Treasures of Egypt and The Nile

This morning will be spent exploring Giza, including 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 overlooking Cairo. This afternoon, the choice is yours, with a range of select experiences on offer. Perhaps join a tour of Coptic Cairo, including the Church of St Sergius – believed to be built upon a shelter the Holy Family used during their time in Egypt. Or choose to dine like a local at a traditional restaurant, from falafel to Mahshi (vegetables stuffed with rice) and shawarma.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

After breakfast this morning, we’ll transfer you to the airport for an included flight from Cairo to Luxor. Once in Luxor, head for the water where you will board your privately chartered cruise along the Nile on the premium ship, MS Moon Goddess. After settling in and enjoying lunch, this afternoon you will discover Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed. You’ll also explore the impressive Luxor Temple. Constructed in approximately 1400BC and once the capital of Egypt, Luxor Temple was dedicated to the veneration of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu and held Egypt’s most important religious festival – the annual Opet Festival. Delight in a belly dancing demonstration before dinner and afterwards, perhaps choose to revisit Karnak Temple for the Sound & Light Show.

Stay: Four Nights, MS Moon Goddess

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Tonight, attend a Galabeya party. You’ll enjoy authentic music and food while you have the choice to wear traditional Egyptian attire.

On the banks of the Nile this morning, visit Edfu temple. A sandstone temple dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this temple is fabled to be the site of historic festivals and celebrations. Then cruise onwards to Kom Ombo, with lunch on board. Afterwards, visit the Kom Ombo Temple, an unusual double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus, the falcon god. Back on board, enjoy afternoon tea en route to Aswan. 

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Sail by Kitchener's Island by felucca.

Today is sure to be a highlight as you fly to Abu Simbel and visit the imposing temples. 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 this island home, turned botanical garden. Keep an eye out for plants native to Aswan. This evening, enjoy dinner followed by a Nubian folkloric show. Popular in Egypt, Nubian music is performed in Arabic and relies on drum beats, clapping, fiddles, lutes and various other percussion instruments.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Today in Aswan, bid farewell to the MS Moon Goddess. You’ll cruise down the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, taking in the sites of the island-based Philae Temple dedicated to the gods Isis, Osiris, and Horus. Take in this ancient beauty, which was built nearly 2,000 years ago and absorb its history told through stunning architecture and hieroglyphics.,  Encounter the Aswan High Dam, which holds the distinction of being Egypt’s largest dam, and one of the planet’s most substantial embankment dams. Its construction aimed to contribute to flood regulation, irrigation, and the generation of hydroelectric power. Later, board your flight back to Cairo.

Stay: Le Meridien Cairo

• Breakfast