13 nights · Egypt · River cruise · Departs Cairo (Egypt) · Visiting Luxor, Abu Simbel, Aswan · Aboard Scenic Cruises on the Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Image courtesy of Scenic Cruises ©
This river cruise sails the Nile, departing Cairo.
| Cruise line | Scenic Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Sanctuary Sun Boat III |
| Duration | 13 nights |
| Port calls | 4 |
| Departures | 5 sailings |
| From fare | $8,570 per person |
| Year built | 1993 |
| Guests | 36 |
| Cabins | 18 |
| Crew | 45 |
| Length | 61 m |
| Beam | 14 m |
| Cruising speed | 7.0 kn |
Cairo is a city of contrasts, where the Nile, medieval lanes and modern boulevards shape daily life. At Giza, the pyramids and Sphinx stand just beyond the urban sprawl. In the historic centre, the Citadel, mosques and Khan el-Khalili reveal centuries of trade and faith. Allow time for traffic, and choose one or two landmarks rather than rushing between them. A guided visit can bring Egypt’s ancient history into sharper focus.
Step ashore in Luxor, where the Nile divides modern streets from the ancient capital of Thebes. On the East Bank, Karnak’s monumental halls and Luxor Temple reveal the scale of pharaonic power. Cross the river to the West Bank, where the Valley of the Kings holds royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s. Start early, when cooler air and softer light make these remarkable sites easier to explore.
Abu Simbel rewards the long journey south with one of Egypt’s most commanding encounters with antiquity. Ramses II’s Great Temple is carved into a sandstone cliff, its façade guarded by colossal royal figures. Nearby, a smaller temple honors Queen Nefertari, a rare tribute to a royal wife. In the 1960s, both monuments were dismantled and rebuilt above Lake Nasser to escape flooding from the Aswan High Dam. Their scale and setting make the visit unforgettable.
Aswan brings Egypt’s ancient story into clear view, with the Nile flowing past desert cliffs and palm-lined islands. Visit the Unfinished Obelisk, cut from rose granite, and see how the High Dam changed the river’s flow. A short boat ride reaches Philae Temple, relocated to higher ground after the dam was built. Save time for a felucca sail or a visit to a Nubian village; Aswan rewards unhurried exploration.
Cairo is a city of contrasts, where the Nile, medieval lanes and modern boulevards shape daily life. At Giza, the pyramids and Sphinx stand just beyond the urban sprawl. In the historic centre, the Citadel, mosques and Khan el-Khalili reveal centuries of trade and faith. Allow time for traffic, and choose one or two landmarks rather than rushing between them. A guided visit can bring Egypt’s ancient history into sharper focus.
Published August 17, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
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