Lake Nasser and the Nile

• Day 1:
• Arrive in Cairo

We meet you at Cairo airport and transfer you to a deluxe 5-star hotel (normally the Oberoi Mena House). The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and relax.

• Day 2:
• Cairo - Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum tour
  

We enjoy a full day tour today to the majestic Pyramids and Sphinx at Gisa, and also to the famous Egyptian Museum. In the evening we transfer to the station for the overnight sleeper train journey to Luxor.

• Day 3:
• Luxor - Board cruise boat. Karnak and Luxor temples
  

After arriving early into Luxor this morning, we board our luxury Nile cruise boat for breakfast before visiting the huge temple complex at Karnak. Our cabins are available at lunchtime and the afternoon is free to relax or explore Luxor. In the evening we visit Luxor temple in the centre of town.

• Day 4:
• Luxor - West bank tour, sail to Edfu
  

This morning we tour the West Bank of the Nile and explore the Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatchepsut and Medinat Habu temples, and the Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon we sail up-river and cross through the lock on the Nile at Esna before continuing to Edfu. Before the tour starts this morning, you also have the option of a spectacular hot air balloon flight to see the sun rise over the West Bank of the Nile.

• Day 5:
• Edfu and Komombo temples. Sail to Aswan
  

We visit Edfu temple this morning, before continuing to sail up the Nile to Aswan, breaking the journey at the temple at Komombo en-route.

• Day 6:
• Aswan. Free time, island felucca trip
  

The Nile is at its most picturesque in Aswan, and we have this morning free to explore the town, its markets, and to walk along the Corniche or visit the Nubian Museum. In the afternoon we take a felucca sailboat trip around Kitchener and Elephantine islands.
You also have the option this evening to visit Philae Temple for the Sound and Light show.

• Day 7:
• Board Lake Nasser cruise. Tour temples of Abu Simbel

We have a little free time in Aswan this morning before joining the 11am convoy to drive south to Abu Simbel. The drive takes around 3 hours and we should arrive at approximately 2pm. After boarding you Lake Nasser cruise ship and enjoying lunch on-board, we have an afternoon tour of the impressive temples of Abu Simbel, which were saved from the rising water of Lake Nasser. In the evening you have the opportunity to return to the temples for the Sound and Light show.

• Day 8:
• Sail to Wadi el Seboua via Kasr Ibrim, Temples of Amada and Derr and the Tomb of Penout

This morning we enjoy breakfast on-board whilst starting our journey across Lake Nasser. Our first tour is of the Citadel of Kasr Ibrim (this tour is conducted from the deck of the boat as entry to the site is not permitted). Continuing north we leave the boat the visit the Temples of Amada and Derr as well as the Tomb of Penout. We return to the ship for lunch and continue sailing towards Wadi el Seboua.

• Day 9:
• Visit Wadi el Seboua. Camel ride to Temples of Dakka and Mehraka

After breakfast we visit the Wadi el Seboua Temple. The temple was constructed during the reign of Ramses II to celebrate his victory of Kush. The arabic name Wadi el Seboua translates as 'Valley of the Lions', referring to the avenue of sphinxes leading to the temple. After time at Wadi el Seboua you have the option of taking a camel ride or walking to the temples of Dakka and Mehraka. In the afternoon we return to the boat and sail to Aswan where we spend our final night onboard.

• Day 10:
• Visit Kalabsha Temple, Kiosk of Kertassi and Beit al Wali. Disembark cruise and visit Philae Temple. Fly to Cairo

After breakfast we have tours to visit the Kalabsha Temple which is perched on the edge of Lake Nasser, the Kiosk of Kertassi and Beit al Wali. After disembarking the cruise ship we take a boat trip to the beautiful island temple of Philae. Later in the afternoon we take an internal flight with Egypt Air back to Cairo.

• Day 11:
• Cairo - City tour

Our tour of Cairo today includes the Citadel overlooking the city, some important and beautiful mosques, Coptic Cairo, and time to explore and shop in the busy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. This evening you could take a dinner cruise on the Nile, re-visit the pyramids for a spectacular sound and light show, or enjoy a farewell dinner with other people in your group.

• Day 12:
• Cairo - Tour ends. Airport transfer
  

Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home.