Treasures of Egypt & the Nile

Days 1-2 Cairo  
Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your accommodation. This evening enjoy a welcome reception and meet your fellow travellers. On day 2, visit Giza to see the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. With the head of a human and the body of a lion, the mythical Sphinx is the most recognisable statue associated with ancient Egypt. Later, walk through the emerald green gardens of Al Azhar Park before enjoying lunch with a view of Cairo. In the afternoon, choose from a range of activities including a tour of Coptic Cairo or a dining experience at a traditional Egyptian restaurant.      

Day 3 Cairo    
This morning is yours to continue your discovery of Cairo. This afternoon, set off on a city tour which includes admission to the Egyptian Museum where you can come face to face with genuine Tutankhamen treasures and antiquities. Later, stroll through the colourful Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you may find some memorable keepsakes.    

Day 4 Cairo to Luxor  
Fly from Cairo to Luxor where you’ll board the MS Royal Lily, for your Nile River cruise. This afternoon you will discover the Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed, and explore the impressive Luxor Temple.      

Day 5 Luxor to Edfu    
Today, visit the monumental Colossi of Memnon statues before taking in the West Bank of the Nile, the world’s largest open-air museum. Here, you’ll journey to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, and the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Relax in comfort, with afternoon tea, as you sail to Edfu via Esna.    

Day 6 Edfu to Aswan    
On the banks of the Nile this morning, you’ll be escorted to the sandstone Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Cruise onwards to the unusual Kom Ombo double Temple, before continuing on to Aswan with afternoon tea on board. Tonight, attend a Galabeya party. Popular in the Egyptian culture, you’ll enjoy authentic music and food while perhaps wearing traditional pharaonic attire.    

Day 7 Aswan to Abu Simbel    
Today is sure to be a highlight as you fly to Abu Simbel and visit this imposing temple complex. Once buried under centuries of sand, lost to the world until 1813, marvel at the two awe-inspiring temples considered masterpieces of ancient Egypt. Later, board a traditional wooden sailing boat and drift alongside Kitchener’s Island, Aswan’s beautiful botanical garden. This evening, enjoy dinner followed by a traditional Nubian folkloric show.      

Day 8 Aswan to Cairo  
Today we bid farewell to the MS Royal Lily and fly back to Cairo where your tour will come to an end, but not before a visit to the Philae Temple and the world famous High Dam, an engineering miracle of its time.