Egypt aboard Oberoi Philae
30° 3′ N 31° 14′ E
Passage Through Egypt
Highlights
Sail the Nile, seamlessly connected to the landscape by floor-length windows and gracious open spaces, making the Oberoi Philae the elegant centerpiece of your trip
Flying by private charter within Egypt offers Lindblad passengers comfort and access to must-see landmarks off the Nile
Look to seasoned Egyptologists to balance the deluge of discovery with stories, daily recaps, and modern updates
Capture each moment in perpetuity with your Certified Photo Instructor's guided schooling and passionate encouragement
Meet proud Egyptians and experience their way of life along a land whose history has touched all of civilization
Day by Day
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
2023 (Southbound)
Luxor, Egypt
Aswan, Egypt
Days 1-2
U.S. / Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in Cairo and check into the five-star Nile Ritz-Carlton, your home for the next four nights. In the city's heart, this luxurious hotel overlooks the famed Nile, which your room will face. Weather permitting, gaze out your window at the iconic Pyramids in the distance.
Days 1-2
U.S. / Cairo, EgyptArrive in Cairo and check into the five-star Nile Ritz-Carlton, your home for the next four nights. In the city's heart, this luxurious hotel overlooks the famed Nile, which your room will face. Weather permitting, gaze out your window at the iconic Pyramids in the distance.
Day 3
Cairo / Pyramids / Sphinx
Today, after a morning welcome briefing, start by exploring the premier treasure of Egypt—the Pyramids and Sphinx complex in Giza. Learn how the magnificent Pyramid of Cheops was built from over two million blocks of stone and took tens of thousands of workers over twenty years to build. The infamous Sphinx was carved out of a single massive piece of stone and displays the Pharaoh Chefren’s head on the body of a lion.
Go inside the Great Pyramid, following the Grand Gallery’s narrow passageway to the burial chamber of Cheops. Your Egyptologist will narrate with stories and details, bringing the experience to life, while your Certified Photography Instructor will be on hand to ensure that perfect photos happen.
A memorable opportunity to ride a camel awaits you at the Pyramids complex. Then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before either returning to the Ritz to relax and enjoy your accommodations or visiting the National Museum of Egyptian Culture where the Royal Mummies are now on display.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Cairo / Pyramids / SphinxToday, after a morning welcome briefing, start by exploring the premier treasure of Egypt—the Pyramids and Sphinx complex in Giza. Learn how the magnificent Pyramid of Cheops was built from over two million blocks of stone and took tens of thousands of workers over twenty years to build. The infamous Sphinx was carved out of a single massive piece of stone and displays the Pharaoh Chefren’s head on the body of a lion.
Go inside the Great Pyramid, following the Grand Gallery’s narrow passageway to the burial chamber of Cheops. Your Egyptologist will narrate with stories and details, bringing the experience to life, while your Certified Photography Instructor will be on hand to ensure that perfect photos happen.
A memorable opportunity to ride a camel awaits you at the Pyramids complex. Then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before either returning to the Ritz to relax and enjoy your accommodations or visiting the National Museum of Egyptian Culture where the Royal Mummies are now on display.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Cairo / Grand Egyptian Museum and Saqqara
Egyptian treasures are the stuff of legend, and expertly guided visits to the finest collections are essential for a complete experience. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled to open in late 2023, is the new crown jewel of Egypt and one of the world's largest, most modern museums. Great masterpieces, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, the brightly painted sculptures of Prince Rahotep and Princess Nofret, and the bizarre relief of Akhenaten will be on display.
Note: Before the opening of the GEM, guests will visit the Antiquities Museum, home to an expansive collection of ancient marvels, which will close when the GEM opens.
After lunch, travel to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of the Pharoah Zoser, a revolutionary design that initiated the art of pyramid-building. Here, you'll see some of Egypt’s most captivating wall paintings and reliefs, showing harvesting, fishing, music-making, and dancing scenes. Discover the elaborate mastaba, a type of ancient flat-roofed rectangular Egyptian tomb of Mereruka (or Meri). She was not a royal but “Chief Justice and Vizier” to Pharaoh Teti of the Sixth Dynasty. This large and colorful tomb built for Meri’s afterlife is considered the largest in Saqqara.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Cairo / Grand Egyptian Museum and SaqqaraEgyptian treasures are the stuff of legend, and expertly guided visits to the finest collections are essential for a complete experience. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled to open in late 2023, is the new crown jewel of Egypt and one of the world's largest, most modern museums. Great masterpieces, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, the brightly painted sculptures of Prince Rahotep and Princess Nofret, and the bizarre relief of Akhenaten will be on display.
Note: Before the opening of the GEM, guests will visit the Antiquities Museum, home to an expansive collection of ancient marvels, which will close when the GEM opens.
After lunch, travel to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of the Pharoah Zoser, a revolutionary design that initiated the art of pyramid-building. Here, you'll see some of Egypt’s most captivating wall paintings and reliefs, showing harvesting, fishing, music-making, and dancing scenes. Discover the elaborate mastaba, a type of ancient flat-roofed rectangular Egyptian tomb of Mereruka (or Meri). She was not a royal but “Chief Justice and Vizier” to Pharaoh Teti of the Sixth Dynasty. This large and colorful tomb built for Meri’s afterlife is considered the largest in Saqqara.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Islamic Cairo
With the guidance of your Egyptologist, who will share narratives and personal experiences, today welcomes exploration of some of Cairo’s most outstanding architecture and monuments to Islam. Atop the Citadel overlooking Cairo sits, the commanding Ottoman-era Muhammad Ali Mosque completed in 1848. Its five domes can be seen throughout the city. Continue to the mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period. Recognized for its size and use of unorthodox architectural elements, the mosque and its madrassa (school attached to a mosque) display some of the best examples of Islamic art in Cairo.
After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Khan el Khalili bazaar, Egypt’s most famous and largest market dating back to the 14th century, for the best taste of Cairo’s vibrant and sometimes frantic pace. You can find anything from filigreed silverwork to semiprecious stones, tacky toy camels, and tourist souvenirs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Islamic CairoWith the guidance of your Egyptologist, who will share narratives and personal experiences, today welcomes exploration of some of Cairo’s most outstanding architecture and monuments to Islam. Atop the Citadel overlooking Cairo sits, the commanding Ottoman-era Muhammad Ali Mosque completed in 1848. Its five domes can be seen throughout the city. Continue to the mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period. Recognized for its size and use of unorthodox architectural elements, the mosque and its madrassa (school attached to a mosque) display some of the best examples of Islamic art in Cairo.
After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Khan el Khalili bazaar, Egypt’s most famous and largest market dating back to the 14th century, for the best taste of Cairo’s vibrant and sometimes frantic pace. You can find anything from filigreed silverwork to semiprecious stones, tacky toy camels, and tourist souvenirs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Luxor / Embark Ship
Fly by private charter to Luxor in Upper Egypt, where a visit to the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple is sure to be life changing. For some 2,000 years, 30 pharaohs added their monuments and shrines to this vast temple making it the largest religious building ever constructed. The 134 columns of the great hall create a vast forest of stone towering 70 feet high, and the massive obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut shadows the rear of this masterpiece of human ingenuity. The reliefs and carvings created by some of Ancient Egypt's finest artisans are dramatic.
After Karnak, embark the elegant and privately chartered 42-passenger Oberoi Philae, home for the next six nights, in time for lunch. Aboard this recently remodeled steam wheel-style riverboat, you will find your spacious cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, warm and congregating public areas offering endless places to watch the Nile, delightful dining venues, entertainment, a spa, and a pool, and a friendly and welcoming Egyptian crew offering impeccable service.
The late afternoon into evening is the ideal time to visit Luxor Museum, which is beautifully lit and home to some of Egypt's finest statuary, including the mummies of Ahmos I and Ramesses I.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Luxor / Embark ShipFly by private charter to Luxor in Upper Egypt, where a visit to the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple is sure to be life changing. For some 2,000 years, 30 pharaohs added their monuments and shrines to this vast temple making it the largest religious building ever constructed. The 134 columns of the great hall create a vast forest of stone towering 70 feet high, and the massive obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut shadows the rear of this masterpiece of human ingenuity. The reliefs and carvings created by some of Ancient Egypt's finest artisans are dramatic.
After Karnak, embark the elegant and privately chartered 42-passenger Oberoi Philae, home for the next six nights, in time for lunch. Aboard this recently remodeled steam wheel-style riverboat, you will find your spacious cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, warm and congregating public areas offering endless places to watch the Nile, delightful dining venues, entertainment, a spa, and a pool, and a friendly and welcoming Egyptian crew offering impeccable service.
The late afternoon into evening is the ideal time to visit Luxor Museum, which is beautifully lit and home to some of Egypt's finest statuary, including the mummies of Ahmos I and Ramesses I.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Dendera / Luxor Temple
*Please note that we will drive via motorcoaches between Luxor and Dendera Temple if our arrival coincides with low water and cruise this section of the Nile during high water times.
Start the day enjoying the remote temple of Dendera. Constructed during the time of Roman emperors, hundreds of years of black soot were delicately removed to reveal stunning artwork beneath and reliefs on the temple walls depicting Empress Cleopatra.
Next, is the exquisite Luxor Temple guarded by its massive statues of Ramses II. This temple has been a place of worship for millennia. Its magnificent pylons, columns, and statues are also an excellent site to visit after sunset, illuminated with magical lighting.
After dinner onboard, venture into Luxor for an opportunity to leisurely enjoy the evening in this ancient city on the east bank of the Nile.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Dendera / Luxor Temple*Please note that we will drive via motorcoaches between Luxor and Dendera Temple if our arrival coincides with low water and cruise this section of the Nile during high water times.
Start the day enjoying the remote temple of Dendera. Constructed during the time of Roman emperors, hundreds of years of black soot were delicately removed to reveal stunning artwork beneath and reliefs on the temple walls depicting Empress Cleopatra.
Next, is the exquisite Luxor Temple guarded by its massive statues of Ramses II. This temple has been a place of worship for millennia. Its magnificent pylons, columns, and statues are also an excellent site to visit after sunset, illuminated with magical lighting.
After dinner onboard, venture into Luxor for an opportunity to leisurely enjoy the evening in this ancient city on the east bank of the Nile.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
West Bank
Early risers can enjoy an optional hot air balloon ride for a panoramic view of the Luxor area. Afterward, journey to the West Bank of the Nile and the famed Valley of the Kings, the burial ground for hundreds of years of Egypt's greatest pharaohs. Explore and photograph the tombs of Set 1 and Tutankhamun. Then visit the Valley of the Queens and the most legendary tomb of them all, that of Nefertari. Vivid paintings depict the queen's renowned beauty and her journey to the afterlife in exquisite color and quality found nowhere else in Egypt. See the temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically set beneath sandstone cliffs.
Have lunch on board and spend the afternoon traversing the magnificent Nile and marveling at the rich and verdant riverbanks that have sustained life here for thousands of years. The Oberoi Philae offers luxurious space and ample viewpoints to watch life and history as it goes by. Whether ensuite, with friends in the lounge, or on the top deck, today will offer connection to people and place.
In the evening, presentations and recaps from the Egyptologists and Certified Photo Instructor are scheduled as the ship passes through the lock before an elegant dinner is served. Overnight in Esna.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
West BankEarly risers can enjoy an optional hot air balloon ride for a panoramic view of the Luxor area. Afterward, journey to the West Bank of the Nile and the famed Valley of the Kings, the burial ground for hundreds of years of Egypt's greatest pharaohs. Explore and photograph the tombs of Set 1 and Tutankhamun. Then visit the Valley of the Queens and the most legendary tomb of them all, that of Nefertari. Vivid paintings depict the queen's renowned beauty and her journey to the afterlife in exquisite color and quality found nowhere else in Egypt. See the temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically set beneath sandstone cliffs.
Have lunch on board and spend the afternoon traversing the magnificent Nile and marveling at the rich and verdant riverbanks that have sustained life here for thousands of years. The Oberoi Philae offers luxurious space and ample viewpoints to watch life and history as it goes by. Whether ensuite, with friends in the lounge, or on the top deck, today will offer connection to people and place.
In the evening, presentations and recaps from the Egyptologists and Certified Photo Instructor are scheduled as the ship passes through the lock before an elegant dinner is served. Overnight in Esna.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Esna
From the ship, walk to the nearby Temple of Khnum in the town of Esna. This temple has not been fully excavated, and your Egyptologist explains how silt from centuries of the Nile's annual floods buried the temple, which sits about nine meters below river level.
As you walk back to the ship through Esna, take a moment to talk to locals and learn about Egyptian small-town life. Relax on board, dive into the ship's library of Egyptian history, or take a cool swim in the ship's pool. Today’s Presentation and Recap will cover Egyptology and modern Egypt plus photo instruction considering the sites and lighting you are currently experiencing. Overnight in Kom Ombo, just under the riverside temple.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
EsnaFrom the ship, walk to the nearby Temple of Khnum in the town of Esna. This temple has not been fully excavated, and your Egyptologist explains how silt from centuries of the Nile's annual floods buried the temple, which sits about nine meters below river level.
As you walk back to the ship through Esna, take a moment to talk to locals and learn about Egyptian small-town life. Relax on board, dive into the ship's library of Egyptian history, or take a cool swim in the ship's pool. Today’s Presentation and Recap will cover Egyptology and modern Egypt plus photo instruction considering the sites and lighting you are currently experiencing. Overnight in Kom Ombo, just under the riverside temple.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Kom Ombo / Aswan
Set strikingly on a hill overlooking the Nile and dedicated to two gods, hawk-headed Haroeris and crocodile-headed Sobek, the Kom Ombo Temple, built during the Ptolemaic era, is richly decorated, and has a hieroglyphic calendar.
After a visit to Kom Ombo, board the ship and stay on deck as it approaches Aswan, a gloriously impactful spot on the Nile, backed by hills and granite rocks protruding from the riverbed and framed with sailboats (called feluccas) plying the water. Aswan is just downstream of the northernmost Nile cataract, historically making it a frontier town and trading center with Nubia.
In the afternoon, visit the fine Nubian Museum. End the day with High Tea at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel, from where commanding views of the Nile and Elephantine Island are sure to excite. A Nubian cultural show onboard Oberoi Philae rounds out the day.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Kom Ombo / AswanSet strikingly on a hill overlooking the Nile and dedicated to two gods, hawk-headed Haroeris and crocodile-headed Sobek, the Kom Ombo Temple, built during the Ptolemaic era, is richly decorated, and has a hieroglyphic calendar.
After a visit to Kom Ombo, board the ship and stay on deck as it approaches Aswan, a gloriously impactful spot on the Nile, backed by hills and granite rocks protruding from the riverbed and framed with sailboats (called feluccas) plying the water. Aswan is just downstream of the northernmost Nile cataract, historically making it a frontier town and trading center with Nubia.
In the afternoon, visit the fine Nubian Museum. End the day with High Tea at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel, from where commanding views of the Nile and Elephantine Island are sure to excite. A Nubian cultural show onboard Oberoi Philae rounds out the day.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Aswan
This morning, visit the lovely Temple of Isis on the island of Philae, from which the Oberoi Philae gets its name. Like Abu Simbel, the Temple of Isis would have been lost to the floods caused by the building of the High Dam if not painstakingly dismantled, moved and reconstructed at its present location.
Visit a granite quarry to learn how massive obelisks—tall, four-sided narrow pillars that end in a pyramidal top used as monuments—were carefully cut from solid rock transported down the Nile.
The afternoon takes a different direction as you relax and enjoy a sail on a traditional felucca or wooden sailboat as the Nubian crew sing local songs and highlight the beauty of the shallow and jutting rocky cataracts of the Nile in the afternoon light.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
AswanThis morning, visit the lovely Temple of Isis on the island of Philae, from which the Oberoi Philae gets its name. Like Abu Simbel, the Temple of Isis would have been lost to the floods caused by the building of the High Dam if not painstakingly dismantled, moved and reconstructed at its present location.
Visit a granite quarry to learn how massive obelisks—tall, four-sided narrow pillars that end in a pyramidal top used as monuments—were carefully cut from solid rock transported down the Nile.
The afternoon takes a different direction as you relax and enjoy a sail on a traditional felucca or wooden sailboat as the Nubian crew sing local songs and highlight the beauty of the shallow and jutting rocky cataracts of the Nile in the afternoon light.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Disembark Ship / Abu Simbel / Cairo
A private plane awaits you after disembarking Oberoi Philae to fly you to southern Nubia and the remarkable site of Abu Simbel. Sitting on a sunbaked island in the azure waters of Lake Nassar, you'll find two temples here. One large, dedicated to Ramses II’s victory at Kadesh, and one small, dedicated to his beloved Queen Nefertari. Constructed in the mid-13th century BC, Abu Simbel was excavated from the sand in 1817. The temples were moved painstakingly piece-by-piece to where it sits today to avoid being lost again to the creation of modern Lake Nassar.
After lunch, reboard the chartered plane for the flight back to Cairo and check in at the 5-Star InterContinental Citystars Hotel. In the evening enjoy a final dinner with the group.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Disembark Ship / Abu Simbel / CairoA private plane awaits you after disembarking Oberoi Philae to fly you to southern Nubia and the remarkable site of Abu Simbel. Sitting on a sunbaked island in the azure waters of Lake Nassar, you'll find two temples here. One large, dedicated to Ramses II’s victory at Kadesh, and one small, dedicated to his beloved Queen Nefertari. Constructed in the mid-13th century BC, Abu Simbel was excavated from the sand in 1817. The temples were moved painstakingly piece-by-piece to where it sits today to avoid being lost again to the creation of modern Lake Nassar.
After lunch, reboard the chartered plane for the flight back to Cairo and check in at the 5-Star InterContinental Citystars Hotel. In the evening enjoy a final dinner with the group.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Cairo
Following your last night in Egypt, have breakfast at the InterContinental and take a transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13
CairoFollowing your last night in Egypt, have breakfast at the InterContinental and take a transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
NOTE: For expeditions departing January 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.
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Oberoi Philae
Guests
42
Cabins
22
Experience the panorama of life along the world’s longest river
Avoyage along the Nile is the centerpiece of your journey through Egypt. There are few, if any, ships that can match the elegance and ideal size of the Oberoi Philae. Originally built for 100 guests, it was remodeled and reconfigured to accommodate 42 in her peerless style.
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Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
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Travel to storied Egypt, delve into its legendary past, and connect with the spirit still illuminating today. With expert Egyptologists and a certified photo instructor by your side, spend six nights aboard the Nile's finest vessel beholding landscapes that have sustained life for millennia. From the Pyramids to Valley of the Kings, Sphinx, and Tomb of Nefertari to mesmerizing Luxor guarded by massive Ramses II, nothing compares to this scale of grandness.
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