Treasures of Egypt

Welcome to Egypt. Your journey into wonder begins in Giza, just outside of Cairo, with a two-night Scenic Special Stay at the iconic Marriott Mena House Cairo Hotel. You'll be able to soak up stunning views of the Great Pyramids from the grounds of the hotel.

Scenic Sunset Drinks: Join your fellow guests to enjoy drinks and canapés as the sun sets over the magnificent Pyramids.

Please book your flight to arrive into Cairo prior to 02:00 PM.

Witness the grandeur of the Pyramids, a cluster of towering monuments that are a marvel of ancient engineering, built over 4,500 years ago. They were once grand tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. The Pyramids are all that remains of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World for their importance to and are now a World Heritage site. Stand before the enigmatic Sphinx, a 20-metre-high limestone statue of a mystical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion, that has guarded these necropolis grounds for millennia.

Later, discover the priceless antiquities on display in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The first of its kind in the Arab world, it covers the full breadth of Egyptian civilisation from prehistory to modern times with more than 50,000 artefacts. Its crown jewel is the Royal Mummies Hall, where 22 mummies are displayed using cutting-edge technology to go beneath the wrappings.

Fly to Luxor and check in to the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa or similar where you will enjoy a relaxed four-night stay. Begin your discovery with a visit to Luxor Temple, dedicated to the god Amun, which served as a site for royal coronations and rebirth rituals around 3,500 years ago. The site has been used for worship continuously for more than 3,000 years, with a Christian church and the 13th century Abu Haggag Mosque still inside. Admire The Avenue of Sphinxes, a grand 3 kilometre processional way lined with sphinxes that links Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple.

Travel north to Qena and visit the Dendera Temples, considered to be amongst the best-preserved sites in Egypt. The focal point of the complex is the 2,000-year-old Temple of Hathor, which honours the goddess Hathor who is associated with music, joy, dance and motherhood. Admire its opulent architecture, exquisite reliefs and the captivating Dendera Zodiac hanging from the outer hypostyle hall ceiling. The Temple of the Birth of Isis is dedicated to the goddess Isis and has reliefs showing scenes from her fabled birth and early years. On return to Luxor, enjoy some time at leisure.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight: This unique experience offers panoramic views of the landscape below, providing an unforgettable perspective from a hot air balloon (additional cost, please book on tour)

Scenic Enrich: Antiquities lecture: This morning, Dr Bahaa Abdelgaber, Director of Luxor West Bank Antiquities, will inform and enlighten you with an engaging lecture on West Bank antiquities while you enjoy tea and feteer, a traditional Egyptian flaky pastry.

Later visit Deir el-Medina, the historic village of artisans and craftsmen who constructed and decorated the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. It is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt, as it provides a wealth of information about the daily life of its former inhabitants.

This morning, board the luxurious Sanctuary Sun Boat III reserved exclusively for Scenic guests. Settle into your elegantly appointed cabin and relax as you begin your cruise on the Nile.

Cross to the West Bank and be astounded by the well-preserved, colourful hieroglyphics adorning the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Visit the mudbrick home of British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter, which has been restored to look as it would have when he lived here in the 1920s. Adjacent is a replica of Tutankhamun's tomb, providing a tantalising glimpse into the boy king's opulence and mystique. Later, see the impressive monument to Queen Hatshepsut.

Scenic Enrich: The tomb of Seti I is one of the longest, deepest and most beautifully adorned tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Enjoy a private visit to be immersed in its ancient mysteries.

Cruise south along the Nile, following the course of the ancient pharaohs' processions. Tiny villages and majestic temples line the banks of the river, set against the backdrop of the endless desert.

This afternoon, cruise to Kom Ombo Temple, perched high on the Nile's East Bank and dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God. It is famous for its unique symmetrical design, with two identical temples mirroring each other along a central line. A memorable night awaits on board with a lively and colourful Galabeya party with Egyptian delicacies, music and dancing.

Fly to Abu Simbel, on the southern edge of Egypt close to the Sudanese border, to visit one of the country's most magnificent monuments. Explore the enormous World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. First built in the 13th century BC, they had to be completely disassembled in the 1960s and moved 65 metres higher to protect them from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam. The entrance is guarded by four 20-metre-tall seated pharaohs carved directly into the cliff face.

Later, fly back to Aswan to continue your Nile River cruise on board Sanctuary Sun Boat III.

Discover the Philae Temple, an island temple complex that is often called the Pearl of the Nile. It dates back to the Ptolemaic era, around 350BC, but was also relocated to a different island in the 1960s during construction of the Aswan Dam. A leisurely afternoon awaits as you enjoy a cruise on a felucca, a traditional wooden boat with a single sail. Slow down and soak in the beauty of the riverside scenery as you glide gently along the calm waters.

This evening's entertainment will delight with the colours of the whirling dervishes on board. Join the Captain and crew for a farewell Gala Dinner.

Disembark your cruise in Aswan and fly to bustling Cairo for a three-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence or similar. Spend the afternoon discovering the spectacular collection at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Opened in 2025, it is considered the largest archaeological museum in the world and houses more than 100,000 artefacts covering seven millennia of history. Marvel at the full collection of items recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun, including his golden mask, throne and chariots. Gaze in wonder at the Solar Boat, a restored cedar wood barge dating back to 2500BC found buried near the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Your exploration of Cairo starts with one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The Citadel of Saladin is a medieval Islamic fortress that was the seat of the Egyptian government for nearly 700 years from the 13th century. Wander through this fascinating historic site and take in the stunning views of the city.

Scenic Enrich: Al-Qalam social enterprise: Al-Qalam is a community project in the heart of historic Cairo, dedicated to teaching and spreading Arabic calligraphy and Islamic decoration. It also serves as a meeting point for local creators and artists. Be fascinated by this ancient art in a calligraphy workshop.

After lunch, discover medieval Islamic architecture and art on a stroll along El Moez Street at your own leisure. This street acts as an open-air museum in the centre of vibrant Cairo. Visit Gamaleya, a fair-trade workshop and school for traditional crafts is housed in a restored heritage building. With many traditional crafts having disappeared, it focuses on celebrating and preserving Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

Spend your final day in Cairo exploring the city's unique districts.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore Cairo today your way with one of these excursions:

• Coptic Cairo tour: Visit the heart of Egypt's Christian community. See the incredible collection on the Coptic Museum and the beautiful Hanging Church, built over the ruins of Old Cairo's Roman fort.
• Roda Island: Explore Roda Island on the Nile River, home to one of the last nilometres, an ancient stone structure used to measure the height of the river. Tour the opulent Menial Palace Museum and Garden, built between 1899 and 1929 in the Ottoman style.
• Museum of Islamic Arts and Bayt Yakan: Take a captivating journey through centuries of creativity and devotion at the exquisite Museum of Islamic Arts. Later step inside Bayt Yakan a historic 17th century mansion saved from demolition. The faithful renovations took over 12 years.

This afternoon, Cairo is yours to explore. Perhaps enjoy an aperitif by the pool, overlooking the Nile River. This evening, join your expert Tour Director and fellow guests for a farewell dinner, indulging in a 3-course meal at one of the hotel's exquisite restaurants.

Your journey concludes this morning. Say a final farewell as you transfer to Cairo airport leaving with memories of your unforgettable journey to the heart of Egypt.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.