Grand Nile Cruise

Welcome to Egypt, a country known for its historical sites and world wonders. Touching down in Cairo, get ready for the adventure begin!

We'll make our way to the hotel, where there's time to settle in, freshen up and take a breather after the journey. Later, we'll meet our Egyptologist guide and fellow travellers, putting faces to the names before our Egyptian adventure gets properly underway.

This evening, we'll raise a glass to the days ahead with a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant. Good food, new friends and plenty of stories yet to come – not a bad way to start our Egyptian escapade!

Today, we're diving headfirst into ancient Egypt, starting at Sakkara where we will see the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Built thousands of years ago, this remarkable monument represents an important turning point in pyramid architecture – and it's just the beginning of the wonders waiting ahead.

Special Experience: Tour the historic Serapeum of Sakkara, the burial place of the Apis Bulls and home to centuries of cult activity. Next stop: the Giza Plateau. But first, there's lunch with a view! Tuck into a meal with the Great Pyramids stretching out before you. Talk about a lunch backdrop.

Special Experience: Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at the Giza Plateau. With full bellies and cameras at the ready, it's time to get up close to some of Egypt's most famous icons. Accompanied by our Egyptologist guide, discover the Great Pyramids and Sphinx while uncovering the stories, beliefs and people that have kept these ancient wonders fascinating for thousands of years.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking in hot conditions across uneven ground.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Cairo fades into the distance today as we fly south to Aswan, where a very different chapter of our Egyptian adventure awaits. Here, the pace slows and the mighty Nile takes centre stage.

Our first stop is Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and tucked away on Agilkia Island. Reached by boat and surrounded by shimmering water, the setting is almost as enchanting as the ancient stories carved into its walls.

Then it's time to step aboard our River cruise ship – our floating home for our adventure down the Nile. After settling into our cabin, we can swap the road for the river and watch Egypt drift gently by.

There's plenty of time to put our feet up, soak up the scenery and perhaps indulge in a spot of afternoon tea. As evening falls, gather for our first dinner on board and settle into the wonderfully unhurried rhythm of life on the Nile.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking in hot conditions across uneven ground.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Rise and shine – Abu Simbel is calling! We'll set off early for the journey south, travelling by road through the desert landscapes of southern Egypt before arriving at the UNESCO-listed Temples of Abu Simbel.

Carved into the rock during the reign of Ramses II, these colossal temples certainly know how to make an entrance. Towering statues, intricate carvings and grand halls reveal the sheer ambition of ancient Egypt as we wander through one of the country's most remarkable archaeological sites.

Then it's back to Aswan and the comfort of our boat for lunch and a well-earned afternoon tea. Later, swap the ship for a traditional felucca and let the breeze do the work as we sail around Kitchener Island, seeing the Nile from a wonderfully different angle.

Tonight, dinner on board sets us up for something a little livelier. It's time for a Nubian Party, where the rich culture and vibrant music of the traditional Nubian people will be celebrated as we bring the day to a close.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking in hot conditions across uneven ground.

Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

Enjoy a relaxed morning on board, with time to take things easy before a BBQ lunch.

After lunch, we'll explore Kom Ombo, one of Egypt's most unusual temples. Set beside the Nile, the temple is dedicated to two very different gods: Sobek, the crocodile-headed god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. With our expert guide, uncover the stories, rituals and symbolism behind this fascinating double temple before returning to the ship.

The afternoon is spent cruising towards Edfu, with time for afternoon tea along the way. Tonight, it's time to dress up for a special gala dinner on board. A little glamour on the Nile? Why not!

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Start the day among ancient wonders at Edfu Temple, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples and a grand tribute to Horus. We will access the site by bus transfer, pass beneath its towering entrance and wander among intricate reliefs as our guide brings the stories, rituals and characters of ancient Egypt vividly to life.

Then it's back to the river. As the ship continues towards Luxor, we'll pass through the Esna Lock – a fascinating piece of modern-day Nile navigation where the ship is carefully raised or lowered to continue its journey.

With lunch and afternoon tea on board, there's no need to rush. Instead, settle into the scenery as fertile fields, riverside villages and golden desert landscapes drift past the deck.

By late evening, we'll arrive in Luxor, ready to discover more ancient treasures tomorrow.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Luxor turns up the volume today, with a full day exploring some of the most spectacular treasures on both sides of the Nile. On the West Bank, venture into the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs and royalty were laid to rest among the desert hills. From underground tombs to ancient stories etched into their walls, there's plenty to spark the imagination.

Special Experience: Descend underground into Tutankhamun's tomb, featuring intricate corridors and remarkably well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings that reveal ancient tales. Next, we explore the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut. Queen Hatshepsut was one of only a few women to be given the title of pharaoh. Built into the cliffs of the Theban Mountains, this grand mortuary temple features terraces, colonnades and ramps that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. We'll then visit the Colossi of Memnon, a historic landmark consisting of two massive statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Cross the Nile to the East Bank and prepare to go big at Karnak Temple. Vast courtyards, towering columns and colossal statues make this one of Egypt's true showstoppers. As the afternoon slips towards evening, continue to Luxor Temple, where the ancient monuments take on an atmospheric glow as the light begins to fade.

Special Experience: Explore the spectacular Luxor Temple at sunset, witnessing how the golden light brings this ancient wonder to life. Back aboard the ship, unwind with dinner before swapping ancient history for a little entertainment. A lively belly dancer performance brings some energy to the evening – because after a day of temples and tombs, a bit of dancing feels very appropriate!

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank in the early morning. Includes transport from hotel. 1.5 hours – from $170pp US. Cash only. Today involves approximately 5-6 hours of walking in hot and humid conditions across uneven ground.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

The Nile carries us north today, towards Qena and the extraordinary Dendera Temple. Dedicated primarily to Hathor – the goddess of love, music and motherhood – Dendera is a feast of ancient detail. Beauty can be seen everywhere in this complex, with well-preserved artwork and reliefs found within the temple reflecting religious rituals and mythological stories. The large collection of temples and shrines were constructed across numerous Egyptian eras and feature exquisite detailing and vibrant colours. We'll take our time here, to explore the magnificent ruins that offer a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of this ancient civilisation.

Back aboard in Qena, the ship continues towards Naga Hammadi. Spend the afternoon at leisure as we cruise towards our next stop. There's time for afternoon tea and dinner on board before settling in for another peaceful night afloat.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking in hot conditions across uneven ground.

Today, the Nile takes us beyond the usual cruise stops as we sail towards El Balyana, passing through Abu Homar's bridge and lock along the way. Our destination is Abydos, one of ancient Egypt's most sacred sites and a place closely connected to the cult of Osiris, god of the afterlife.

With our expert guide, explore the Temple of Seti I and its beautifully preserved reliefs, including its seven sanctuaries dedicated to some of ancient Egypt's most important gods and rulers. Keep an eye out for the famous Abydos King List, a remarkable record of Egypt's pharaohs that offers a fascinating glimpse into how the ancient Egyptians viewed their history and royal lineage. After exploring this extraordinary temple, we'll return to the ship and continue towards Sohag.

With the day's sightseeing complete, the afternoon is yours to relax on board as we continue towards our next destination. Lunch and afternoon tea are served along the way.

Tonight, it's time to get into the spirit of things with a lively Galabeya Party aboard the ship. Expect traditional dress, music and plenty of fun as another day on the Nile comes to a festive close.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Today is a quieter day as we cruise towards Tel El Amarna, travelling through central Egypt and passing through Asyout's lock along the way. Enjoy a BBQ lunch on board before catching a glimpse of Prince Tawdrous Monastery from the ship. Our expert guide will share more about the site and the surrounding area as we continue north.

The rest of the afternoon is yours. Pool time, cocktail in hand, a little sunbaking or simply watching the life of the Nile drift by – you choose. Later, we'll come together for dinner on board.

Step into one of ancient Egypt's most intriguing chapters at Tel El Amarna, the short-lived capital built by Pharaoh Akhenaten. Here, he broke with traditional religious practices to establish the worship of Aten, the sun disc, leaving behind a fascinating legacy of religious and artistic change.

Explore the elaborately decorated Northern Tombs, the Royal Tomb hidden within the eastern cliffs, the Northern Palace and temples dedicated to Aten, offering a glimpse into Akhenaten's reign.

Continue to Ashmunein and Tuna El Gabal, once an important centre of worship dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom. Discover underground catacombs filled with sacred animal mummies, alongside the tombs of priests and officials, revealing fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian burial customs and beliefs in the afterlife. Return to the ship and continue towards Minya.

The afternoon is yours to relax on board, with lunch and afternoon tea served along the way. Come evening, Egyptian folklore takes centre stage with a celebration of music. After a day among ancient ruins, it's time to add a little rhythm to the itinerary!

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking in hot conditions across uneven ground.

Today's adventure takes us to Beni Hassan, home to a remarkable collection of Middle Kingdom tombs. From Minya, travel by road to the site, where our expert guide will bring its ancient stories to life. Visiting Beni Hassan tombs and admiring the vivid scenes and inscriptions preserved within their walls. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into life in ancient Egypt.

Return to the ship and continue towards Beni Suif, with lunch, afternoon tea and another BBQ served on board. After dinner, it's time to put your Egyptology knowledge to the test with a quiz night. No hieroglyphics required – although we're not ruling out bonus points!

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking in hot conditions across uneven ground.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

As we make our way towards Cairo, we'll enjoy lunch on board before arriving in the city and visiting the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. Unlike museums that focus solely on the Pharaonic era, this fascinating collection traces Egypt's story across thousands of years – from prehistoric times through the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic periods, right through to modern Egypt. A highlight is the Royal Mummies Hall, where 22 royal mummies, including Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut, are displayed in an atmospheric setting inspired by an ancient tomb.

Tonight, the ship comes alive with an Oriental Takht show, a traditional Middle Eastern musical performance bringing together live music, rhythm and Egyptian flair. After days spent exploring ancient temples and archaeological wonders, it's time to experience another side of Egypt – with a little music and movement thrown in for good measure.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Today, we'll visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, located a short distance from the pyramids themselves. One of the largest, most modern and renowned museums in the world, the GEM is home to over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts. After being greeted by a 3,200-year-old, 83-ton statue of Ramses II in the GEM's main entrance, we'll spend the morning exploring the vast collection of exhibition halls, including its centre piece, the King Tutankhamun galleries.

After lunch at leisure, head up to the Saladin Citadel, perched high above the city. Once a residence for the rulers of Egypt, we'll venture inside the medieval monument to discover more about the Islamic history of the city and visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque, while enjoying sweeping views across Cairo below.

From ancient pharaohs to grand Islamic architecture, today reveals another fascinating layer of Cairo's story. And with one final day still to come, we're not quite ready to say goodbye just yet.

Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

It's time to leave our floating home behind as we disembark the Nile cruise and head into the winding lanes of Khan el Khalili Bazaar. One of Cairo's most famous markets, it's a colourful tangle of shops, stalls and local life – the kind of place where it's perfectly acceptable to get a little distracted. Take your time browsing before stopping for a traditional Egyptian coffee and watching the world go by. Later, check into the hotel and enjoy some downtime before our farewell dinner.

From standing before the Great Pyramids and Abu Simbel to uncovering ancient tombs, sailing the Nile and discovering the quieter corners of Egypt, there's been plenty to talk about – and tonight is the chance to share those favourite moments with the people who experienced them alongside you. One last toast, one last Cairo sunset and a whole lot of stories to take home. Not a bad way to say goodbye to Egypt!

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Cairo before checking out of the hotel. Then, it's off to Cairo Airport for your onward flight and the journey home.

Please note, to undertake the following optional tours additional post tour accommodation in Cairo may be required. Please check with your Travel Specialist for details.

Optional Excursion: Coptic Cairo - Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion: Islamic Cairo - Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, Ibn Toulon Mosque & El Sultan Hassan Mosque. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion: The Pyramids of Dahshur - Dahshur forms the southernmost area of the Memphis Necropolis & contains a number of pyramid complexes & monuments 3 hours – from $65pp US (cash only).