Ancient Egypt Revealed

Fly to Cairo and stay three nights at the 5-star Pyramisa Cairo Hotel (4Q). Set in the heart of Cairo, overlooking the Nile, the hotel is close to a downtown shopping area. D

An included tour of Egypt's compelling capital visits the Citadel and Mohammed Ali mosque. This afternoon, an included excursion visits the world-famous Egyptian Museum, which houses artefacts from Tutankhamun's tomb. B, L, D

Memphis was one of the greatest cities of the world from 3,100BC until Roman times and now consists of scattered ruins, alabaster sphinxes and statues among the palm groves. Continue to Sakkara – an immense necropolis about eight kilometres long and one-and-a-half kilometres wide, which was used from prehistoric times until the Roman period. Next visit the three Pyramids of Giza – the Great Pyramid of Cheops and the two smaller pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren – which have become the symbol of Egypt. Wonder at these along with the Sphinx, carved out of a natural outcrop of rock in the form of a lion with a human head.

Fly to Aswan (90 minutes) for two nights at the 5-star Pyramisa Isis Island Hotel (4Q). B, L, D

Enjoy some free time in Aswan, which occupies a beautiful setting on the Nile. B, L, D

Look forward to your included trip to Aswan High Dam and the Philae Temple complex, painstakingly recreated on a new site after it's original site was deluged by Lake Nasser.

After lunch travel to Luxor by train (three hours) through scenic countryside and board your ship. Enjoy a seven night cruise on board the MS Nile Plaza. B, L, D

Enjoy your morning at leisure, or perhaps join an optional excursion to the East Bank. Sail to Edfu at noon where you will moor overnight. B, L, D

Sail to Kom Ombo in the morning and visit the ancient temple dedicated to Horus and Sobek. Continue sailing to Aswan where you moor overnight. B, L, D

An early start is required for the 3.5 hour journey to Abu Simbel by road for your included excursion.

A local guide will take you around the monuments, a magnificent complex of rock-cut temples dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.

The great temple has four giant statues of Ramses II guarding its entrance, each 20 metres tall, and there are also beautiful carvings.

The smaller temple of Hathor, the goddess of happiness and love, has six large statues on its facade.

Later return to Aswan where you remain moored overnight. B, L, D

Spend the morning at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy an included traditional Felluca ride on the west bank of the Nile where you will moor overnight. B, L, D

Sail to Edfu this morning where you will have the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Edfu Temple.

In the afternoon sail to Luxor where you will moor overnight. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner. B, L, D

You'll pass the Colossi of Memnon, gigantic statues that once guarded the funerary temple of Amenophis III,on today's included excursion. The highlight will undoubtedly be a visit to the City of the Dead in Thebes where you can walk through the Valleys of the Kings and Queens.

In the afternoon, perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Karnak and Luxor Temples on an optional excursion. B, L, D

Travel to the airport for your return flight home. B