Explore Egypt’s spectacular highlights on this 9-day exploration in the Land of Pharaohs and Gods. Enter iconic pyramids to discover impossibly vibrant depictions of life in ancient Egypt. Be dwarfed by Karnak Temple’s 70-foot columns and discover the long-held secrets of the Valley of the Kings. A Nile cruise has been a rite of passage for generations, and we will follow in the paths of Mark Twain and Agatha Christie as we explore the banks of this fabled river aboard the graceful Sun Goddess. See legendary sites like the Sphinx, Luxor Temple, and Abu Simbel while traveling by private flights and elegant small ship. The many exceptional pleasures of this shorter expedition include first-class hotels and the company of renowned Egyptologists.


Highlights


• Experience the thrill of exploring celebrated sites of antiquity like the Great Pyramids, Abu Simbel, and the Valley of the Kings

• Sail the legendary Nile in a luxurious all-suite vessel, stepping off to explore riverside temples and villages

• Travel effortlessly in style with first-class hotels and private internal flights

• Exceptional Egyptologists, a Certified Photo Instructor, and other specialists greatly enrich the expedition experience

• Extend your stay in Cairo or Jordan, including Petra and the Dead Sea

Your adventure begins today as you check into the St. Regis Cairo, your home for the next three nights.

After a morning welcome briefing, we start the day exploring the most iconic and mysterious of all things in Egypt: the Pyramids and Sphinx complex in Giza. Among the seven wonders of the ancient world, only the Pyramids of Giza have survived. The magnificent Pyramid of Cheops was built from over two million blocks of stone and took tens of thousands of workers twenty years to build. Nearby is the great Sphinx, carved out of a single massive piece of stone, showing the Pharaoh Chefren’s head on the body of a lion. You’ll have the chance to go inside the Great Pyramid, following the narrow passageway of the Grand Gallery to the burial chamber of Cheops. Your Egyptologist will regale you with stories and details of the site's construction while your Certified Photography Instructor will be on hand to ensure you get the perfect photos. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel where you can enjoy the hotel amenities, chat with the Egyptologist, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Culture, or explore on your own. This evening we’ll gather for a daily Recap and welcome reception, followed by dinner at your leisure. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The treasures of Egypt are vast and the stuff of legend. No trip to Egypt would be complete without expertly guided visits of amazing collections. Tour the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which holds an almost endless collection of some of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, the brightly painted limestone sculptures of Prince Rahotep and Princess Nofret, the bizarre relief of Akhenaten, and pharaoh mummies including Ramses II. 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 we travel to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of the pharaoh Zoser, a revolutionary design that initiated the art of pyramid-building. We will also see some of Egypt’s most charming wall paintings and reliefs, showing scenes of harvesting, fishing, music making and dancing, as well as the elaborate and exquisite mastaba of Mereruka, the largest in Saqqara. While not a royal, Mereruka (or Meri) was, among other things, “Chief Justice and Vizier” to Pharaoh Teti of the Sixth Dynasty, wealthy enough to build such a large and colorful tomb for his afterlife. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly early via private charter flight to Luxor, in Upper Egypt, where we’ll visit Karnak Temple. For 2,000 years some 30 pharaohs added their own monuments and shrines to this vast temple. The 134 columns of the great hall create a forest of stone 70 feet high, while the towering obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut shadows the rear of the temple. The reliefs and carvings, created by some of Ancient Egypt’s finest artisans, are dramatic. We’ll then embark the elegant all-suite Sun Goddess in time for a late lunch. Onboard you will find spacious cabins, warm public areas and a welcoming Egyptian crew offering impeccable service. This evening we explore the exquisite Luxor Temple, guarded by massive statues of Ramses II, with magnificent pylons, columns and statues. It has been a place of worship for millennia, as attested to by the mosque that was built atop the site. Luxor Temple is well-lit in the evenings and a wonderful site to visit after sunset. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we will cross the Nile to the fabled West Bank and Valley of the Kings, burial ground for hundreds of years to Egypt's greatest pharaohs. Explore and photograph the tombs of Set I and Tutankhamun. Visit the Valley of the Queens and the most remarkable tomb of them all: that of Nefertari. Vivid paintings show the queen's beauty and depict 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. Return to the ship for lunch and time to relax as we cast off from Luxor to spend the afternoon marveling at the rich and verdant riverbanks and farmland that has sustained life along the Nile for thousands of years. Enjoy the views from your suite or join your friends in the lounge or on the top deck to watch life and history go by. We'll continue our program with presentations from your Egyptologists and Certified Photo Instructor later this evening. Pass through Esna lock before enjoying an elegant dinner and overnighting in Esna. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning, walk to the nearby Temple of Khnum, which lies beneath the contemporary town of Esna and has not yet been fully excavated. Your Egyptologist will explain how silt from centuries of the Nile's annual floods buried the temple, which sits below street level. Walk back to the ship through the narrow streets of Esna, talking with locals, sharing stories and smiles, and learning about everyday Egyptian small-town life. Enjoy more time onboard where you can relax, dip into the ship's library of Egyptian history, or take a cool swim in the pool. Presentations onboard will cover ancient and modern Egypt. Later we will visit Kom Ombo, set strikingly atop a hill overlooking the Nile. Built during the Ptolemaic era, Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods—hawk-headed Haroeris and crocodile headed Sobek. It is richly decorated, and even has a hieroglyphic calendar. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stand on deck as we approach Aswan, a glorious location on the Nile, backed by hills, with granite rocks protruding from the riverbed and sailboats (called feluccas) plying the water. Aswan is just downstream of the northernmost Nile cataract, which historically made it a frontier town and trading center with Nubia. This morning we visit the lovely Temple of Isis on the island of Philae. In Greek, Philae means "the end", an apt name since the island lies on the border with ancient Nubia. 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 about how massive obelisks and other structures were carefully cut from solid rock and transported to the river for sailing the Nile to Lower Egypt. Get a good look at an unfinished obelisk before a Nubian cultural show on board this evening. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark Sun Goddess and fly by private charter to southern Nubia and the remarkable site of Abu Simbel, on a sunbaked island in the azure waters of Lake Nasser. Two temples are found here; one large, dedicated to Ramses II's victory at Kadesh, and one small, dedicated to his beloved Queen Nefertari. Constructed in a different location in the mid-13th century BC, Abu Simbel was excavated from the sand in 1817. In 1968 the temples were cut and moved piece by piece to avoid being lost again, this time not to sand and neglect but to the creation of modern Lake Nasser. After lunch, reboard our privately-chartered aircraft to Cairo and check into the 5-star InterContinental Citystars Hotel. Gather for our final dinner with the group this evening. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. Meals Included: Breakfast

Itineraries are subject to change.

Category 1

$15,196 AUD pp
Category 1
#300-316 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 2

$16,234 AUD pp
Category 2
#402-416 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 3

$19,354 AUD pp
Category 3
#400 & 401 – 646 sq ft. These very large forward-facing suites feature a king bed, separate seating area, door opening to a balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 1

$15,040 AUD pp
Category 1
#300-316 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 2

$16,069 AUD pp
Category 2
#402-416 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 3

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Category 1

$15,040 AUD pp
Category 1
#300-316 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 2

$16,069 AUD pp
Category 2
#402-416 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 3

$19,157 AUD pp
Category 3
#400 & 401 – 646 sq ft. These very large forward-facing suites feature a king bed, separate seating area, door opening to a balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 1

$13,767 AUD pp
Category 1
#300-316 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 2

$14,740 AUD pp
Category 2
#402-416 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 3

$17,656 AUD pp
Category 3
#400 & 401 – 646 sq ft. These very large forward-facing suites feature a king bed, separate seating area, door opening to a balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 1

$13,767 AUD pp
Category 1
#300-316 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 2

$14,740 AUD pp
Category 2
#402-416 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 3

$17,656 AUD pp
Category 3
#400 & 401 – 646 sq ft. These very large forward-facing suites feature a king bed, separate seating area, door opening to a balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 1

$13,629 AUD pp
Category 1
#300-316 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 2

$14,591 AUD pp
Category 2
#402-416 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 3

$17,477 AUD pp
Category 3
#400 & 401 – 646 sq ft. These very large forward-facing suites feature a king bed, separate seating area, door opening to a balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 1

$13,196 AUD pp
Category 1
#300-316 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 2

$14,159 AUD pp
Category 2
#402-416 – 430 sq ft. These spacious suites feature queen beds, separate seating area, sliding glass door opening to a private balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Category 3

$17,044 AUD pp
Category 3
#400 & 401 – 646 sq ft. These very large forward-facing suites feature a king bed, separate seating area, door opening to a balcony with seating, and private bathroom with full-sized bathtub.

Vessel Type: River Cruise Ship

Length: 34 meters

Passenger Capacity: 60

Built / Refurbished: 1993 / 2019

The elegant Sun Goddess carries a maximum of only 60 guests in 30 spacious suites, providing an intimate and exceptionally comfortable experience on the world’s longest river. Featuring a separate sitting area and a balcony, each suite is a relaxing and sophisticated environment to observe 5,000 years of history unfolding along the Nile’s banks. 

Recently renovated in 2019, Sun Goddess is awash in soothing natural wood tones and an inviting ambience that imbues all five decks. Of the ship’s many common spaces, the highlight is her expansive Sun Deck offering open-air amenities and panoramic views of the Nile. With lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas, alfresco dining, and a refreshing swimming pool and Jacuzzi, it’s an enticing place to rest and recharge between visits to the region’s extraordinary temples and tombs.

Inside the ship, there are equally inviting public spaces to enjoy, from the airy dining room lined with large portholes to the well-appointed lounge with its eye-catching golden bar. Order your favorite beverage and pull up a seat as our Egyptologists and certified photo instructors discuss the day’s adventures during Lindblad’s signature daily Recap.  

30 outside suites
All of the ship's 30 spacious suites have a separate sitting area, both inside and out. Bathrooms are fitted with a full-sized bathtub and shower. There are 26 Presidential Suites, measuring 430 square feet, and two Executive Suites, measuring an impressive 646 square feet. All cabins also feature a mini-bar, safe, music system, TV, individual climate control, and hairdryer. Laundry service is included, and there’s ample storage.

Dining
The ship’s airy and elegant dining room accommodates the entire expedition community at the same time. Enjoy high-quality cuisine that’s focused on both local and Continental dishes, with options for vegetarians as well as other dietary needs. An expansive breakfast buffet is included daily while lunches and dinners are a mix of plated, family-style, or buffet depending on the day’s schedule.

Public Spaces
Natural wood tones with pops of vibrant color, gold-toned décor accents, Egyptian-themed artwork, and potted palms set the stage for the graceful public spaces. Sip on a cocktail during the evening Recap in the lounge. Relax on the Sun Deck, enjoying alfresco dining and a dip in the swimming pool or Jacuzzi. Or recline in a lounge chair and simply observe life on the Nile as boats float by and oxen drink along the banks as they have for millennia.

Wellness
Take a break from exploring to enjoy a massage treatment or a sauna in the Spa, or get in a workout in the Fitness Room, which includes a treadmill and exercise bike.





Cabin layout for Sun Goddess

Special Offers

10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES

Save 10% on consecutive departures, applicable on voyage fares only and not valid on extensions or airfare. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.

CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES

Celebrate a milestone with a group of eight or more and enjoy a special amenity package including: 5% savings on voyage fares, custom group photo, US$150 shipboard credit for the group, and other special gifts. Milestone celebration to be communicated at time of booking. Valid for new bookings only on select departures, subject to availability, not applicable on airfare or extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies. Call for details.

SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP

Save 5% when traveling as a group of eight or more people. Valid on voyage fares only and not applicable on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.

BRINGING THE KIDS

We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So take $625 off for each child under the age of 18.

COMBINING OFFERS

Combine now and save!

Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.

Inclusions


• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
• Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
• Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff 
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
• Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
• 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
• Beer and wine, spirits and cocktails on all 2024 departures aboard NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, and NG Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer,  NG Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, and The Jahan
• Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
• Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard NG Islander II and NG Endeavour II 
• Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
• The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic 
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available 
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
• Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
• Assistance by the onboard NG Photography Expert (NG Endurance, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes

Exclusions


• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, NG Sea Lion, and Delfin II
9 Days from
$1,467 AUD per day

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0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

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