According to Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, the Egyptian civilisation was ‘the gift of the Nile’ – perhaps never have so few words so clearly encapsulated the very basis of a whole culture and its empire. The Nile then, as now, is the lifeblood of Egypt and it’s extraordinary just how little has changed along its verdant banks over the millennia. Our five-star Nile cruise explores the mighty monuments, intriguing history and extraordinary artistic masterpieces from the oldest of all the ancient civilisations. We fly to Luxor, known as Thebes in ancient times and centred on the two great temple complexes of ancient Egypt – Karnak and Luxor. Situated on the East Bank of the Nile, both are dedicated to the sun god, Amun Ra, the giver of life. Karnak’s 134 gigantic columns stretch up to 80 feet high and are covered in hieroglyphics – look carefully for traces of the original colours that are still visible. More than 30 pharaohs added to and improved the site over a period of 600 years, right up to the time of Cleopatra. The West Bank, where the sun sets, was reserved for the funerary temples of the pharaohs and their underground tombs – the famous Valley of the Kings. Here we’ll have the incredible experience of following in Howard Carter’s footsteps when we enter King Tutankhamun’s tomb and imagine his sense of wonder as he peered through the darkness to discover the one and only pharaoh’s tomb that remains intact. Only three tombs may be visited at a time and these may vary, as some are closed on a rotating basis to protect them from too much exposure to humidity created by visitors. As our ship sails south, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the passing scenery from the sun deck or plunge pool with a cool drink in hand. We pass the great docks at Esna and spend some time in Aswan, so you can enjoy the town and visit the Aswan High Dam and temple of Isis at Philae, as well as experience an atmospheric afternoon sail on a traditional felucca. Early next morning we board the short flight for our included visit to the incredible temples of Abu Simbel. This is surely one of the great highlights of any visit to Egypt! Built in the 12th-century BC, the temples were covered with sand and forgotten until their rediscovery in 1813 by the Swiss explorer, Jean-Louis Burckhardt, who also discovered Petra in Jordan. Upon our return to Aswan, we visit a typical Nubian village on one of the islands in the Nile to get a glimpse of local life. As our ship sails back north, visit the riverside temple complex at Kom Ombo, which is uniquely dedicated to two gods and features some of the earliest depictions of surgical instruments. Today’s Egyptians are immensely proud of their ancient lineage, and with typical Middle Eastern courtesy and hospitality, they are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you are likely to meet.