Day 1: Fly to CairoFly from London (regional connections available) to Cairo with Egyptair. Transfer to the Hilton Ramses (or similar) for a 2-night stay. (N)
Day 2: CairoMorning visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the finest collections of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Among these treasures are those discovered by Howard Carter in 1922 from within the tomb of Tutankhamun. This includes the gold mask of ‘The Boy King’, the solid gold sarcophagus that held his mummy, and his ornate throne.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner buffet with wine. (B,D)
Day 3: AswanFly to Aswan this morning to begin your 4-night Nile cruise aboard the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer (Nile Deck Cabin) or the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV. This 32-cabin vessel offers a luxurious standard of cruise on the world’s longest river. Interiors are a blend of the contemporary and traditional, with nods to Egyptian heritage such as Cairene rugs and Arabian patterns. Gourmet cuisine, sightseeing excursions, on-board entertainment and expert Egyptologists elevate your cruise experience. After check-in and lunch, ride a traditional felucca sailboat around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (weather permitting).
This evening, attend a welcome reception and programme overview. Enjoy Egyptian wine and beer with a selection of canapés, followed by a gourmet dinner. A folkloric show and a Whirling Dervish performance follow (subject to confirmation). (B, L, D)
Day 4: Agilika Island – Kom OmboAfter breakfast on board, take a short motorboat ride to the ancient Philae Temple on the Island of Agilika. Next, it’s on to the granite quarries which supplied much of the hard stone used to build the Egyptians’ pyramids and temples. Here you see the Unfinished Obelisk. Back aboard your ship, partake in an Egyptian cooking lesson and eat lunch as you cruise to Kom Ombo, where you visit the magnificent Temple of Kom Ombo – dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek. This evening, as your ship’s course is set for Edfu, enjoy, a lavish buffet of local specialities, and traditional music and dancing. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Edfu – EsnaThis morning, explore the extraordinary Temple of Horus. Despite being built by the Greeks, this impressive structure is the largest and most complete preserved Pharaonic temple in Egypt. Return to your boat in time for lunch and continue cruising to Esna. This afternoon, your Egyptologist guides you round the GraecoRoman Temple of Khnum in Esna. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 6: LuxorStart your day exploring the imposing Temple of Luxor alongside your expert Egyptologist. Continue to the Temple of Karnak, and – this afternoon – the Valley of the Kings. You also have the chance to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. En route back to the Nile, pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting ‘voices’ at dawn. Return to your vessel for afternoon tea.
This evening, enjoy a farewell gala dinner, with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Giza – CairoThis morning, transfer to Luxor Airport for a flight to Cairo. You will be met on arrival and taken on a visit to Giza’s iconic pyramid complex. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last standing of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the oldest – built over 4,500 years ago as a giant tomb for pharaoh Khufu. Nearby sits the enigmatic Sphinx, with its lion body and human face, which may have been based on King Khafre and positioned to guard the king’s enormous funerary monument.
Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B)
Day 8: Fly to the UKTransfer to Cairo International Airport for your direct flight back to London. (B)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
TOUR EXTENSIONS
Pre-tour extension is available in Alexandria for 4 nights from £1,160 per person. Post-tour extension available in Luxor for 2 nights from £400 or a 4-night cruise on the beautiful Lake Nasser from £1,050 per person.
Private & tailor-made travel: This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements.
Departure dates:
18th January 2023
19th March 2023
20th April 2023
14th May 2023
22nd May 2023
8th September 2023
16th September 2023
19th November 2023
Please call us to book.