Saturday. Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! We pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight - Cairo

Cairo - Aswan. A big day out. First to the Giza Plateau to see the pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx. Onwards to Saqqara, an ancient necropolis of sand-strewn tombs and home to the great step pyramid. Zhoser’s step pyramid was the first ever constructed in 2700 BC by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect.

Later there is opportunity to freshen up before boarding the overnight seater train to Aswan. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - Train (B)

Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Remainder of day and evening free. Overnight - Aswan (B)

Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to the colossal Temple of Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile downstream, stopping along the way at local villages and islands.

If sailing by felucca is not your style, navigate the River Nile on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser with private cabin and ensuite bathroom. See our Nile Cruise Upgrade for more info. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor is available alternatively, enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Overnight - Luxor (B)

Luxor - Cairo. An early start! There is the option to float over Luxor in a hot air baloon and see area wake up and come alive. Afterwards, we cross to Luxor’s West Bank, where one of the first sights you’ll see is the Colossi of Memnon. This huge pair of enthroned statues is all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Later we tour the famed Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

At Valley of the Kings, you'll note the more powerful the deceased pharaoh, the deeper and more elaborate was his tomb. King Tut’s tomb, although nondescript as compared with say the highly decorated tomb of Ramses III, is more remarkable for the treasures revealed upon Howard Carter’s archeological discovery in 1922. Loaded to the gunnels with priceless treasures intended for Tutankhamen’s passage to the afterlife, Carter’s find has never been equalled.

Returning to the East, we’ll have a little R&R time by the pool before exploring the vast temple complex of Karnak. Lose yourself in the forest of stone papyrus columns in the huge Hypostle Hall. Karnak is an awesome, lasting legacy of the power of ancient Egypt. Later, we return to Cairo by overnight seater train. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - Train (B)

Arrive to Cairo and time to freshen up. Later, we take a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. See the famous King Tutankhamen solid gold death mask or opt to see the Royal Mummy room. The later part of the afternoon and evening offer free time. Maybe head over to Khan el-Khalili bazaar. It's a top spot for the purchase of ornate free-standing tobacco pipes, pharaonic tat, belly dancing costumes, spices and carpets. Overnight - Cairo (B)

Cairo - Dahab. Today we cross the Suez Canal and travel onto Dahab, located on the Red Sea. Dahab is our base for the coming days and there is plenty of free time to explore the Sinai – a region of incredible beauty. Dahab offers great diving, snorkelling, swimming and sun-worshipping possibilities. Check out our exciting range of 4 day dive bolt-ons. Overnight - Dahab (B)

Dahab's waterfront is dotted with laid back cafes, bars and shops, perfect for eating, top seafood, drinking and a little relaxing retail therapy.

Optional excursions such as snorkelling at Dahab's Blue Hole or an energetic climb to the summit of Mt Sinai and a visit to St Katherine's Monastery are available. Watching a magnificent sunrise or sunset from the top of the mountain is a truly wonderful experience. Camel and jeep treks into the surrounding Sinai Desert are also available. Overnight - Dahab (B:3)

Dahab - Cairo. After a leisurely breakfast we return to Cairo. The remainder of the day and evening offer free to enjoy Cairo your way. Overnight - Cairo (B)

Friday. Cairo. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport. (B)