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 Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence for 3 nights in a Standard Room.

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.

Spend some time exploring this magnificent city.

Morning flight from Cairo to Luxor (1 hour 5 minutes). Embark on the Oberoi Zahra for a relaxing week on the Nile, cruising through the captivating landscapes of the Nile Valley. 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 with its royal tombs including King Tutankhamen and Ramses VI. This is followed by a visit to the Temple of Medinet Habu and on the way back stop at the Colossi of Memnon. 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.

This morning return to Luxor. After breakfast, revisit the West Bank, to explore the tombs of the Nobles and the fascinating village of Deir El Medina. There will be plenty of opportunity today to relax and enjoy the Zahra’s spa facilities (at your own expense). This afternoon visit Luxor’s superb 18th dynasty temple. Overnight in Luxor.

Later this morning sail to Edfu where you will overnight. There will be plenty of opportunity today to relax and enjoy the Zahra’s spa facilities (at your own expense). Later this afternoon visit Edfu’s remarkably well-preserved Ptolemaic temple. Overnight in Edfu.

Today you will sail to Aswan. This afternoon visit the High Dam and the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the dam was constructed. Later today will be an opportunity to relax and enjoy the Zahra’s spa facilities (at your own expense). 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. Enjoy an evening’s Sound and Light show at the enchanting Temple of Philae. Overnight in Aswan.

Today is at leisure. This evening enjoy a cocktail reception with entertainment on Mango Island. Overnight in Aswan.

Disembarking after breakfast there is an option to fly to the majestic temple complex of Abu Simbel. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this excursion (please see ‘Pre Bookable Option Excursions’ below). Return to Cairo by air (1 hour 25 minutes) to overnight at Le Passage Heliopolis Hotel at Cairo airport.

Transfer to the airport for the morning non-stop British Airways flight back to London Heathrow.