Wonders of Ancient Egypt

Hold on to your hats for an epic expedition through millennia. Your journey of discovery into Egypt's antiquities begins in the chaotic city streets of Cairo. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel before spending the day exploring this ancient city on your terms.

We leave the bustling cityscape behind and venture into desert landscapes to see the limestone Colossus of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx at Memphis. Our next stop sees us admire the precursor to great pyramids, the Step Pyramid in Sakkara, before we arrive in Giza to see its Great Pyramid and the mythical Sphinx that stands guard over the royal tombs of pharaohs past. As the sun sets, the desert and its treasures light up in a spectacular Sound and Light show - yours to enjoy this evening as you admire the magical ambiance and astounding architectural feats.

This morning we fly to Luxor where we will enjoy a guided tour of the Karnak Temple complex and wonder at its colossal columns, and then explore the Great Temple of Luxor, which dominates the city. We'll board our cruise ship and settle in to our home for the next seven nights.

We travel north to Dendera where we spend the morning exploring the beautifully preserved Dendera Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Hathor. We return later to our ship, to cruise via the Esna Lock to Edfu.

Walk through Ptolemy XII's mammoth pylon and into the house of Horus, the beloved falcon god who was worshipped at the Temple of Edfu. Tonight, we don traditional galabeas for a memorable evening celebrating Egyptian culture and cuisine as we cruise along the Nile to Aswan.

At the impressive High Dam in Aswan, we view the Unfinished Obelisk, today still set within the rock from which it was partially carved. We'll visit the Temple of Isis on the Island of Philae before a relaxing rest of the day spent on board our cruise ship.

Set sail on a traditional felucca this morning, journeying across the Nile to view Lord Kitchener's beloved Botanical Gardens. We return later to our ship for the remainder of the day at leisure.

A leisurely morning sees us ease into tranquil river-life, or consider joining a once in a lifetime excursion to Abu Simbel. Later, we visit the roofless Temple of Kom-Ombo and pay tribute to Egypt's ancient falcon and crocodile gods.

Spend a full day cruising on the Nile, the lifeblood of Egypt. Enjoy the onboard facilities and admire the beautiful scenery as you meander along the Nile to Luxor.

We disembark at Luxor and travel to the West Bank, journeying back in time 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. We take a return flight to Cairo where we'll enjoy an evening at leisure to soak up the buzzing atmosphere for which the city is famous. This evening consider an evening meal on board a floating restaurant with some lively Egyptian entertainment.

Our final day of exploration sees us visit the Alabaster and Sultan Hassan Mosques, the ancient citadel of Salah El Din and the Hanging Church of St. Mary, suspended above the Babylon Fortress in Old Cairo. Delve into the historic treasures of ancient Egypt later, viewing thousands of artefacts from various dynasties displayed at the Egyptian Museum.

We bid Egypt and our newfound friends a sad farewell as we prepare to depart Cairo to return home. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply.