Viking has opened bookings for a new 19-day Grand Nile Journey itinerary exploring ancient Egypt in unprecedented depth. The explorations in 2028 feature four hotel nights in Egypt’s capital and 14-night sailings between Cairo and Aswan on board the all-suite Viking Ra.
Guests will discover the country’s renowned landmarks alongside lesser-visited archaeological sites and communities in Middle Egypt that shaped life along the Nile.
The itinerary features 17 guided tours designed to provide a more comprehensive exploration of the country’s significant history, culture and traditions. Guests will begin in Cairo, where highlights include 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 voyage’s distinctive experiences are visits to sites throughout Middle Egypt. Guests will discover the Meidum Pyramid, an important chapter in the evolution of pyramid construction. They will also explore the cliffside Noblemen’s Tombs of Beni Hasan, renowned for their depictions of daily life in ancient Egypt.
At Tell el-Amarna, guests will encounter the remains of the once-lost royal capital established by Pharaoh Akhenaten, while a visit to Deir el-Muharraq monastery offers insight into Egypt’s Coptic Christian heritage.
Continuing south, guests will experience the grandeur of ancient Egypt at the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Seti I at Abydos. The journey also includes time in Aswan, where guests can explore the island temple complex of Philae, immerse themselves in Egypt’s storied past during a visit to the monolithic temples at Abu Simbel and sail the Nile in a traditional felucca. Throughout the voyage, scenic sailing reveals the contrast between the Nile’s lush green riverbanks and the surrounding desert landscapes.
“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 gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit. Our new Grand Nile Journey reflects that approach, giving guests more time to explore Egypt and experience the many layers of its history and culture.”
Viking is also offering pre-and post-land extensions that can be combined with the Grand Nile Journey itinerary. Options include Cairo (two nights; with services of a Viking Host), offering more time to discover Egypt’s vibrant capital; Morocco (five nights; fully guided), showcasing its colorful markets and rich heritage; and Jordan—Dead Sea, Petra & Amman (four nights; fully guided), highlighting ancient wonders and dramatic landscapes.
Hosting 52 guests in 26 suites, the Viking Ra is built specifically to navigate the Nile River. Inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships, the Viking Ra features the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. The new Grand Nile Journey expands Viking’s Egypt offerings, complementing the popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary and the sold-out 12-day Total Eclipse on the Nile voyage in 2027.
Viking now operates a fleet of 10 vessels in Egypt and expects to take delivery of two more in 2028.
Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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