Grand Tour of Egypt

Tour the ancient capital of Memphis, now the site of a huge open-air museum, before continuing to the pyramid field of Saqqara. Then, visit the pyramid complex at Giza and see the enigmatic Sphinx, which is said to portray the image of the 4th dynasty Pharaoh Kafre.

Explore the bustling, colourful lanes and alleyways of medieval Cairo and the Khan El Khalili bazaars on a walking tour: a real immersion into the Middle Eastern experience. This afternoon, see the spectacular purpose-built Mummies Hall in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation.

Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum with your guide, where you’ll find an incredible collection of antiquities, including the golden treasure of Tutankhamen, then fly to Luxor with Egyptair. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

A day at leisure in Luxor (Alternatively, we can arrange a visit to see some of Luxor’s less well-known sites or an excursion to see the temples of Dendera and Abydos – please advise if this is of interest).

Board your chosen Nile cruise ship late this morning. After lunch onboard, explore the stunning temple complex of Amon-Ra at Karnak and the imposing Temple of Luxor with the on-board Egyptologist guide. Overnight: Luxor.

Continue your Luxor sightseeing with a visit to the beautifully painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, the rock-cut temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch will be served onboard as you cruise slowly south to Edfu. Overnight: Edfu.

Visit the temple of the falcon-headed god Horus at Edfu with your Egyptologist. This is one of the most complete buildings surviving from the age of the Pharaohs. Then, sail to Kom Ombo to see the temples dedicated to Horus the Elder and the crocodile god Sobek. Afternoon tea will be served as you continue sailing south to Aswan. This evening, a Galabiya party will be held on board your Nile cruise. Overnight: Aswan.

Discover Aswan this morning, one of the most beautiful spots in Egypt. Sightseeing will include the Aswan High Dam, the Quarries of the Pharaohs, and the beautiful Temple of Isis on Philae Island, which was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Relax on board your floating hotel this afternoon. Overnight: Aswan.

Transfer to Aswan Airport and board an Egyptair flight to Abu Simbel. A private transfer will then bring you to the shores of Lake Nasser to board your floating home for the next three nights. This afternoon, visit the great rock-cut temples built by Ramses II (c1279 – 1217 BC). This evening, there will be an opportunity to return to the site and see the Sound & Light show (payable locally). Overnight: Abu Simbel.

Cast off from your moorings and cruise north across Lake Nasser through the burnt landscape of Nubia towards Kasr Ibrim. Before the creation of Lake Nasser, this ancient castle stood atop a high bluff overlooking the valley but is now reduced to a small island. As entry to Kasr Ibrim is not permitted, a description of the site will be given on deck. Then, cruise to Amada to see the Temple of Amada, the oldest Egyptian temple in Nubia, along with the rock-cut Temple of El Derr and the tiny Tomb of Penout (Viceroy of Kush during the reign of Ramses VI). The final stage of the day’s journey will bring you to Wadi El Seboua. Overnight: Wadi El Seboua.

After breakfast, visit the temple of Wadi el Seboua (Valley of the Lions in Arabic) named after its fine avenue of sphinxes. Nearby, across the sands, are the Graeco-Roman temples of Dakka and Meharakka. Then, return to your Lake Nasser cruise and sail to Aswan. A celebration will be held when crossing the Tropic of Cancer. Overnight: Aswan.

Check out from your Lake Nasser cruise after breakfast, then board a tender and cross Lake Nasser to see the relocated temples at New Kalabsha. The site is dominated by the Temple of Kalabsha – the largest free-standing temple in Egyptian Nubia. Nearby is the Kiosk of Kertassi, a small elegant monument dating from the Roman period, Garf Hussein Temple, and the rock-cut temple of Beit el Wali. After your visit, you’ll be met and transferred to your Aswan hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Today will be at leisure in Aswan.

A private transfer will bring you to Aswan International Airport, where you will check in for your onward flight.