Explore Egypt

Salaam aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. Your adventure begins in Cairo – Egypt's chaotic capital, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Cairo is one of the great ancient cities and its history is symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza (one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World) and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. If you have time, why not wander the treasure-filled halls of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization or head out to explore the markets. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, the Christian Coptic sector is well worth a visit. Tonight, maybe hit the local nightlife and celebrate the start of an epic adventure.

After breakfast, set out to see some of Egypt’s most renowned sights. Visit Giza’s pyramids – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and the Sphinx. Explore these structures that have stood tall for 4500 years. You may even be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (at an additional charge). After, maybe make your way to the Grand Egyptian Museum – home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Here, you can see artefacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb, including jewellery and the famous golden death mask. Later, meet your leader and travel to Giza train station, where you’ll board a sleeper train to Aswan.

The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas – this is Aswan, Egypt's southernmost city. Today is a free day, so take the opportunity to see the sites, like the unfinished obelisk or the High Dam. The Nubian Bazaar is a must, and the Nubian Museum is at the top of many visitors’ lists. Maybe visit the Temple of Isis (goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated to Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings. Maybe stop at the waterfront promenade for a mint tea and watch the waterfront come alive at dusk, with families out strolling, socialising and relaxing along the corniche.

This morning is your best chance to head out of Aswan and visit Abu Simbel, if that’s on your list. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Otherwise, the day is free for you to make your own discoveries. A popular afternoon option is a boat ride around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Your local leader will be on hand to help you get the most out of your day. You may prefer to just relax and take in the beauty of the Nile or do some shopping in the vibrant bazaar.

This morning, jump on a traditional Egyptian sailboat (or felucca) to cruise along the Nile. After lunch on board the felucca, arrive at a Nubian homestay on the Nile’s west bank. Here, you’ll learn about the local way of life with a walk through the surrounding countryside and agriculture fields to reach the homestay. The house is built in traditional Nubian style, with a sandy courtyard in the middle where the family gathers for meals. Get into the swing of Egyptian life by lending a hand in the kitchen to help cook dinner or maybe kick around a football in the courtyard with the kids. There are few better ways to understand a country and its people than with a local homestay, and you’ll have the chance tonight to soak it all up.

Board another felucca and spend today out on the river, seeing rural Egyptian daily life play out on the banks before spending a night under the stars. Your sailing crew will provide all your onboard meals. The felucca is a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails, offering some shade and protection from the elements, but there is no cabin or enclosed section – watching the sun setting over the Nile in the evening from an open deck is an experience you won't forget.

After farewelling the felucca crew, take a private van to Luxor. Today, you’ll explore Karnak Temple, maybe the most impressive of all the ancient pharaohs' monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. Then, head over to Intrepid Foundation partner Animal Care in Egypt (ACE) – a local NGO dedicated to providing free veterinary care for wounded working animals. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax, shop in the bazaar (which is open until quite late) or soak up the atmosphere of a local teahouse.