Viking announces 19-day Nile journey from 2028

On 26 October 2026, Viking unveiled a new Egypt itinerary: the 19-day Grand Nile Journey is scheduled to launch in 2028 and, according to the company, is already available to book. The programme combines four hotel nights in Cairo with a 14-night voyage aboard the Viking Ra between Cairo and Aswan. For travellers, this means a combination of time in the capital and a longer river cruise, with the Nile portion making up the largest part of the journey.

According to the operator, the Viking Ra accommodates 52 guests in 26 suites and was purpose-built for the Nile. The ship is already sailing on the river; the announced Grand Nile Journey adds to its itinerary offerings.

Cairo begins the journey

Highlights named for Cairo include the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum. The route is then set to continue along the Nile through Middle Egypt. Viking has announced a total of 17 guided visits. This makes it possible to compare the programme with shorter Nile cruises based on their shore visits: the operator combines the well-known capital region with further archaeological and cultural stops upriver.

The announced sites in Middle Egypt range from the Pyramid of Meidum to the rock-cut tombs of Beni Hasan and Tell el-Amarna. The itinerary also includes the Monastery of Deir el-Muharraq, which Viking links to Egypt’s Coptic Christian heritage. These stops are a distinctive focus of the announcement. For guests, the route adds places Viking describes as less frequently visited to the shore excursions.

Cruising to Aswan, with visits in the south

Further along the route, Viking lists the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Seti I at Abydos. In the south, the announced programme also includes the Philae temple complex, an excursion to Abu Simbel and a ride on a traditional felucca. The extensive list shows that, in addition to the cruise itself, the length of the journey allows time for organised shore visits. Viking lists these stops as part of the programme; the daily schedule depends on the departure date.

Viking lists optional extensions of two nights in Cairo, five nights in Morocco or four nights in Jordan.

A longer Egypt offering within the existing operation

Viking places the new route within its Egypt offerings. The company also lists the 12-day “Pharaohs & Pyramids” journey and an eclipse voyage announced for 2027. The Grand Nile Journey thus expands the offering with a longer route from Cairo to Aswan and additional visits in Middle Egypt. Guests will have another Egypt programme featuring a longer stretch on the river.

The overall duration and mix of stays are the main factors to consider when choosing the journey. Comparing its length with other Egypt programmes makes clear that the new route allows considerably more time to explore several regions. The announced offering is available from 2028; the specific itinerary depends on the departure date.

Autor: Markus Lenk