Flying on EgyptAir from London Heathrow to Cairo (4 hours 40 minutes), you arrive in the Egyptian capital late this evening and transfer direct to the Mena Garden Oberoi Hotel, for 3 nights in a Standard Room.

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.

At leisure.

Fly to Luxor (1 hour 5 minutes) today and embark on the Oberoi Philae in time for lunch. In the afternoon, sail north to Qena where the boat moors overnight. This evening, enjoy an a la Carte dinner.

After breakfast, visit the Temple of Denderah (116BC) by bus. This marvellous site is rarely included in cruise itineraries, but is remarkably intact and famous for its unique astronomical ceiling. Return to the boat for lunch and in the afternoon sail back to Luxor. Tonight you will dine to an Egyptian buffet dinner. 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). After a free 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. This evening begin with a cocktail reception before your a la Carte dinner, music and dancing. Overnight in Luxor.

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 Temple of Medinet Habu, the village of Deir El Medina and the Colossi of Memnon. Sail to Esna where the boat moors overnight. This evening enjoy a black and white dress dinner, music and dancing.

This morning you will sail to Edfu where you will visit the wonderfully preserved Temple of Edfu. Return to the boat and sail to Kom Ombo. After lunch visit the Ptolemaic temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus (237 BC), god of the morning sun. Enjoy an Egyptian buffet dinner and a Galabiya costume party. Overnight in Kom Ombo.

Morning at leisure whilst sailing to Aswan. After lunch 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. This evening, enjoy an a la Carte dinner, music and dancing. 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. Return to Cairo by air (1 hour 25 minutes) to overnight at the Sonesta Cairo Hotel and Casino.

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