Egypt: Alexandria to Aswan

Few countries can rival Egypt’s wealth of magnificent archaeological sites, with the Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza ranking as two of the most recognisable in the world. It is a place like no other and on this two-week itinerary we explore its treasures across the length of the country. In the north there is the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria and El Alamein, the site of the famous Second World War battle. Cairo’s attractions are world famous but on this itinerary we also experience the bazaars and culinary delights on a food tour. Journeying south by sleeper train we reach the Nubian city of Aswan where we board our Nile cruise boat and discover the monuments and temples all the way to Luxor.

We use a range of four-star (local rating) properties throughout this trip and spend three nights navigating the Nile on a cruise boat. Below are the places where we typically stay during our time in Egypt.



Cairo: Cairo Pyramids Hotel (nights 1 to 4)







In Cairo, we typically use the Cairo Pyramids Hotel, which is located close to the Great Pyramids at Giza. The hotel has a pool, choice of dining options, and a fitness area.



Alexandria: Metropole Paradise Inn (night 5)







The Metropole Paradise Inn is located on the corniche with great views of the Mediterranean. It is a historical hotel with classical design throughout and dating back to 1902.



Alexandria to Aswan: Sleeper train (night 6)







We use first-class cabins with shared bathroom facilities.



Aswan: Basma Hotel (night 7)







All rooms in the Basma Hotel have balconies with views of the Nile or desert. The facilities in the rooms and in the hotel itself are excellent, including a choice of bars and restaurants and a huge swimming pool, all set amid well-maintained gardens.



Nile Cruise: M/S Nile Style (nights 8, 9 and 10)







We sail on the M/S Nile Style or a similar cruise boat. Facilities include a swimming pool, sundeck, gift shop, restaurant and lounge bar. Each of the 77 en suite cabins is fully air-conditioned and has a TV. Wifi is also available (it is stronger in the public areas).



Luxor: Iberotel (nights 11 and 12)





Iberotel is on the banks of the River Nile and just a 10-minute walk away from the Luxor Temple. It has a garden terrace and swimming pool with views of the West Bank.



Worth knowing



In common with all Nile cruises, the M/S Nile Style moors next to other boats at night, meaning you may only have a view of the river from your cabin while sailing.