Wonders of Ancient Egypt (Winter)

Delve into the antiquities of Egypt on this epic journey which begins in the effervescent Egyptian capital. As you transfer to your hotel for a day at leisure, you'll feel the intoxicating buzz of this lively city – the perfect introduction to an unforgettable opportunity to learn about Egypt's ancient past and exciting present. Stay: Ramses Hilton

Meet your Travel Director early this morning and immerse yourself during a full-day excursion to the old kingdom of Egypt. See the Colossus of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx at Memphis. Visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, then marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza and the mighty Sphinx. (B)

Fly to Luxor this morning and embark on a guided tour of the Karnak Temple Complex, before boarding your cruise in time for lunch.

Later, marvel at Luxor's Temple and visit the Luxor Museum to see an astounding collection of archaeological treasures, including items from Tutankhamun's tomb. Your Stays with Stories experience takes you on a cruise along the Nile, which continues to play a crucial role in Egypt's economy and biodiversity. (B/L/D) Stay: Nile Cruise

Pay tribute to the Goddess Hathor at Dendera Temple, a soaring structure built around 330 BC.  Beautifully preserved and elaborate in its design, every inch of this impressive sand-coloured temple is mesmerising and you'll see many of its halls, shrines and unique features such as the sun dial and replica Dendera zodiac, tracing the images of Taurus and Libra.  You'll learn about Dendera's role as one of the major capitals of ancient Upper Egypt before sailing to Edfu for the night. (B/L/D)

Today, travel to Aswan, which for centuries held the strategic role of being Egypt's southern frontier and gateway to the rest of Africa. Today it is a tranquil, modern city, most known for its High Dam, Nubian villages and Philae Temple, built to honour Egyptian goddess Isis. Arrive in time for dinner, watching the buzz of the city from the comfort of your boat. (B/L/D)

During your sightseeing in Aswan, you'll see how the ancient Egyptians chose a stunning place to honour the goddess of love and you'll learn about the Temple of Isis on Philae Island. Your final stop today is a visit to the High Dam, the world's largest embankment dam which ended the cycle of flood and drought along the Nile River. (B/L/D)

Today, you could join a once-in-a-lifetime Optional Experience to Abu Simbel, carved into a solid rock cliff in Egypt's Nubian Valley. As you approach the Great Temple, marvel at the four seated colossi on either side of the entrance and the elaborate engravings depicting great victories and tributes to the gods. Meet the members of a local women-owned cooperative on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Later, you'll set sail in a traditional felucca around the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island. (B/L/D)

Visit the roofless Temple of Kom Ombo, a highlight along the Nile, where you'll learn how the temple was built to honour two gods, Horus the Elder and Sobek. The Temple has a perfectly symmetrical design, the two sides mirroring each other with one side dedicated to the crocodile god, the other to the falcon god. You'll learn all about the mythical link and why the Nile crocodile was of such importance to the ancient Egyptian priests. (B/L/D)

Watch how the river gives life to an arid landscape and the people who live within it as you sail down the Nile towards Luxor, once the capital of ancient Egypt. Head to the sundeck for the best views and thrilling experience of passing through Esna Lock, before continuing your journey. (B/L/D)

Disembark at Luxor to explore the fascinating complex of mortuary temples and tombs, including Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest experience. Fly to Cairo and enjoy an evening at leisure to soak up the buzzing atmosphere for which the city is famous. (B) Stay: Ramses Hilton

The buzz of Cairo is undeniable, and you'll get to feel it first-hand as you embark on a sightseeing tour through the Egyptian capital. Visit the Hanging Church of St. Mary in Old Cairo, a landmark of Egypt's Christian heritage. You'll also take in views of the Citadel, a medieval Islamic-era fortification that served as the seat of the Egyptian government for almost seven centuries, and visit the Alabaster Mosque.

Later, with an Egyptologist, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an unparalleled collection of ancient artefacts, from mummies and sarcophagi to jewellery and treasures linked to King Tutankhamun. As the day winds down, join an optional Nile River dinner cruise, drifting past Cairo's illuminated skyline. Enjoy a delicious meal on board, paired with live entertainment, including a traditional belly dancing performance, for a memorable evening on the water. (B) Stay: Le Meridien Pyramids

As our expedition comes to an end, say a fond farewell to your newfound friends. (B)