Flying on EgyptAir from London Heathrow this evening, you arrive in the Egyptian capital in the early hours of Sunday morning (flight time 4 hours 40 minutes) and transfer to the Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel for a 3 night stay. You may request a guaranteed Pyramid View Room for a supplement of £54 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. The bustling vibrancy of Cairo hides a wealth of hidden treasures amongst its labyrinthine streets and alleys and you have ample opportunity to discover for yourselves its truly staggering array of historical and cultural gems.

From the magnificent splendours of the Pyramids and the remarkable monuments at nearby Memphis and Saqqara, to the majestic testaments to the city’s Coptic and Islamic past, Cairo’s colourful streets and bazaars are overflowing with wonders.

Lying at Egypt’s southernmost borders, Aswan has long been the gateway into the lands of ancient Nubia and beyond. An early morning flight to Aswan from Cairo (1 hour 25 minutes) sees you arriving in plenty of time to make full use of the day here. Those taking the excursion on to the spectacular temple complex of Abu Simbel will continue directly from the airport, returning to Aswan by air later this morning. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this excursion.You will overnight at the Mövenpick Aswan Resort and the rest of the day is free to enjoy and explore at your leisure.

Transferring to the Mövenpick Royal Lily for your 3 night cruise today, you will have time to settle in and enjoy a light lunch before paying a visit to Aswan’s High Dam and Old Dam, as well as the remarkable monolith of The Unfinished Obelisk and the beautiful temple of Isis on the island of Philae. Spectacularly rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, Philae is without doubt one of the Nile Valley’s most magical settings, its island location affording it an almost ethereal splendour. Later this afternoon sail to Kom Ombo and visit the riverside temple, dedicated to two gods, Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus, god of the morning sun. This evening overnight in Kom Ombo.

This morning sail to Edfu and visit the superb Ptolemaic Temple of Horus (237 BC). Continue to Esna, cross through the lock and continue to Luxor. This afternoon is at leisure. 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. This morning visit the West Bank, where the tombs of the Pharaohs and their consorts lie amidst the stark landscape of the Valley of the Kings and Queens. You also visit the magnificent mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, before returning to the boat for lunch. This afternoon visit Luxor Temple and the immense grandeur of Karnak, before returning for your final evening onboard.

Disembark the boat after breakfast and fly back to Cairo (1 hour 5 minutes). On arrival transfer to Le Passage Heliopolis Hotel for an overnight stay.

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