Exploring Egypt: Pyramids of Giza, Faiyum Oasis & Nile Cruise

A trip to Egypt isn’t complete without seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Pyramids of Giza – and luckily, they’re right on your doorstep. A private guide will show you around the highest and oldest of the three pyramids, the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, along with Khafre, Menkaure, the Sphinx and the surrounding tombs and temple ruins. After lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which boasts 120,000 historical objects, including the golden treasures of Tutankhamun.

A long day of exploring the world’s oldest tourist site calls for a grand meal to wash it down, and your local Concierge will have plenty up their sleeve to recommend. So, settle down and enjoy classic Egyptian cuisine alongside plentiful wine, just as the ancient inhabitants did thousands of years ago.

Today, your two-day tour to the Faiyum Oasis begins, so rise bright and early and fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Begin your day by delving into the Pyramid of Meidum, towering 20ft high and surrounded by mudbrick mastabas. Located midway between Giza and the Fayoum Oasis, this structure represents the first attempt at constructing a genuine pyramid, signifying the shift from the Early Dynastic Period to the Old Kingdom. In the afternoon, you'll visit the small, peaceful village of Tunis. Originally a hub for farmers and fishermen, it has become known for contemporary pottery, thanks to Evelyn Porret, who settled there following a visit in the 1980s. You’ll spend the night here, and it won’t take long to make yourself at home in the plush resort and spa.

On your second day, immerse yourself in the wonders of the Fayoum Oasis. Begin your journey with a drive to Wadi Hitan, also known as the Valley of the Whales, discovered in 1902. This valley harbours invaluable fossil remnants of the earliest (and now extinct) suborder of whales, Archaeoceti, representing a pivotal tale of evolution – the transition of whales from land to oceanic mammals. Next, proceed to Wadi El Rayan, home to Egypt's only waterfall, originally shaped by the runoff from surrounding agricultural regions. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Cairo, where you can ponder the day's extraordinary discoveries on the one-hour flight to Luxor. Finally, settle into your hotel overlooking the magnificent River Nile.

The much-anticipated part of your holiday has rolled around – your journey aboard the Steam Ship Sudan. We genuinely believe this is the only way to ‘do’ the Nile, as vouched for by Agatha Christie, who sailed on the ship and went on to write Death on the Nile as a result. After boarding, settle into your comfy cabin before heading for your first lunch on board. You’ll then discover the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the latter dedicated to the god Amon. The ship will then sail towards Qena, situated north of Luxor. This stretch of the Nile is rarely visited by cruise boats, making it exceptionally beautiful with quiet coastal panoramas, especially at sunset. Enjoy dinner and spend the night onboard at Qena Quai.

The Steam Ship Sudan will roar to life early this morning, as the ride to Abydos takes around two hours. Relax on the decks, watch as the holy city fills the landscape and get ready to explore the remarkable Temple of Seti I. This great limestone structure is unusually L-shaped, was dedicated to six gods and marks the birth of Ramesside art. On the way back, you'll stop at Dendera, home to the Hathor Temple, symbolising the protection of women. This remote desert region, with sparse vegetation, boasts some of Egypt's best-preserved ancient ruins, including richly decorated chapels, columns, hallways, stairs, terraces and rooftops offering splendid countryside views. You’ll then head back to the boat for lunch onboard as you sail towards Luxor. Indulge in a delicious dinner onboard before spending the night docked at Luxor.

In the morning, you'll leave Luxor for the Theban Necropolis, a land steeped in mystery and believed to be the domain of the god Osiris. Here, you’ll find the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs symbolize the deceased's journey into the afterlife, along with the Valley of the Queens, where royal wives are buried. You’ll also visit the grand tomb of Rameses VI, stretching 380ft in length, and the renowned tomb of Nefertari. There’s also the chance to witness the valley of the craftsmen, known as Deir El-Medina, designed to welcome the sculptors, painters and stonemasons who worked on the necropolises. Return to the boat for lunch before setting sail for Edfu under a starry sky, enjoying dinner onboard.

Another day, another temple. Today, you’ll explore the Temple of Edfu, a remarkable sanctuary dedicated to Horus and Hathor (a god and his wife), renowned as one of the best-preserved temples in ancient Egypt. After your visit, return for lunch as the boat continues its journey towards Kom Ombo, arriving at sunset. The Temple of Kom Ombo is distinctive in Egypt as it's dedicated to two deities: Horus, depicted with the head of a falcon, and Sobek, portrayed with the head of a crocodile. Enjoy dinner onboard and spend the night at the Kom Ombo quay.

Rise and shine ready for today’s sail to Aswan at the southern end of the Nile Valley. Here, the landscape gradually shifts from cultivated lands to expansive sandy banks, marking the beginning of ancient Nubia. During your visit, explore the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, the goddess associated with marriage, fertility, motherhood, magic and medicine. Enjoy some leisure time in Aswan before dinner, immersing yourself in the region's rich history, and consider attending the optional Light and Sound show at Philae

It’s time to bid farewell to the Steam Ship Sudan as you depart the boat this morning. A traditional sailing boat will take you to your hotel, stopping off at the lush botanical garden on Kitchener’s Island. Your hotel is also on an island, with gardens and pools overlooking the Nile. Today’s all about unwinding after your Steam Ship experience, so settle into one of the restaurants, soak in the island views and debrief your Nile adventure with a cocktail or two.