Footsteps of the Pharaohs

Prepare for the magic of seeing Egypt as you embark on a whirlwind journey into the ancient world, beginning in the colourful capital of Cairo. You'll want to keep your camera handy when you become more than a curious bystander while out and about exploring the largest metropolis on the African continent.

Perhaps spend your first day delving into the remnants of ancient history your way. Visit the Alabaster mosque, modelled on Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, enjoy a refreshing G&T in the historic Windsor Bar, or savour an apple shisha rubbing shoulders with the locals as you watch the sunset over Cairo. Stay: Cairo Pyramids

See the treasures of Tutankhamun this morning during a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum, home of the world's greatest collection of ancient Egyptian art. Meet the skilled artisans at a local weaving school, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Proceed to the Pyramids of Giza, where you'll see the Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the proudly posing Sphinx, before returning to Cairo this evening for some time on your own or an Optional Experience Nile cruise with Belly dancing and dinner. (B)

Let the dust settle in Cairo as you board your morning flight to Aswan. You'll arrive just in time for a visit to the High Dam, built to stave the rising waters of the Nile during flooding. Admire the beautiful Egyptian architecture at the Temple of Isis in Philae before boarding your cruise before lunch.

This afternoon, take to the Nile on a traditional felucca, watching as the wind whips up its elegant white cotton sails. You'll see pops of cerise bougainvillea and towering Royal Palms before returning to your boat for your first night on Africa's mightiest river. You could choose to join a mesmerising sound and light show in the midst of the Nile River as an Optional Experience later. (B/L/D) Stay: Nile Cruise

Catch the gaze of Ramses II this morning as you join your fellow travellers on an Optional Experience to the imposing temples of Abu Simbel, his ancient southern seat of power. You'll see his striking seated form hewn out of solid rock not once, but four times, as he 'receives' you before you're permitted to wander through the long and dark passage that leads to the depths of his temple.

Next, you'll set sail for Kom-Ombo, arriving this afternoon to visit Kom-Ombo Temple where two gods of Horus the Elder and Sobek are worshipped in tandem. Your sightseeing cruise continues overnight to Edfu, once home to the falcon god of Horus. (B/L/D)

Ancient Thebes beckons and you'll continue your Nile cruise as part of your Egypt vacation package to Luxor where this afternoon we visit the Luxor Museum, one of the best displays of antiquities in Egypt. Go back in time and see an astounding collection of archaeological wonders, including treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb and remnants from the New Kingdom. You'll feel like Indiana Jones as you walk through its dimly lit halls, admiring the unearthed treasures from nearby tombs. (B/L/D)

Your Nile cruise has come to an end, but there's still plenty more to see on your Egypt value tour. Today you'll visit the Valley of the Kings for your next bout of memorable sightseeing. Explore the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, known in Egypt as the 'Holy of Holies' and considered one of the incomparable monuments of ancient Egypt. Then stand small against the backdrop of the seated Memnon Colossi, following his gaze east as the Ruler of the West surveys his lands. Your next stop is Karnak, an impressive place of pilgrimage dedicated to the gods of Amun, Mut and Khonsu.

Later, you'll head to the Red Sea coastline and stop at Hurghada where tonight you'll enjoy dinner with your travel companions at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: Pharaoh Azur Resort

What a treat! A full free day to soak up the sun-kissed splendour of Hurghada on your own. You could choose to pass on the sightseeing and relax at your resort guilt-free or venture out on a snorkelling tour getting up close and personal to the resident dolphins. However you decide to spend your day, start and end it slowly – isn't that what beach holidays are for? Tonight, dinner is served at your hotel. (B/D)

What could be better than waking up to the sounds of the seaside in Egypt? That's exactly what you'll be doing this morning and there's no need to hurry as you'll have time for a leisurely breakfast before taking your transfer to Cairo. The evening is yours to do as you please in this great city but we're sure you'll want to spend it with new friends after an incredible journey through Ancient Egypt. Your Travel Director will be more than happy to give you some options to celebrate a wonderful last night in Egypt. (B) Stay: Radisson Blu Heliopolis

Your journey back in time to a land of powerful pharaohs has come to an end. It's been a memorable walk down ancient paths that have fascinated explorers for centuries. For now, all that remains is to say farewell to your travel companions before transferring to Cairo airport for your return flight home, filled with fond memories of the treasures you've encountered. (B)