Day 1: Arrival In Cairo
On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative, who will assist you with the formalities and accompany you to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2: Pyramids Of Giza And The Grand Egyptian Museum
Full day of guided sightseeing. Depart for the Giza Plateau to discover the three great pyramids of Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mykerinos), the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. You will also admire the Great Sphinx, the site's age-old guardian, carved directly from the limestone bedrock.
Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest archaeological museums in the world, home to an exceptional collection of artefacts spanning the entire history of ancient Egypt, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 3: Flight To Aswan – High Dam And Unfinished Obelisk
Transfer to Cairo airport for your domestic flight to Aswan. On arrival, visit the Aswan High Dam, the colossal structure that created Lake Nasser, then the Unfinished Obelisk, left half-carved in the pink granite quarry where it was abandoned after cracks appeared: a unique insight into the techniques of the stonemasons of ancient Egypt.
Transfer to your dahabiya or to the hotel, depending on the sailing schedule. Overnight in Aswan.
Day 4: Free Morning Or Optional Abu Simbel – Kom Ombo – Dinner On The Nile
Free morning to enjoy Aswan.
You will have the option of leaving early in the morning for an excursion to the temples of Abu Simbel, about 280 km south of Aswan. Built by Ramesses II around 1260 BC to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh, these two monumental temples are among the most impressive remains of ancient Egypt. In the 1960s they were entirely cut into blocks and rebuilt higher up to save them from the rising waters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam, one of the greatest archaeological rescue operations in history.
Embarkation on your dahabiya and start of the cruise towards Kom Ombo. Visit Kom Ombo Temple, an architectural rarity dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god. Each has his own half of the temple, in perfect symmetry.
In the evening, dinner on board moored near a Nile island, with traditional Egyptian entertainment. Overnight on board.
Day 5: Edfu Temple – Authentic Life On The Nile
Visit the Temple of Edfu, one of the best preserved in all of Egypt thanks to having been gradually buried under the sand for centuries. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this Ptolemaic temple impresses with its monumental pylon and its hypostyle halls.
The cruise continues along the Nile, past palm groves and riverside villages. Stop on an island in the Nile: a walk through the surrounding countryside, among fields and palm groves, to meet the inhabitants and discover the traditional life of the riverside villages. Swimming possible.
Sailing towards Esna. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 6: Disembarkation – West Bank And The Temples Of Luxor
After breakfast, disembarkation in Esna or Luxor depending on the sailing schedule.
Discover the highlights of ancient Thebes: the legendary Valley of the Kings, final resting place of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom, carved into the limestone of the West Bank of the Nile, with a visit inside richly decorated tombs, the impressive Colossi of Memnon, then a visit to the Temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex ever built in ancient Egypt. For nearly two thousand years, this sanctuary was the heart of the cult of the god Amun: you will discover the famous Hypostyle Hall with its 134 giant columns and the pink granite obelisks.
Transfer to your hotel in Luxor. Overnight in Luxor.
Day 7: Luxor – Hurghada
After breakfast, depart by road to Hurghada on the Red Sea coast. On arrival, check in at your all-inclusive hotel; the rest of the day is free. Overnight in Hurghada.
Day 8: Relaxing In Hurghada
Free day to enjoy the beach, the pools and the hotel facilities on an all-inclusive basis. Overnight in Hurghada.
Day 9: Relaxing In Hurghada
Another day of relaxation on the Red Sea, with optional activities or excursions available. Overnight in Hurghada.
Day 10: Return To Cairo
After breakfast, depart by road to Cairo. Check in at the hotel; the rest of the day is free. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 11: Free Day In Cairo
Free day to discover Cairo at your own pace (souks, shopping districts, the banks of the Nile) or simply relax at the hotel. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 12: Cairo – Departure
Breakfast, then transfer to Cairo International Airport for your return flight.
