EGYPT

Enjoy a relaxed morning at the hotel. This afternoon, explore the historic heart of Cairo on a guided tour of Islamic Cairo, strolling along the beautifully restored Al-Muizz Street and discovering centuries of Islamic art and architecture. Continue to the vibrant Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, with time to browse traditional stalls or enjoy a tea or coffee. This evening, return to the hotel for dinner with your fellow travellers.

In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts. This evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a drink followed by dinner. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Cruise: MS Medea or MS Miriam for 7 nights

A day of legend and history awaits you as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it features a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarion, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime, return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey through the Esna Lock to Edfu.

Start the day with breakfast as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo, before continuing on to the city of Aswan. Renowned for its archaeological sites, including the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portrays an appealing blend of ancient and contemporary Egypt. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.

Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan’s High Dam and granite quarries, where you’ll see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, which rises from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. Enjoy a retelling of the Nile flood and the stories of the goddesses Isis and Hathor in a Roman-style theatre. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship.

Throughout your journey, you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your turn to explore one for yourself. On board this traditional vessel, meet a local sailor who shares the history and techniques behind navigating this culturally significant boat. Visit the local women’s co-op and discover how scrap materials are transformed into fine handicrafts, supporting vulnerable women in the community. As the sun starts to set, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did. Round off the day with an atmospheric Sound and Light Show at Philae Island, where the temple’s illuminated facade becomes the stage for tales of Isis, Hathor and the sacred Nile.

With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel. These temples overlook Lake Nasser and consist of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit Egypt’s only double temple, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falconheaded Horus the Elder.

Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy the facilities on board and keep your cameras ready for the sights as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor Temple, where your ship will dock for the night.

This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. Delve into history seeing both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, as they regale you with fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo for an evening at leisure.

Hotel: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino for 3 nights

This morning, ascend to the Citadel for sweeping views over the city. While here, visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to a remarkable collection of ancient artefacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.

Today you’ll head to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and
the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back to 2700 B.C. In the afternoon, it’s on to Giza to explore the magnificent pyramids. Here you’ll come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. During your visit, venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their gods in the afterlife. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.

After relaxing on your last day in Egypt, we transfer you to the airport to begin your journey home. Upon arrival in Perth (Day 15), your driver will be waiting to transfer you home.