There are few places on earth where history feels more alive than in Egypt. It’s etched in stone, written in Hieroglyphics and recreated in stone sculptures so massive that it will take your breath away.
Nowhere does that sense of timelessness come together more powerfully than in Cairo’s dazzling new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
After years of anticipation, it’s finally open. The GEM isn’t just a museum; it’s a cathedral to human achievement. You wander its vast marble halls, surrounded by over 100,000 artifacts, and feel the centuries collapse around you.
A colossal statue of Ramses II greets you at the entrance, his expression as commanding now as it was 3000 years ago. He created records with an exhibition in Sydney – and now, here he is, one of the greats of Egyptian history.
And then comes the moment that stops you cold: through the museum’s soaring glass façade, the pyramids and Sphinx appear, framed as if for eternity. It’s one of the world’s most breathtaking views. I’ve seen many wonders in my years of travel, but this is what bucket lists were made for.
To truly know Egypt, though, you must leave Cairo and follow the river that gives it life.
The Nile is the thread that ties the ages together – a living, breathing timeline flowing through history itself. This is how Egypt has existed for centuries, on these very banks where school kids now wave as we pass by.
And the good news is Travelmarvel is returning to Egypt in 2026 with a new Egypt and Jordan program of premium itineraries – and a new ship.
There’s no better way to experience it than aboard Travelmarvel – and its newest river ship, Travelmarvel Sirius, promises to fuse history with the future. Launching in 2026, the purpose-built river ship vessel brings the story of the Nile into the 21st century – blending the modern world with ancient wonder.
With space for just 124 guests across 62 elegantly appointed cabins, Travelmarvel Sirius offers the intimacy and exclusivity of a boutique hotel, but with the ever-changing scenery of the Nile gliding past your window.
LIMITED TIME OFFER: Treasures of Egypt and the Nile from A$6,395pp
Book NowLife aboard Travelmarvel Sirius
Every cabin features large viewing windows, and there’s a quiet pleasure in waking to the soft glow of dawn over the Nile, the same sunrise that once warmed the faces of the pharaohs.
Days begin and end on the Sun Deck, where you can stretch out on a reclining lounge, sip a cool drink from the Tutankhamun Terrace Café, or take a dip in the swimming pool as palm groves drift by. The atmosphere is pure tranquillity – the Nile has that effect.
Dining aboard Travelmarvel Sirius is another highlight. The Nefertari Restaurant will serve both international dishes and Egyptian specialties – aromatic tagines, grilled meats and fresh Nile perch, accompanied by select local beer and wine at lunch and dinner.
In the Ramses Lounge and Bar, evenings unfold over conversation and cocktails, while soft music creates the perfect post-excursion unwind.
Throughout the day, unlimited soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee are available – a touch that underscores Travelmarvel’s premium comfort. And in your cabin, you’ll find every modern amenity: queen-size bed, flat-screen TV, minibar, individually controlled air-conditioning, a private en suite with a walk-in shower, and plenty of space to settle in.
LIMITED TIME OFFER: Treasures of Egypt and the Nile from A$6,395pp
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Ancient Marvels, Modern Value
Starting at just $6395 per person – a saving of $4600 a couple – the value of Travelmarvel’s itineraries is almost as astonishing as the scenery.
Travelmarvel’s Cairo-to-Cairo journey unfolds like a living textbook, narrated by the Nile. You’ll trace the footsteps of kings and queens, scholars and explorers, each temple and tomb another chapter in humanity’s story.
The new program includes three curated itineraries, with the flagship 11-day Treasures of Egypt and the Nile invites travellers to step back into the ancient world on this perfectly paced journey through Egypt.
The highlight is a seven-night cruise along the Nile aboard Travelmarvel Sirius. Guests explore the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the Temple of Hathor at Dendera.
Travelmarvel offers exclusive charter flights within Egypt (Cairo-Luxor return) and includes flights to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples ensures a seamless experience of one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.
The 18-day Treasures of Egypt and the Nile with Hidden Jordan links the legendary wonders of Egypt with the timeless beauty of Jordan. After exploring the Pyramids, Sphinx and the temples that line the Nile, guests journey to Jordan, where the rose-red city of Petra, the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the Roman ruins of Jerash reveal the depth of the region’s history and culture.
- Priced from $10,195 per person with savings of up to $5000 per couple.
- The reverse itinerary, Hidden Jordan with Treasures of Egypt and the Nile, priced from $10,395 per person with savings up to $5000 per couple, follows the same route in reverse, beginning in Jordan before continuing to Egypt for a stunning Nile River cruise and private flight to Abu Simbel. Every journey is designed to take care of everything. Guests travel with expert English-speaking Travelmarvel Tour Directors, who are also certified Egyptologists (only available in Egypt) and a Travelmarvel Cruise Driector. They bring ancient history vividly to life. In Jordan, insider experiences include a cooking class with local chefs, open 4WD tour in Wadi Rum, and sampling sweet kanafeh in Amman’s souks.
An itinerary steeped in legend
What I love most about Travelmarvel’s approach is its balance. Each day offers a seamless blend of expert-guided exploration and time to simply absorb the moment – to sit on deck with a coffee, watch the river drift by and imagine the centuries that have flowed beneath its surface.
Here’s a taste of what awaits:
- Days 1–3 – Cairo: Visit the GEM, the Giza Plateau, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
- Day 4 – Cairo to Luxor, Embarkation: Step aboard Travelmarvel Sirius and set sail
- Day 5 – Luxor to Esna: Explore the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, one of Egypt’s best preserved ancient sites. It’s truly amazing.
- Day 6 – Edfu to Aswan: Marvel at the Temple of Horus, remarkably preserved and rich with myth
- Day 7 – Aswan: Discover the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, and enjoy a felucca sail on the Nile River
- Day 8 – Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo: Experience the colossal temples of Ramses II and Nefertari at Abu Simbel – an unforgettable highlight
- Day 9 – Kom Ombo to Luxor: Visit the unique double temple of Sobek and Horus
- Day 10 – Luxor: Explore the Valley of the Kings and Queens and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, first female king who hid her gender for decades.
- Day 11 – Disembark your ship and return by exclusive charter flight to Cairo where your journey comes to an end.
LIMITED TIME OFFER: Treasures of Egypt and the Nile from A$6,395pp
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Two worlds, one journey
There’s a symbolism in experiencing Egypt right now.
The Great Egyptian Museum represents the country’s grand new chapter – a world-class gateway to its storied past. Travelmarvel Sirius, meanwhile, is its floating counterpart: a modern vessel that carries you through the world’s oldest narrative.
To stand in the GEM, awed by the treasures of Tutankhamun, and then days later sip tea on Travelmarvel Sirius deck as the temples of Luxor drift past is enough to give me goosebumps. You will feel humbled and exhilarated. The past and present merge, and for a fleeting moment, you’re part of Egypt’s eternal story.
As Travelmarvel Sirius glides silently through the twilight, the golden light catching the ripples of the Nile, one thought lingers: it doesn’t get better than this.
Book your Egyptian adventure here with Travelmarvel today.
Produced in collaboration with Travelmarvel
