Adel
Chef on the River Tosca
“Have you ever tasted Egyptian falafel or koshari? When onboard the River Tosca, please remember to join me in the kitchen to see how these specialties are made and have some while they’re still hot!”
Egypt. The very name conjures up visions of ancient temples, Cleopatra, the Great Pyramids, mummies, and maze-like bazaars filled with tantalizing spices. And a Uniworld cruise along the Nile won’t disappoint. Follow in the footsteps of past explorers, adventurers, and archeologists as you discover Egypt’s ancient mysteries such as the Valley of the Kings and the Great Sphinx, World Heritage sites unrivaled in the modern world.
The ancient Egyptians’ massive Pyramids of Giza are one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering. Behold their awe-inspiring architectural precision up close when you visit Cairo, even entering one of the pyramids. While the pyramids honored their dead, the temples honored their gods. The impressive Philae Temple complex is one such example, where the Temple of Isis is dedicated to the goddess of love and healing. If you opt for the Masterpiece Collection pre-itinerary excursion to Alexandria, you’ll embark on a sightseeing expedition to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the largest and most important royal cemetery in Egypt.
Since antiquity, the Nile River and its fertile banks have served up a bounty of vegetables, fruits, and seafood—a quality our ships in Egypt highlight, serving up delicious cuisine made from ingredients grown fresh at their own farm. Add in spices like saffron, cinnamon, and mint, and you have a menu of gastronomic delights. These flavors give familiar Arabic dishes—hummus, falafel, grilled meats—a distinctively Egyptian twist. Koshari, Cairo’s most popular street food, is made of rice, pasta, and lentils, topped with tomato sauce, garlic, and vinegar, then garnished with chickpeas and fried onions. Pair baklava with a warming cup of Egyptian tea and you have a dessert to remember.
See what life lives in and along the banks of the Nile on a bird-watching excursion. As the motorboat winds its way along the river, be on the lookout for colorful native birds, different species of herons, kingfishers, vultures, sunbirds, and other wildlife that thrive in the marsh grass along the riverbanks like Nile crocodiles and hippos.
For millennia, the Nile River has provided a rich environment for some of the country’s most iconic flora. This ancient world comes to life when you set sail in a felucca—a small traditional boat with large triangular sails. As you cruise the world’s longest river, you’ll have views of bamboo and papyrus, the long-stemmed plant topped with a fan-shaped cluster of spikelet flowers often depicted in Egyptian temples.
How to pack: Bring lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in the warm weather. Long sleeves, sunglasses, hats, and ankle-length pants will help protect you from the strong sun. Please keep in mind that revealing clothing is frowned upon. You are required to cover your arms and legs while visiting a mosque. In the winter months, you may wish to bring a jacket for morning excursions, when temperatures can be as low as 50º F / 10º C.
When to go: Spring usually sees sunny and warm weather with occasional rain while summer can be extremely hot and dry. Somewhat cooler days and even cooler evenings in autumn and winter make it an ideal time to visit.
73º–82º F / 23º–28º C
68º–100º F / 20º–38º C
77º–91º F / 25º–33º C
59º–73º F / 15º–23º C
Egyptian Pound (EGP, E£)
Eastern European Time (EET)
Arabic
220V supply voltage and 50Hz
Plug type C and F
“Have you ever tasted Egyptian falafel or koshari? When onboard the River Tosca, please remember to join me in the kitchen to see how these specialties are made and have some while they’re still hot!”
“Crew members onboard our ships in Egypt are all locals from the area where the boats sail. Talk to them when you’re onboard for a personal introduction to the Nile’s unique culture.”
“Uniworld boats are one of the few boats that sail all the way to Dendera temple with its incredible blue ceiling. The golden sunset while sailing there with the west bank of the Nile backdrop is simply stunning.”
Verified reviews by
“It was the trip of a lifetime! The Splendors of Egypt have to be seen to be truly appreciated, and the Uniworld experience highlighted some of the best Egypt had to offer, all in a luxurious setting.”
– Janice K.
“Probably the most important factor is the incredible quality of the Egyptologist guide who held our hands throughout the entire vacation. True door to door coverage. Nothing like having a college professor specializing in ancient Egyptian history as a guide through Egypt!”
– James K.
“From our first moment boarding the ship, they greeted us with the words "welcome home." Every one of the staff were focused on the guests. Exceptional service from all departments!”
– Debra A.
“The ship was very well appointed. The decor was exquisite and very Egyptian. It gave the feeling of being in Egypt.”
– Eric S.
Cairo to Cairo | 12 days
For 12 adventure-filled days, experience Egypt and the Nile’s most wondrous sites in style and luxury.* Wander amongst the towering ruins of the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest...
Ships: River Tosca, S.S. Sphinx
Country: Egypt
River: Nile
4.6/5 (748 reviews)
From $6,999 per person