Cairo, Alexandria and a Nile Cruise

Fifteen minutes’ drive from our hotel in Cairo, stand the extraordinary Pyramids of Giza, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Mystery still surrounds their exact purpose, the construction methods and the baffling accuracy of measurement, alignment and workmanship that they demonstrate. Our Egyptologist guide will explain what is known as we admire the ‘Great Pyramid’ of Khufu, comprising some two million colossal blocks of stone; the Pyramid of Khafre and the third, smaller Pyramid of Khephren. Nearby, the majestic Sphinx looks on. A wonderful way to begin our Egypt tour.

Excursions & visits:

Visit the Pyramids of Giza (morning)

Today is free in Cairo, with the opportunity to join one of the guided optional excursions to the Egyptian Museum and Citadel.

A full-day excursion reveals the treasures of Alexandria. Egypt’s attractive Mediterranean port city was founded by Alexander the Great and the power base of Cleopatra, whose royal palace now lies submerged in the bay. This was also the location of the legendary Pharos Lighthouse (the Lighthouse of Alexandria), one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the lost Library of Alexandria, the largest in the ancient world. We make stops at the National Museum, Roman amphitheatre and the Bibliotheca before some free time to wander the lively Corniche.

Excursions & visits:

Tour to Alexandria with local guide (all day)

We’ll take a flight to Luxor ready for the Nile cruise section of our Egypt holiday, transferring upon arrival to our comfortable ship. It's a small ship that carries a maximum of 110 passengers, with 55 cabins, a restaurant, bar and sundeck.

We head out to explore the West Bank, beginning at the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were buried from the 16th-11th centuries BC. Our guide will introduce a few of the most impressive tombs including that of Ramses VI and you may also choose to enter the plainer, ‘cursed’ Tomb of Tutankhamun (extra charge). We also visit the impressive mortuary temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, before returning to the ship.

Excursions & visits:

Visit the West Bank of Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings (morning)

There can be few more serene and romantic ways for you to pass time than gliding down the Nile on a river cruiser. We sail to the fascinating Greco-Roman double-temple of Kom Ombo. A temple dedicated to the falcon-headed Horus, Egyptian god of the sky, hunting and war; and crocodile god Sobek, the god of the Nile, creator of the world, and worshipped for his strength and fertility. We return to the ship, ready to set sail southwards to Aswan.

Excursions & visits:

Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo (morning)

Today pays tribute to ancient and modern feats of architectural engineering, with visits to the 111m-high Aswan High Dam and the Temple of Philae, perhaps Egypt’s most beguiling and beautiful. We also take in the Nubian Museum this afternoon, a stunning showcase of Nubia’s history, art and culture, including horse armour.

Excursions & visits:

Visit the High Dam and Temple of Philae (morning) Nubian Museum (afternoon)

Explore the laid-back Nubian city of Aswan independently or choose to take an optional excursion by bus or plane to legendary Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II. This afternoon we’ll enjoy a Felucca ride.

Excursions & visits:

Felucca ride (afternoon)

A morning of relaxation aboard our vessel, as we sail to Edfu. The afternoon is free, or you can choose an optional excursion to visit Edfu Temple. We then sail back along the Nile to dock overnight in Esna.

We sail to Luxor, the ‘open-air museum’ where the number and preservation of ancient monuments is unparalleled anywhere in the world. This is the site of the famous city of Thebes, capital of Egypt at the height of the empire’s influence. This afternoon we visit two astonishing temples on the East Bank of the Nile - Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, linked by the wonderful Avenue of Sphinxes. Karnak in particular is absolutely breathtaking; a complex of more than 100 hectares (larger than some ancient cities) with immense pylons and obelisks, tranquil lakes and sanctuaries and the Hypostyle Hall, where 134 soaring columns, each with a diameter of more than 3m, are arranged in perfect geometric rows, all covered in exquisite hieroglyphs.

Excursions & visits:

Visit the East Bank of Luxor (afternoon)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Bengaluru. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.