From Cairo to Aswan: A Cruise Through Egypt’s Past

A trip to Egypt isn’t complete without seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Pyramids of Giza. And luckily, they’re right on your doorstep. A private guide will show you around the highest and oldest of the three pyramids, the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, along with Khafre, Menkaure, the Sphinx and the surrounding tombs and temple ruins. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which houses an impressive 120,000 historical objects, including the golden treasures of Tutankhamun.

A long day of exploring the world’s oldest tourist site calls for a grand meal to wash it down, and your local Concierge will have plenty up their sleeve to recommend. So, settle down and enjoy classic Egyptian cuisine washed down with plentiful wine, just as the ancient inhabitants did thousands of years ago.

This morning, you’re off to the pretty port city of Alexandria. A local driver will meet you and take you to the correct platform at Cairo train station, where you’ll begin the scenic two-and-a-half-hour journey. When you arrive, another driver will take you to your elegant hotel in Alexandria’s centre. Drop off your bags and head out to explore the sites on your doorstep, such as the Alexandria National Museum. When evening rolls around, ask your local Concierge to book you into one of the city’s best restaurants overlooking the glistening Mediterranean.

Experience the allure of Alexandria on today’s private tour, discovering how ancient gems intertwine with the modern world. Marvel at the majestic citadel of Qaitbay, a testament to the city's rich history, which was built in 1477 by Sultan Qaitbay; stand in awe at the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, a grand building that has guarded the harbour entrance for centuries; immerse yourself in the legacy of the historic Library of Alexandria; and pay visits to the city's esteemed jewellery museum, the Aquarium and the iconic Pompey's Pillar, a giant Corinthian column built to honour the Roman emperor Diocletian.

Today, you’re bound for Luxor, and you’ll reach this city that nudges the Nile via a short flight from Cairo. After landing, a private transfer will take you to your home for the next two nights – a plush hotel with glorious views over the Nile and the city. Spend the rest of the day unwinding by the infinity pool and soaking up the views while sipping cocktails from the bar.

On today's private tour, prepare to embark on an exciting journey to some of the historical sites surrounding Luxor. You’ll visit the Valley of the Queens, where the tombs of pharaohs' wives stand adorned with vivid murals depicting scenes of the afterlife. Nearby, lies the Valley of the Artisans, home to the skilled workers who laboured on the royal tombs, offering a glimpse into their daily lives through well-preserved ruins. Venture further to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a majestic monument carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, honouring the reign of one of Egypt's few female pharaohs with its grand terraces and towering statues. Finally, bask in the grandeur of Luxor Temple, a testament to millennia of worship and devotion to the gods, where colossal statues and intricately carved reliefs stand as symbols of ancient Egypt's architectural and spiritual legacy.

Your time on solid ground has ended because this morning, you’ll board the Flaneuse du Nil, a traditional dahabieh sailing boat. You’ll be privately transferred to the boat where you’ll meet your guide who will accompany you for the cruise. Settle into your cabin, then find a shaded spot on deck and watch the banks of the Nile drift by as you journey to Esna. Along the way, you’ll be served a delicious lunch before reaching your stop for the night: a peaceful spot near El Hegz Island.

Today, you’ll set sail for El Kaab, a city encircled by ancient mud brick walls dating back to 747-332 BC, with roots stretching back to the Neolithic era. Explore the mountainside's tombs, where Ahmes' tomb recounts the historic capture of Avaris, and Paheri's offers a glimpse into rural life through detailed bas-reliefs (carvings).

Back on board, enjoy a delightful lunch as you continue down the Nile, passing fishermen, boats laden with sugar cane and graceful feluccas (single-sailed boats). Your next stop is Edfu, home to the majestic Temple of Horus. This temple, one of Egypt's largest and best-preserved, showcases intricate bas-reliefs depicting divine worship and ancient ceremonies. With newfound knowledge in tow, the Nile will gently carry you toward El Ramady Island.

This morning, set out for a leisurely stroll around the traditional Egyptian village on the picturesque island of El Ramady. Then set sail for Gebel el-Silsila, where the temple stands under the watchful gaze of the god Hapi. Discover a sanctuary dug into the rock along the western riverbank, honouring Horemheb and seven other deities, including the local god Sobek. Take a guided walking tour to witness the extraction sites of the sandstone used in ancient temple construction, offering insight into the craftsmanship of times long gone. Then, continue your journey downstream to the enchanting destination of Maniha.

Today's voyage leads you to the majestic temple of Kom Ombo, prettily perched upon the banks of the Nile. Respected by ancient Egyptians, this temple pays homage to two powerful deities, Sobek the crocodile and Horus the hawk. After exploring this historic site, you'll return to the boat for lunch. You’ll then continue your cruise along the Nile to Herdiab, where a good night’s sleep awaits ahead of more adventures tomorrow.

It’s your final full day on the Nile, and you’ll begin with a sail to Alakaleim-Assouan, where you’ll jump on a motorboat and ride along the serene waters, heading towards the islands of the Aswan Cataract. Marvel at the beauty of Elephantine Island and Kitchener Island, renowned as ‘Flower Island’ due to its stunning botanical gardens.

Next, stop at the small ‘Mafia Island’ for a refreshing break, savouring the famous Arabic coffee against the backdrop of the Nile's waters. Afterwards, return to the boat for a delicious lunch then journey by bus to the iconic Philae Temple on Agilka Island, which lies three miles south of Aswan. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple boasts exquisite bas-reliefs, positioning it as one of Egypt's most magnificent structures. Explore the site's wonders before returning to the boat for dinner and another peaceful night’s sleep.

Sadly, your time onboard the Flaneuse du Nil has come to an end. After breakfast, you’ll disembark in Aswan and begin your two-day tour of the temples of Abu Simbel. The drive to this little town will take around three-and-a-half hours from Aswan, passing pyramid-shaped hills along the way. On arrival, enjoy a delicious local lunch at Fikri, a lovely local restaurant which is run by the same Nubian family who set it up 20 years ago, before checking into your hotel and enjoying an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, before dinner, your guide will take you to a fabulous Sound and Lights show, which illuminates the temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari.

Rise bright and early for the second day of the tour (you’re going to want to beat the crowds), which begins with a visit to the temples of Abu Simbel, some of the most magnificent in Egypt which were built by Ramses II. Four colossal statues of the Pharaoh guard the entrance to the main temple, and the smaller second temple is dedicated to Ramesses' wife, Nefertar, and adorned with statues of the king and queen. After the two-hour tour, you’ll be driven three-and-a-half hours back through the desert to Aswan, where you’ll spend the night.