Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
If you like a little adventure and get your travel inspo from Indiana Jones, chances are, Egypt is on your bucket list. From towering pyramids to mind-boggling temples and, of course, the winding waters of the Nile River, Egypt has long captivated historians and travelers alike.
And it's no wonder; a cradle of civilization more than 5,000 years old, this fascinating country boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites – and a keenness toward tourism. According to Forbes, Egypt plans to reach 30 million annual tourists by 2028.
There is no better way to become one of those tourists than by joining a group led by Utah's Jensen McKay Tours. From the sunbaked desert plateau of Giza to the lush riverbanks of Upper Egypt, the land of pharaohs and ancient myths empowers visitors to trace the footsteps of kings, queens and legends whose stories helped shape human history—and invites you to discover its secrets.
Open dates include Jan. 5-14, 2027, and if you choose the extension to Jordan, the trip is extended through Jan. 17.
A river runs through it
The Nile River, often called the world's longest river, has been central to Egyptian life since prehistoric times. Flowing south to north for more than 4,000 miles before spilling into the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile's is a natural wonder that has fascinated visitors for centuries.
For ancient Egyptians, the river was more than a waterway. The Nile's importance is reflected in art, myth and monumental architecture. And today, a cruise along its calm waters offers visitors a tangible connection to the rhythms of life that sustained a remarkable culture for thousands of years.
Pyramids, Pharaohs and the Sphinx
You can't visit Egypt without a close encounter with its most iconic landmarks (and the oldest and only surviving member of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).
On the outskirts of Cairo, the Great Pyramids of Giza rise dramatically from the desert. Built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (circa 2600 B.C.), these immense tombs served as eternal resting places for kings such as Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.
While visiting, you can't miss the Great Sphinx, carved from limestone and guarding the plateau in a silent, eternal watch. Scholars continue to debate its precise meaning and age, but for visitors, the Sphinx remains an unforgettable symbol of Egypt's ancient ingenuity.
Cruising the Nile: a timeless experience
There's no way to see Egypt quite like a Nile River cruise, the most tranquil way to experience all of Egypt's wonders. Jensen McKay Tours offers a carefully crafted itinerary that blends historical depth with the ease of guided travel. Guests begin by flying to Aswan, the southern gateway to Nubia and one of Egypt's most evocative cities.
From Aswan, you'll set out on a three-night cruise of a lifetime northward. Along the way, explore the massive High Dam, an engineering marvel of the 20th century, as well as the sunbaked ruins of Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
At Kom Ombo, the riverbank reveals a unique double temple complex honoring both the falcon god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek, illustrating how religion and daily life intertwined in ancient Egypt.
Further upriver at Edfu, the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus allows exploration by horse-drawn carriage, transporting visitors back to the Ptolemaic period.
Luxor: the world's greatest open-air museum
The cruise culminates in Luxor, often described as the world's greatest open-air museum. On the west bank of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings houses the tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, including that of Tutankhamun, whose discovery in 1922 electrified global interest in Egyptology.
Nearby, the Temple of Hatshepsut honors one of Egypt's few female pharaohs with a terraced complex that seemingly floats above the desert plain. The colossal Colossi of Memnon, two towering stone statues, stand as reminders of the empire's grandeur.
On the east bank, the sprawling Karnak Temple Complex rewards you with its forest of towering columns and sacred avenues once traveled by priests and royalty alike. Recent research has even uncovered evidence that this complex was originally built atop a sacred natural island, adding to its mystique.
Modern treasures and the Grand Egyptian Museum
After centuries of exploration, Egypt continues to reveal new chapters of its past. Excavations near Abydos recently unearthed the tomb of an unidentified pharaoh dating back 3,600 years, deepening the world's understanding of the ancient world's political and cultural shifts.
Back in Cairo, the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum serves as a spectacular cultural hub, housing more than 100,000 artifacts from across Egypt's long history. Among its treasures are the full tomb collection of Tutankhamun, offering an unparalleled glimpse into royal life and burial customs.
Journey through time
Whether walking among colossal stone columns or drifting beneath palm trees aboard a Nile cruise ship, visitors to Egypt aren't rewarded simply with relaxation; they experience echoes of an ancient civilization that continues to influence art, science and spirituality today.
Travel packages like those offered by Jensen McKay Tours provide not just itineraries, but curated experiences from historical experts that bring the stories of ancient Egypt to life. For travelers with a passion for history, culture and awe-inspiring landscapes, the Nile remains an unrivaled gateway to the mysteries of humanity's past.
What your ticket price covers
The price per person is $3,999 (double occupancy only), which is a great value when you consider everything that comes with it. Your ticket includes:
- Round-trip Airfare from Salt Lake City (other cities available).
- Airport transfers.
- Accommodations in 4- and 5-star hotels.
- Three-night cruise on the Nile River.
- All meals in Egypt.
- Activities listed on the itinerary.
- Transportation.
- Local tour guides.
- An experienced tour leader.
If you were to price each of those things out individually with airfare on top, you'd quickly realize just what a bargain this trip is. Plus, consider how much more relaxed you'll be knowing that someone else has taken care of all of the planning and coordinating. All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy an unforgettable trip.
Refer a friend and save even more
In addition to their excellent prices, Jensen McKay Tours offers a referral program to help you save even more money. For every referral you provide that books with them, you get $100 and your referral gets $50 off the price as well. And you don't have to go on the trip to get your $100 reward! Visit the referrals page for more information.
Save a spot on an Egypt tour
If you want to join Jensen McKay Tours in Egypt, visit their website today and sign up!
The next available Egypt tour dates are Jan. 5-14, 2027, and if you choose the extension to Jordan, the trip is extended through Jan. 17.
It's the perfect time to escape Utah's winter cold. Tours typically sell out quickly, so the sooner you book, the better.
In the meantime, you can browse the list of other upcoming trips Jensen McKay Tours provides. The agency offers expertly guided tours through Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Pacific, the Middle East and even Antarctica. Visit their website to view upcoming travel itineraries and plan that next great trip today.
