For more than 25 years, Vassa Holidays Pvt Ltd has been setting the standards for luxury travel in Egypt, revealing to travellers the secrets of its ancient citadels, intriguing Pharaonic history and almost mystical pyramids. The only way to truly experience Egypt’s ancient history is from the vantage point of a cruise on the mighty Nile. Watch day break along this vast waterway on board one of Vassa Holidays Pvt Ltd’s Sun Boats or the Zein Nile Chateau Dahabiya by exclusive charter. These are the Nile’s most luxurious and most comfortable vessels, complete with sundeck, swimming pool, elegant furnishings, individual trips on feluccas and private docks. With eight offices throughout Egypt and more than 450 staff, Vassa Holidays brings to life the romantic and complex history of the ancient Egyptians and Pharaohs. With your private Egyptologist visit archaeological digs and get behind the scenes with occasional visits to tombs not normally open to the public such as that of Queen Nefertari.

Surrounded by contemporary comforts, outstanding cuisine and a breathtaking scenic backdrop, rekindle the romance of adventure inspired by Agatha Christie’s classic mystery, Death on the Nile, with a luxurious river cruise. Be swept up in the addictive chaos that is Cairo with your own Vassa Holidays Egyptologist to show you the pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum. Discover the eerie underground catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa in Alexandria. Travel west along the coast to El Alamein, scene of one of the decisive battles of World War II. Marvel at the enormity of the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Sleep under the stars while camping in the White Desert. Climb to St Catherine’s Monastery early morning to watch the sunrise.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL Three weeks before Ramadan: Moulid of Abu al-Haggag in Luxor, one of Egypt’s biggest festivals celebrating Luxor’s patron sheikh. Weatherwise: Autumn and winter (October to April) are the best months for cultural trips. May to September, though hot, has the advantage of fewer crowds at major sites.