Flying on EgyptAir from London Heathrow this afternoon, you arrive in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, later today (4 hours 40 minutes) and transfer to the historic Mena House Oberoi Hotel (Garden Wing) close to the Pyramids of Giza. You may request a guaranteed Pyramid View Room for a supplement starting from £48 per person (twin share) for the duration of your stay.

The next two days have been left free to enjoy Cairo’s myriad of wonders at your own pace.

There are numerous optional excursions available, including the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, the magnificent Egyptian Museum and the remarkable monuments at Memphis and Saqqara.

Fly to Aswan (1 hour 25 minutes) and embark on the Oberoi Philae. 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. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening begin with a cocktail reception before your a la Carte dinner, music and dancing. Overnight in Aswan.

After breakfast, visit the High Dam, Old Dam, The Unfinished Obelisk and the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the dam was constructed. Return to the boat for a buffet lunch. In the afternoon sail to Kom Ombo for a visit of the riverside temple Of Sobek, the crocodile god. Sail to Edfu, where the boat will moor overnight. Enjoy an Egyptian buffet dinner and a Galabiya costume party.

After breakfast visit the wonderfully preserved Temple of Horus (237 BC), god of the morning sun, in Edfu. In the afternoon sail to Esna, cross the lock and sail on to Luxor. This evening enjoy a black and white dress dinner, music and dancing. 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. In the morning cross over to the West Bank to visit the tombs of the Pharaohs, the romantic Valley of the Kings where Howard Carter famously discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Continue to the Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the boat for lunch. This afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy an a la Carte dinner. Overnight in Luxor.

In the morning visit the superbly preserved XVIIIth Dynasty Luxor Temple and the astounding Temple at Karnak. Luxor Temple was built over 4000 years ago, and represents the epoch of the once mighty city of Thebes and the worship of the god Amun. Karnak Temple was built over 4,000 years ago, Karnak’s immense Hypostyle Hall alone contains the phenomenal sight of 134 towering columns of intricate stonework. In the afternoon sail north to Qena where you will overnight. Tonight you will dine to an Egyptian buffet dinner.

After breakfast visit the Temple of Denderah (116 BC) by bus. This marvellous site is rarely included in cruise itineraries, but is remarkably intact and famous for its unique astronomical ceiling. This afternoon return to the boat and sail to Luxor where you will overnight.

Disembark after breakfast before returning to Cairo by (1 hour 5 minutes) for overnight at Le Passage Heliopolis Hotel at Cairo Airport.

Morning non-stop flight by EgyptAir to London Heathrow, arriving in the early afternoon.