Set out for the Valley of the Kings as your private guide takes you to the West Bank of the Nile and the many tombs and treasures buried there. Marvel at the sheer size of the Colossi of Memnon, tour the temple of Queen Hatchepsut, and explore the secrets and stories of fascinating royal tombs. Each tomb has something special to offer as they reveal their art and hieroglyphs, making ancient Egypt come alive before your eyes with the help of your expert guide. Afterward, return to the ship and begin navigating the river towards your docking stop for the evening.

This is a day devoted to the river: immediately after an optional morning walk and breakfast, you will set sail. In the afternoon, you will stop at an island for a stroll or to swim in the Nile. As dusk begins, there may be an opportunity to walk into the desert along a valley lined with boulders covered in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and stone-age inscriptions. These images mark the beginning of the shortest trail through the desert to Libya (28 days in ancient times).

Observe the gently gliding feluccas and fishermen of the Nile as you disembark at Edfu. Your private will take you to the Temple of Horus, the largest sanctuary built during the period of King Ptolemy and one of the best preserved sites of ancient Egypt. Enjoy a local lunch before continuing on to Kom Ombo, the huge temple complex dedicated to the gods Sobek and Harocies. Return to the boat for lunch and take in the passing scenery as you make your way toward Aswan.

Marvel at the unfinished Obelisk, frozen in time in the bustling ancient city of Aswan. Enjoy local cuisine and tour the Philae Temple, which was moved piece by piece and entirely reconstructed on the island of Algikia during the building of the Aswan High Dam. In the afternoon, relax on a traditional felucca sailing boat and feel the wind in your hair as you tack back and forth in the current of the Nile. Return to your suite on board for a last evening on the river.

Disembark from your luxury cruise and take a short flight to magnificent Abu Simbel. Set on the shores of the man-made Lake Nasser, the colossal temple of Ramses II is one of the most iconic sights in Egypt. Wander at the feet of imposing statues and imagine the might of the reign of Ramses II. Later this afternoon, return to Cairo, where your private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

Journey north to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, a city with a fascinating blend of ancient and modern cultures. Tour the Bibliotheca of Alexandria, an homage to the famed ancient library and a hub of art, history and culture. Wander the glittering seaside esplanade, then head underground to view the catacombs. Your private guide will be there to tailor the day to your interests.

Explore the varied sites of Alexandria before you journey back to Cairo.

Drive to Fayoum Oasis for an adventure into the desert in a 4 x 4 Jeep, making your way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Valley of the Whales, or Wadi al Hitan. This unique desert landscape yields the highest concentration and quality of whale fossils and shows the dramatic evolution of these creatures. Scattered throughout are fossils that vividly showcase their changing form and way of life during their transition from land mammals to a marine existence. This fascinating place is unlike anyplace else on earth. After a day of ancient fossils and wild desert landscapes, return to vibrant Cairo for your final night in Egypt.

After breakfast, your private guide will take you to Cairo International Airport, where you say your goodbyes and connect with your flight home or to your onward destination.