Viking has opened bookings for its new 19-day Grand Nile Journey, an extended Egypt river cruise and land vacation beginning in 2028. The itinerary combines four hotel nights in Cairo with 14 nights aboard the 52-guest Viking Ra, visiting famous archaeological landmarks and less-traveled sites in Middle Egypt. Viking currently advertises fares from $14,999 per person, based on double occupancy.
For travelers comparing Egypt vacations, the attraction is time: instead of concentrating on the pyramids, Luxor and Aswan alone, this journey makes room for places that shorter Nile itineraries often bypass.
At a glance:
- Length: 19 days, including four hotel nights and a 14-night Nile sailing.
- Ship: Viking Ra, carrying up to 52 guests in 26 suites.
- Highlights: 17 guided tours, including Giza, Middle Egypt, Luxor and Aswan.
- Price: From $14,999 per person, double occupancy, as displayed October 28, 2026.
- Bookings: Open for departures beginning in 2028; a limited-time U.S. $25 deposit offer runs through October 31, 2026.
What makes Viking's Grand Nile Journey different?
Viking already offers a shorter, 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. The new Grand Nile Journey is designed for travelers who want a deeper look at Egypt without arranging separate tours between the major attractions. Its 19-day schedule combines the capital's museums and monuments with a much longer river journey.
The unusual stretch is Middle Egypt. Stops include the Meidum Pyramid, an important stage in the development of Egypt's pyramid architecture; the cliffside Beni Hasan tombs, known for scenes of everyday ancient life; and Tell el-Amarna, the former royal capital founded by Pharaoh Akhenaten. The itinerary also visits Deir el-Muharraq Monastery, associated by tradition with the Holy Family's time in Egypt.
These are not simply additional photo stops. They give travelers a broader picture of Egyptian history, from pharaonic dynasties to later religious traditions, that is harder to fit into a weeklong cruise.
Which famous Egypt landmarks are included?
The itinerary still covers the experiences many first-time visitors consider essential. Cairo sightseeing includes the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Farther south, travelers explore the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Seti I at Abydos.
Around Aswan, Viking highlights the Philae temple complex, a traditional felucca sailing experience and opportunities to visit the monumental temples of Abu Simbel. The published day-by-day route also features Dendera, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Exact excursion arrangements can vary by departure, so compare the final itinerary rather than assuming every stop has identical activities.
What is the Viking Ra like?
This is a very different experience from a large ocean cruise. Viking Ra carries just 52 guests across 26 suites and was built for navigating the Nile. Its smaller scale should appeal to travelers who value destination-focused sightseeing, quieter evenings and a more intimate onboard atmosphere over water slides, casinos or elaborate stage productions.
Viking's published inclusions for the itinerary list an excursion in every port, onboard meals, Wi-Fi, and beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Optional activities and personal expenses can cost extra. The trip also requires more walking and sightseeing than a typical beach-focused vacation, something worth considering before committing to 19 days.
How much does the 2028 Nile cruise cost?
On October 28, Viking's U.S. itinerary page listed the 19-day Grand Nile Journey I from $14,999 per person, based on double occupancy. The displayed fare is not a fixed price for every departure or suite. Flights, optional extensions and other extras can change the final total.
Viking is also advertising special fares, reduced airfare and a $25 deposit for eligible U.S. bookings made by October 31, 2026. That low deposit deserves a closer look: Viking's posted 2028 promotional terms currently call for payment in full by June 10, 2027. Availability, fare rules and payment terms should be confirmed for the particular sailing before booking.
Travelers who want more time in the region can add optional extensions, including two nights in Cairo, five nights in Morocco or four nights covering Jordan, Petra and the Dead Sea. Those extensions carry additional costs.
Who should consider this cruise?
The Grand Nile Journey makes the most sense for travelers whose main reason for visiting Egypt is its history, archaeology and culture. With 17 guided tours across 19 days, it is a substantial destination experience rather than a quick introduction. The small ship and longer schedule also make it a premium choice, not a budget way to see the Nile.
If your available vacation time or budget is limited, a shorter Egypt itinerary may be a better fit. But for someone who has always wanted to explore beyond the pyramids and the best-known temples, the additional Middle Egypt stops are the strongest reason to consider this new route.
You can explore more options on our River Cruises page. For exact departure dates, availability and fare conditions, see Viking's official Grand Nile Journey itinerary.
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