Viking presents its new 19-day Grand Nile Journey itinerary, dedicated to exploring Egypt. With departures beginning in 2028, the voyage will offer the company's most comprehensive experience to date for discovering the country. The program includes four nights in a hotel in the Egyptian capital and a 14-night crossing between Cairo and Aswan aboard the Viking Ra, an all-suite ship.
Passengers will be able to visit the country's most famous monuments, as well as archaeological sites and less frequented communities in Middle Egypt, to delve deeper into the history, culture and traditions that have shaped life on the banks of the Nile.
“Egypt has captivated travelers for generations, and we believe there is always more to discover,” said Leah Talactac, president and CEO of Viking. “At Viking, we design our itineraries for curious travelers who want to delve deeper into the places they visit. Our new Grand Nile Journey reflects this philosophy, offering more time to explore Egypt and discover the many facets of its history and culture.”.
The new Grand Nile Journey includes 17 guided tours designed to offer a broader perspective on the country's history and traditions. The journey begins in Cairo, featuring the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, before continuing along the Nile through the heart of Egypt.
Among the most unique experiences are several visits to sites in Middle Egypt that offer a deeper understanding of the country's ancient civilizations. Passengers will discover the Meidum Pyramid, a key monument for understanding the evolution of pyramid architecture, and the tombs of the nobles at Beni Hasan, carved into the cliffs and renowned for their depictions of daily life in ancient Egypt.
At Tell el-Amarna you can see the remains of the ancient royal capital founded by Pharaoh Akhenaten, while a visit to the Deir el-Muharraq monastery will allow you to get closer to Egypt's Coptic Christian heritage and one of the places traditionally linked to the Holy Family's journey through the country.
Further south, the itinerary delves into the splendor of ancient Egypt with visits to the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Seti I at Abydos. The tour also includes time to explore Aswan, with its temple complex on Philae Island, and to visit the monumental temples of Abu Simbel, offering a deeper understanding of the country's ancient past. The experience also includes a Nile cruise aboard a traditional felucca.
During the journey, the landscapes will show the contrast between the fertile green riverbanks and the desert expanses that surround them.
For those wishing to extend their journey, Viking offers land extensions before or after the cruise, which can be combined with the Grand Nile Journey itinerary. Options include Cairo, with two nights and the services of a Viking host, allowing more time to explore Egypt's vibrant capital; Morocco, with five nights and guided tours, allowing you to discover its colorful markets and rich heritage; and Jordan, the Dead Sea, Petra, and Amman, a four-night guided extension to explore its historical sites and landscapes.
The Viking Ra
With a capacity for 52 passengers in 26 suites, the Viking Ra has been built specifically for cruising the Nile. Inspired by the company's award-winning river and ocean-going vessels, it incorporates Viking's signature elegant Scandinavian design.
The new Grand Nile Journey expands Viking's offerings in Egypt and complements the popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, as well as the 12-day Total Eclipse on the Nile voyage, which is already sold out for 2027. This latter voyage offers passengers the opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse from Egypt.
The announcement follows the company's recent efforts to expand its presence in the country. In early October, Viking unveiled the names of its two newest ships for the region, the Viking Ptah and the Viking Sekhmet. The company currently operates a fleet of ten ships in Egypt and expects to receive two more in 2028.
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