The Full House: Cairo & cruising the Nile

One of Ancient Egypt's most prominent cities, Luxor is a treasure trove of historic and cultural relics. Split between the West and East Bank, the highlights are many and the city is regarded as one of the greatest open-air museums on Earth. Venture to the sprawling Valley of the Kings, a maze of intricately-painted tombs (including Tutankhamun's), and wake early to visit the formidable Colossi of Memnon at sunrise. Across the river, the ancient Karnak Complex is an incredible collection of temples and obelisks. If you fancy a different perspective, enjoy a felucca sail or hot air balloon ride above this fascinating corner of Egypt.

For centuries, the Nile has been at the heart of Egyptian life and this vast, shimmering highway is the best vantage point from which to see the country's varied history. Hop aboard one of the many luxury cruisers (in Luxor or Aswan) and set sail... Along the way, you'll stop to marvel at the Valley of the Kings, examine the ancient temples of Aswan, or soar overhead in a hot air balloon. While you're on the move, find a lounger on the deck and something cool to sip on as the tranquil river scenes slide by. Bliss.

Just where the sparse sands of the Sahara find their end on the banks of the Nile, Aswan holds a deep history to be discovered. Days are spent getting lost in the colour of ancient Nubian villages, and exploring the the lofty Tombs of the Nobles and the Unfinished Obelisk. Of course, a felucca ride around the tiny river islands is in order, particularly if you stop off to see the beautiful botanical gardens or enjoy a picnic at the water's edge. Not far from Aswan, the iconic Abu Simbel is a staple on many bucket lists and you'll see finely-chiseled temples including Philae, the place where Egypt's last hieroglyphics were carved.

Sprawling, consuming and bursting with life, there are many facets to Cairo. Most famous for the iconic pyramids of Giza, standing like mysterious sentinels just beyond the city limits, you'll almost certainly want to visit either on a walking or horseback tour, before ending with private dinner under the stars. Back in the city, dive into the religious history on a stroll amongst Coptic churches and grand mosques, including the oldest in Africa, Ibn Tulum, and get to know Pharaonic Egypt at the Great Egyptian Museum: it houses over 120,000 exhibits including Tutankhamun's famous gold mask. As for souvenirs, the Khan el-Khalili souq has everything you could possibly hope to squeeze into your suitcase.