Flying on British Airways from London Heathrow to Cairo (4 hours 40 minutes), you arrive in the Egyptian capital late this evening and transfer direct to the Mena House Oberoi Hotel, close to the Pyramids of Giza.

We have left the time in Cairo free. A variety of optional excursions in and around this great city are available. Not to be missed are the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and the superb monuments at ancient Memphis and Saqqara.

As above

A morning flight via Luxor brings you to Aswan (1 hour 25 minutes), where you embark on the Oberoi Zahra for a relaxing week on the Nile, cruising through the captivating landscapes of the Nile Valley. After lunch visit the High Dam, the unfinished obelisk and Philae Temple. Overnight in Aswan.

This morning there is the option to visit the spectacular temples of Abu Simbel by air. Built by Ramses II, the setting of this magnificent structure, besides the shores of Lake Nasser, makes it one of the most spectacular of Egypt’s ancient sites. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this excursion (please see ‘Pre Bookable Option Excursions’ below). Today there will be plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the Oberoi Zahra’s Spa facilities (at your own expense). Sound and Light show at the enchanting Temple of Philae. Overnight in Aswan.

This morning sail to the unique double temple of Kom Ombo on the banks of the Nile. Visit Kom Ombo temple, dedicated to two gods, Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus, god of the morning sun. After lunch return to Aswan and visit the botanical gardens on Kitchener Island. This evening enjoy a cocktail reception with entertainment on Mango Island. Overnight in Aswan.

Today sail to Edfu. There will be plenty of opportunity today to relax and enjoy the Zahra’s spa facilities (at your own expense). Later this afternoon you will visit the magnificent and spectacularly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, constructed in the 3rd century BC and, after Karnak, the largest temple in Egypt. Overnight in Edfu.

Today sail through the Esna lock to Luxor. There will be plenty of opportunity today to relax and enjoy the Zahra’s spa facilities (at your own expense). After lunch you will visit the magnificent temple complex of Amon-Ra at Karnak, with its vast Hypostyle hall of 137 columns and the Luxor Museum. Overnight in Luxor.

There is the option of rising at dawn to take a hot air balloon flight over Luxor. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this excursion (please see ‘Pre Bookable Option Excursions’ below). A trip across to the West Bank today takes in the famed tombs of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, as well as the spectacular majesty of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Later this morning sail to Qena. There will be plenty of opportunity today to relax and enjoy the Zahra’s spa facilities (at your own expense). Later this afternoon visit the superbly intact Temple of Denderah, home to the chapel of Nut and its exquisite astronomical ceiling. Enjoy dinner and a farewell reception. Overnight in Qena.

Return to Luxor early this morning. After breakfast there is the opportunity to revisit the West Bank, to explore the tombs of the Nobles and the fascinating village of Deir El Medina. This afternoon you have a last opportunity to take advantage of the Oberoi Zahra’s Spa facilities (at your own expense). This afternoon visit Luxor’s superb 18th dynasty temple. Overnight in Luxor.

Disembark the boat after breakfast and fly back to Cairo (1 hour 5 minutes). On arrival in Cairo transfer to Le Passage Heliopolis Hotel (formerly the Mövenpick Heliopolis).

Fly by British Airways to London Heathrow, arriving in the afternoon.