Highlights of Egypt

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Enjoy a visit to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the The Grand Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan. Visit the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures before a visit to The Grand Egyptian Museum. In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.

Opt to explore the busy Aswan market or visit the beautiful Philae Temple, before visiting a Nubian village and enjoying a home-cooked dinner with a local family. Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Enjoy some free time to browse the souk, walk along the Nile or opt to book the 'Philae Temple Excursion'. Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.

Spend the day exploring Aswan. Opt to check out one of the most fascinating sights in the area: the Temple of Abu Simbel. Later, opt for a half-day tour of the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and Philae Temple. Visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan's local people.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, opt to grab dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties.

After breakfast the group will set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Have lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile, then visit an Alabaster Factory en route back to Luxor. The remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure. Cross to the West Bank. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops. Then visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple. Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.

After breakfast the group will enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. From here, sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Later take advantage of free time in Luxor to explore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure.

Take a final free day in Luxor to explore any last minute sights in this storied city. Opt to check out the local bazaar to pick up a last minute keepsake, choose to embark on the optional Luxor Temple and Museum Tour, or head back over to the West Bank for an in-depth look at some of the sites there on an optional tour.

Drive from Luxor to Hurghada on the stunning Red Sea. The rest of the day is free at leisure, opt to relax and enjoy the beach and take in the offerings at this inclusive resort. After arriving in Hurghada, prepare to spend the next few days soaking in the tranquility of it's white sand beaches, and the rich marine environment of the Red Sea.

Enjoy a day on a boat trip to the local islands and snorkel amid the crystal clear waters and stunning coral gardens of the Red Sea. The Red Sea is a global hotspot for snorkelling, thanks to it's crystal clear waters and incredible aquatic ecosystems. Explore the rich coral reefs and be overwhelmed with the amount of colourful coral and fish you encounter.

Catch an early flight from Hurghada to Cairo. Continue by private vehicle to Alexandria. Stop en route to visit the monasteries of Wadi Al Natrun Travel by plane and private car to Alexandria, one of the ancient world's most important trade and cultural hubs. Explore it's many Greek, Roman and Egyptian ruins as you walk in the footsteps of some of histories greatest heroes.

Take a guided tour of Pompeys Pillar, Catacombs, the Alexandria Library, and Qaitbay Fort. Later, opt to explore the cities's cafés, or dine on fantastic seafood Prepare for a full day of exploring the many historical wonders of Alexandria. Delve into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, marvel at the resolute Citadel of Qaitbay, and explore the grounds of Pompey's Pillar, one of Egypt's most impressive Roman architectural works.

Drive to El Alamein to visit the World War cemeteries and memorial. Continue to Cairo for the final evening. As we travel from Alexandria to Cairo, take a stop at the El Alamein World War memorials, and learn more about the pivotal battles that changed the course of the war in Africa. Afterwards, continue on to the bustling metropolis of Cairo.

Depart at any time.

Simple hotels (12 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).

Private air-conditioned minibus, train, felucca, plane, walking.