This enchanting itinerary will help you to unveil the rich tapestry of ancient Egypt and its most iconic treasures. Spend time in Cairo before embarking on a classic Nile cruise aboard the luxurious Oberoi Philae.
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Check-in at London Heathrow for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your sophisticated, luxury hotel which enjoys an exquisite view of the pyramids.
You’ll have two days to uncover Cairo’s treasures, starting with the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the world’s greatest ancient monuments. You’ll enter the temple of the Sphinx, get an up-close view of the Great Pyramid of Cheops and see the smaller pyramids of Pharaohs Chephren and Mycerinus, plus the tombs of their queens and princesses. Your tour continues to the ancient capital of Memphis, home to the huge Statue of Ramesses II, before venturing onto the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the Serapeum and three tombs of ancient Egyptian nobles.
There’s also time to browse the excellent Egyptian Museum, the old Citadel of Saladin and the 13th century Khan el-Khalili bazaar with its twisting alleys, shops and stalls.
Stay: Three nights in a Pyramid View Room at the Marriott Mena House – bed and breakfast
Nile Cruise
Today you’ll catch a short domestic flight to Aswan where you’ll board your luxury vessel for a four-night cruise along the Nile to Luxor. With its air-conditioned cabins, swimming pool and superb restaurant and bar, the Oberoi Philae is a wonderful base from which to experience this legendary waterway.
After an a la carte lunch, you’ll pay a visit to the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Aswan, a haven of colourful birds and flora, in a traditional sailing felucca before returning to the boat for afternoon tea and a cocktail reception. You’ll end your first evening aboard with music and dancing.
The following day you’ll be guided around Aswan’s High and Low Dam, with the opportunity to visit the Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk. Later you’ll sail to the double Temple of Kom Ombo, before continuing your journey to Edfu where you’ll overnight. Enjoy lunch on board and a Galabiya costume party.
The third day of your cruise takes you to the renowned Temple of Horus at Edfu, and then along the Nile to Esna. After lunch, you’ll cross the Esna Lock to Luxor where you’ll be moored overnight and enjoy on board feasting and entertainment. The next day you’ll find yourself on the West Bank of the Nile where you will visit the astonishing Valley of the Kings and Queens with their underground tombs and hieroglyphics. You’ll also discover the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu and the mighty Colossi of Memnon. Overnight in Luxor.
Stay: Four nights in a Luxury Cabin aboard the Oberoi Philae – all meals and sightseeing
This morning, you’ll pay a visit to the incredible Karnak and Luxor temples, after which you will disembark the Oberoi Philae. You’ll then be transferred to the airport for your flight back to London via Cairo.
