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 & Aswan
Morning flight to Aswan – described by many as the most beautiful of Egypt’s river cities. Included today is a visit to the Aswan Dam, constructed when Egypt was still a British Protectorate. The 364 foot high walls hold back the 300 mile long body of water that is Lake Nasser, the world’s largest reservoir. We then board our ship and discover many of Egypt’s archaeological treasures during a four night cruise down the Nile. Later this afternoon, enjoy a felucca ride around Elephantine Island and see the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, before an evening on board.
DAY 4 - Aswan & Abu Simbel
Today explore the Isis Temple on Philae Island. We enjoy lunch on board and then why not join our pre-bookable optional excursion to Abu Simbel. Nothing can prepare you for the spectacular sight of the four colossi of Ramese 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.
DAY 5 - Kom Ombo & Edfu
Today we visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek the Crocodile God and Horus the Hawk God. The amazing Hieroglyphics and carvings show that the Egyptians knew much about medicine, used a 30 day/12 month calendar and produced perfumes. We continue to Edfu.
DAY 6 - Edfu & Luxor
We travel by horse drawn carriage to see the 2,000 year old Ptolemaic Temple today with its incredibly well preserved frescoes, dedicated to the God Horus. It is perhaps the best preserved temple in Egypt. Work on the temple began in the year 237 BC and there is a spectacular view across the site from the top of the 118ft high, intricately carved pylon. We sail through the Esna Lock on our way to Luxor this afternoon. Luxor is a huge open-air museum set on both sides of the Nile. Here you will find an awe-inspiring collection of ancient monuments. We see Luxor Temple illuminated tonight followed by dinner on board.
DAY 7 - Luxor
We disembark this morning and head to the fabulous Valley of the Kings. So far, 64 Pharaoh’s tombs have been excavated here, including Tutankhamun’s burial chamber discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. Vivid carvings and paintings depict the religious rituals and earthly goods needed by deceased Pharaohs in the afterlife. We also have time to explore the Temple of Queen Hatsheput and the awesome Colossi of Memnon. This afternoon we visit the Temple at Karnak.
Day 8 - Cairo/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.