• A perfect introduction to Egypt
• Cairo’s highlights with your own Egyptologist
• Luxury Nile cruise
• Choice of accommodation
• The Egyptian Antiquities Museum
• Qena and the Temple of Hathor in Denderah

12 days / 11 nights

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Cairo
Arrival into the Egyptian capital. Settle into your luxury hotel.
Cairo

Days 02-03 Design your days Cairo
The dazzling city of Cairo has much to offer, ancient monuments, glittering mosques, imposing citadels, a labyrinthine bazaar and old Coptic churches. The next two days are yours to explore. We suggest visiting the necropolis of Saqqara and the impressive new museum of Imhotep then after lunch spend time at the Great Pyramids, the only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. See the enigmatic Sphinx and the remarkably preserved Solar Boat while you’re there and enter the burial chamber of Cheops. Alternatively you can choose from three other options: a walk through 7,000 years of history at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities including the treasures of Tutankhamun and the Mummy Room; a tour on foot around the attractions of Islamic Cairo; or searching for treasure in the colourful aisles of the Khan El Khalili bazaar. Dine with a local family during your stay (B,L).
Cairo

Day 04 Cairo — Luxor
An early flight south to Luxor to board the stately Sun Boat IV, your home afloat for the next four nights. Explore the temple of Karnak on the East Bank before crossing the river for an adventure in the Valley of the Kings and Queens including a descent into Tutankhamun’s Tomb.Time also to visit the spectacular Hatshepsut’s Temple. Join the Captain this evening for a complimentary cocktail and canapés (B,L,D).
Sun Boat IV

Days 05-07 Nile Cruise
The next three days are spent on the Nile with daily forays accompanied by your Egyptologist. A unique inclusion on this cruise are some of the more remote highlights north of Luxor: Qena and the Temple of Hathor in Denderah. The Luxor Temple is another highlight before travelling south to the Pharaonic temple of Horus at Edfu and the temple of Kom Ombo which is newly floodlit at night. Arriving into Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost town, the afternoon is spent sailing around the islands by felucca seeing Lord Kitchener’s Island and the Agha Khan mausoleum as you pass. The majestic Philae Temple and the High Dam are also visited (B,L,D).
Sun Boat IV

Day 08 Aswan — Cairo
Before returning to Cairo you have the option of visiting the colossal temples of Abu Simbel beside Lake Nasser, one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sights.
Cairo

Day 09 Depart Cairo
Farewell Egypt on departure from Cairo.

Note: Supplements apply to departure dates (22 December 07, 21 March 08, 19 & 26 November 07). Cabin upgrades available.

Departure Dates & Prices

Tour Departs: On the following dates

Note: Supplements apply to certain departure dates