Classical Egypt & Lake Nasser Cruise

Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! Arrival Cairo and included transfer to your hotel. The remainder of today is at your leisure to relax or explore Cairo your way. Consider heading out for dinner at one of the restaurants offering views over the Nile River and city, or head to the sound and light show at the pyramids this evening.

Start the day with a tour of the legendary Pyramids at Giza, the planet’s oldest tourist attraction. The largest is Khufu (Cheops), constructed from 2.5 million quarried limestone blocks, weighing in at a mammoth 6 million tonnes.

Then travel on to the Egyptian Museum to explore its extensive collection, including several well-preserved mummies such as those of Yuya and Thuyu, King Tutankhamun’s great-grandparents. Some mummies are so well-preserved that you can still see details like hair and fingernails, providing an astonishing glimpse into ancient Egyptian history.

Cairo – Abu Simbel. This morning take a short domestic flight to Abu Simbel, possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, built to revere the mighty King Ramses II. Here, you'll board your 5 star cruiser and have lunch on board before embarking on a guided tour of the mighty temples of Abu Simbel. Afternoon tea is served back on the sundeck watching the sunset, before watching an Abu Simbel Sound & Light show this evening.

Abu Simbel – Lake Nasser. A modern feat of engineering, the High Dam contains 18 times the amount of material used in the construction of Cheops, the largest pyramid at Giza. The by-product for this awesome construction is Lake Nasser – the world’s largest artificial lake. This morning set sail on Lake Nasser. The first of many hidden gems you'll see is Kasr Ibrim, an ancient Nubian citadel. Information about the site is provided from the ship’s sundeck as entrance to the site is not permitted. En route to Wadi El Seboua, explore the Temple of Amada, the oldest of Lake Nasser's monuments and home to some of the most fine and vibrant reliefs.

Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, you might wish to enjoy a cocktail or listen to the live music performances in the lounge bar onboard.

This morning explore the temple of Wadi El Seboua, which was dedicated by Ramses II to the two Gods Amon Ra and Ra Harmakis. The temple features a sphinx-lined avenue and was once converted to a church by early Christians.

Returning to your ship, relax as you glide through the water, crossing the Tropic of Cancer, bound for the Nubian city of Aswan.

Lake Nasser – Aswan. Early this morning stop to visit the Temple of Kalabsha. Originally built in 30BC and dedicated to the Nubian sun god Mandulis, it was moved in 1970 to its current location due to rising water levels. Reaching Aswan, disembark and later today enjoy a trip to the mighty High Dam and Philae Temple. Philae was originally the site of an ancient temple complex that had to be dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island, after flooding caused by the High Dam project.

Aswan – Luxor. Travel north to Luxor today, stopping en route to visit the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-headed god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus.

Start day 8 with a visit to Karnak Temple, a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods. Our next stop is Luxor Temple – built by Pharaoh Amenophis III.

On day 9 tour the famous Valley of the Kings, where you can explore the myriad of tombs. Then visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, often considered one of the impressive architectural achievements of the ancient world. End your touring today with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two huge statues of Amenhotep II.

After a hearty breakfast, your incredible journey through the land of the Pharaoh's has come to an end. A transfer will be provided to Luxor airport for your onward flight. Should you wish to explore further, consider extending your stay in Luxor, Cairo or head to the beach in Hurghada.

For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.