Splendours of 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. Abu Simbel option

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 morning to visit the spectacular temples to Ramses II at Abu Simbel.

• Day 7:
• Aswan - Philae temple. Fly to Cairo

We take a boat trip this morning to the beautiful island temple of Philae and the huge Aswan Dam. In the afternoon we take an internal flight with Egypt Air back to Cairo.

• Day 8:
• 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 9:
• Cairo - Tour ends. Airport transfer
  

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