The Nile, Reimagined: A Slow Unveiling of Egypt with Uniworld

From the relics of Cairo to the serenity of Aswan, Uniworld’s curated Nile journey unlocks Egypt’s ancient spirit with depth, access and effortless elegance—this is myth explored from the inside out

In the great cities of Egypt, there is magic in the air. From the waters of the river Nile to the towering peaks of Mount Sinai, the country is imbued with its ancient past, with every stretch of land and grain of sand holding stories of one of our greatest civilisations. Yet much like the fabled inner chambers of its great pyramids, Egypt can feel impenetrable. With so much to see and so many crowds to contend with, many of its greatest sites and best locations lay just out of reach, available only to those with the local knowledge to interpret the secrets of the land, the history, and the culture.

For discerning travellers, boutique river company Uniworld can offer a side of Egypt rarely seen. Their “Splendours of Egypt & The Nile” itinerary offers the same curation and luxury synonymous with the brand, but placed within one of the world’s most wondrous locations. Immersive and evocative, Uniworld’s twelve-day Egyptian tour bypasses the unexpected, offering sumptuous accommodation, gourmet dining, guided excursions, and exclusive access for their intrepid guests.

The Splendours of Egypt & The Nile begins and ends in Cairo, where guests are immediately immersed in the sprawling, ancient city and the iconic Pyramids of Giza just beyond. As sun tracks over the endless horizon, guests can explore streets lined with Roman, Arabic, and Ottoman architecture, losing themselves in bustling bazaars and winding alleyways, before checking-in to luxury rooms at either the Four Season Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, or the Nile Ritz Carlton. As a new day dawns, the majestic Alabaster Mosque calls, with its ceiling of suspended lamps just the start of Uniworld’s Egyptian journey.

From Cairo, Uniworld flies guests to Luxor and into the heart of Egypt’s history. In the ancient capital of Thebes, Uniworld’s expert Egyptologists are on hand for guided excursions of the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Karnak and more, where expert and local knowledge collide for exclusive insights and lessons. The team of Egyptologists remain with guests throughout their journey, on hand on both land and river to make the itinerary as enriching and exploratory as it is luxurious and serene.

Luxor also marks the point guests embark on one of the two Uniworld ships that coast the Nile. Pairing perfectly with the luxury hotels on land, the River Tosca and the S.S. Sphinx are the queens of the river, with floor-to-ceiling windows, sun deck pools, spas, and locally-sourced gourmet dining making both unrivalled on the Egyptian waters. In true Uniworld style, each ship is highly immersive, with everything from the design and decor, to the menu and entertainment paying homage to the culture, history, and style of the locale. From the River Tosca’s warm, wooden finishes, antique furniture, and shaded cabanas, to the ornate carvings and hues of Egyptian Royal Blue on the S.S. Sphinx, Uniworld’s curated luxury is the perfect place to watch Egypt float by.

As the tour continues, guests will explore the cities of Kom Ombo, Aswan, and Esna, visiting no less than 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the full 12 days. Along with site and museum tours, guests will enjoy birdwatching on the Nile, sunset tea at the infamous Old Cataract Hotel, and a serene boat ride on a traditional felucca, with the large triangular sails reminiscent of how Egyptians have been travelling for millions of years.

If guests want to dive even deeper into their Egyptian experience, Uniworld’s Masterpiece Collection goes above and beyond. Surf the sand dunes of the Aswan desert, embark on a sightseeing adventure through the city of Alexandria, or enjoy an exclusive visit to one of the most hotly-anticipated museums in the world, the Grand Egyptian Museum. Our pick however, is a visit to The Temples of Abu Simbel. Following a short flight from Aswan, a private guide will take guests through one of the most recognisable ancient sites in Egypt, constructed by King Ramses II in 1244 B.C. Once the guide has explored the temple’s secrets, guests can take time to marvel at the exquisite detail on their own, before flying back to Aswan to rejoin their ship.

Pre and post trip extensions to the likes of the Red Sea and Jordan are also available to delve deeper into the surrounding region.

Throughout it all, Uniworld’s team are on hand to ensure every guest experience is a memorable one, with an all-local crew and an inimitable approach to hospitality that is thoughtful and thoroughly infused with Egyptian culture. Uniworld’s Managing Director Australia & New Zealand Alice Ager experienced this first hand, embodying the role of a guest on a recent trip to Egypt with her family. 

“We spent Christmas and New Year on the Splendours of Egypt and the Nile itinerary and it has become the family the holiday gift that just keeps on giving! We travelled with our two teenage sons who are now mildly obsessed with the ancient secrets of Egyptian kings and queens. During our visit to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor we witnessed first-hand a team of archeologists who, (literally weeks after we visited), have discovered the tomb of King Thutmose II! What an incredible thing to witness! We also spent Christmas morning in a hot air balloon over the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut’s temple which we will never forget. The Uniworld culinary team prepared a traditional Christmas dinner as a change from the local delicacies which was also so appreciated by our boys. Cruising the Nile is truly the trip of a lifetime and I can’t recommend it enough!”

Those who have visited the fabled shores of Egypt say that it defies expectation and explanation. And aboard Uniworld’s 12-day itinerary, expectation and explanation are defied daily, with every moment an opportunity to delve deeper into the mystique and magic of the country’s ancient lands and rich culture. From the lavishly appointed suites of their partner hotels, and the riverview staterooms of their luxury ships, Uniworld takes guests into the heart of Egypt, with every excursion, meal, and cultural exchange opening a window into another world.

Now is the time to book your 2026 river cruise. Save up to 20% on select sailings valid for sale until 30 June 2026.

Click through: https://www.uniworld.com/ap/current-offers/2025-savings

Every booking for Splendours of Egypt & The Nile includes: a 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the S.S. Sphinx or the elegant River Tosca; 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners and welcome and farewell Receptions; complimentary house wine, local beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee during lunch and dinner; 4 nights in Cairo at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or at the Nile Ritz-Carlton (or similar); 8 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking trained Egyptologists and including 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites; flights between Cairo and Luxor; gratuities for onboard and onshore personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager or Egyptologist, local experts, drivers); free Wi-Fi.