Egyptian Treasures

Beneath the desert sun, heat ripples through the air and the desert breeze stirs the river’s edge where monuments to the gods rise alongside ancient walls still etched with ritual and power. Trace the sweep of Egyptian history from the royal mummies of Cairo to the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Cruise down the Nile to visit temple complexes, tombs and museums at Karnak, Edfu and Abu Simbel, drifting past villages and felucca with sails billowing, tracing a route as old as memory.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel to Cairo
Fly from London Heathrow to Cairo and transfer by coach to the hotel. Free time then a welcome drink and dinner.

Day 2: Cairo
Begin your journey with a visit to the Citadel of Saladin and the stunning Mohamed Ali Mosque. Stroll along El Muiz Street, rich in Islamic architecture,
and explore the vibrant Khan El Khalili Market. In the afternoon, delve into Egypt’s ancient past at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, including the fascinating Royal Mummies Hall.

Day 3: Cairo
Marvel at the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. Later, explore the newly reopened Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the legendary King Tutankhamun collection and countless other ancient artifacts.

Day 4: Cairo to Luxor
Fly to Luxor. On arrival in Luxor you will visit the vast open site of Karnak. This temple complex was added to by over 30 Pharaohs, and is probably the most impressive of all ancient Egypt monuments. Although dedicated to many gods it's particularly known for its abundance of obelisks, pylons, sanctuaries and a pair of colossal statues belonging to Ramses II. We also visit Luxor Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in the heart of Luxor. Board your Nile cruise and settle in before visiting the Luxor Museum, showcasing treasures from the Theban necropolis.

Day 5: Nile cruise 
A busy day starts with a visit to the Valley of the Kings and entrance to a number of the tombs that were excavated throughout the early 20th century, the most famous of course being that of the young king Tutankhamun, whose tomb was famously discovered by Howard Carter and took a further 10 years to fully explore and record all its reviled treasures. A visit then to the very impressive tomb of Hatshepsut and return to the cruise for a scenic sail to Edfu with leisure time onboard.

Day 6: Nile cruise
Ride by horse carriage to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Continue sailing to Kom Ombo and visit its unique double temple before heading onward to Aswan.

Day 7: Nile cruise
Explore the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis. The beautiful Philae temple built in Egypt's Greco-Roman period and moved stone by stone to a new location in the 1960's to avoid its disappearance underwater, was described by UNESCO as "the greatest archaeological rescue campaign of all time" In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful felucca ride on the Nile.

Day 8: Aswan
Disembark the cruise, and visit the Nubian Museum and a traditional Nubian village. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Aswan.

Day 9: Aswan to Abu Simbel, then Cairo
Fly to Abu Simbel to witness the majestic temples of Ramses II. Return to Cairo via Aswan for your onward journey.

Day 10: Departure
Free time until transfer to the airport for return flight to London Heathrow.

NB: Exact order of the itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as Demanding due to the amount of walking tours and potential uneven grounds at all the sites visited. The touring days are busy with some early starts. Day 9 includes 3 domestic flights in order to visit Abu Simbel.

Please note the maximum group size is 25 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Cairo
• Return scheduled flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel
• One-way flight from Aswan to Cairo
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Ramses Hilton, Cairo based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• 4 nights' accommodation on the M/S Blue Shadow II Nile cruise, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• 1 night bed and breakfast at the Basma hotel, Aswan based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• 1 night bed and breakfast at the Sonesta Cairo Hotel based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome drink at Cairo hotel
• Five dinners at local restaurants or the hotel
• Eight lunches at local restaurants
• Transfers and full touring itinerary
• Tour manager in Egypt and local guides where required

NOT INCLUDED

• Holiday insurance
• Double for sole use supplement - £729
• Egypt visa 
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
• Optional excursions
• Porterage and gratuities 

HOTELS

Ramses Hilton Hotel, Cairo - 3 nights
Ramses Hilton—perched on the Corniche overlooking the Nile—offers a tranquil and refined stay ideal for those seeking elegance and ease in Cairo. Rooms with river or city views serve as restful retreats after a day exploring nearby treasures like the Egyptian Museum, Cairo Tower, and vibrant Khan El Khalili bazaar. Guests can return to serene moments by the heated pool, unwind in the spa or fitness centre, and savour international cuisine across several restaurants and the rooftop bar. With helpful concierge services and calm sophistication throughout, it’s a gracious base for cultural discovery.

Hotel Website

M/S Blue Shadow, Nile Cruise – 4 nights
The Blue Shadow Nile Cruise is a luxurious 5-star river cruiser with 54 cabins and features panoramic windows, a spa, swimming pool, fine dining, and evening entertainment.

Basma Hotel, Aswan – 1 night
Basma Hotel Aswan, perched on Aswan’s highest hill, offers a serene and art-filled retreat with sweeping Nile views. Relax by the heated outdoor pool, stroll through its terraced gardens, or sip fresh juice on the rooftop terrace overlooking the valley. Close to the Nubian Museum and riverside promenade, it’s a gracious base for gentle cultural exploration.

Hotel Website

Sonesta Heliopolis Hotel, Cairo – 1 night
Sonesta Hotel Tower & Casino, nestled in Heliopolis just outside central Cairo, offers a welcoming and spacious retreat. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the sauna and spa, while multiple restaurants and a swim-up bar provide pleasant dining options. With free Wi‑Fi, valet parking, and complimentary airport shuttle service, it combines ease and comfort. Close to lively local markets, the October War Panorama, and accessible to Cairo’s major districts, it’s a gracious base for a relaxed stay, blending leisure, convenience, and warm Egyptian hospitality.

Hotel Website