A cradle of civilisation, and still one of the great river journeys of the world.
Region
North Africa
Ideal length
8 to 10 days
Places to stay
City Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Other
In short
Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Nile
Why go
Egypt needs little introduction. The Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the temples of Luxor and the tombs of the Valley of the Kings are all on one river.
The best way to link them is the way it has always been done: by boat, between Luxor and Aswan.
What makes it distinct
The places that set it apart.
The depth of history, and the pleasure of seeing it at river pace.
Giza
The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Luxor
Temples on the east bank, tombs on the west.
The Egyptian Museum
The largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Aswan
A quieter city on the Nile, and the Unfinished Obelisk.
A Nile cruise
From a few hours to several days on the river.
Khan el-Khalili
The old bazaar of Islamic Cairo.
When to go
The best months, and who it suits.
October to April, when the days are cooler.
Who it suits
Heritage travellers, families with curious children and anyone adding history to an African journey.