Mysteries of Egypt — from Pharaohs to the River Nile

Day by day

The journey, in order

1. 1

   Arrival in Cairo

   Arrive in the vibrant capital of Egypt, where ancient history meets the roar of the modern city. You are met and assisted at the airport and transferred privately to your luxury hotel. In the evening, join a Nile river cruise with cocktails, dinner and cultural performances.

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2. 2

   The wonders of Giza

   A private sunrise visit to the Giza Plateau, with exclusive access to the site before public hours. Gourmet lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge, looking out over all nine pyramids, or at the 139 Pavilion at the Marriott Mena House. Later, explore the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the treasures of Tutankhamun.

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3. 3

   Saqqara, the Serapeum and Coptic Cairo

   Start the day early, around 8 a.m., to beat the heat and the crowds at Saqqara. Explore the funerary complex of King Djoser and its Step Pyramid — the birthplace of pyramid architecture — then the noble tombs of Kagemni and Teti with their exquisite Pyramid Texts and daily-life reliefs, and the underground galleries of the Serapeum that once held the granite sarcophagi of the sacred Apis bulls. In the afternoon, head back towards the city for the Coptic Quarter, a peaceful car-free enclave inside the Roman fortress of Babylon, and the Hanging Church built over its gatehouse, with a wooden roof shaped like Noah’s Ark.

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4. 4

   The Suez Canal and on to the Red Sea

   Depart Cairo by luxury coach. Stop at a dedicated viewpoint to watch the Suez Canal at work, then transit beneath it through the Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel. In the afternoon, arrive in Hurghada and check into your luxury Red Sea resort.

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5. 5

   Sindbad Submarine and the beach

   Board the Sindbad Submarine for a 22-metre descent into the Red Sea, watching vibrant coral reefs and marine life through panoramic windows. The afternoon is free for premium beach activities, private cabana service or a treatment at the resort spa.

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6. 6

   Private island expedition

   A full day aboard a chartered luxury yacht to Giftun Island, with professional-led snorkelling in secluded spots and a gourmet lunch served on board.

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7. 7

   Luxor and the East Bank temples

   A private coach transfer to Luxor, about four hours. At midday, embark your premier luxury Nile vessel. The afternoon brings a private guided tour of the vast Karnak Temple complex, and in the evening you visit the artfully illuminated Luxor Temple after dark. Overnight on board in Luxor.

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8. 8

   The West Bank, then sailing to Edfu

   Explore the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. In the afternoon the ship begins sailing south towards Edfu; take afternoon tea on the sun deck as you pass through the Esna Lock. A sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the West Bank is available as an optional experience.

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9. 9

   Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan

   Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, reached by private air-conditioned transport. In the afternoon, visit the dual Temple of Kom Ombo — shared between Sobek and Haroeris — before sailing on to Aswan.

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10. 10

    Abu Simbel and Philae

    An early start for the great rock temples of Abu Simbel, then back to Aswan for a private motorboat tour of the island Temple of Philae. In the evening, a farewell gala dinner on board. A visit to a Nubian village is available as an optional experience.

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11. 11

    Departure — until we meet again

    After breakfast, disembark in Aswan and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo, carrying home five thousand years of pyramids, temples, coral reefs and the slow green line of the Nile.

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