Pharaohs, the Pyramids & Petra

Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Luxor. Embark on the MS Hamees or SS Misr.

Day 2 A morning excursion to the West Bank visits the Valley of the Kings, temple of Queen Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon. Sail to Edfu for overnight.

Day 3 Visit Edfu temple and continue to Aswan for overnight.

Day 4 A morning visit to the High Dam and temple of Philae.

Day 5 An optional excursion by road to Abu Simbel (bookable in advance). Afternoon cruise by felucca or private boat to the Kitchener Island Botanical Gardens and Elephantine Island Museum opposite the Old Cataract Hotel.

Day 6 Sail to Edfu visiting the temple at Kom Ombo en route. Overnight in Esna.

Day 7 Sail to Luxor for overnight. Luxor Temple private reception.

Day 8 Morning excursion to the Karnak and Luxor temples. Fly to Cairo for two nights at the 5-star InterContinental Pyramids Park (Dec 2008-Apr 2009) or 5-star Mövenpick Cairo Pyramids (Sep 2009 onwards).

Day 9 Visit the Pyramids, Great Sphinx and Egyptian Museum.

Day 10 By road across the Sinai Desert. Two nights at the 5-star Mövenpick Resort Taba.

Day 11 Visit St. Catherine’s Monastery.

Day 12 Travel by boat from Taba for four nights at the 5-star Mövenpick Resort Aqaba.

Day 13 At leisure.

Day 14 A full-day visit to the Nabataean city of Petra.

Day 15 An optional afternoon excursion to Wadi Rum includes a 90-minute 4-wheel drive and dinner in a Bedouin tent with local musicians.

Day 16 Morning free. Return flight from Aqaba to Gatwick.