Egypt from North to South – From the Mediterranean to the Land of Ramses II

After breakfast, the Giza Plateau with your Egyptologist: the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, the Great Sphinx and its Valley Temple, and the panoramic viewpoint over the whole plateau. Lunch at a local restaurant, then the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the complete treasure of Tutankhamun. Back to your hotel.

An early drive north to Alexandria, the city of Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. Go underground into the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, where Egyptian and Roman art meet, see Pompey's Pillar, the great Roman column on its hill, and visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern heir to the ancient library. Seafood lunch overlooking the sea, a drive along the Corniche, and back to Cairo in the evening.

An early flight to Luxor. On the East Bank, the forest of columns at Karnak and the elegant Luxor Temple. After lunch at a local restaurant, cross the Nile to the West Bank for the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Night in Luxor.

Breakfast and check-out, then south to Aswan by private car (or by train if you prefer). The High Dam that tamed the Nile, the Unfinished Obelisk still lying in its granite quarry, and a motorboat to Philae, the island temple of Isis. Lunch at a local restaurant, check in at your hotel and a free evening on the Corniche.

An early start and a private drive across the desert to Abu Simbel: the Great Temple of Ramses II with its four colossal statues, the Temple of Queen Nefertari dedicated to the goddess Hathor, and the remarkable story of how both were moved to save them from the rising lake. Back in Aswan, free time to enjoy the city. Night in Aswan.

An early flight to Cairo. The Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, then Old Cairo: the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue (when open to visitors). Lunch at a traditional Egyptian restaurant, a walk along historic El Moez Street, and time in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar for its crafts, souvenirs and cafés.

Breakfast and check-out, then a private transfer to Cairo International Airport, with help at departure. Home with unforgettable memories of Egypt.