Welcome to Cairo! On arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI), you will be met by your tour representative and transferred to the spectacular Marriott Mena House Hotel, one of the most regal hotels in Cairo. Formerly housing kings, emperors, and heads of state, this incredible hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and provides unparalleled views of the Great Pyramids of Giza – the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World.
Steeped in ancient mystery and buzzing with modern vibrancy, Cairo is a city alive with culture. Fed by the glittering Nile, Egypt’s capital is known as the ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’ thanks to its spectacular collection of preserved Islamic Caliphate architecture.
Enjoy the first day at your leisure to relax and take in your timelessly elegant surroundings.
After a delicious breakfast, meet your tour coordinator for an introduction to your resident expert Egyptologist. The study of ancient Egyptian language, history and architecture has obsessed archaeologists and linguists for centuries, and Egyptology has become a respected discipline across the world.
Waste no time mining your guide’s expert knowledge as you head to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. This landmark institution covers great swathes of the nation’s history, from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period. Highlights include the statue of Dwarf Seneb and his Family, the colossal statue of Amenhotep III and Tiye, and the iconic Sarcophagus of Kawit, the wife of King Nebhepetre Mentuhotep – the founder of the Middle Kingdom.
In the evening, savour a sumptuous welcome dinner at your hotel with your fellow guests.
Spend a full day dedicated to the extraordinary Giza Plateau, the home of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren, as well as the Great Pyramid, built in the Fourth Dynasty.
The Great Pyramids of Giza are the only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and were built over 4,500 years ago as giant tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Truly monumental in scale, the largest of these ancient structures is estimated to comprise over two million stone blocks.
Backdropped by the pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx rests nearby, watchful guardian of the colossal funerary monuments. About a thousand years after its construction, a young prince had a dream in which the Sphinx promised him the title of Pharaoh if he cleared the sand from the statue. See the story for yourself, carved on the Dream Stele between the Sphinx's great paws.
After the day's adventures, return to your luxurious accommodation in Cairo for another evening spent in Egypt’s vibrant capital.
This morning, take a stress-free transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) after breakfast for your included flight to Luxor (LXR), where you will be transferred to your luxury vessel for your four-night Nile cruise.
Before you board, enjoy exploring the city of Luxor, the former ancient city of Thebes. First up, pay a visit to the majestic Temple of Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient sanctuary, often called the world’s greatest open-air museum. Marvel at the three mammoth statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple pylons, the Courtyard of Ramses II, and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 15-metre-high columns.
This afternoon, check in to your comfortably furnished cabin on the luxury Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, a sophisticated river cruiser renowned for its warm and attentive service. Elegant interiors, opulent cabins, serene surroundings and lavish, freshly prepared meals – all complemented by daily sightseeing along the river – make a luxury cruise along the Nile an unforgettable experience.
Partake in a hearty lunch aboard before disembarking to explore the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall between the expertly aligned columns, which soar 25 metres high. Return to the vessel at your leisure and enjoy a gourmet dinner on board.
After an energising buffet breakfast, set sail to the west bank of the Nile River. Arrive at the Necropolis of Thebes, a significant space used for ritual burials in the Pharaonic period, and then view the two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III at the Colossi of Memnon. Continue to the architecturally stunning Temple of Hatshepsut which was named after ancient Egypt’s first-ever female pharaohs.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the Valley of the Kings. This area, a burial site of the pharaohs for 500 years beginning in the 16th century BCE, is now a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tombs were created here for pharaohs and nobles, including that of the world-famous 'boy king', Tutankhamun. Visit the tomb of Tutankhamun for yourself — rediscovered in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter — and uncover the secrets of this storied chamber. Next, descend into the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the valley. Finish the day by touring the Valley of the Queens, visiting the visually stunning tomb of Queen Nefertari, famous for the variety of vibrant art adorning its walls.
Make your way back to your luxury vessel for an exciting cooking class. Learn how to prepare traditional dishes with an experienced chef during this exclusive Chef’s Table experience.
Enjoy a nourishing breakfast aboard before making your way to the impressive Temple of Horus. This ode to the falcon-headed god of the sky was built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, and remains a testament to the incredible preservation methods of ancient Egypt and the worship practices of the time.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a scenic glide along the picturesque river to Kom Ombo. Pay a visit to the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), considered by some ancient Egyptians as the creators of the world. Take the opportunity to view the mummified remains of several crocodiles that once lazed along the Nile shore, just as their descendants do today.
Return to the vessel at your own pace, and enjoy another gourmet dinner on board.
Once breakfast is over, sit back and relax as you cruise onwards to Aswan. Discover the ancient granite quarries, the incredible site of the Unfinished Obelisk. Standing taller than any other Egyptian obelisk, this monolith is a testament to the awe-inspiring craft of the Egyptian stonemasons.
Continue your exploration aboard a motorised boat as you travel to the picturesque Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. A sacred complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, this site fuses the architectural styles of three great ancient civilisations: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. Later in the day, climb on board another boat, this time a traditional felucca sailboat, and enjoy cruising through the Aswan Islands like a local.
Return to your luxury vessel and retire to your chic quarters before enjoying your final delicious dinner aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV.
After a final delicious breakfast onboard, it’s time to bid farewell to your luxury cruise home and transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW) for your flight to Abu Simbel.
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex hewn entirely out of stone, Abu Simbel was constructed under Ramses II – one of Egypt’s longest-ruling pharaohs – and stands as one of the most enduring symbols of Egypt. Wander through the two mighty temples, including the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, flanked by massive statues of the pharaoh's family.
These magnificent temples were disassembled and moved in the 1960s to save them from floodwaters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Organised by UNESCO, the relocation of these structures remains one of the greatest feats of preservation in history.
Later, take a flight back to Cairo, where you will be transferred to your luxury hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours for the taking, whether you wish to explore Cairo’s vibrant street life or settle in for indulgent comfort at your accommodation.
After a leisurely breakfast, drive onwards to Sakkara, an immensely historic site housing hundreds of tombs and 14 pyramids, including the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Return to Cairo and enjoy one of three Design Your Day activities. Either discover Coptic Cairo, visiting a church built where the Holy Family is said to have stayed, as well as the Church of the Virgin Mary, or tour Islamic Cairo, including a walk in El-Moaz Street and visit to Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Alternatively you could view the Royal Mummies, and countless other artifacts, as you tour the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation.
As the final full day of the itinerary draws to a close, meet up with your fellow guests to reminisce on the journey through Egypt and along the Nile over a delicious farewell dinner.
It's time to say your farewells to the ancient beauty of Egypt. After a final breakfast, enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport before continuing your onward journey, or embarking on your return flight home.