Abu Simbel

A 30-minute flight from Aswan takes you to Abu Simbel, from where it's a short bus ride to the temples. A local guide will take you around the magnificent complex of rock-cut temples dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. The great temple has four giant statues of Ramses II guarding its entrance, while the smaller temple of Hathor, the goddess of happiness and love, has six large statues on its facade.

On some departures this excursion may be available by coach rather than internal flight and this will require setting off earlier in the morning. The road from Aswan to Abu Simbel takes three and a half hours. The visit takes approximately two hours.

half day

Botanical gardens

Enjoy a short cruise on a felucca to the botanical gardens on Plantation Island. It was a gift to keen gardener Lord Horatio Kitchener when he was Egyptian Consul and what began as a hobby-garden was designated a botanical garden in 1899.

One-and-a-half hours

Karnak and Luxor Temples

The Temple of Karnak is a vast complex of temples, courtyards and the vast hypostyle hall built by Ramses II; it was formerly linked to the Temple of Luxor by an avenue of Sphinxes. Parts have retained the original stone ceiling, with paintings still fresh even after some 3,000 years. You also visit Luxor Temple, which has survived remarkably intact despite having been used as a fort by the Romans and later having had a mosque erected inside it!

half day

Memphis and Sakkara

Memphis, one of the greatest cities of the world from 3,100BC until Roman times, now consists of scattered ruins, alabaster sphinxes and statues among the palm groves. Continue to Sakkara – one of Egypt's most extensive archaeological sites and the cemetery for Memphis – to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, built around 2700 BC.

Half day

Nubian village

Learn more about traditional Nubian life, where the people made a livelihood farming the verges of the river, as well as fishing and transporting goods.

Two hours

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

The three Pyramids of Giza – the Great Pyramid of Cheops and the two smaller pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren – have become the symbol of Egypt. Wonder at these along with the Sphinx, carved from a natural outcrop of rock. Entrance into the Great Pyramid is not included (and is at times prohibited). The pyramids may be closed at short notice for restoration work.

Half day

Sound and Light show

The gods of ancient Egypt are resurrected in this dramatic interpretation of the history of the Philae Temple. The island setting and the floodlit temple create a special atmosphere.

Evening

Sound and Light show

Walk through the complex of temples at Karnak accompanied by the Sound and Light Show which highlights the dramatic history of ancient Thebes through the pharaohs narrating their achievements and those of the god Amun, plus descriptions of the ancient treasures. Enjoy this magical experience within the magnificent illuminated ruins.

Evening