Egypt Express Explorer

On arrival at Cairo International Airport, we meet and assist with visa formalities and luggage, then provide a comfortable transfer to your city hotel – sit back and enjoy first glimpses of Egypt’s bustling capital as we travel through its lively streets. You have some leisure time in Cairo to unwind, explore local cafés or simply soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere before the journey continues.

Today we stand in awe at the Great Pyramids of Giza – the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World – exploring how they were built and the pharaohs who commissioned these monumental tombs. We then marvel at the enigmatic Great Sphinx, its lion’s body and human face guarding the plateau, steeped in mystery and legend. We pause for a delicious bowl of koshary – a hearty mix of lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas and tangy tomato sauce – for an authentic taste of local life. We also explore the celebrated Egyptian Museum, home to one of the finest collections of ancient artefacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. In the evening we board the overnight train to Aswan from Ramses Station in Cairo – settle in and enjoy the rhythmic journey along the Nile Valley as the landscapes slip by under the stars.

Arriving in the serene riverside city of Aswan, where the Nile flows wide and calm, we are welcomed by warm sunshine, friendly faces and beautiful river views. We sail across the Nile to the magnificent Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis – a graceful island sanctuary with intricate carvings and tranquil surroundings that tell stories of ancient devotion. We then follow the river to a traditional Nubian village and spend the night at a Nubian style guesthouse, discovering vibrant mud brick homes painted in bold colours, meeting welcoming locals and experiencing authentic Nubian hospitality along the river.

We board a traditional felucca and glide downstream along the Nile, savouring serene views of banks fringed with palms and timeless Nubian scenery. The pace is unhurried – a graceful sail that distils the essence of life on Egypt’s great river. As dusk settles, we remain aboard for a tranquil night, drifting beneath a canopy of stars while the water laps softly at the hull – an authentic experience offering a rare window onto river life.

After a scenic journey along the Nile, we disembark our felucca in Aswan and meet our road transport to continue north towards Edfu. We travel past rural villages and farmland beside the Nile – a gentle drive leading to one of Egypt’s most impressive and remarkably well preserved temples. In Edfu we explore the magnificent Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon god – its towering columns and finely carved hieroglyphs offer a vivid glimpse into Ptolemaic craftsmanship. We then follow the Nile Valley from Edfu to Luxor, taking in fertile fields and small riverside villages. After nightfall we explore Luxor Temple under the stars – its colonnades and hieroglyphs bathed in golden light bring Egypt’s history to life.

We explore the legendary Valley of the Kings – resting place of Egypt’s great pharaohs, including Tutankhamun – and step inside exquisitely painted tombs that illuminate beliefs about the afterlife and royal power. We continue to Deir el Medina, the ancient village of artisans who built and decorated the royal tombs, where beautifully preserved wall paintings and workers’ homes reveal the daily life of Egypt’s master craftsmen. We admire the striking mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set beneath dramatic cliffs, its elegant terraces celebrating her reign and divine legacy. We pause at the towering Colossi of Memnon – twin statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have watched over the Theban Necropolis for more than 3,000 years – for a memorable photo stop. We then wander through the awe inspiring Karnak Temple complex, an enormous sanctuary dedicated to Amun Ra, where a forest of columns, a sacred lake and intricate reliefs showcase the grandeur of the New Kingdom. This evening we rejoin the overnight VIP seater train back to Cairo – you can choose to upgrade to the sleeper train for added comfort.

You have free time in Cairo – unwind, linger in local cafés and soak up the city’s vibrant streets – before we continue our journey.

You have some free time in Cairo to relax, linger in local cafés or soak up the city’s vibrant streets at your own pace. We arrange your transfer from your Cairo hotel to the airport for your departing flight – a final moment to reflect on your journey through Egypt as you bid farewell to this historic land.