DAY 1 - UK/Cairo
Meet your travelling companions in the executive lounge, prior to your scheduled flight to Cairo for a two night stay. This evening there will be a welcome drink at the hotel.
DAY 2 - Pyramids & the Sphinx
Today’s included tour takes us to the great Pyramids of Giza on the western bank of the Nile. They are the most famous, intensely measured, studied and debated monuments in the world and an imperishable landmark to the geometrical accuracy and technical skill that went into their making. Close by lies the magnificent Sphinx, a huge statue of a recumbent lion with a human Pharaonic head. This afternoon we visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum, which includes the treasures from the tombs of Tutankhamen and other Pharaohs.
DAY 3 - Cairo & Luxor
Morning flight to Luxor to board our ship and discover many of Egypt’s archaeological treasures during a four night cruise down the Nile. This afternoon we visit the Temple at Karnak and the Luxor Temple, the oldest, largest and most imposing Pharaonic temple complex, dedicated to the creator god Amun, and originally linked by the three mile-long Avenue of Sphinx. Highlights include the monumental Great Hypostyle Hall and Queen Hatsheput’s pink granite obelisk. Allegedly, a wish made beside the sacred lake is certain to come true!
DAYS 4 & 5 - Luxor to Edfu
Sailing along the Nile with time to explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the awesome Colossi of Memnon and the fabulous Valley of the Kings. So far, 64 Pharaohs’ tombs have been excavated, including Tutankhamen’s burial chamber discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. We continue to Edfu to view the 2,000 year old Ptolemaic Temple with its incredibly well preserved frescoes.
DAY 6 - Kom Ombo, Aswan & Philae Temple
Today we visit the temple of Kom Ombo where the amazing hieroglyphics and carvings show that the Egyptians knew much about medicine, used a 30day/12 month calendar and produced perfumes. We sail on to Aswan to visit the Aswan Dam, enjoy a felucca ride around Elephantine Island and see the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, before an evening on board.
DAY 7 - Abu Simbel & Cairo
Relax or join our optional early morning trip by air to Abu Simbel. Nothing can prepare you for the spectacular sight of the four colossi of Ramses II carved out of the rock and standing 65ft high beside smaller statues of his family outside the entrance to his magnificent temple with its breathtaking paintings and carvings. Two statues of his wife Nefertari and four more of Ramses guard her temple next door.
We fly back to Cairo for an overnight stop and farewell dinner this evening.
DAY 8 - Cairo/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.