About the Journey

Journey through antiquity on this exploration of the Nile River’s great civilizations. Begin in Cairo with the iconic Great Pyramids and enigmatic Sphinx, then tour the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest museum in the world dedicated to ancient Egypt.

Fly to Abu Simbel and the Upper Nile for a fascinating cruise on Lake Nasser. Explore the archaeological gems of ancient Nubia, Egypt’s neighbor in antiquity with its own distinct culture and traditions, and walk the massive complex of temples at Abu Simbel, guarded by statues of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.

Then take a classic voyage along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor, witnessing the Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved temple, and the unparalleled temple complexes of Luxor, representing the pinnacle of Egyptian architecture. Explore the mile-long ruins of Karnak, considered by many to be Egypt’s greatest temple complex.

Disembark and visit the haunting Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, as well as the massive Colossi of Memnon, two 64-foot-high statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded the gates of his own tomb. The journey concludes in Cairo with opportunities to explore the
sprawling Khan el-khalili bazaar, Egypt’s first capital of Memphis, and the necropolis at Sakkara.

For those wishing to extend the adventure, an optional post-tour extension to Petra and Amman, Jordan, will be offered.

Accommodation

Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi Cairo, Egypt

Opened in January 2025, the brand-new Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi blends convenience, style, and comfort to create a relaxing modern getaway just a short drive from the historic site of Old Cairo and numerous museums and attractions. The 255-room hotel features a bright, glass-ceiling lobby with a lounge and café, as well as two restaurants, poolside bar, heated outdoor swimming pool, spa with massage and beauty services (for a fee), fitness center, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

M/S Prince Abbas Lake Nasser Cruise

The M/S Prince Abbas offers travelers a unique vantage point from which to experience treasures of antiquity in the comfort of contemporary amenities. With just 65 cabins, the 120-passenger ship offers a level of personal service well suited to small group travel. The ship features a dining room, lounge, bar, observation room/library with panoramic windows, laundry service (for a fee), gift shop, billiard room, and fitness center. Situated on the canopied sun deck are a plunge pool, jacuzzi, and bar. Your air-conditioned outside cabin has a private bath with hair dryer, window, minibar, TV, and phone. Please note that the ship docks at regular docking facilities in Abu Simbel and Aswan; at other stops you will take small launches or motorboats from the ship to shore. Princeton Journeys guests will be joined by independent travelers on this cruise.

M/S Nile Sunray Nile River Cruise

Ideally sized for accommodating small tour groups, this 62-cabin river ship offers all the conveniences for touring the Nile in comfort. The 132-passenger M/S Sun Ray has five decks and provides such amenities as a restaurant, bar/lounge, sun deck with outdoor plunge pool, gym, library, laundry service (for a fee), internet access, and gift shop. Air-conditioned outside cabins offer a window along with private bath with hair dryer, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone. Please note that there are no elevators on board this ship. Princeton Journeys guests will be joined by independent travelers on this cruise.

Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor

Within the heart of Luxor’s historic center sits Steigenberger Nile Palace, a 303-room hotel just across the river from the Valley of the Kings. The hotel features five restaurants, three bars, a fitness center, spa with massage treatments (for a fee), sauna, steam bath, heated outdoor pool, on-site doctor, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, bookstore, gift shops, hairdresser, and laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee).  Air-conditioned guest rooms each have private baths with a hair dryer, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Pricing

• $6,395 per person double occupancy (land only)
• $7,597 including roundtrip economy airfare from Boston or New York (Air-inclusive price includes an estimated $802 in airline taxes and fees, which are subject to change). Air arrangements from other gateway cities are available for an additional cost.
• Single supplement: $1,595

Reservations

Registration is not yet open for this journey. Please request a brochure or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.