viking river cruises nile 2023

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Pharaohs & Pyramids

• From £6,945
• 11 Guided Tours
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026 2027

Pharaohs & Pyramids Map

Discover Egypt, ancient & modern

Uncover the ancient secrets of Egypt amid the welcoming culture of today. See the pyramids from astride a majestic camel. Explore the Temple of Karnak’s 136 soaring pillars. Visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens. Skim the waters of the Nile by traditional felucca . Enjoy the fragrances of Aswan’s spice market. Join our expert Egyptologists on a 12-day cruisetour through Egypt on board our modern Nile ships, owned and operated by Viking.

FLY FROM LONDON

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

Return flights from London and selected regional airports

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: British Collections of Ancient Egypt

From £2,799 | 4 Nights

Pre: Istanbul

From £1,099 | 3 Nights

Post: Jordan—Petra, Dead Sea & Amman

From £1,649 | 4 Nights

Post: Alexandria

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Viking Osiris: A cruise through Egypt on the legendary Nile River

Viking Osiris will take you down the Nile River in Egypt.

--> BY Louise Goldsbury

Last updated . 02 August 2023

A cruise through Egypt along this legendary river is a gateway to discoveries old and new: from unforgettable excursions to ancient wonders to recent archaeological discoveries and the languorous joy of watching the ever-changing landscape go by.

Against the flat backdrop of the desert and sugarcane fields, the fantastical scene of two dozen hot air balloons looks like a cartoon. Rising into the brightening sky, our multicoloured convoy floats above the ancient temples and tombs that we will visit this week on a Nile River cruise .

Hot air balloons rise above sugarcane fields. (Image: Louise Goldsbury)

Sights to see

The newest ship in Egypt, Viking Osiris is docked next to Karnak, the largest religious complex of the ancient world. Sources differ on dates, but there are relics of temples within the complex dating back to the 20th century BCE. This sprawling place of worship was built over more than a millennium and was believed to be the place creation began.

Karnak Temple was built over more than a millennium.

As explained by our Egyptologist guide, Walid El Bhaouty, this is where the sun god, Atum-Ra, would interact with people on Earth. Due to a recently completed restoration, thousands of years’ worth of dust and mud have been removed, revealing the original colours of the temples and 134 towering pillars.

Karnak is a sprawling religious complex, complete with 134 colossal pillars.

The ongoing restoration works by the Supreme Council of Antiquities extend across the country, transforming several archaeological sites. We head to the Temple of Luxor, the most significant religious site of the ancient Egyptian world, at sunset. Lit up at night, this sacred structure was built over centuries, primarily by the pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II.

The Temple of Luxor is the most significant religious site of the ancient Egyptian world.

Evocative chanting from a mosque resonates around the open-air courts, pylons and obelisks as we learn about their history and the meaning of the hieroglyphs etched into every surface. Luxor and Karnak are linked by the Avenue of Sphinxes, where more than 1000 statues are spread over three kilometres.

Buried under sand for 5000 years, the road was uncovered in 1949 but efforts to excavate were repeatedly interrupted by various political upheavals. After decades of delays, it has finally opened to the public, allowing us to freely explore until we return to the ship for dinner.

Learn about the meaning of the hieroglyphs etched into every surface.

What’s inside the Valley of the Kings?

The headliner excursion is to the Valley of the Kings, a collection of the most famed tombs of Egypt’s great pharaohs. The highlight is the tomb of Tutankhamun, who ruled the country from the age of nine. The mummy of the legendary king lies under a white sheet in a glass-enclosed case, with his withered face and feet exposed in full view.

Valley of the Kings preserves a collection of the tombs of Egypt’s great pharaohs.

The gold sarcophagus, which once contained his nested coffins, is in another elaborately decorated room. The recent restoration of the tomb followed a sustainable system including new ventilation that will reduce the need for future cleaning, a raised viewing platform and barriers that restrict access to the previously soot-covered, scratched wall paintings, which are now impressively repaired and vibrant.

Visit the sarcophagus of King Tut.

In the less-visited Valley of the Queens is the most exquisite tomb, dedicated to Nefertari, Ramses II’s first wife. The 500-square-metre tomb is divided into small rooms and adorned with well-preserved art depicting the beloved queen. Fewer tourists flock to this lavish lair due to its time limit of 10 minutes per person and the cost of entry (about $95, included in Viking’s fares).

You’ll find the tomb of Queen Nefertari in Egypt’s Valley of the Queens.

Where to stay

In between these unforgettable tours, Viking Osiris is our air-conditioned haven to relax in – its spacious cabins, infinity pool, library, bar and two restaurants staffed by Egyptian crew. On the top deck, we unwind on lounges and rocking chairs to watch the ever-changing landscape with a cold drink in hand.

The riverbanks are lined with date palm trees, lush farmland and sandy mountains. Giggling children play on the shoreline, while fishermen and farmers work in the scorching sun and single-sailed feluccas gracefully glide along the calm waters.

Watch scenery roll by from the comfort of your Viking stateroom.

No pyramids on the Nile

If you’ve read the book or watched the movie adaptations of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, it may come as a surprise to learn that the pyramids cannot be viewed from the ship. This is because parts of the river dried up long ago.

When the Pyramids of Giza were built, an arm of the river conveniently extended to the construction site, but a land journey is now required to reach these icons of the Sahara Desert. Viking Cruises’ trip begins and ends in Cairo, with four days of coach tours to the Giza Plateau, as well as the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Egyptian Museum, the 14th-century Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the Citadel of Salah El-Din, a medieval fortress from Islamic-era Cairo.

The Great Sphinx and the Pyramid of Cheops are situated in Giza, Egypt.

One day is devoted to the three most famous landmarks: the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, believed to be the oldest pyramid of Egypt; the 4500-year-old Pyramids of Giza, a trio of tombs used for three pharaohs as they prepared to become gods in the afterlife; and the Great Sphinx (Abu al-Hol), erected to ward off their enemies.

To finally see the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only surviving Ancient Wonder of the World, is a breathtaking moment. As the biggest of the three, Pharaoh Khufu’s pyramid is almost 140 metres tall. Our first glimpse happens on the drive to the site, before we are dropped off within a two-minute walk of these massive monuments.

We climb upon the first rows of limestone blocks that are accessible to tourists, while the non-claustrophobic venture inside a narrow passageway to reach an empty chamber. About one kilometre away, the Sphinx reclines like a professional model for one big photo shoot, as everyone poses for the classic nose-to-nose shot.

Khafre pyramid stands massively behind The Great Sphinx.

Recent discoveries by archaeologists

These incredible structures may be renowned for their histories and mysteries, but the latest archaeological discoveries are increasingly exciting. In March, a hidden corridor was revealed inside the Great Pyramid; archaeologists are yet to determine its purpose or what lies beyond it.

In January, a series of significant tombs was unveiled after a year-long excavation at the Saqqara necropolis. The team discovered a wealthy man of unknown origins, known as Hekashepes – the oldest complete mummy covered with gold ever found – in a sealed sarcophagus. Among other findings were tombs belonging to a palace official and a priest from the 5th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom.

Our knowledgeable guide, Walid, predicts Saqqara will become “the new Valley of the Kings” this year, due to the discoveries occurring almost every week. To know that priceless antiquities may be buried centimetres beneath our feet adds a thrill to every step we take. Listening to the commentary, we feel our fascination deepened by the connection of Egypt’s ancient history to these modern breakthroughs, bringing the past into the present.

The Valley of the Kings is stunning from above.

Grand Egyptian Museum

The flurry of findings at Saqqara and the national restoration works – especially the reopening of the Avenue of Sphinxes and the revamp of Tutankhamun’s tomb – might make up for the delayed Grand Egyptian Museum. Two decades since this major project was announced, GEM’s opening date has again been postponed to ‘late 2023’.

Located next to the pyramids, it will be the world’s largest archaeological museum complex, containing more than 100,000 artefacts from Egypt’s pharaonic, Greek and Roman periods. The most anticipated exhibit is King Tut’s entire collection of treasures on display for the first time.

Construction of the world-class landmark began in 2005, but it has been thwarted by environmental, political and pandemic-related setbacks. Following the restabilisation of the government, international loans have helped fund the shortfall caused by the lingering impact of reduced tourism. Currently, there’s no official opening day set in stone – so to speak.

The Temple of Hathor is a well-preserved antiquity in Egypt.

Cruising the Nile with Viking Osiris

Viking has operated Nile cruises since 2004 and the 82-passenger Viking Osiris is the newest Nile-based ship in the company’s Egypt fleet. A newer vessel, Viking Aton, is set to debut in August to keep up with demand. With this season sold out and many of next year’s dates showing limited availability, 2025 bookings have been opened early.

Viking Osiris gently cruises along the Nile, allowing guests front-row views of river life.

These upscale ships exemplify why a Nile River cruise is the best way to see Egypt, combining dining, entertainment, accommodation and touring. All the major attractions are effortlessly covered without the need to self-drive or take a large coach trip. With a police car escort in Cairo to help manoeuvre through the worst bottlenecks and three onboard Egyptian tour guides joining excursions in every port, Viking eases the whole experience.

The government also provides cruise passengers with a security guard, reassuring those who are concerned about safety. On typically hot days, the ship’s air-conditioning alone is welcome relief, but the relaxing elements of cruising and riverside views are unparalleled.

Aswan is a picturesque city on the Nile.

A traveller’s checklist

The 11-night Pharaohs & Pyramids package includes a seven-night river cruise and four nights in a five-star hotel in Cairo. Priced from $7295 per person twin share, fares also include flights within Egypt, shore excursions, wi-fi, onboard gratuities and meals, with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served during lunch and dinner. Departures are year-round, except June and July.

Getting there

Emirates, Etihad and Qatar fly to Cairo with a layover in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha. Qantas also sells flights operated by Etihad.

Playing there

For an extra charge, take the day trip to Abu Simbel (twin temples built 1264–1244 BC), which was dismantled in 1964 and reassembled in a less flood-prone location. The hot air balloon ride is also an additional cost.

Eating there

Viking serves delicious Western and Egyptian cuisine. Try the hawawshi, pita filled with minced meat, vegetables and pine nuts. The local falafel is made with fava beans, creating a bright green centre.

Take a day trip to Abu Simbel (twin temples built 1264–1244 BC).

Conscious traveller

With its landscape of desert, farms, overdeveloped cities, a long coastline and one main river, Egypt is highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels threaten to submerge the port city of Alexandria and to turn areas of the Nile Delta toxic with salinity.

The government has taken notable steps to address these issues, from doubling its wind energy production to building desalination plants and infrastructure for flood control. Egypt hosted last year’s COP27 (the 27th Session of the United Nations Climate Conference) in Sharm el-Sheikh, which it plans to transform into a ‘green city’.

The World Bank is also supporting projects such as cleaner public transport (monorail, electric buses, light rail and a low-carbon train system), sustainable water supplies, air pollution and waste management. A new bus rapid transit system on Cairo’s Ring Road, consisting of six lanes for motorists and a separate lane for buses, aims to reduce the city’s notorious traffic congestion.

The Egyptian Government has taken notable steps to address climate change.

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First look: Viking Osiris, the stylish new Nile River ship from upscale line Viking

Call it a new era for cruises on the Nile.

This week's unveiling of Viking Osiris — the new Egypt-based river ship from fast-growing Viking — marks a significant turning point for sailings on the river.

The 82-passenger vessel is, notably, elegant and upscale on a level that is rarely seen among river ships on the Nile. It's also the first of what is likely to become a steady stream of new Viking vessels on the river that we suspect will come to dominate upscale Nile River cruising for Americans in the way that Viking vessels have come to dominate river cruising for Americans in Europe.

Viking founder Torstein Hagen said at the ship's unveiling Monday that three more sister vessels to Viking Osiris already were on order to debut on the river over the next three years, and he hinted that even more could be coming. If so, it would be classic Viking, which is known for going in big and fast when it decides to commit in earnest to a destination.

Viking has been selling cruises on the Nile for quite a few years — since 2004. But Viking Osiris is the first Nile vessel specifically built to the line's specifications. It's also owned and operated by Viking. That's unusual in a market where most Western lines charter local vessels for their trips.

In Viking's eyes (and ours, too), that means Viking will be able to offer one of the most consistent products on the river. Unlike many other Western companies operating in Egypt, Viking will have complete control of the experience.

TPG is getting a sneak peek at Viking Osiris this week in advance of its first sailing with paying passengers Friday. Here, we take a closer look at what sets it apart from many of the other ships on the Nile, and what you can expect if you book a voyage on it.

Viking Osiris offers elegant, high-end rooms

Viking is billing Viking Osiris as the most luxurious vessel on the Nile, and from what I'm seeing this week, that's no idle boast.

The ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the river for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each of the suites also has its own outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don't always see on Nile ships.

Two of the biggest suites have stunning glass walls that wrap around the front of the vessel.

Not just the suites but every cabin on the ship is filled with high-end touches, such as luxury linens and pillows on beds, heated floors in bathrooms and roomy wardrobes with wooden hangers.

Suites on the ship are stocked with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks that are replenished daily, and they come with such extras as complimentary laundry and shoeshine services.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and guides

Even the smallest cabins on Viking Osiris are generous in size, measuring 232 square feet. Suites range in size from 409 square feet to 529 square feet. Most cabins have balconies.

Notably, all the cabins on Viking Osiris have the same clean-lined Scandinavian-influenced design that can be found on Viking vessels around the world. If you've stayed in a cabin on Viking river ships in Europe or its ocean ships deployed from North America to Asia, you'll recognize the look immediately and feel right at home.

It's a hallmark of Viking that all its vessels have a consistent feel, albeit with some variations from ship to ship that offer nods to where they sail. Along those lines, on Viking Osiris, cabins feature photographs taken in Egypt in the early 1900s by George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. The British lord was the benefactor and co-explorer of famous Egyptologist Howard Carter. Together they discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun nearly 100 years ago.

Lord Carnarvon's family has an unusual tie not just to Egypt but to Viking. The family was and still is the owner of Highclere Castle, the English country house that was the setting for the historical drama "Downton Abbey." Viking rose to prominence as a cruise company in the past decade in part due to its well-timed sponsorship of "Downton Abbey" on PBS. Highclere Castle features in some of Viking's tour programs.

Lord Carnarvon's great-grandson, also named George Herbert and the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, notably is Viking Osiris' "godfather" and named the ship in a ceremony in Luxor, Egypt.

It's small and intimate

Viking Osiris is notably smaller than the typical Viking river vessel at just 236 feet in length. That's about half the length of most Viking river ships in Europe. It's also home to far fewer cabins — just 41 as compared to 95 for the typical Viking river ship.

The result is a vessel that is strikingly intimate, both in the onboard experience and the experience of touring on land — something that is its own type of luxury. When visiting such sites as the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of Egyptian pharaohs, passengers travel in small groups, with private guides, for an experience that — as I saw this week during several sample tours — feels very personal.

As is typical on Viking river ships, cabins are stocked with Quietvox audio devices that passengers can carry with them to listen to guides during tours. But on outings from the ship this week to such historic sites as the temples of Karnak and Luxor, our group was so small that I didn't even bother putting in the Quietvox earpiece most of the time. I could hear the guide just fine without it.

In addition, the tour buses that took us from the ship to the historic sites never were full, by design. There was plenty of room to spread out. Viking typically operates its buses in Egypt with just 25 or so passengers on board, far fewer than they can hold.

When sitting in the lounge listening to speakers, there was never a problem hearing what was being said or seeing the presentations.

But it still offers a lot

Viking Osiris may be smaller than the typical Viking river ship, but that doesn't mean it feels cramped. In fact, it feels spacious, as there is a lot of space on a per-person basis. The ship offers an impressively wide array of public venues, spread over several interior and exterior decks, for a vessel designed with just 41 cabins.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Unlike on the waterways of Europe where Viking sails, there are no low bridges on the Nile that force the line to limit the ship's height. As a result, it rises a deck higher than its European counterparts. It's also nearly 20% wider than Viking's typical European river ship, as it's not constrained by the narrow locks found on European waterways. This allows for more spacious public venues.

The ship's main lounge, called simply the Lounge, feels particularly roomy and offers commanding views of the Nile's lush riverbanks through floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

The views are almost as grand from the main restaurant, which sits high on the ship and also features floor-to-ceiling glass walls. River ships in Europe, by contrast, typically have their restaurants buried at the waterline of the vessel, due to the limited space.

Viking Osiris designer Richard Riveire, who has designed all of Viking's vessels around the world, cleverly realized that the best design for the side walls of the main lounge and dining room was to essentially give them no design at all — that is, to keep them as unadorned and open as possible with a wide expanse of clear glass. In short, his job, as he saw it, was to "get out of the way" so the beauty of the region could shine through. As a result, the light-greenish water of the Nile, the rich green papyrus and tall bamboolike grasses of the riverbanks, and the tan desert cliffs in the distance become the "art" and focal points of these spaces.

Unlike many Nile River ships, which are wrapped in dark or metallic glass to reflect the sun, and thus feel closed off to the splendors of the river, Viking Osiris allows the Nile in in all its glory. Viking has used a more expensive glass than is found on many Nile ships. It can keep out the heat without tinting — allowing for the best possible views. At times, it feels like you're sailing down the river in a giant glass dome.

Viking Osiris also has a glass-enclosed version of the Aquavit Terrace found on many Viking vessels. Located at the top of the ship and meant for alfresco dining, it has glass walls facing each bank of the river that can open partway from the top down to allow a cross-breeze. The back wall of the venue also is a glass wall that can slide completely open.

The ship also has a swanky sun deck where you can kick back on shaded teak-and-cushion-covered chairs and sofas while enjoying 360-degree views of the Nile's most famous treasures. Unconstrained by height limits, the deck is designed with an abundance of permanent seating areas and is a lovely space.

At the back of the ship, just beyond the Aquavit Terrace, is a narrow pool. This, too, has been specifically designed to maximize views of the river, with an in-pool bench that faces out over the ship's wake.

The pool area features plush loungers, more of which can be found toward the front of the ship's top deck.

Viking Osiris boasts superb design

If you've been on Viking ships before, you'll recognize the overall look of Viking Osiris. In a nod to the company's heritage (Viking founder Torstein Hagen is Norwegian), the interior spaces of all Viking ships feature clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design and decor and a residential feel (Viking designers sometimes call it "residential modernism"). Viking Osiris is no exception.

The ship's decor is all about simplicity and authenticity. You'll find lots of light-wood walls; subdued blue, gray and brown fabrics; and modern furniture on Viking Osiris — as you will on vessels across the Viking fleet.

But the ship also boasts a number of delightful design touches that tie specifically to its home on the Nile, some immediately noticeable and some so subtle that you probably won't notice them without being told. Though, like all great design, even if you don't consciously notice some of these touches, they'll surely have an influence on how you feel while on board.

One of the ship's greatest design features of Viking Osiris is its atrium, which is the first thing you see upon walking onto the vessel in Luxor — its home base. Located at the center of the ship, the atrium is lined on both sides with glass walls, such that you are looking across the vessel as you enter it to the far bank of the Nile, which is home to the Valley of the Queens. You can see the lush greenery of the river's edge and the desert landscape of the valley behind it framed in the window.

It's a "wow" moment similar to what you get at the iconic "look-through" lobbies of resorts in Hawaii and some other tropical hideaways.

The ceiling of the atrium also is pierced with a pair of four-deck-high openings that rise to glass ceilings above, opening up the center of the ship. Four narrow, modern slabs of gray-brown Egyptian onyx rise along one side of these openings — a subtle nod to the four colossal statues of Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II at the temple of Abu Simbel.

Unless someone explains the latter connection to you, you would never know it, of course. But the monumental nature of the slabs, and their vertical shape, is a design motif that is distinctly Egyptian. So are the wooden horizontal panels that cover parts of the railings between decks. They mimic the horizontal walls of Egyptian temples such as those at Karnak and Luxor.

Other subtle ties to the local region worked into the modernist design of the ship include the geometric blue-on-blue wood "wallpaper" that descends along one wall of the stairway rising from the atrium, which brings to mind the geometry of Islamic design.

The soaring openings in the atrium also have the effect of creating little nooks to their sides on several decks. Filled with comfortable seating looking out to the banks of the Nile through glass walls, these seating nooks may be the best place to sit on the ship.

Other little nods that subconsciously remind you that you are in Egypt include a reed partition separating the pool area from the Aquavit Lounge on the pool deck, which evokes the reedy banks of the Nile. (There also are two papyrus plants on each side of the pool, another homage to the local landscape.)

Finally, like the ship's cabins, the public areas throughout the ship are sprinkled with black-and-white photographs of Egypt taken by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. These include images Lord Carnarvon took while excavating the tomb of Tutankhamen in the early 1900s but also many scenes of daily life in Egypt at the time.

Viking Osiris designer Riveire first saw the images when visiting the current earl of Carnarvon and his wife at Highclere Castle, where they were kept in a giant photo album. The Carnarvons agreed to allow the photos to be displayed on the ship — the only place in the world they currently can be seen by the public.

In a hidden surprise for passengers, Riveire has scattered four Carnarvon images from Egypt around the ship that contain the lord's beloved dog, Susie. It's meant as a bit of an Easter egg hunt for passengers to try to find them.

The ship's lounge also is home to a wall of watercolors showing 1900s scenes from Egypt collected by Lord Carnarvon.

It's mostly all-inclusive

The initial itineraries Viking Osiris is operating aren't inexpensive. Eleven-night "Pharaohs and Pyramids" tours that include seven nights on the ship sailing the Nile and a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) start at $5,299 per person, based on double occupancy. And that's for the least desirable offseason month of August, when the temperatures in Egypt are very high. Sailings in prime months such as February and March, when temperatures in Egypt are cooler, start at $7,399 per person.

Still, as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Viking is including a lot in its base price. In addition to a room on board and all meals, the fares include wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; shipboard Wi-Fi; and — perhaps most notably — guided excursions in every port where the ship visits.

Indeed, a notable part of what you'll be paying for on Viking Osiris is access to extremely knowledgeable Egypt experts who travel with you on the trip and explain the many ancient temples, tombs and other historic sites you'll be seeing.

In a sign of the ship's luxury level, it sails with a crew of 65 in all to serve a maximum of 82 passengers — an unusually high ratio of nearly 1-to-1.

Some higher-level cabins also come with complimentary laundry service and a premium beverage package.

Among the few extra charges passengers will encounter are a suggested $25-per-person daily gratuity for shipboard staff on days you're on the ship. (Viking recommends a $10-per-day gratuity for Viking staff during the land portion of trips.)

Some special shore excursions, such as a balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, come with an extra charge.

Bottom line

Viking Osiris is a lovely ship, and it's likely to take a prominent place among the top vessels on the Nile River, along with its sister ships scheduled to debut over the next few years. Intimate, upscale and elegant, it brings Viking's signature clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design to the waterway in a way that no Viking vessel has before.

TPG's Gene Sloan is reporting live this week from Viking Osiris as it operates a short, non-revenue preview sailing for media in advance of its first voyage with paying passengers. You can find all of his dispatches on his author's page .

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10 Thrilling Experiences On A Viking Nile River Cruise

• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• Types of Travel

When Viking launched its first purpose-built Nile River cruise ship in August 2022, voyages through the heart of Egypt immediately became more accessible, luxurious, and exciting. 

Viking also offers Viking Aton , which debuted in August 2023, so even more cruisers have a chance to take a voyage in style in this exotic destination.

Viking Osiris and Viking Aton both carry up to 82 passengers on five spacious decks and the ships are outfitted with roomy staterooms, lounges, restaurants, bright public areas, and a beautiful open sun deck.

While these comfortable ships certainly set the standard for Nile River cruising, that’s only part of what makes a Viking river cruise in Egypt such a wonderful experience. We sailed on one of the first voyages on Viking Osiris and found a host of great activities that travelers will love.

1. The Great Pyramid 

Viking’s Nile River cruise program starts with three nights at a luxury hotel in Cairo. You begin your immersive journey in Egypt’s capital, where you have a comfortable place to eat and relax — and even enjoy the pool, spa, restaurants, and fitness center — after your long flight to Egypt. 

While here, you meet your Viking Egyptologists, who will take you to one of the top highlights of your trip, the Great Pyramid Complex of Giza. This is the world-renowned attraction of three massive pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

These three structures, built more than 4,500 years ago, make an amazing spectacle in the hot desert. The symmetry and size offer a testament to the architectural mastery of ancient Egyptians who built these fantastic tombs for the pharaohs. You can even venture inside the Great Pyramid, creeping along a tight and hot passageway to the King’s Chamber. 

Pro Tip: Our guide for the journey on Viking Osiris warned us that there would be a lot of high-pressure hawkers selling trinkets and souvenir items at the Great Pyramid Complex (as well as at several sites and temples during our voyage). Her best tip was that we simply do not engage with them in any way if we were not interested in buying anything at that time.

2. The Great Sphinx On Camelback

Viking covers the fee for a short camel ride and photo opportunity during your visit to the Great Pyramid site. It’s thrilling to nestle atop of one of these fascinating animals and feel it lift you high above the Sahara to saunter along the sand for about 15 minutes. Your guides will happily snap an iconic photo of you astride your camel with the stunning pyramids in the background. 

Adjacent to the pyramids is the Great Sphinx. Your day in Giza continues with a visit to this famed attraction, too. 

Pro Tip: Be ready with your camera or cell phone to hand it over to your camel guide so that he can take a few pictures for you during your ride.

3. Valley Of The Kings

The Viking Osiris Nile River cruise itinerary visits Luxor for some of the most-anticipated days of adventure. Viking offers a premium shore excursion that is that rare one-of-a-kind experience.  

The early-morning balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings (and the Valley of the Queens) allows you to see the sun rise and illuminate the vast mountain range and valley that was the final resting place for Egypt’s great pharaohs, including Rameses II and King Tut. 

Cruisers rise around 3:30 a.m. and head across the river to the West Bank to watch the balloons inflate and take shape before they rise majestically into the sky. Seeing the colorful balloons floating all around while you ride in your basket with a group of new friends as the golden sun emerges on the horizon makes for a jaw-dropping spectacle. 

Pro Tip: Dress in layers for this activity and bring a water bottle. It’s cool in the morning before the sun rises in the desert, but it quickly heats up throughout your ride. You can peel off layers as needed.

4. King Tut’s Famous Burial Site  

While in Luxor, you also will be able to visit King Tut’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Viking takes cruisers over for a full tour of the impressive burial sites, with the tombs carved deep inside the mountains.  

You wander down long passages to visit chambers, with every wall ornately decorated with colorful murals. The art depicted the daily life and religious doctrine of ancient Egyptians.  

King Tutankhamun’s mummy is on display within the tomb, and you can also visit the crypts of some of the most notable pharaohs of ancient Egypt. These include Ramses I, Ramses III, Seti II and Merenptah. 

5. The Grand Temples Of Karnak And Luxor 

These two historic sites are nearby, and cruisers get to visit them both during Viking’s time in Luxor.  

The Luxor and Karnak Temple complexes are filled with a mix of well-preserved and decaying chapels, massive pylons and columns, and other structures on which construction began more than 4,000 years ago. These sprawling sites are filled with carvings, statues, and engravings that depict stories and cultural aspects of society at the time. 

Karnak Temple is one of the largest in the world and the second-most visited tourist site in Egypt, ranking behind the Great Pyramid Complex. 

Pro Tip: Hats, scarves, water, and good walking shoes are essential for visiting these sites and all temple sites in Egypt. 

6. Abu Simbel And Other Incredible Temples 

While the temples of Karnak and Luxor are notorious as two of Egypt’s most famous temples, cruisers on a Viking Nile River voyage will get to see many other spectacular temple sites along the journey. 

In Quena, a town right on the river, you’ll be amazed by the blue colors of the murals and art on the walls of the well-preserved Dendera Temple of Hathor. At Esna, you can explore the temple dedicated to the water god Khnum, who was worshiped as the guardian of the Nile’s headwaters. 

Edfu is fun to visit, especially because you can enjoy a ride to the Temple of Horus on a traditional horse-drawn caliche.  

When in Aswan, though, I highly recommend Viking’s premium excursion (added fee) that takes cruisers to Abu Simbel. The Temples of Abu Simbel are a marvel for their beauty and scale. Plus, the story of the rediscovery and a massive relocation project to preserve them is fascinating.  

Abu Simbel was built in the 13th century and honors Ramses II. Lost to the sands of time, it was uncovered in the early 19th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site was moved in 1968 to accommodate the construction of the Aswan Dam that controls the flow of the vital Nile River.  

Abu Simbel was moved more than 200 feet higher and 650 feet farther inland. 

It sits in its new place with a striking facade of four enormous statues of Ramses II guarding the entrance of the sandstone temples. 

7. The Nile River

The best thing about traveling right through the heart of Egypt on your Nile River cruise is that you get to see the landscape and scenery from a different perspective. As you sail from port to port, you also will be happy to call a luxury river boat such as Viking Osiris your home.  

The top Sun Deck offers plenty of comfy seating areas to take in the green banks of the river that are framed by the brown mountains in the distance. You also will be enticed to enjoy a sunset cocktail in the aft infinity pool as you cruise the exotic and historic waterway. We were charmed by the young children seen playing and swimming along the Nile’s banks, waving excitedly to greet us as we sailed past. 

8. The Egyptian Museum 

In Cairo, Viking includes a tour of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. This is where you can see tens of thousands of pieces from the times of the ancient pharaohs. These include magnificent sarcophaguses, statues, tools, jewelry, murals, writings, and the famed golden mask of King Tut. 

9. Bustling Markets 

Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Esna all offer opportunities to visit small and large souks (marketplaces), where you can shop for souvenirs, regional foods, spices, or other items of interest. Here, you’ll get to engage with very friendly people who rely heavily on tourist dollars for income.

Pro Tip: Don’t agree on the first price offered. Egyptians love to negotiate, and they welcome the chance to haggle a bit before you both agree to a fair price. 

10. Aswan Dam 

Viking spends two days in Aswan, and this is a chance to learn about the High Dam project and how it was built in the 1960s to provide stability to the fertile lands along the Nile. Before the dam, the region had problems with flood conditions ruining crops and leading to famine. The High Dam created the 300-mile-long Lake Nasser, which now offers irrigation and electricity. Cruisers can tour the dam and later ride a traditional wooden felucca boat on the Nile River.

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John loves to explore the world while prioritizing fitness and active adventures. He specializes in cruise travel, with more than 100 sailings of all types under his belt. His passion is deep exploration and connection. He loves talking sports and craft beer with people in every destination he visits. John has been a writer and travel journalist for more than 20 years, regularly contributing to top travel magazines and websites.

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Viking is all in on Egypt. 

This is one of the world’s most vibrant and exotic destinations, but navigating it can be a little intimidating. A Nile River cruise takes care of a lot of the logistics and allows you to see all the great places that showcase the fascinating 3,000-year-era of Ancient Egypt. 

When it comes to Nile River voyages, no cruise line offers more options and a more well-rounded experience than Viking, which just launched its first purpose-built Nile River cruise ship, Viking Osiris .  

Viking Nile River Cruise 2024 / 2025

It already had Viking Antares and Viking Ra plying the river for the company’s 12-day “Pharaohs and Pyramids” itinerary. After Viking Osiris, the company plans to launch sister ships Viking Aton (2023), Viking Hathor (August 2024), and Viking Sobek (August 2025). 

Cruise Addicts is back from its journey on Viking Osiris and discovered plenty of reasons cruisers will want to take a cruise with Nile River cruise with Viking on any vessel in its growing fleet of riverboats.

A Luxury Viking Nile River Cruise 

Viking had the nicest ships on this exotic river, with the refurbished Viking Antares (62 passengers) and Viking Ra (48 passengers). However, the new Viking Osiris is at the next level. The 82-passenger, five-deck river ship is the best on the Nile.  

Viking passengers get everything they expect from the brand that thrives on offering a comfortable, reliable, and inclusive travel experience. Viking Osiris features two restaurants, including the popular Aquavit Terrace indoor/outdoor venue. The public spaces are immense and well-lit, with glass everywhere connecting the inside spaces with the beautiful views of the flowing river, its green banks, farming communities, villages, and mountainous Sahara beyond. 

Amenities include The Lounge, a huge space with the bar as a centerpiece, where passengers gather each night to enjoy cocktails, piano music , and conversation. The space is also fantastic for sitting to sip coffee , read a book, and soak in the views through the windows. Guides give enrichment chats here, too, and The Lounge features art and photos from the collection of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, the main benefactor to Howard Carter, who discovered King Tut’s tomb a century ago.

In fact, the entire ship has photos from this collection and other subtle design features that pay homage to Egypt while allowing the ship to maintain the elegant Scandinavian feel that Viking cruisers love so much.

There is no gym or spa, but the top Sun Deck has a warm feel with loungers, day beds, and covered areas with sofas, tables, and chairs. 

This was our favorite spot to enjoy during sunrise and sunset.

At the back of the ship , off Aquavit Terrace, is a small swimming pool with a deck offering lounge chairs. It’s really an amazing way to spend the day enjoying the sunshine while cruising the Nile. 

The Best Guides in Egypt

Viking’s tour directors are Egyptologists, specialists in the history of Ancient Egypt, with a true passion for telling the incredible stories of the era that began more than five thousand years ago and lasted three millennia.

The guides are there from start to finish, meeting you at your pre-cruise hotel in Cairo and taking you out on your daily adventures. 

We had two wonderful Egyptologists on our sailing team, Salah Tawfeek and Hanan El Beih. Guides will be assigned to a group for the cruise , and we were blessed to be with Hanan, who took great care to ensure we were well-informed and comfortable every step of the way. It was well over 105 degrees each day as we visited Egypt in mid-August, and Hanan always ensured that we could find shade at the sites and took frequent sips of water to stay hydrated.

More than that, she displayed an incredible knowledge and passion for Egypt, and that made it a lot of fun for our group.

Delicious Food 

Chefs on Viking Osiris serve a nice mix of Egyptian cuisine, like beef kofte and lamb, seafood preparations, and kebabs featuring traditional sauces and bread accompaniments. Viking includes all meals onboard, and you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner at either The Restaurant or in a more casual setting on the Aquavit Terrace on the Viking River ships in Egypt.

We also couldn’t resist the plentiful pastries and muffins put out each morning at the coffee station in the lobby. Fresh chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies are available later in the day.

Pre-Cruise Hotel and Touring 

Viking uses the 5-Star Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel for its pre-cruise accommodations in Cairo. The Egypt Nile River cruise program features three nights in this hotel, which has a spa, pool, views of the river, top-notch restaurants and bars, and a rooftop nightclub. The Nile Ritz-Carlton sits right next to the Egyptian Museum, and a visit to this attraction, as well as tours to Giza to see the Great Pyramids and Sphinx complex, is included in your activities during your time in the Egyptian capital.

The Included Excursions

You won’t miss anything on your bucket list for Egypt when you take a Viking Nile cruise . The “Pharaohs and Pyramids” itinerary includes two full days in Cairo to see the pyramids, including Sakkara, museums and mosques. You’ll also get a chance to ride a camel around the Great Pyramid complex.

Plus, you get free time to explore a souk or try a restaurant, coffee house or some shopping . 

Destinations include Luxor to see the Temples of Luxor and Karnak; this also is where you will cross the Nile to see the Valley of the Kings, including King Tut’s tomb. At Quena, you’ll visit the stunningly well-preserved Temple of Dendera. 

At Esna, you will see the ancient red sandstone Temple of Khnum or wander the village and drop in on the lively markets for shopping. Once you reach Aswan, you will marvel at the town that sits at the High Dam, an engineering feat that created Lake Nasser, controls the flow of the Nile, and protects the rich valley. There is time here to visit markets and sail on a traditional wooden felucca boat .

You’re in Aswan for two days, so you can also explore Kom Ombo Temple or a Nubian Village.

In Edfu, you’ll have an exhilarating ride through the streets on a horse-drawn carriage (caleche) to get to Edfu Temple.

Extra-Special Adventures

Viking offers fantastic optional excursions (added cost) to level up your experience in Egypt.

You can go out for the Khan El-Khalili Market visit and traditional dinner when in Cairo, or get up for the magnificent early morning hot air balloon ride at sunrise to soar above the Valley of the Kings when you’re in Luxor. 

A visit to the breathtaking Abu Simbel Temples when your ship is in Aswan is worth the price. The temples went up in the 13th century B.C. and were unearthed in the early 19th century. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, relocated from its original location in 1968 when the Aswan Dam was built. Two massive statues of Ramses II dominate the facade of the Great Temple, and impressive bas-relief sculptures are inside the structure. 

You might also pick the night-time “Temples of Philae Sound & Light” show in Aswan. 

A Hassle-Free Vacation

Viking cruises in Egypt include all meals on the ship and during some tours; airport and hotel transfers, onboard WiFi; and wine, beer and soft drinks during lunches and dinner onboard the ship. Cruisers can enjoy these perks without feeling like they are being nickel-and-dimed with added costs.

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