10D9N Egypt: Pyramids, Temples & the Nile (DPCG)

Famous for pyramids, temples and pharaohs, Egypt is so much more than its monuments and rich history, the deep-rooted culture makes it a very special place to explore. From chaotic Cairo to charming Nile riverbank villages, the people are warm and they sincerely open their hearts to visitors. We welcome you to Egypt, and invite you to be charmed by Egypt's 6000-plus years of living traditions.

Put your explorer hat on and imagine you are back in 1798 with the first scientist sent by Napoleon to document the Great Pyramids of Egypt. As you set eyes on them imagine them half-submerged in sand ready for you to dig in and explore. While none of this was new to the locals, foreigners were seeing them for the first time, just like you now are.

What was once a multi-week journey up the Nile now only takes a few hours to travel from Cairo to Luxor. However the amazement you feel is profound when your eyes first see the great temples of Egypt. You immediately understand why for centuries people have been coming here to explore and observe these incredible monuments.

Step back in time as you set off on an early morning journey to explore the tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the temples of the West Bank. Rumours of ancient curses abound here and yet the real true curse is that you can never have enough time to explore each tomb. Rejoin our dahabiya, and set sail like the early explorers, continuing up the Nile.

Our sails are up and your first full day of sailing on the Nile is ahead. Get ready to discover incredible sites and enjoy experience only possible on a dahabiya.

Our journey south continues. Today the Nile meanders along farmlands and small islands that have forever been bathed by rich nutrients, creating fertile land in a narrow green ribbon along the river's banks, surrounded by desert on both sides. Even if living here can be challenging, the people are always welcoming and smile at you when you meet.

The last day sailing the Nile begins as you set sail for Aswan, the furthest South you can go by boat since the dam that formed Lake Nassar was built. As you approach Aswan the river gets busier and the city comes in view. Dotted with small islands, Aswan is our last stop on the Nile.

In 1964, the world united around the mission to save the Abu Simbel temple from being submerged forever in the rising waters of Lake Nassar. A global effort was put in place to dismantle and rebuild the temple at a site above the high water mark. That feat of humanity meant that these temples were saved for all of us to enjoy.

There is nothing better than ending on a high note and today you will do just that. After having seen the temples, the pyramid and the tombs, today you get to see the great treasures of Egypt housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum. Then discover Cairo on your own terms, with two activity options to choose from for the rest of the day, one focused on the culture and history of Egypt and the other on food.

Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today. You may be leaving Egypt behind, but the experiences you have will last forever.