Sanctuary Nile Adventurer

Fly to Cairo

Touch down in the capital of Egypt, then privately transfer to your hotel. Stay three nights at the Four Seasons First Residence, set on the west bank of the Nile with views over the zoological gardens. (N)

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

Cairo

Start with a half-day tour of Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, established in 1902 and housing an impressive collection of ancient artefacts, from sarcophagi to jewellery. You then have the option to visit the National Museum of Civilisation and its collection of more than 50,000 artefacts. (B)

Cairo • Giza

Enjoy a half-day tour of the pyramids of Giza, including the only surviving of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Pyramid of Khufu. This afternoon is at leisure, with the option to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum and its vast collection of ancient relics. (B)

Luxor

Take a flight from Cairo to Luxor, with the option to visit the UNESCO-listed Luxor Temple upon arrival. Then board the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, a 32-cabin ship whose elegant décor blends traditional and contemporary Egyptian design. This vessel will be your home for the next eight nights. Your afternoon on board is at leisure. (B, L, D)

Luxor • Esna

Tour the east bank of Luxor, visiting the Temple of Karnak with its sprawling complex of pylons, temples, chapels and other millennia-old buildings. Following lunch, tour the Graeco-Roman Temple of Khnum alongside an expert Egyptologist. Return to the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer for afternoon tea. (B, L, D) 

Kom Ombo

Your morning on board is at leisure. Lunch is served as you are cruising to Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, disembark to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, a rare, symmetrical ‘double temple’ honouring two deities: the crocodile god Sobek, and the falcon god Horus. Your onboard entertainment this evening is an ‘Egyptian Night’ costume party, affording guests the chance to dress up in a traditional galabeya (ankle-length garment). (B, L, D)

Elephantine Island

Spend the morning at leisure. After lunch on board, you have the chance to sail on a traditional Egyptian sailboat called a felucca, cruising around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens and the Agha Khan mausoleum. Back aboard the Nile Adventurer, attend a gala dinner. (B, L, D).

The Nile

Today is at leisure to enjoy the 5-star facilities on board the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, which include a swimming pool, games room and gymnasium. (B, L, D)

Agilkia Island

After breakfast, board a motorboat to visit Philae Temple. The construction of the Aswan Low Dam caused the flooding of the temple in its original location, and the decision was made to painstakingly relocate Philae’s ancient buildings to Agilkia Island, saving them from destruction. This afternoon, attend an Egyptian cooking demonstration. The rest of your day is at leisure as the Nile Adventurer ferries you towards Kom Ombo. (B, L, D)

Edfu

Today you visit the Temple of Edfu, situated on the west bank of the Nile. Built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom of the ancient Greeks, this temple honours the falcon-headed god, Horus – equated with the Olympian god, Apollo. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy another ‘Egyptian Night’ costume party with the chance to don traditional Egyptian dress. (B, L, D)

Valley of the Kings

Spend this morning visiting the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Kings, whose rock-cut tombs once housed the remains of powerful pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Continue to a tomb in the Valley of the Queens, resting place for the wives of pharaohs; followed by a visit to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. En route back to your ship, pass the Colossi of Memnon – twin seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. (B, L, D)

Luxor • Cairo

After breakfast, disembark from the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer in Luxor. You’ve the option to extend your stay, or transfer to Luxor airport for a flight to Cairo and an overnight stay at the Intercontinental CityStars Hotel. (B)

Fly to the UK

Transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight home. (B)