The moment we step aboard the liveaboard, the outside world disappears. Calm seas carry us toward our first dives, but this is only the warm-up. Very quickly, we’re tracing the Egyptian coast into places most divers never reach, dropping into coral gardens bursting with life, sheer walls that fall away into blue, twisting coral tunnels, untouched pinnacles, and long, effortless drift dives that leave you grinning behind your regulator. The water feels electric. Schools of fish swirl, hammerheads appear out of the blue, grey reef sharks cruise past with purpose, and dolphins often make surprise appearances. This is the kind of trip divers talk about for years and regret skipping when they had the chance. The itinerary is intentionally unhurried, giving you the rare luxury of time, time to explore deeper, linger longer, and savor every dive instead of racing to the next one.

Both Brothers offer incredible wall diving, covered in soft corals and forests of gorgonians. The islands attract a wide variety of species including large tuna, jackfish and snappers, not to mention the hammerheads, oceanic white tips, silky sharks and mantas. Even the rare thresher shark is commonly spotted around these stunning islands.

There are two wrecks on the Big Brother; Aida(30-60m), an Egyptian supply vessel, and the Numidia(10-85m), a cargo ship that lies against the wall of the Big Brother. Both wrecks are covered in soft and hard corals. 

 A reef shaped like a horseshoe, the Dolphin House is an easy, lighthearted dive site that is ideal for recreational diving. As its nickname suggests, dolphins tend to fluctuate there and it is usually quite possible to encounter them and spending a bit of time swimming together. 

A lot of life can be found around Gubal Island, including an eel garden - look out for George the Eel! - and a reef filled with lots fish such as octopus, clownfish, parrotfish and butterfly fish. The barge at Bluff Point is a wonderful choice for a night dive, while wreck divers can visit the Ulysses (15-90ft) that lies on her port side and allows for easy, straightforward penetration. Scattered around the wreck on the seabed are bits and pieces from the ship, including a bathtub. 

On the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula, this national park offers some of the best diving worldwide. Due to its location and the varying salinity of the water, a remarkable array of marine life and plush sea walls are found there. Standout reefs include Shark and Yolanda, and whether you are new to diving or you are an experienced technical diver, Ras Mohamed promises a spectacular experience for all. 

A sister ship of the SS Thistlegorm (and bombed just the day after) Rosalie Moller is located at 100-165ft, making it suitable for experienced divers only. Covered in hard and soft coral, the wreck also attracts a range of species, including barracudas, tuna, jackfish and trevallies; meanwhile glass fish, lion fish and groupers can be spotted inside the wreck. 

The SS Thistlegorm is one of the most renowned wrecks in the world, regarded as a giant underwater museum and a special piece of history. Having sunk in 1941 after a bomb attack, today the Thistlegorm lies at 15-30m and offers a playground for divers that includes military trucks and motorcycles as well as boots, ammunition and a lot more. 

The four wrecks of Abu Nuhas - Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M - are all suitable for recreational diving. At a depth range of 15-10ft, their proximity to each other is what makes Abu Nuhas an especially notable wreck diving site. Covered in both soft and hard corals, the wrecks are an underwater dream for the avid photographer. Easy access to the machine rooms and engine room on both the Chrisoula K and Giannas D make it a perfect site for the explorer as well.

Abu Nuhas is not only revered for its wonderful wreck diving though, there is also a good chance of encountering dolphins. 

We disembark the vessel in the morning and head inland to Luxor, where ancient history rises from the desert around you. After checking into the elegant Sonesta St. George Hotel, there’s time to refresh before stepping into one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring experiences. As the sun lowers and the heat softens, we explore Luxor Temple at dusk, when the stone glows and the crowds thin, and the atmosphere feels almost unreal. The evening unfolds at an easy pace with a relaxed stroll along the river and the option to enjoy a leisurely meal before returning to the hotel. It’s the kind of evening that stays with you long after the trip ends.

We start early, before the heat and crowds arrive, heading into the Valley of the Kings to step inside a remarkable mix of open-air tombs and hidden burial chambers. This is your chance to stand where pharaohs were laid to rest and see details most visitors only glimpse briefly. From there, we continue on to the striking Temple of Hatshepsut, rising dramatically from the desert cliffs and unlike anything else in Egypt. By mid-day, we retreat back to our accommodations to rest and recharge in cool, quiet comfort. As the afternoon light softens, we return to the river for a classic Nile experience, gliding across the water on a traditional felucca as the day fades into evening. It’s a perfect balance of discovery and calm, and one of those moments that makes you glad you didn’t sleep in.

We spend the morning wandering through the vast Temple of Karnak, moving slowly beneath towering columns that have stood for thousands of years and offer welcome shade as the day begins. It’s one of those places that quietly overwhelms you the longer you linger. In the afternoon, we fly to Cairo and check into the Ramses Hilton, perfectly positioned along the Nile in the heart of the city. After settling in, there’s time to relax by the river and watch Cairo move around you. The evening is yours to enjoy, whether that means exploring nearby neighborhoods, savoring a local meal, or simply soaking in the energy of the city from a front-row seat.

Today is one of those days you’ll talk about forever. We begin at the Giza Plateau, standing face to face with the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx right beside them, close enough to really take it all in. After exploring under the sun, we slip into the nearby Grand Egyptian Museum, perfectly timed to cool off and dive deeper into the treasures that once lay hidden inside the pyramids themselves. Wander at your own pace, soak in the history, and if you’re not quite ready to head back out, there’s even a café where you can relax and recharge.

From there, we continue to the Valley of the Temples near Giza, Egypt’s newest major excavation and a place few travelers get to see. By afternoon, we’re back in the heart of Cairo at Khan el-Khalili, the largest souk in the Middle East. This is pure sensory overload in the best way: winding lanes, colorful textiles, spices in the air, and the hum of daily life all around you. Take your time browsing, people-watching, or simply soaking it all in. When you’re ready, you can head back to the hotel by taxi or meet the guide at the arranged time. No rush, just Cairo at its most alive.

Today dives deep into the soul of Cairo. We begin high above the city at the Citadel, taking in sweeping views before stepping inside the Alabaster Mosque, where light, space, and silence feel worlds away from the streets below. From there, we descend by guided car into the heart of the city to explore the ancient Coptic Hanging Churches, tucked into narrow lanes and layered with centuries of history. The contrast is striking, two completely different sides of Cairo in one morning.

We wrap up early, around 1:30 or 2:00 pm, leaving the rest of the day entirely yours. Our guide can drop you back at the hotel or anywhere else you’d like to explore on your own. It’s a perfect chance to wander, rest, or chase one last Cairo experience before the journey home tomorrow.

Time to head home.  Transfer from the Ramses Hilton to Cairo International Airport for your final departure.