• Hotels (10 nts), overnight train (1 nt)

• Plane, overnight sleeper train, private van, felucca, taxi, horse-drawn carriage, camel, donkey (seasonal)

Days 1-2 Cairo

Explore the bustling bazaars or head out of town to the Coptic Christian sector, a haven amid the chaos of Cairo. Giza is merely a stone's throw from the city centre, so travel out with a local guide and camels and explore the giant pyramids - crawl inside if you're game. Discover the legends of the ancient Egyptians, including the tale of the Sphinx, reputed to devour any passer-by who couldn't solve its riddle. Unlock the secrets of the Pharaohs at the Egyptian Museum, which houses the treasures of Tutankhamun together with a wealth of other ancient artefacts.

Days 3-4 Aswan

Experience Nubian family life with a visit to a community on the banks of the Nile. Walk with a local host through the village and to the tranquil Kitchener Botanical Gardens. Climb aboard a felucca to cruise down the mighty river and share a lunchtime feast on-board. Visit the nearby Nubian museum and view their impressive collection of prehistoric relics.

Days 5-7 Luxor

Take a horse and carriage ride to the souq and wander through the fascinating array of stalls. Early the next morning, perhaps take an optional balloon ride over the Nile, and then ride donkeys to the Valley of the Kings to discover dusty ancient tombs. Maybe even visit the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun or head to the Mummification Museum. Enjoy a shopping tour at a local market, and participate in a cooking lesson before heading back to relax by the pool.

Days 8-10 Hurghada

Enjoy a beachside interlude amid azure seas and rocky golden plains. Laze and swim the days away on the Red Sea shore or head underwater to snorkel among the dazzling coral and exotic fish. Feast on seafood nightly and see Saudi Arabia twinkle in the evening light on the other side of the sea.

Days 11-12 Cairo

Take an early morning flight back to Cairo. Haggle with local tradespeople in the Middle East's largest souq for everything from papyrus paintings and belly dancing outfits to fez hats and water pipes. Otherwise, sit back and sip tea with locals as the melodic call to prayer rings through the town or see a demonstration of sufi dancing. Celebrate the end of this Egyptian adventure with a final meal at a local restaurant - sampling traditional cuisine - chicken kebab, kofta (spicy, minced lamb) and delicious fuul (bean paste).