The past and present intertwine in Cairo, a sprawling city on the banks of the Nile that is home to both ancient sites and modern, high-rise districts. African in location but Middle Eastern in its cultural leanings, Egypt's traditions, food and history offer a unique experience as you embark on today's full-day city tour. Gain a fascinating insight into the city's sights and past as a professional Egyptology guide leads the way, with your first stop at the mighty Giza Pyramids. Inspiring movies, books and conspiracy theories, these six iconic pyramids tower over the desert landscape, with the Great Pyramid standing taller than the Statue of Liberty. Explore these amazingly constructed structures, built using techniques beyond their time, then marvel at the massive half-lion, half-human form of the Sphinx, as it guards the temples and tombs of Ancient Egypt. Travel onward to the Egyptian Museum and wander the treasure trove of artefacts under its roof, including Tutankhamen's gleaming golden mask. Return to your hotel after a full day of sightseeing for an evening at leisure.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Cairo to Luxor, your departure point for your thrilling Nile cruise. Check into your sailing vessel before an afternoon of sightseeing in Luxor. Known as the 'world's greatest open-air museum' for the multitude of age-old sites and ruins that lie within the city limits, Luxor rivals Cairo in its archaeological splendour. Your afternoon tour starts with a visit to the vast Karnak Temple complex - over 200 acres housing temples and sanctuaries adorned with intricate hieroglyphics. Continue on to the beautifully preserved Luxor Temple and explore the interior, statues and carvings of this religious site. Return to your ship for a night moored in Luxor.

This morning, drive to the west bank of Luxor, where the great valleys of Ancient Egypt's royalty are guarded by the massive twin statues of the Colossi of Memnon. Pass these gatekeepers of the valley then continue on to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a magnificent memorial temple built into the cliffs of this sacred valley. After time to explore this wonder, return to your vessel and sail onward to Edfu, a scenic cruise that allows you to take in life on the shores of the Nile. Pass through the Esna lock and sail through the night as you make your way to Edfu.

Dock in Edfu in the early hours of the morning, in time for breakfast and a visit to the impressive Temple of Horus. Enter through the massive gateways of the temple, guarded by huge granite statues of Horus, and explore the halls and chambers of this colossal ode to the gods. Return to your ship for a day and night of cruising as you journey towards Aswan, passing the picturesque agricultural town of Kom Ombo along the way.

Arrive in Aswan this morning and disembark for a chance to tour this colourful riverside city, nestled between water and desert. Start with a visit to the gigantic Aswan High Dam; the construction of this source of hydro-electricity required the movement of a number of nearby monuments to protect them from flooding. Continue on to the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive slab of granite that was carved but never erected, though it retains its status as the world's largest ancient obelisk. Travel to the river island of Agilkia and take in the splendid Temples of Philae, built by the cult of Isis in honour of the Egyptian goddess of health and marriage. Make your way back to your vessel, remaining for the night in the tranquil waters off Aswan.

Enjoy a morning at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace, perhaps taking in the rock-cut Tombs of the Nobles, the views from the hilltop Aga Khan Mausoleum or the fragrant spices, woven baskets and colourful robes of the city's souk. Alternatively, opt to visit Abu Simbel (at a fee), a series of temples intricately cut into a rocky cliff overlooking the Nile. After lunch, enjoy a unique sailing experience as you breathe in fresh river breezes during a ride on a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat which carries you to the botanical gardens of Kitchener's Island. Wander among palm fronds and exotic, brightly coloured blooms in this tranquil setting, returning to your ship for an overnight stay in Aswan.

After breakfast, a free morning allows for your last shopping excursions or explorations in Aswan. After lunch, weigh anchor and sail north to Kom Ombo where you'll disembark for a trip to the impressive Temple of Kom Ombo. The temple is unique as it is dedicated to both Sorek, god of crocodiles, and Horus, god of the sky, with separate gateways and chapels for each god. The amazingly detailed etchings and carvings on the columns and walls of these temples are one of its most incredible features and a walk through the interior takes you into elaborately decorated chambers and passageways. In the early evening, depart for Edfu, arriving late tonight for your overnight stay.

Today offers a leisurely day of cruising as you depart Edfu bound for Luxor. Enjoy a day on board to soak in the sights on the river shores, lounge on the sun deck, take a dip in the swimming pool or relax on the deck with a cocktail. Round off a relaxing day of river cruising with tonight's last dinner on board, marking the end of your awe-inspiring Egyptian journey.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Luxor for your return flight via Cairo to the UK.