Splendours of Egypt, a Women-Only Tour

Day 1  Cairo  
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have time to unwind. Later, get acquainted with your tour leader and fellow travellers over a drink, toasting the start of your Egyptian adventure.  

Day 2  Cairo to Luxor  
In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak and walk through the avenue of sphinxes. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, visit the Luxor Museum before enjoying dinner back on the ship.

Day 3  Luxor to Edfu  
A day of legend and history awaits you today as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it features a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey through the Esna Lock en route to Edfu.  

Day 4  Edfu to Aswan  
Start the day with breakfast as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo, before continuing to the city of Aswan. Renowned for its archaeological sites, including the Philae Temple Complex. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.    

Day 5  Aswan  
Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan's High Dam and granite quarries to see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, which rises from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. The rest of the day is free to relax.  

Day 6  Aswan  
It’s time to board a traditional felucca! Meet a local sailor who shares the history and techniques behind navigating this culturally significant boat. Visit the local women’s co-op on your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and see how scrap materials are transformed into fine handicrafts, supporting vulnerable women in the community. As the sun begins to set, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did. Round off the day with an atmospheric Sound and Light Show at Philae Island.  

Day 7  Aswan to Kom Ombo  
With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel. These temples overlook Lake Nasser and consist of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit Egypt's only double temple, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.  

Day 8  Kom Ombo to Luxor  
Cruise along the majestic waters of the Nile as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian Cooking Class, where you'll prepare traditional moussaka. In the evening, conclude the day visiting Luxor Temple.  

Day 9  Luxor to Cairo  
This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel to the west bank of the Nile. Delve into history, seeing both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings where many pharaohs were buried. Enhance your discovery with a visit to the Valley of the Queens. This site houses over 75 tombs belonging to queens of the 19th and 20th dynasties. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.  

Day 10  Cairo  
This morning, ascend to the Citadel for sweeping views over the city. While here, visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to a remarkable collection of ancient artefacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.  

Day 11  Cairo    
Today you’ll head to Memphis, the legendary capital of the ancient world. Marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II before continuing to the extraordinary Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest in Egypt. This afternoon, journey to Giza to come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx and of course the pyramids. Spend your last evening with your group sharing a drink and canapes.  

Day 12  Cairo  
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.