Ancient wonders of Cairo & the Nile

Arrive Cairo

Transfer to the Kempinski Nile Hotel for 2 nights. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Cairo

Today you visit 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. Nearby, the enigmatic Sphinx guards King Khafre’s enormous funerary monument. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a welcome buffet dinner with wine. (B, D)

Aswan

Fly to Aswan this morning to begin your 4-night Nile cruise aboard the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer (Nile Deck Cabin)* (or similar). 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 canapés, followed by a gourmet dinner. (B, L, D)

Agilika Island - Kom Ombo

After breakfast, take a short motorboat ride to see the Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. Next, it’s on to the quarries which supplied much of the granite used to build the pyramids. Here you see the Unfinished Obelisk. Back aboard, relax over lunch, then visit the Temple of Kom Ombo – dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek. This evening, enjoy a lavish buffet of local specialities, and traditional music and dancing. (B, L, D)

Edfu - Luxor

This 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. Back aboard, partake in an Egyptian cookery lesson while cruising through the Esna lock. This  afternoon, your Egyptologist guides you round the Temple of Luxor. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board. (B, L, D)

Luxor

Start the day exploring the the Valley of the Kings alongside your Egyptologist. You have the chance to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Returning to the Nile, pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in ancient times for their haunting ‘voices’ at dawn. After lunch, your Egyptologist will guide you around Temple of Karnak. Return to your vessel for afternoon tea. This evening, enjoy a farewell gala dinner, with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine. (B, L, D)

Giza - Cairo

Fly to Cairo this morning, dropping off your luggage at the Kempinski Nile Hotel. After lunch at leisure, visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and home to a wide variety of pharaonic antiquities. (B)

Fly to the UK

Transfer 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.

Arrive Cairo

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Cairo with Egyptair. Transfer to the Kempinski Nile Hotel for 2 nights. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Cairo

Today you visit 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. Nearby, the enigmatic Sphinx guards King Khafre's enormous funerary monument. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a welcome buffet dinner with wine. (B, D)

Aswan

Fly to Aswan this morning to begin your 4-night Nile cruise aboard the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer (Nile Deck Cabin)* (or similar). 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 canapés, followed by a gourmet dinner. A folklore show and whirling Dervish performance follow (subject to confirmation). (B, L, D)

Agilika Island - Kom Ombo

After breakfast, take a short motorboat ride to see the Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. Next, it's on to the quarries which supplied much of the granite used to build the pyramids. Here you see the Unfinished Obelisk. Back aboard, partake in an Egyptian cookery lesson, then visit the Temple of Kom Ombo - dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek. This evening, enjoy a lavish buffet of local specialities, and traditional music and dancing. (B, L, D)

Edfu - Luxor

This 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 Graeco-Roman Temple of Khnum in Esna. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board. (B, L, D)

Luxor

Start the day exploring the imposing Temple of Luxor alongside your Egyptologist. Continue to the Temple of Karnak, and - this afternoon - the Valley of the Kings. You have the chance to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Returning to the Nile, pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in ancient 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)

Giza - Cairo

Fly to Cairo this morning, dropping off your luggage at the Kempinski Nile Hotel. After lunch at leisure, visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and home to a wide variety of pharaonic antiquities. (B)

Depart Cairo

Transfer 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.