DAY 1: UK - Luxor.
Fly to Luxor where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship: Sonesta St George I. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure in Luxor. (D)

DAY 2: Luxor - Edfu.
This morning, begin with a visit to Luxor's West Bank including the spectacular Valley of the Kings, the towering Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, where you can marvel at the glorious legacy of the ancient Egyptians amidst the vast network of burial chambers built for the pharaohs. After lunch on board your cruise ship, set sail for Edfu. The afternoon is free for you to explore Edfu at leisure, or perhaps simply relax and enjoy the ship's various facilities. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Edfu - Kom Ombo.
An included morning visit takes you to the 2,000 year-old Temple of Horus, an elongated structure made up of halls and chambers with well preserved, story-telling interior decorations. After a fascinating morning, return to your cruise ship and set sail for Kom Ombo. The afternoon is free for you to explore the town; the name of which means 'City of Gold'. Perhaps visit the Temple, built in 250 BC. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Kom Ombo - Aswan.
This morning sail to the Nile-side town of Aswan where you will visit the famous 111 meter Aswan High Dam, a major feat of engineering. Also visit the Philae Temple, known as the 'Pearl of Egypt', moved brick by brick to make way for the dam. Your afternoon is free to explore the delightful bazaars of Aswan. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Aswan.
This morning why not join the optional plane excursion to magnificent Abu Simbel? This 3,200 year old temple, carved out of a mountainside, is one of the best preserved and most magnificent temples in Egypt, taking 25,000 workers 25 years to complete. Alternatively, spend your morning at leisure perhaps visiting the Old Dam or the Unfinished Obelisk, before enjoying lunch on board your cruise ship. In the afternoon enjoy a short cruise by felucca - a traditional Egyptian Nile sailing boat - to Kitchener's Island to visit the lush botanical garden oasis. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Aswan - Esna.
Set sail for Esna, stopping in Kom Ombo en route to visit the Temple of Horus and Sobek, before reaching Esna in the late afternoon. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Esna - Luxor.
Cruise back to Luxor today and spend the afternoon exploring the East Bank, featuring the wonderful temples of Karnak and Luxor. They may be shadows of their former selves, but as you wander around the vast statues, towering columns and decorated walls, you'll soon appreciate their original ornate grandeur. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Luxor - UK.
Disembark from your cruise boat and transfer either to Luxor Airport for your flight to the UK or by air-conditioned coach to your chosen hotel. (B)