Upgraded – Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise

Our tour begins today in Cairo, Egypt's vibrant capital, situated on the banks of the River Nile. This sprawling metropolis is a fascinating blend of modern architecture, ancient monuments, and labyrinthine streets. Cairo offers some of Egypt's finest Pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic landmarks, providing an unforgettable introduction to the country's rich history and culture. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting. For those who wish, there is also the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Cairo at any time. Should you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will leave a note at the front desk and will share any essential information as soon as you catch up. If you would like an airport transfer today, you will need to arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI), which is around a 45-minute drive from our hotel, depending on traffic conditions. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through us, regardless of their arrival day.

This morning, we travel the short distance to Giza to visit the Pyramids and the Sphinx, among the most impressive man-made wonders in the world. Accompanied by a local guide, we will explore the pyramid complex, including the iconic Sphinx, a crouching lion with a human head carved from a single mass of rock, and the magnificent Granite Temple. We then continue to the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, home to more than 100,000 artefacts showcasing every aspect of ancient Egyptian life. Highlights include ornate jewellery, intricately decorated caskets, towering granite statues and mummified remains. All twelve galleries are now open to the public, including the remarkable treasures of Tutankhamun. A destination in its own right, the Grand Egyptian Museum has earned international acclaim for both its vast collection and striking architectural design. Following our guided tour, there will be free time to enjoy lunch at one of the museum's many restaurants. We return to our hotel in the afternoon, with time to relax and freshen up before heading out in the evening for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Egyptian cuisine, providing the perfect introduction to the country's rich culinary traditions.

Departing after breakfast, we'll set off on a three-hour drive to the historic coastal city of Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria was once a premier intellectual and cultural centre of the ancient Mediterranean. It was also home to one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the over 100-metre-tall Lighthouse of Alexandria. With its rich layers of history, the city continues to attract visitors from across the globe. This afternoon, we'll visit the revived Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built in 2002 as a tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was once considered the largest library of its kind in the world before its loss in antiquity around 391 AD. We'll also explore the fascinating archaeological site of the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, renowned for its remarkable blend of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles. Descending 35 metres underground, the catacombs offer a unique insight into Egyptian life within a truly diverse cultural landscape. For those who wish to join, our Tour Leader will lead a sunset walk along the picturesque Corniche before dinner. With its prime seafront location, the five-star historic Paradise Inn Le Metropole provides the perfect base for our next two nights in Alexandria. First opened in 1902, this elegant heritage hotel beautifully blends classic charm with modern comforts, and breakfast is often served (weather permitting) at the open air rooftop restaurant overlooking the ocean.

This morning, we will continue our exploration of Alexandria and its colourful historic past. The day begins with a short drive to the Roman Amphitheatre, once an impressive open-air theatre capable of seating more than 700 people, along with simpler galleries designed for the wider public. Today, the site remains a fascinating glimpse into Roman Alexandria, with elegant columns and beautifully preserved Roman mosaics decorating the floors of the extensive complex. We will also visit the nearby Villa of the Birds, named after its remarkable 2nd-century floor mosaics depicting a variety of birds, including a peacock, a parrot, and pigeons. These exceptionally well-preserved artworks provide a unique insight into the luxury and artistry of ancient Alexandria. Following this visit, we will continue to Pompey's Pillar, a magnificent 27-metre-high granite column carved from a single piece of red Aswan granite. This impressive monument stands as one of the city's most iconic remnants of the Roman era. Before returning to our hotel in the afternoon, we will visit Qaitbay Fort, one of the most important fortresses along the Mediterranean coast. Built in the 15th century by the Mamluk Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, the fort occupies the exact location on Pharos Island where the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. After our visit and lunch, we will return to our hotel, where the remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure to relax or explore the city independently.

After driving back from Alexandria to Cairo, spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and most iconic marketplaces. Wander through its winding lanes filled with colourful stalls, enticing aromas, and centuries of history as you discover the bustling Al Attarin spice market and the renowned El Sagha gold market. Along the way, learn about traditional Egyptian foods from local vendors and pause for tea at one of the area's historic cafés. Continue with a walking tour through the heart of Islamic Cairo, where the rich heritage and architecture of the city come to life around the Khan El Khalili district. The cultural immersion continues with a visit to an Arabic calligraphy workshop, offering a fascinating introduction to the history, styles, and techniques of this celebrated art form. Participants will gain hands-on experience using traditional or contemporary tools to create their own handwritten piece while exploring the relationship between Arabic calligraphy and modern design. Later, enjoy a warm welcome into a local Egyptian home for an authentic cooking experience. Working alongside your hosts, learn how to prepare a selection of traditional Egyptian dishes before gathering together to enjoy the meal you have created. This unique experience provides a memorable opportunity to connect with local culture, hospitality, and culinary traditions in an intimate and meaningful setting. Our hotel in Cairo, the splendid Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir, is perfectly located on historic Tahrir Square in the heart of the city. Overlooking the renowned Egyptian Museum, it provides an ideal base from which to explore Cairo's rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks. Surrounded by a variety of charming cafés, traditional eateries, and contemporary restaurants, guests have plenty of opportunities to experience the city's vibrant culinary scene.

This morning, we take a short flight from Cairo to Aswan, arriving in preparation for our Nile cruise journey beginning tomorrow. The flight takes approximately 90 minutes. Upon arrival in Aswan, we visit the magnificent Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of health, marriage, and wisdom. Saved from the rising waters of the Nile and carefully relocated to Philae Island, this remarkable temple is celebrated for its grand decorative pylons, elegant columns, and some of the finest stone carvings in Egypt. We reach the island by a scenic motorboat ride between the Old Dam and the High Dam, offering beautiful views of the surrounding Nile landscape before exploring this extraordinary archaeological masterpiece. Our exploration continues at the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk, which remains within its original granite quarry in Aswan. Here, we discover the remarkable skill and precision of ancient Egyptian craftsmen and gain insight into the techniques used to carve and transport these enormous monuments. Later, we pay a visit to a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner. Welcomed with traditional Nubian hospitality, we have the opportunity to discover the customs, traditions, and daily life of the Nubian people while enjoying authentic cuisine prepared by our hosts. As the evening comes alive with stories, music, and traditional dancing, we gain a deeper appreciation of the warmth, creativity, and vibrant spirit of Nubian culture. Continuing this cultural immersion, tonight we stay at the boutique and characterful Sonesta Nouba Hotel, a property that beautifully reflects the heritage and artistry of the Nubian region. Carefully selected for its unique atmosphere, the hotel features bold colours, distinctive décor, and traditional Nubian-inspired furnishings.

A very early start, we'll drive south to the spectacular rock-hewn temples of Abu Simbel. Carved into the rock face, this incredible site was raised 61 metres (200 feet) to protect it from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam. The 20-metre (65-foot) statues represent Ramses II, one of Egypt's greatest builders. We'll have two hours to explore Abu Simbel before returning to Aswan in the early afternoon to board our premium Nile cruise boat, which will be our home for the next three nights. The journey involves a long coach ride of approximately 290km (180miles) each way, but the experience is well worth it. After settling in on board, there will be an opportunity to take a relaxing traditional felucca ride between the nearby islands on the River Nile. The recently renovated Premium MS Nile cruise ship accommodates up to 120 guests in 60 spacious river-facing suites. Each cabin features an en-suite bathroom, large panoramic windows and comfortable furnishings with warm wood tones. The ship also offers several lounges and bars, a number of restaurants, shops, evening entertainment and a top deck swimming pool with beautiful views over the Nile. During our time on board the cruise ship, we'll enjoy all our meals in the main restaurant on a full-board basis, allowing us to relax and take in the views while dining throughout our journey. Please note that alcoholic beverages are not included and will be at your own expense.

We'll begin the day with an early morning visit to the local market, where we can experience the vibrant atmosphere and observe daily life as locals shop for fresh produce, spices, and traditional goods. This will give us a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture and see the everyday rhythms of life along the Nile. We'll then continue our journey to the Temple of Kom Ombo, located approximately 45 kilometres north of Aswan on the banks of the Nile. Built around 181 BC during the Greco-Roman period, this unique temple provides us with fascinating insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs and architecture. We'll discover that the temple is dedicated to two gods, Horus the Elder, the god of protection, and Sobek, the crocodile-headed god associated with fertility and the waters of the Nile. The temple's unusual design features two identical sections, one in the north and one in the south, with each section dedicated to one of these deities. As we explore the temple, we'll see beautifully preserved reliefs and ancient carvings that reveal stories of religious practices and daily life from this fascinating period. We won't miss the Crocodile Museum beside the temple, where we can view mummified crocodiles discovered at the site and learn more about the important role of Sobek and crocodiles in ancient Egyptian culture.

Continuing our cruise towards Luxor today, we'll have a scheduled two-hour stop at the Temple of Edfu after breakfast. The only mode of transport to get from the dock to Edfu Temple (a journey of just over 1 kilometre/0.7 miles) is by locally owned and controlled horse-drawn caleches. Unfortunately, we've received feedback that the condition and treatment of these horses fall well below the standards set out in our Animal Protection Policy and efforts to support improvements have been unsuccessful. With this in mind, we encourage you to opt out of visiting Edfu Temple so as not to endorse these poor welfare standards. If you wish to visit the temple, please speak to your tour leader who can arrange this for you. We'll continue to Luxor to explore the spectacular Karnak Temple, one of Egypt's most impressive ancient sites, built over some 2,000 years with the earliest sections dating back to around 2055 BC. Our guided visit will uncover the highlights of this vast temple complex before we return to the ship, where there will be time to relax and enjoy our final full day onboard. Later this evening, there is the option to experience the captivating Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple, bringing the history of this extraordinary site and ancient Egypt vividly to life. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Luxor Museum or the Luxor Mummification Museum, both offering fascinating insights into Egypt's rich heritage and open until 9pm.

Leaving our cruise ship behind, we'll spend the morning exploring Luxor's West Bank, home to some of the most fascinating sites of ancient Egypt. We'll visit the Valley of the Kings, where we'll explore three royal tombs and learn about ancient Egyptian funerary traditions, with beautifully preserved paintings and hieroglyphics offering a glimpse into the beliefs and rituals of the pharaohs. Our visit includes entrance to three of the tombs which will be decided on the day, as many are periodically closed for resting and renovation to protect them. After the three, there will be an option to pay a supplement to visit Tutankhamun's tomb. We'll continue on to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set within a spectacular natural amphitheatre and dedicated to one of Egypt's most famous rulers, who reigned for 21 years. We'll also stop at the impressive Colossi of Memnon, the towering statues that once stood at the entrance to the funerary temple of King Amenhotep III. Our final visit will be to Medinet Habu Temple, an important New Kingdom site offering further insight into the history and traditions of ancient Egypt. For lunch, we'll enjoy a special home-cooked lunch with a local family, where we'll experience genuine Egyptian hospitality and sample traditional dishes prepared using family recipes. This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with local culture and gain a glimpse into everyday life in Luxor before we will leave this beautiful place behind tomorrow. We'll then check in to the Sonesta St George Hotel in Luxor, where we'll have time to relax and unwind before heading out in the evening for our farewell dinner at El Sahaby Restaurant or a similar local venue. Here, we'll celebrate our journey through Egypt while enjoying delicious meal in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Luxor. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Luxor at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel, if you wish to explore more of the town before you depart. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Luxor International Airport (LXR), which is approximately a 15-minute drive from the hotel.