs. Return to Luxor for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Relax and enjoy the elegant amenities of your hotel, or take a stroll through the timeless streets of the city. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a festive farewell reception and dinner at the hotel, celebrating the extraordinary journey you’ve shared along the Nile. *Note: The tomb of Nefertari is temporarily closed for renovation. In the meantime, you will instead visit the spectacular Ramesseum, the funerary temple of Ramses II.

This morning, visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple—the largest temple complex in Egypt and one of the most impressive monuments of the ancient world. Over the course of some 2,000 years, 30 pharaohs contributed shrines, columns and sanctuaries to this vast complex, making it the largest religious structure ever built. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 towering columns rising nearly 70 feet high, evokes the feeling of walking through a monumental stone forest. At the rear of the temple stands the massive obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut, while the dramatic reliefs and carvings showcase the artistry and devotion of ancient Egypt’s finest craftsmen. After lunch, transfer to the airport to board your private charter flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, check in at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a final dinner, reflecting on the unforgettable journey through Egypt’s timeless wonders.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. Departure Time: Anytime Departure City: Cairo, Egypt