Legends of the Nile

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK - Cairo

  Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Cairo, Egypt’s sprawling capital on the banks of the Nile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cairo.

• Day 2 • Cairo

  Spend the morning at leisure. This afternoon, visit the remarkable Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s largest archaeological museums. Explore the Tutankhamun Galleries, where the treasures of the boy king are displayed together for the first time since the tomb’s discovery in 1922. Continue to the Solar Boat Museum to see the reconstructed cedarwood vessel buried beside the pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu over 4,000 years ago.

• Day 3 • Cairo

  Step back more than 4,500 years with a guided visit to the legendary Pyramids of Giza. Travel across the plateau using the local hop-on shuttle service, stopping to explore iconic sites including the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the enigmatic Great Sphinx of Giza. The last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, the pyramids remain among humanity’s greatest engineering achievements. Return to Cairo for a relaxed afternoon at leisure.

• Day 4 • Cairo - Aswan

  Fly south to Aswan, a laid-back Nile city framed by granite cliffs, palm-fringed islands and Nubian culture. The rest of the day is yours to relax beside the river or explore independently.

• Day 5 • Aswan

  Today is free to explore at your own pace. Early risers can join an optional excursion to the monumental Abu Simbel Temples, built by Ramses II and carved directly into the sandstone cliffs over 3,000 years ago. Saved from flooding during the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the temples were painstakingly relocated block by block in the 1960s. This evening, cross the Nile by boat to a secluded island restaurant overlooking the illuminated Philae Temple. Enjoy traditional Nubian cuisine in a peaceful riverside setting.

• Day 6 • Aswan

  Discover two of Aswan’s most famous landmarks today. Explore the elegant Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, goddess of healing and magic, before visiting the colossal Aswan High Dam, one of the twentieth century’s most ambitious engineering projects. Later, board your Nile cruise vessel, MS Ellie. At sunset, sail aboard a traditional felucca, drifting past golden dunes and palm-lined islands as the light fades across the Nile.

• Day 7 • Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor

  Cruise north to the unusual double temple of Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Continue along the Nile to Edfu, where you may choose to visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Edfu - one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples - on an optional excursion. Sail onward towards Luxor, passing fertile riverbanks and timeless rural scenery.

• Day 8 • Luxor

  Cross to Luxor’s West Bank to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, burial place of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Descend into elaborately decorated tombs hidden deep within the desert cliffs, including the tomb of Ramses VI. Continue to the dramatic Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, built for one of ancient Egypt’s most influential female rulers and set beneath towering limestone cliffs.

• Day 9 • Luxor

  Disembark your cruise and uncover two of Egypt’s most extraordinary temple complexes. Wander through the colossal halls and forest of columns at the Karnak Temple Complex, expanded over more than 2,000 years and once the religious heart of ancient Thebes. Continue to beautifully preserved Luxor Temple, linked to Karnak by the historic Avenue of Sphinxes and once central to ancient royal ceremonies and festivals. Later, check in to your hotel overlooking the Nile.

• Day 10 • Luxor

  Enjoy a free day in Luxor to relax by the Nile, browse local bazaars or continue exploring independently. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the spectacular Temple of Dendera, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temple complexes. Dedicated to Hathor, goddess of love, music and joy, the temple is renowned for its colourful ceiling carvings and remarkably detailed reliefs.

• Day 11 • Luxor - UK

  Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.