ULTIMATE EGYPT

After touching down in Cairo, you’ll be whisked off to your hotel where you’ll meet our Local Insider who will accompany the group throughout the trip. At 6pm, get to know your fellow travellers before sitting down to a welcome dinner together. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep ahead of an action-packed day at the pyramids tomorrow.

Explore two of the most iconic landmarks in Egypt today – the Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids, the largest of which is the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. It’s worth taking your time to fully appreciate these colossal feats of human endeavour. Later on you’ll continue the historical theme with a visit to the brand new, and hotly anticipated, Grand Egyptian Museum.

You’ll have some free time this morning before heading into the historic centre of Cairo early in the afternoon. Admire the extensive array of Islamic architecture on Moez Street and embrace the chaos of the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar – a labyrinth of stalls selling jewellery, exotic spices, handcrafted souvenirs and much more. We’ll continue our tour at the Al Attarin spice and El Sagha gold markets, and take a break for tea at the iconic Feshawi cafe, before heading for a traditional Koshari lunch – a dish that combines rice, macaroni, and lentils with a spiced tomato sauce. Later, at an old bookbinding store, you’ll have the chance to treat yourself to a personalised leather notebook. Next, it’s time to board the overnight sleeper train from Giza station to Luxor.

No trip to Egypt would be complete without visiting several of the inspiring temples that form an integral part of the country’s heritage, starting with Karnak Temple. This majestic 4,000-year-old temple, in a complex spanning more than 100ha (247 acres), is believed to be the largest religious building in the world – larger, even, than some entire ancient cities. You’ll then return to Luxor and check into our hotel on the Nile. Set out on an evening tour of the Luxor Temple, and witness the ancient sandstone glowing gloriously in candlelight.

Today we explore the west bank of the Nile, starting early as we head to the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of many pharaohs during the New Kingdom (1539BCE-1075BCE). Venture into the tombs of Ramses V and VI before moving on to the temple of Hatshepsut, a striking tribute to one of the first female pharaohs. Next, stop by the Colossi of Memnon – two 18m (59ft) tall stone monuments depicting Pharaoh Amenhotep III – before hopping on the cruise ship for lunch and to begin our journey down the Nile.

After breakfast, you’ll have some time to explore for yourself before a late-morning walk of the vibrant Souq of Luxor, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy a refreshing hibiscus tea, known as karkade. Head back to the ship at noon and set sail on your journey towards our next stop, Edfu.

Fancy taking it easy this morning? It’s entirely up to you – but if you’re keen for an adventure, the Temple of Edfu is worth seeing. Built between 237BCE and 57BCE, it’s relatively young by Egyptian temple standards and therefore extremely well preserved. You can get here either by foot or horse-drawn carriage. On your return to the ship, you’ll sail to Kom Ombo, home to another impressive temple. Overlooking the Nile, it comprises two symmetrical temples split down the middle. Explore here for a couple of hours before setting off on the last leg of your cruise.

This morning, you’ll swap the cruise ship for a kayak in Aswan, allowing you to experience the Nile from a totally different perspective. Navigate the river waters and visit islands, such as Elephantine and Soheil, at your own pace. Post-kayak, round off your trip in style with an authentic Nubian dinner in the warm company of the locals.

The time has come to pack your bags and bid farewell to your fellow travellers. Those who have pre-purchased an Abu Simbel day trip as an optional activity will depart early this morning. The Nile cruise finishes at noon, at which point you can either head to the airport for your flight home or, alternatively, you can extend your travels in Egypt. See you next time!