The world is full of great rivers, but none have been as important as the Nile. Nowadays this 6,650-kilometre river provides water, transport, and trade to 11 different countries in Africa, but thousands of years ago, it was the foundation upon which the Ancient Egyptian civilisation was built. The Egyptians used the Nile’s fertile soil and reliable flooding to practice agriculture on a huge scale and created one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. And today, Egypt’s most awe-inspiring treasures live on along the shores of the Nile.
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the wonders of Ancient Egypt, from the pyramids to the tombs of the pharaohs, a cruise along the Nile is the definitive way to do it.
Viking has been bringing visitors to Egypt for more than 20 years. In that time, they have built relationships with the best-trained and most knowledgeable guides in the region. On this 12-day adventure with Viking, you’ll learn about Ancient Egypt’s rulers and marvel at their monuments to the gods, all the while cruising down one of the world’s most important – and iconic – rivers. Here are some of the incredible sights you’ll see.
The Pyramids of Giza
No visit to Egypt would be complete without seeing the Pyramids of Giza. The oldest surviving Wonder of the World must be seen to be believed. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait long before seeing it.
On day three, you’ll be guided to the necropolis of Sakkara Step Pyramid, which is believed to be the first pyramid built in ancient Egypt. You’ll be able to enter the mausoleum and admire the pyramid’s paintings from within.
Then your guide will take you further, to the Giza Plateau. There, you’ll see the famous Giza pyramids, including the Great Pyramid, as well as many of its tombs. Finally, you’ll marvel at the Abu al-Hol, the Sphinx, before getting ready to set sail on your elegant, state-of-the-art Nile ship.
Take in the Valley of the Kings
By the time you leave Cairo, you’ll have well and truly scratched your Pyramid itch. Enter the Pharaohs section of the trip, which goes into full swing as you approach Luxor – Egypt’s ancient pharaoh capital.
Your cruise will have an on-board Egyptologist, who’ll be able to let you know before you head out what you’re in store to see, and to answer any questions you may have once you come back aboard. They’ll also accompany you on small group tours through the ancient sites to ensure you don’t miss a thing. That will really contextualise and deepen the things you see in Luxor – from your trip to Luxor Temple, the spiritual home of Ancient Egypt for over 15 centuries, to the sprawling Karnak Temple complex.
On day six, you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings as well as the Valley of Queens – two of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. You’ll also get to enjoy private access to the tomb of Queen Nefertiti – one of Egypt’s most spectacular tombs, dedicated to one of its most famous queens.
Meet a Nubian family and learn about papyrus
As you wind your way southward down the Nile with Viking, you’ll learn about the various peoples that have called the riverbanks home over the years. One of those groups is the Nubians – an ethnic group of southern Egypt and northern Sudan with their own distinct culture separate from both ancient and modern Egyptians.
In Aswan, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a Nubian village and get to know a local family and their traditions. Later in the day you’ll head to the Papryus Institute to learn about the proto-paper that allowed the Ancient Egyptians to spread their legends and histories around their empire. From there it’s back aboard towards Luxor, and back towards more exploration on land in Cairo.
Viking’s carefully balanced program of sightseeing and sailing makes for an outstanding Egyptian experience, an itinerary that has been carefully curated and perfected over the years. With the added convenience of prime docking locations in the main ports, Viking’s Nile voyages are the very best that Egypt has to offer.
See the full Viking Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary and learn more here.
Viking offers premium ocean, river and expedition voyages. State-of-the-art ships, with no kids, no casinos, and everything you need included, complement destination-focused itineraries delivering culturally immersive experiences across all seven continents.
