Historical Egypt Aboard a Steamship: the Pyramids and the Nile

The itinerary – Giza and the Egyptian museum with a private guide. 'What happened to the Sphinx’s nose?' 'The first person who can explain why the Sphinx is an example of therianthropy wins!' It pays to be knowledgeable when you're discovering Ancient Egypt. The pyramids of pharaohs such as Khufu, Khafra and Menkaure... From 3000 BC to today, they have resisted the passing of time and continue to inspire awe and curiosity, especially in children. The Egyptian museum is also an awe-inspiring place to visit. You can admire Tutankhamun's treasure, along with royal funeral furniture discovered in Tanis, magnificent Fayum mummy portraits and thousands of objects that recount the history of the great Nile civilisation. It's an unmissable stop on the trip.

Private transfer to Cairo airport and flight to Aswan. Embarking the Steam Ship Sudan.
The itinerary - In the afternoon, visit the Philae Temple, which was moved to the island of Aguilkia in 1974 because Philae itself was submerged by water due to a dam on the river. This sanctuary was dedicated to Isis, a universal and magical goddess reigning over life, death and the underworld. The cult of the goddess continued for a long time, until the temple was transformed into a Coptic church by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the fifth century.
Dinner and first night aboard the Steam Ship Sudan.

The itinerary - Set sail at dawn en route to Kom Ombo, to visit the temple of Haroeris (old form of Horus) and Sobek, the crocodile-headed god. Continue sailing with lunch on board. Children can enjoy a cooking class with the head chef on the boat to learn how to cook Om Ali, a type of Egyptian pudding made of puff pastry, whipped cream and dried fruit. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Edfu, built in the third century BC and dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, to Hathor his wife - goddess of beauty and love - and to Harsomtous, their son. This is one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. Dinner and overnight stay aboard the Steam Ship Sudan.

The itinerary - Pass through the Esna Lock and continue to Luxor. Those wishing to do so may take part in an introduction to hieroglyphic writing, given by one of our guides on the boat. During the afternoon, visit the Karnak Temple Complex, which was built nearly two thousand years ago from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic era. Within the walls of Amun's enclosure, the temple of the guardian deity, there's the processional avenue of Criosphinxes (ram-headed sphinx, emblematic of Amun-Re) lined in a row, and the hypostyle (pillar supported) hall with its forest of columns. The tour then continues with the Luxor Temple. Also dedicated to Amun, its main architects were Amenophis III and Ramses II (New Kingdom era, 1500-1000 BC). Dinner and overnight stay aboard the Steam Ship Sudan.

The itinerary - Sail to Qena just north of Luxor, a beautiful part of the Nile that's not normally frequented by cruise ships. Enjoy a relaxing morning taking in the River Nile before lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the Dendera Temple and the spectacular temple of Hathor – goddess of joy and love, protector of women and also nurse of the pharaohs. Bordered by different cultures and the desert, the remains of the ancient city of Dendera are particularly well preserved. Find intricately decorated chapels, columns topped with cow heads, dark passages and stairways, terraces and a roof which boasts a splendid view of the Upper Egypt countryside. Dinner on board and overnight stay at the dock in Qena.

The itinerary - Leave the boat very early to get to Abydos by road (about two hours). The holy city - and the city of Osiris, king of the underworld and god of the afterlife - has been attracting visitors since the Ancient Egyptian era. The temple dating back to Seti I is a wonder to admire, with large colourful engravings that mark the birth of Ramesside art and its exquisite execution. It's then time to get back on board for lunch as the boat resumes sailing to Luxor. Dinner on board and overnight at the dock in Luxor.

The itinerary - The last morning is devoted to the discovery of the Theban Necropolis, land of mysteries and domain of the god Osiris under the New Kingdom and the Valley of the Kings , whose ornately decorated tombs tell the story of the deceased's journey through the afterlife. Then visit the Valley of the Queens - the secret necropolis of royal wives - and the Valley of the Nobles. Finish off an unforgettable morning with a stop at the Temple of Medinet Habu, where Ramses III engraved for eternity his victorious battles against the Sea Peoples, before embarking on the boat to conclude the journey along the Nile.
Transfer and last nights' stay in the modern wing of the Old Winter Palace, a famous establishment that marked the beginning of tourism in the region (it was sponsored by the same backer - Thomas Cook - who supported the Steam Ship Sudan). The atmosphere is still wonderfully Victorian and its easy to imagine gentlemen in dinner jackets and ladies in long gowns coming down the imposing marble staircase. And of course, the day wouldn't be complete without afternoon tea on the terrace.