Cairo (3 nights)

cruising on the Zahra (7 nights)

...visiting Luxor, Karnak, the Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, the High Dam and Philae and Cairo (1 night).

In the 19th century, aristocrats and sophisticated travellers loved to cruise the Nile in style in the comfort of their private 'dahabiyyas', beautifully crafted wooden ships with from four to ten cabins and a host of servants. They rented the boats for many weeks at a time, and made their way from temple to temple enjoying the river breeze. Dahabiyyas were popular amongst those who wished to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace, to drink in the landscapes, and peruse the monuments and villages on the riverbanks. We have revived those elegant days, but with modern comforts and conveniences. We are proud to offer two dahabiyyas for the forthcoming 2007/8 season, following the successful introduction of the Zahra (translated as 'flower') in 2006, her sister ship, the Nesma (meaning 'breeze') will sail in the opposite direction to the Zahra. Both are exclusive to Bales Worldwide and you will not find anything similar offered by any other tour operator in the United Kingdom. Join us on an idyllic, tranquil journey on a sailboat fit for a king!

• Scheduled direct flights, including U.K. airport passenger duty and service charge

• Experienced English-speaking guide on the Zahra, exclusive to Bales passengers

• Private air-conditioned vehicle, exclusive to Bales clients for transfers

• Sightseeing as detailed, including entrance fees

• Tipping Included for transfers, porters and the private guide and crew on board the dahabiyya

• Modern first class hotels, exclusive 'dahabiyya'

• 11 full breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners

• Wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included on the cruise

• Minimum participation 2 passengers

Afternoon non-stop flight by British Airways from London Heathrow to Cairo (4 hours 50 minutes). On arrival you will be met by our representative and taken direct to the Mena House Oberoi Hotel (Garden Wing), the nearest hotel to the Pyramids of Giza. You may request a guaranteed Pyramid View Room in the Garden Wing for a special price of £45 per person for 3 nights (double or single).

Hotel: Mena Garden Oberoi Hotel

Day 2

We have left the time in Cairo free. Our representatives can offer a variety of optional excursions in and around this great city. Not to be missed are the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, easily reached from your hotel, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in the centre of Cairo, and the superb monuments at ancient Memphis and Saqqara.

Hotel: Mena Garden Oberoi Hotel

Day 3

At leisure in Cairo.

Hotel: Mena Garden Oberoi Hotel

Day 4

Fly to Luxor (1 hour 5 minutes) and embark on the Zahra, your exclusive 'dahabiyya', for a relaxing week spent cruising on the Nile . After lunch visit the West Bank and enter the atmospheric setting of the Valley of the Kings , where the tombs of the once mighty pharaohs lie amongst the desert landscapes of the Nile Valley . Also pay a visit to the Valley of the Queens and the magnificent mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, passing the imposing Colossi of Memnon en route. Overnight mooring on the Nile banks of Luxor.

Hotel: The Zahra

Day 5

A leisurely morning is planned, affording the time to relax and take in the surroundings. After lunch visit Luxor's East Bank, taking time to explore the magnificent settings of Luxor and Karnak Temples . These sumptuous monuments, built over 4000 years ago, represent the epoch of the once mighty city of Thebes and the worship of the God Amun. Karnak 's immense Hypostyle Hall alone contains the phenomenal sight of 134 towering columns of intricate stonework. Return to your dahabiyya for dinner. Overnight mooring in Luxor.

Hotel: The Zahra

Day 6

Today will be a leisurely day. After breakfast, commence your journey to Esna where you will moor overnight.

Hotel: The Zahra

Day 7

Passing through the lock at Esna, your voyage continues, towards the magnificent and spectacularly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, constructed in the 3rd century BC and, after Karnak , the largest temple in Egypt . Overnight private mooring beside a Nile Island.

Hotel: The Zahra

Day 8

Sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Ptolemaic temple, uniquely dedicated to two Gods - the falcon God Horus and Sobek, the crocodile God. Its superb location overlooking the Nile and its perfect double symmetry makes this one of the most picturesque on the river. Overnight private mooring beside a Nile island.

Hotel: The Zahra

Day 9

A final morning of cruising will bring us to Aswan , where we have the afternoon to relax. Overnight at a private moorning near Aswan.

Hotel: The Zahra

Day 10

Today we will visit the High Dam, Old Dam and the beautiful Philae Temple , dedicated to the Goddess Isis, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the dam was constructed. Return to the boat for lunch. Once more overnight at your private mooring near Aswan.

Hotel: The Zahra

Day 11

This morning bid farewell to the crew and disembark the boat after breakfast, with an opportunity to visit the spectacular temples of Abu Simbel by air, before the flight back to Cairo (1 hour 30 minutes). Built by Ramses II, the setting of this magnificent structure, besides the shores of Lake Nasser , makes it one of the most spectacular of Egypt's ancient sites. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this excursion (£195 per person). On arrival in Cairo transfer to the Movenpick Heliopolis Hotel.

Hotel: Mena Garden Oberoi Hotel

Day 12

Morning non-stop flight by British Airways to London Heathrow, arriving in the afternoon.