LOS ANGELES, 26 October 2026: Viking has opened bookings for a new 19-day Grand Nile Journey itinerary in Egypt, with departures beginning in 2028.
The programme combines four hotel nights in Cairo with a 14-night sailing between Cairo and Aswan aboard the all-suite Viking Ra. Viking describes the itinerary as its most in-depth exploration of Egypt to date, combining major landmarks with lesser-visited archaeological sites and communities in Middle Egypt.
“Egypt has captivated travelers for generations, and we believe there is always more to discover,” said Leah Talactac, President and Chief Executive Officer 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.”
Grand Nile Journey includes 17 guided tours
The new itinerary includes 17 guided tours covering Egypt’s history, culture and traditions. The journey begins in Cairo, with visits to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum before continuing south along the Nile.
In Middle Egypt, the programme includes the Meidum Pyramid and the cliffside Noblemen’s Tombs of Beni Hasan, noted for their depictions of everyday life in ancient Egypt. Guests will also visit Tell el-Amarna, the remains of the royal capital established by Pharaoh Akhenaten, and Deir el-Muharraq monastery. The monastery visit explores Egypt’s Coptic Christian heritage and the site’s traditional association with the Holy Family’s journey through the country.
Luxor, Abydos and Aswan feature in programme
Further south, the itinerary includes the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Seti I at Abydos.
The itinerary also includes time in Aswan, visits to the island temple complex of Philae and the monolithic temples at Abu Simbel, and sailing on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca. Scenic sailing also forms part of the journey, highlighting the contrast between the Nile’s riverbanks and the surrounding desert landscapes.
Viking is offering pre- and post-cruise land extensions that can be combined with the Grand Nile Journey.
Options include a two-night Cairo extension with the services of a Viking Host, a five-night fully guided Morocco extension and a four-night fully guided Jordan – Dead Sea, Petra & Amman programme.
Viking’s Egypt fleet and existing itineraries
The Viking Ra accommodates 52 guests in 26 suites and was built specifically to navigate the Nile.
The Grand Nile Journey will complement Viking’s existing Egypt programme, including the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary and the sold-out 12-day Total Eclipse on the Nile voyage in 2027.
Earlier in October, Viking named its two newest ships in Egypt, Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet.
Viking currently operates 10 vessels in Egypt and expects to take delivery of two additional vessels in 2028.
Source: Official Press Release from Viking Cruises and Business Wire on 26 October 2026, Los Angeles.
