UK to Cairo

Depart on your scheduled flight to Cairo. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Cairo, Egypt's lively capital.

Cairo

The past and present intertwine in Cairo. Egypt's traditions, food and history offer a unique experience as you embark on today's full-day city tour. Gain a fascinating insight into the city's sights and past as a professional Egyptology guide leads the way, with your first stop at the mighty Giza Pyramids. Inspiring movies, books and conspiracy theories, these six iconic pyramids tower over the desert landscape, with the Great Pyramid standing taller than the Statue of Liberty. Explore these amazingly constructed structures, built using techniques beyond their time, then marvel at the massive half-lion, half-human form of the Sphinx, as it guards the temples and tombs of Ancient Egypt. Travel onward to the Egyptian Museum and wander the treasure trove of artefacts under its roof, including Tutankhamen's golden mask. The mask is one of the most well-known works of art in the world of the 18th century ancient Egyptian 'Boy King' Pharaoh Tutankhamun who reigned 1332-1323 BC. Return to your hotel after a full day of sightseeing for an evening at leisure.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cairo to Luxor

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Cairo to Luxor, your departure point for your majestic Nile cruise. Check into your sailing vessel before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.

• Breakfast & Dinner

Nile River Cruise

Cross over to the west bank of Luxor, where you will visit the Valley of the Kings, Ancient Egypt's royalty. Take an optional hot air balloon ride over Luxor (payable locally) From here continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a magnificent memorial temple built into the cliffs of this sacred valley. En route back to your vessel, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, massive twin statues, the gatekeepers of the valley. Enjoy lunch back onboard the boat, and sail onward to Edfu, a scenic cruise that allows you to take in life on the shores of the Nile.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Nile River Cruise

Dock in Edfu in the early hours of the morning, in time for breakfast and a visit to the impressive Temple of Horus the second largest temple in Egypt and well known as the most beautiful and well-preserved of all the Egyptian temples. Enter through the massive gateways of the temple, guarded by huge granite statues of Horus, and explore the halls and chambers of this colossal ode to the gods. After returning from your morning excursion, weigh anchor and sail north to Kom Ombo where you'll disembark for a trip to the Temple of Kom Ombo. The temple is unique as it is dedicated to both Sorek, god of crocodiles, and Horus, god of the sky, with separate gateways and chapels for each god. The amazingly detailed etchings and carvings on the columns and walls of these temples are one of its most incredible features and a walk through the interior takes you into elaborately decorated chambers and passageways. Return to your ship and journey towards Aswan for an overnight stay.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Nile River Cruise

After breakfast, disembark to tour this colourful riverside city, nestled between water and desert. Start with a visit to the gigantic Aswan High Dam; the construction of this source of hydro-electricity required the movement of a number of nearby monuments to protect them from flooding. Continue on to the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive slab of granite that was carved but never erected, though it retains its status as the world's largest ancient obelisk. Travel to the river island of Agilkia and take in the splendid Temples of Philae, built by the cult of Isis in honour of the Egyptian goddess of health and marriage. After lunch, enjoy a unique sailing experience as you breathe in fresh river breezes during a ride on a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat which carries you to the botanical gardens of Kitchener's Island. Make your way back to your vessel, remaining for the night in the tranquil waters off Aswan.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Nile River Cruise

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax or explore Aswan at your own pace, perhaps taking in the rock-cut Tombs of the Nobles which are nestled in the foothills and consist of more than 400 tombs belonging to nobles from the 6th dynasty to the Graeco-Roman period or why not embrace the views from the hilltop Aga Khan Mausoleum or the fragrant spices, woven baskets and colourful robes of the city's souk. Alternatively opt to visit Abu Simbel, a series of temples intricately cut into a rocky cliff overlooking the Nile or join a bird-watching excursion and visit to Nubian house (both payable locally)

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Nile River Cruise

Today offers a leisurely day of cruising, as you sail downstream to Edfu, bound for Luxor, passing through the Esna lock. Enjoy a day on board to soak in the sights on the river shores, lounge on the sun deck, take a dip in the swimming pool or relax on the deck with a cocktail.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Nile River Cruise

This morning starts with a visit to the vast Karnak Temple complex - over 200 acres housing temples and sanctuaries adorned with intricate hieroglyphics. Return to your ship for lunch, before continuing to the beautifully preserved Luxor Temple and explore the interior, statues and carvings of this religious site.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Luxor to the UK

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Luxor for your return flight via Cairo to the UK

• Breakfast