Queens of the Nile – Solo Ladies Tour

Welcome to Egypt! You will be met upon arrival at Cairo’s International Airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure to explore this bustling city. At first glance, the city appears dirty. Its busy and crowded and the smog can make your eyes water. Beneath this haze, you will see the city’s true colours. The call of prayer echoes through the streets, the energy of local life buzzes and is addictive. Street food aromas will overload the senses and a hidden charm shines through. Grand palaces and mosques are to be explored and the pyramids of Giza overlook the modernising city from a distance, providing the perfect mix of bygone eras and eclectic styles. This evening, gather at Naguib Mahfouz restaurant for a welcome meal and meet your fellow travellers. (D) Overnight – Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel or similar

Begin the day at the Egyptian Museum, home to a vast collection of ancient artifacts and treasures. Travel to Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, where the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx have stood for over 3,000 years, overlooking the modern city. The Pyramids of Giza are the last of the original Seven Wonders of the World. Your Egyptologist guide will share the history of Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure, offering insight into their construction and significance. While here, visit the enigmatic Sphinx, a timeless symbol of Egypt with the body of a lion and the head of a king—its origins and purpose still shrouded in mystery. Lunch today will be in a local restaurant. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. (B,L) Overnight – Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel or similar

Following breakfast in your hotel, start the day with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the restoration lab at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization before exploring its vast collection. Next, visit the imposing Citadel and the stunning Mohamed Ali Mosque, where history and architecture blend seamlessly. Enjoy lunch at Zeyara restaurant, enjoying the local flavours (beverages not included). This evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a maze of alleyways filled with spices, silver, textiles, and hidden treasures. (B,L) Overnight – Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel or similar

Begin your day with a transfer from Cairo to Alexandria, stopping en route at Wadi El Natron, an area rich in Coptic history where thousands of Christians sought refuge from Roman persecution in the 4th century. Of the 60 original monastic compounds, only four remain. The region was also significant to the ancient Egyptians, as its salt lakes produced natron, a key ingredient in mummification. A packed lunch will be provided for your journey. (B,L) Overnight – Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano or similar

After breakfast, you’ll visit the Catacombs (Kom el Shoqafa), the burial sites of early Christians, and Pompey’s Pillar, the tallest memorial column in Egypt made of red granite, standing 28 metres high with a base diameter of 2.7 metres. Next, explore the Jewellery Museum to discover Egypt’s finest jewellery collections, followed by a visit to the Alexandria Library, one of the world’s most famous literary landmarks. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is yours at leisure. (B,L) Overnight – Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano or similar

This morning, transfer to Cairo airport for a late flight to Luxor. On the way to Cairo, you’ll visit the El Alamein War Cemetery, a solemn site honouring the soldiers who lost their lives during the World War II North African Campaign. The cemetery contains the graves of over 7,000 Commonwealth soldiers, with beautifully maintained grounds and a memorial that pays tribute to their sacrifice. Upon arrival in Luxor, transfer to your accommodation. The evening is yours to unwind and explore at your own pace. (B) Overnight – Al Moudira hotel or similar

Spend the day at leisure in Luxor, soaking in its charm at your own pace. (B) Overnight – Al Moudira hotel or similar

This morning you will transfer from your Luxor accommodation to board the Merit Dahabeya, for your Nile River cruise.  After lunch, head to the East Bank to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, home to the massive hypostyle hall. Next, wander through Luxor Temple, famous for its towering obelisks and statues that have stood the test of time. As evening falls, indulge in a delicious dinner on board. (B,L,D) Overnight – Merit Star Dahabeya or similar

Enjoy breakfast on board before heading to the West Bank, where you’ll wander through the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, then marvel at the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (El-Deir El-Bahari), a jaw-dropping feat of architecture dedicated to Egypt’s only female pharaoh. Afterward, return to the cruise for lunch while sailing to Esna.  Savor tea at sunset, enjoy dinner while sailing, and overnight beside an island. (B,L,D) Overnight – Merit Star Dahabeya or similar

Enjoy breakfast while crossing Esna Lock, followed by lunch as you sail to Edfu. Visit Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, before tea at sunset while continuing to El Ramadi Island. Dinner is served beside an island, accompanied by an exclusive Egyptian Rabab show. (B,L,D) Overnight – Merit Star Dahabeya or similar

Visit Gebel El Silsila early in the morning, a unique temple set within the mountains. This exclusive experience is only accessible to Dahabiyas, as larger ships cannot reach this site. Enjoy breakfast on board before setting sail to Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Haroeris. Enjoy lunch while crossing Shekh Fadl Island. At Hor Diab Island, enjoy a swim in the cleanest waters of the Nile. Dinner is served on board while sailing to Aswan, where you will overnight. (B,L,D) Overnight – Merit Dahabeya or similar

Once onboard, your first stop will be a visit to the stunning Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. In the afternoon, explore the High Dam, an impressive feat of engineering. Option to visit a Nubian Village before settling in to enjoy dinner on board and overnight in Aswan. (B,L,D) Overnight – Merit Star Dahabeya or similar

Start the day with breakfast on board before transferring to Aswan airport for your flight to Abu Simbel. Once there, enjoy a private tour of the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temple. The Temples of Abu Simbel, among the most interesting in Egypt, are located 280 km south of Aswan near the southern border with Sudan. These two rock-cut temples, dating back to the reign of King Ramses II (1290-1223 BC), were partially damaged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser during the construction of the High Dam. With the help of UNESCO and other countries, Egypt successfully saved these remarkable structures. After your tour of Abu Simbel, you will return to Aswan and transfer back to the Dahabeya.  Indulge in lunch as you sail toward Kom Ombo, and then enjoy dinner while crossing Gebel El Silsila under the stars. Spend the night in Esna. (B,L,D) Overnight – Merit Star Dahabeya or similar

Start the day with breakfast as you cross Esna Lock. Enjoy lunch while sailing towards Luxor, arriving in the afternoon. You have the option to experience the mesmerizing Sound & Light show (optional). End the day with dinner and an overnight stay on Luxor’s West Bank. (B,L,D) Overnight – Merit Star Dahabeya or similar

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking in Luxor. Transfer from the Merit Dahabeya to Luxor airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, transfer to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B) Overnight – Fairmont Hotel or similar

After starting your day with breakfast, head to the Grand Museum, where you’ll discover Egypt’s rich history. This afternoon, eat your way through Egypts bazaar tasting local delicaies and savouring incredible simple but mouthwatering flavours.  (B,L) Overnight – Fairmont Hotel or similar

This morning following breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward flight to your next destination. (B)