The Great Pyramids, the mysterious King Tut, and Egypt's towering temples are icons of ancient Egypt that many of us have heard about since childhood. With Viking, you can experience ancient Egypt up close on their 12-day Nile cruises, where history comes to life on one of the world’s most famous rivers.
Viking's Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary offers an unforgettable journey through Egypt's ancient wonders. The cruise combines cultural immersion with the comfort of modern luxury, allowing you to explore the cradle of civilization at a relaxed pace.
Exploring Cairo
Your journey begins with three nights in Cairo, the beating heart of Egypt. Egypt’s capital city is home to the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum, a world-class museum that showcases Egyptian treasures, including King Tut’s Golden Mask.
Next door, at the Giza plateau, the Great Pyramids stand as a testament to ancient engineering. Walking alongside these ancient wonders is a moving experience. The iconic Sphinx is nearby, its weathered features overlooking the desert as they have for thousands of years.
In Cairo, you can also explore the Cairo Citadel, where the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known as the Alabaster Mosque for its striking interiors, dominates the skyline with its great dome and towering minarets.
Viking’s Modern Ships on the Nile
After exploring Cairo, you’ll fly to Luxor to board your Viking ship for a week-long cruise along the Nile. The Viking Thoth, delivered in October 2025, is one of six identical Viking ships now sailing Egypt's great river.
Built specifically for the Nile, Viking Thoth features 41 staterooms and Viking’s classic Scandinavian design, with clean lines, natural materials, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Together with the Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, Viking Sobek, Viking Hathor, and Viking Amun, these are the most modern ships sailing the Nile.
From Luxor, you’ll visit the impressive temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor. It’s quite something to walk through the 134 columns at Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak, many of them towering 80 feet high.
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is home to 62 rock-cut tombs where pharaohs designed elaborate burial chambers for the afterlife. Each tomb is different, reflecting each pharaoh’s story and personal wishes. Queen Nefertari's tomb is a standout with its painted walls depicting her journey to become a goddess.
For those traveling in August 2027, Viking offers a special add-on experience to witness a total solar eclipse over Luxor, where the phenomenon will last over 6 minutes.
Dendera Temple in Qena
The Nile cruise continues south through landscapes that have changed little over the centuries. In Qena, you’ll visit Dendera Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The temple ceiling retains traces of original color, protected for centuries beneath accumulated soot.
An optional Hot Air Balloon Ride offers the chance to float over the ancient temples and burial grounds of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens on the Nile’s west bank.
Temple of Khnum’s Hypostyle Hall
At Esna, you’ll see the temple dedicated to Khnum, the water god believed to have fashioned humankind from his potter's wheel. The Hypostyle Hall has columns with intricate carvings and wall paintings that retain their original color.
Visit a Nubian Village
Aswan is located on the northern border of ancient Nubia. Here, the Temple of Philae sits on an island near the modern High Dam. The entire temple complex was relocated stone by stone in the 1960s when the dam was built, preserving this beautiful example of Ptolemaic architecture.
Nearby, Nubian villages offer glimpses of a unique, living culture that predates the pharaohs, with brightly painted houses and unique traditions.
An optional excursion takes you to the stunning monolithic temples at Abu Simbel, built in the 13th century. These incredible temples, including the imposing statues of Ramses II, were moved from their original location in 1968 during the construction of the Aswan Dam.
Aboard Your Viking Ship
Days aboard the Viking Thoth or its sister ships follow a comfortable rhythm. Mornings include guided excursions led by Egyptologists who share their expertise and insights. In the afternoon, the ship moves to a new destination, the landscape drifting by at a leisurely pace.
As the cruise ends, you’ll return to Cairo for a final night before departure. From the pyramids of Giza to the temples of Abu Simbel, the journey offers timeless discovery and cultural immersion in luxury.
Exclusive AAA Member Benefits
AAA members can take advantage of exclusive perks when booking Viking. Cruises of 8 to 11 days receive a $100 per person onboard credit, while voyages of 12 days or longer include $200 per person onboard credit. More information is available at AAA.com/Viking or cluballiance.aaa.com/travel/cruiselines/viking.