Cairo, Luxor & Nile Cruise

After breakfast this morning, you'll be introduced to the sights and sounds of Egypt's bustling capital. 

Starting in the walled Coptic Cairo district, you'll visit the Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, better known as the Hanging Church, which sits above the city's ancient Roman fortress. As you continue through the district, you'll see Egypt's religious heritage and cosmopolitan blend of faiths on full display with stops at St. Sergius' Church, an impressive Coptic temple dating back to the 7th century, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.

After some time in the Coptic district, board a coach for a short drive north into Cairo's historic centre. Here, you'll have some time to explore the famed Khan el Khalili Bazaar, one of the city's oldest Mamluk-era markets, and the nearby Al Mu'izz Street, with its magnificent Islamic architecture and wide variety of landmarks. 

Later, return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening in Cairo.  

Enjoy breakfast against the stunning backdrop of the Nile this morning, as you set sail on the first leg of your week-long river cruise. Crossing to the river’s west bank, moor at the entrance to the famous Valley of Kings, which houses the tomb of Egypt’s child pharaoh, Tutankhamun, and the temple of Hatshepsut, one of the country’s most celebrated queens. While exploring these two fascinating landmarks, look out for the striking Colossi of Memnon, two grand statues which guard the entrance to the Theban Necropolis’ largest temple.  

Afterwards, return to your ship for lunch before setting sail along the region’s timeless scenery towards Edfu, where you’ll moor for the night.  

An escorted tour of Egypt’s best-preserved Pharaonic monuments awaits this morning starting with breakfast aboard your ship. Visit the intricately carved halls of the Temple of Horus, where ancient inscriptions and frescoed walls depict the dramatic battle between Horus and Seth.  

Reboarding your ship, you’ll then move on to Kom Ombo’s magnificent riverside temple with its impressive sandstone facades, hypostyle columns, and untouched burial grounds. Built in honour of the crocodile god, Sobek, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder), this incredible landmark offers a captivating dive into Ptolemaic culture and promises to be one of the highlights of your trip. 

Once you’re finished, enjoy lunch and dinner back aboard the MS Blue Shadow IV before dropping anchor in verdant Aswan.  

Your first full day in Aswan will take you to the city’s extraordinary High Dam, which guards the meeting point between the Nile and expansive Lake Nasser. Take breakfast aboard before heading out on today’s excursion. Witness the vast nearby granite quarries from which many of Egypt’s ancient treasures were fashioned before crossing the Nile to Philae’s Temple of Isis. After a morning’s exploration on the island, board a traditional felucca and sail around Kitchener Island with its flourishing botanical gardens. 

Return to the ship this evening for dinner. 

Explore Aswan at your own pace, ticking off any remaining wish-list sights, or perhaps board a coach for an optional tour of Abu Simbel, a unique temple complex carved entirely out of a neighbouring mountainside.  

These staggering landmarks, dedicated to Rameses II and the Egyptian sky goddess, Hathor, were excavated in the early 19th Century. As you pass through the ornate halls of this remarkable complex, feast your eyes on the vast array of relics and artefacts held within. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading back to Aswan.

Later on, enjoy a final evening on the Nile ahead of the return leg of your river cruise.

Bring an extraordinary tour of Egypt’s ancient past to a close with a return flight from Luxor (via Cairo).