Afternoon non-stop flight by EgyptAir from London Heathrow to Cairo (4 hours 40 minutes). On arrival you will be met by our representative and taken direct to the Oasis Hotel at Giza, close to the pyramids.

With time at leisure, your days are free to spend as you wish. Perhaps take an optional excursion to the magnificent site of the Great Pyramids, or wandering through the treasures of the Egyptian Museum.

A little farther a field are the remarkable ruins of ancient Memphis and Saqqara to explore.

Transfer to Cairo airport for EgyptAir flight to Luxor (1 hour 5 minutes). Embark on the MS Nile Romance in time for lunch. In the afternoon visit the monumental XVIIIth Dynasty temples of Karnak and Luxor. After lunch visit Luxor’s East Bank, taking time to explore the magnificent Luxor Temple. This sumptuous monument was built over 4000 years ago, and represents the epoch of the once mighty city of Thebes and the worship of the god Amun. Also this afternoon, visit the Karnak Temple. Built over 4,000 years ago, Karnak’s immense Hypostyle Hall alone contains the phenomenal sight of 134 towering columns of intricate stonework. Overnight in Luxor.

Today will be a leisurely day. After breakfast, commence your journey, sailing along the timeless Nile to Esna where you will pass through the lock and continue towards Edfu where you will overnight.

Before departing Edfu this morning visit the superbly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, the second largest temple in Egypt (after Karnak). Later continue to Aswan, the gateway to ancient Nubia and the Sudan. Overnight in Aswan.

In the morning you will visit the High Dam and the ancient Granite Quarries, where an unfinished obelisk lies. Continue to the beautiful Temple of Philae, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the dam was constructed. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Aswan.

There is an option this morning to take an early flight to the spectacular temple complex at Abu Simbel. 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’). This afternoon set sail for Kom Ombo to visit the unique Ptolemaic temple lying besides the Nile, dedicated to the two gods Sobek and Horus. Continue to Edfu where you moor overnight.

This morning you will depart Edfu and continue to Esna where you will pass through the Lock on your journey back to Luxor where you will overnight.

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). This morning visit the West Bank and enter the atmospheric setting of the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of the once mighty pharaohs lie amongst the desert landscapes of the Nile Valley. Also pay a visit to the Valley of the Queens and the magnificent mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, passing the imposing Colossi of Memnon en route. This afternoon is free. Overnight in Luxor.

Disembark from the Nile Romance, and return by EgyptAir direct from Luxor to London Heathrow (5 hours 50 minutes), arriving in the early afternoon.