Highlights of Egypt

For your first morning in Egypt, you'll head off on a guided tour of Cairo’s assorted pyramid complexes, with a brilliant local guide along for the ride. You'll start with the most impressive and world-renowned Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, before visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is home to some of the most valuable Egyptian artefacts in existence. Not too far from Giza, you'll visit the less renowned but equally fascinating pyramids at Saqqara and Dashur. It's a much more peaceful experience than the one amidst the crowds that Giza draws, but each are unmissable in their own ways.

Your guided tour today will focus on the sites of Islamic Cairo. You’ll start your tour within the bustling Khan El Khalili, one of the oldest markets in the Middle East, where you can browse colourful stalls filled with spices, jewellery and traditional crafts. After a brief exploration of the souk, you'll visit some of the most eminent mosques of Cairo including Al-Azhar, known for its striking white marble façade, and Ibn Tulun, one of the largest mosques. Next up, it's onto the adjacent Sultan Hassan and Al Rifa’i Mosques, the former of which houses a huge focal vault in the courtyard. Finally, you'll visit the Citadel of Saladin, one of the most impressive defensive fortresses and from the top, enjoy the unrestricted views across Cairo.

You'll have an early start for breakfast this morning before transferring to the airport, for a short flight to Aswan. You'll be met on arrival and driven to the docking point to meet your Nile cruise boat and crew, ready for a three-night iconic sail down one of the most well-known rivers in the world. Cruises vary, and we'll be sure to pick the best one for you, but it’s likely that you’ll visit the impressive Temple of Philae this afternoon, before heading off on your cruise along the Nile.

A cruise along the Nile is an experence enough on it's own. But along the way, between Aswan and Luxor, you’ll stop at the fascinating temples of Kom Ombo (possibly after dark on your first night) and Edfu, which is likely to be where you'll dock overnight.

Nile cruises all vary, but a common route would have you arriving in Luxor in time for lunch, before setting out for a tour of the East Bank and visiting the fabulous temples of Karnak and Luxor. This evening, we'd really recommend the Sound and Light Show at Karnak, do let us know if this is something you'd be interested in experiencing.

It’ll be an early start today, to give you time to fit in visits to all of the abundant treasures of Luxor’s fabled West Bank. The Valley of the Kings will inevitably be part of the tour, while other highlights might include the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, the Medinet Habu and the Tombs of the Workers. After all this adventure, it’s time for some well-deserved downtime. You'll be picked up and driven to the mainland Red Sea coast for four nights of pure relaxation.

Your days by the Red Sea will be entirely yours to do whatever you please. You might choose to spend them relaxing on the beaches, or opt to head out to explore the coast’s world-class snorkelling and diving sites. If you’re feeling adventurous, kitesurfing is an option too. There’s plenty of time for a little indulgence as well, with soothing treatments available at the hotel spa. And if you’re staying in Hurghada or Marsa Alam, we can arrange a snorkelling trip to Abu Dabbab Beach – one of the best places to spot the gentle dugongs that glide through these clear waters.

After breakfast and one final relaxing morning, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight home.