Egypt · February 2027
Death on the Nile
A reading holiday through Egypt inspired by Agatha Christie
Cruise the Nile from Cairo to Luxor, explore ancient Egypt and discover the world of one of Agatha Christie's most famous mysteries.
The Books in Places experience
Read it. Cruise it. Experience Egypt.
There are some books that seem to belong to a place. Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile is one of them.
This is a journey through Egypt that brings together ancient history, extraordinary landscapes, a Nile cruise and plenty of time to enjoy the book and the company of fellow readers.
We'll travel from the Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, with an expert Egyptologist bringing the history and archaeology to life along the way. And, of course, we'll find time to talk about the mystery that started it all.
At a glance
The Egypt experience
9 nights
A substantial journey through Egypt, with time in Cairo and on the Nile.
Nile cruise
Cruise between Luxor and Aswan, watching the landscape unfold from the river.
Agatha Christie
Read and discuss Death on the Nile during the journey.
Ancient Egypt
Visit the Pyramids, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and more.
Solo-friendly
Your own room and cabin, with shared experiences and plenty of time to relax.
Hosted throughout
Hosted by Books in Places with a local Egyptian team supporting the journey.
The book
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
A classic Hercule Poirot mystery, set against the unforgettable backdrop of the Nile.
Wealth, jealousy, romance and murder come together aboard a Nile steamer when Linnet Ridgeway is found dead on her honeymoon.
Reading the novel while travelling through the landscapes that inspired its atmosphere gives the story an entirely different dimension. We'll also have our own book club discussion during the trip, giving everyone the chance to share their thoughts and theories.
The story has been adapted for the screen several times, but there is nothing quite like experiencing the Nile itself while reading Christie's novel.
The place
From the Pyramids to the Nile
Egypt is the star of this trip as much as the book. We'll begin in Cairo before flying south to Luxor and joining the Nile cruise.
Along the way there are temples, tombs, monuments and landscapes that have fascinated travellers for thousands of years.
And between the sightseeing, there is something equally important: time to sit on deck, read your book, watch the river and simply enjoy being there.
Highlights
Some of the moments to look forward to
Valley of the Kings
Explore the extraordinary Valley of the Kings, including the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Ancient temples
Visit Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, with an Egyptologist helping to reveal the stories behind the monuments.
The Pyramids and Sphinx
Begin the journey in Cairo with the Pyramids, the Sphinx and a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Slow moments
Life on the Nile
Not everything is about sightseeing. There will be time to relax on board, read, talk, watch the river drift past and enjoy the changing landscape.
The Books in Places difference
A great journey, with a great book at its heart
This isn't simply a sightseeing tour of Egypt. The book gives us something to talk about, something to look for and another way to see the places we visit.
We'll share meals, talk about the book, explore together and have plenty of time to do our own thing too.
Life on board
The Nile becomes part of the story
The cruise is one of the great pleasures of this trip. Rather than moving from hotel to hotel, we'll travel through the heart of Egypt with the river always beside us.
The MS Royal Viking has a sun deck with a pool and bar, a buffet restaurant and a lounge bar. Every cabin looks out over the Nile.
There is also a free day during the cruise, giving you the choice of relaxing on board, exploring Aswan or joining one of the optional excursions.
A different side of Egypt
Slow down on the river
One of the memorable experiences included in the trip is sailing around Kitchener Island in a traditional felucca.
After the temples and tombs, it is a chance to see a quieter side of Egypt and simply enjoy the river.
Read. Cruise. Explore.
Ancient history by day, a book in your hands and the Nile flowing past.
Travelling alone?
Come on your own. You won't be on your own.
Most guests on Books in Places trips travel alone, and this journey is designed with solo travellers in mind.
You have your own room in Cairo and your own cabin on the cruise, while shared meals, excursions and the book discussion give you plenty of opportunities to get to know everyone.
There is also space to do your own thing. Read on deck, relax by the pool, explore independently or simply watch Egypt go by.
The journey
From Cairo to Luxor
The exact order of activities can vary, but this is the shape of the current itinerary.
Cairo
Arrive in Cairo and settle into the hotel. Your host will suggest dinner together.
Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Explore the Pyramids and Sphinx with your Egyptologist, followed by the Grand Egyptian Museum.
South to Luxor
Discover more of Cairo before flying to Luxor and boarding the Nile cruise.
Karnak and Luxor
Visit the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor before continuing south.
Valley of the Kings
Visit the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon.
Edfu and Kom Ombo
Visit the Temple of Horus and the Ptolemaic Temple at Kom Ombo.
Aswan and the felucca
Discover Aswan, Philae Island and sail around Kitchener Island in a traditional felucca.
A day to choose your own adventure
Relax on board or explore Aswan, with optional excursions including Abu Simbel.
Back along the Nile
Cruise back towards Luxor and enjoy a final evening on board.
What's included
So much is included
This is a substantial Egypt journey, with the major travel arrangements, accommodation and sightseeing taken care of.
- Return ATOL-bonded flights
- Internal flights between Cairo and Luxor
- Return transfers and sightseeing transport
- 4-star accommodation in Cairo
- Your own room in Cairo
- Your own middle-deck cabin on the cruise
- Nile cruise accommodation
- Guided tours and entrance fees unless stated otherwise
- Local Egyptian host and Egyptologist
- Meals during the cruise from dinner on Day 3 to breakfast on Day 10
- Books in Places reading holiday host
- Book club discussion of Death on the Nile
February 2027
Ready to follow the Nile?
Join Books in Places for nine nights in Egypt, combining one of the world's great journeys with one of Agatha Christie's most famous mysteries.
Book with Friendship Travel