UK to Cairo

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

Cairo

Cairo is a melting pot of culture, where ancient landmarks and modern districts harmoniously convene. On the banks of the world's longest river, enjoy delicious cuisine and immerse yourself in ancient history on today's tour of this lively city's most world-renowned sites, led by a professional Egyptology guide. Journey to the complex which houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the mighty Giza Pyramids, comprising of six impeccable geometric structures, erected to house the immortal remains of deceased Egyptian Pharaohs. Majestically overlooking the temples and tombs of Ancient Egypt, head towards the nearby 73-metre statue of the Sphinx which depicts a mythical half-lion, half-human creature, and was astonishingly carved from one single piece of limestone. Following lunch, transfer back to your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cairo

This morning, explore the country's history at the Egyptian Museum or Grand Egyptian Museum, where unbelievable exhibits showcase over 120,000 artefacts, including Egypt's earliest hieroglyphic engravings and its most iconic relic - Tutankhamun's gleaming golden mask. This afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

• Breakfast

Cairo to Nile river Cruise

Depart Cairo after an early breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to the city of Aswan, where you will embark on your Nile River Cruise. After lunch onboard, enjoy your first excursion, and witness a pioneering example of hydro-engineering on the banks of the River Nile at the High Dam. Later, gain a fascinating insight into ancient Egyptian stone-work techniques with a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk in the Northern Quarries, where the marks of workers' tools and faint carving outlines eerily remain visible. Remaining attached to the bedrock below, this monumental tower would have weighed a mind-blowing 1,168 tonnes if the development had succeeded, however, plans were abandoned when cracks began to appear in the granite. Finally, take in the splendid Temple of Philae, built in 690 B.C in honour of the goddess of health and marriage; known as the last temple of classical Egyptian design, marvel at the domineering Pylons embellished with traditional hieroglyphs from its new position upon Agilkia Island, having been rescued from a watery grave on Philae Island during the dramatic flooding of Lake Nasser. Return back to your vessel, for dinner onboard and your first night on the Nile.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Nile River Cruise

Early this morning, you have an optional excursion to visit the iconic temples of Abu Simbel (at a fee). Intricately carved into a golden sandstone cliff overlooking the Nile, wonder at the mesmerising 66-foot seated figures of King Ramses, before returning back to the boat for breakfast. After a leisurely morning, enjoy a unique sailing experience as you breathe in fresh river breezes upon a delightful felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat which carries you to the botanical gardens of Kitchener's Island. Brimming with subtropical plants and brightly coloured blooms, bask in tranquillity as you wander through this beautiful setting, where the gentle flutter of palm fronds serves as a serene soundtrack. This afternoon, glide along the Nile and sail into Kom Ombo for an unforgettable visit to the impressive Temple of Kom Ombo. Unique in its design, the symmetrical rooms, courts and halls were identically duplicated and dedicated to two sets of gods: Sobek, the god of fertility, and Haroeris, the god of the sky. Meander amongst the elaborately decorated interior, whose columns and walls showcase detailed etchings and carvings, before returning to your ship for a tasty dinner on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Nile River Cruise

Pass through the Esna Lock and soak in incredible views as you sail towards the ancient settlement city of Edfu, disembarking for the chance to visit the Temple of Horus. Guarded by gargantuan granite statues of Horus, enter through the towering gateway and discover the halls and chambers of this spellbinding ode to the gods which was once concealed under a blanket of sand. Returning to your ship for breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure on board as the cruise sails towards Luxor. After lunch, continue to the expansive Karnak Temple Complex to wander a section of this 200-acre site. Nearby, admire the strikingly graceful Luxor Temple, before returning to your ship for a night moored in Luxor.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Nile River Cruise

After breakfast, cross over to the west bank of Luxor, where you will visit the Valley of the Kings, Ancient Egypt's royalty. 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. Blanketed in an extraordinary golden hue, sail the world's longest river and delve into a captivating kingdom brimming with ancient monuments and old-world charm.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Luxor to the UK or extension

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight or transfer to your chosen tour extension.

• Breakfast