Classic Egypt Journey

On arrival at Cairo International Airport, we meet you, assist with visa formalities and luggage, and whisk you to your city hotel. As we navigate the lively streets, your first glimpse of Egypt’s bustling capital unfolds. The rest of the day is free – you can relax at the hotel, wander the neighbourhood or settle into a café and absorb the city’s vibrant energy.

We stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza, learning how they were raised for the pharaohs more than 4,000 years ago, then admire the enigmatic Sphinx. We continue to Memphis, former capital of the Old Kingdom, to view the impressive statue of Ramses II and other highlights in its outdoor museum. We move on to Saqqara to see Djoser’s Step Pyramid – a groundbreaking monument that charts the earliest evolution of royal tombs.

We fly from Cairo to Luxor – a swift hop from modern metropolis to ancient heartland, with desert and Nile vistas on approach. We explore the West Bank, visiting the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of the Kings and the elegant Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, then continue to Medinet Habu, famed for vividly preserved reliefs. The afternoon is yours to relax as you wish. After nightfall, we return to the illuminated Luxor Temple, where colonnades and inscriptions glow in the warm light.

We stroll through the vast Karnak Temple complex, dedicated to Amun Ra, where soaring columns, a serene sacred lake and intricate reliefs reveal New Kingdom grandeur. Then we embark on a leisurely Nile cruise from Luxor to Edfu, settling into the unhurried rhythm of the river as we glide past temples, palm groves and quiet riverside villages.

We visit the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu, among the best preserved of Egypt’s temples, where soaring columns and crisp reliefs showcase Ptolemaic artistry. We then sail downstream towards Kom Ombo – a relaxed stretch offering wide Nile views and snapshots of daily life ashore. On arrival, we explore Kom Ombo’s unique twin temple, dedicated to Sobek and Horus, its symmetrical design and riverside setting especially striking. Continuing south, we cruise to Aswan, savouring tranquil scenes of banks lined with palms and graceful feluccas – one of Upper Egypt’s most scenic passages.

We step aboard a traditional felucca to savour the timeless pleasure of sailing the Nile, drifting past islands, banks dotted with palms and riverside villages. We cross to the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, where delicate carvings and calm surroundings evoke ancient devotion. We then visit the mighty Aswan High Dam to hear how it tamed the river, formed Lake Nasser and reshaped the region’s landscape and livelihoods.

This morning you are free to explore Aswan at your own pace – browse the colourful markets, stroll the Corniche or visit the Nubian Museum. In the afternoon we set off back towards Luxor, enjoying a leisurely journey as palm groves and villages slip by. We moor overnight near Edfu and continue north the following day.

We sail north from Edfu through Esna to Luxor, easing into the gentle rhythm of life on the river. We spend the night on board your comfortable five–star cruise ship.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Luxor at your five–star hotel overlooking the Nile. You may unwind by the pool, browse lively souks, visit the Mummification Museum or take a gentle felucca across to Banana Island. If you would like to delve deeper into the ancient past, we can arrange optional visits to the Ramesseum, the Workers’ Village or the Valley of the Queens through your guide – additional costs apply.

We transfer you to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo – a smooth journey north from Upper Egypt to the capital. On arrival, the afternoon is at leisure: you might relax, explore local cafés or wander lively neighbourhoods before the evening.

We start early at the celebrated Egyptian Museum, home to a remarkable collection of antiquities, including treasures of Tutankhamun, offering a vivid window onto royal life. We then weave through the lanes of Khan el Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s famed marketplace, where crafts, spices, jewellery, textiles and traditional cafés showcase the city’s living heritage.

You have free time in Cairo to relax, linger in cafés or stroll the streets at your own pace – a final chance to savour the city before departure. We then transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your flight home, bringing an unforgettable journey through Egypt to a close.