The restaurant staff, and indeed the crew throughout the boat, were also unfailingly excellent – “gracious and kind and most have a twinkle in their eye,” as one guest put it. The lounge, with its hard-backed upholstered benches, I found rather austere while my basic cabin was functional but not a place in which to while away the hours, even with a dog-eared copy of Death on the Nile on the go. 

Instead, I Mummified myself in layers and took that Nile-front seat on the sun deck as often as I could. As we cruised along the ancient waterfront, the boat captains, who follow a calling passed down through families, hailed friends on the bridges of passing ships with jaunty toots of the horn. White donkeys grazed the emerald green foreshores. Once again the mythic Nile was breathing life into Egypt’s future.

By Chris Leadbeater

How to do it: Uniworld (0808 168 9110; uniworld.com) offers numerous departures of its Splendors of Egypt & the Nile 12-day itinerary (a week cruising the Nile with days in Cairo at the start and end) from £3,999pp. Departs March–May and September–December; includes flights from Heathrow, transfers, all meals and local beer and wine aboard, on-board gratuities and land excursions with an Egyptologist. Read more: Everything you need to know about cruising the Nile.

10 ways to enjoy ancient Egypt – for all ages

So alluring a journey is a cruise down the Nile that, when it comes to considering a holiday to Egypt, its gleam can out-dazzle all other options. But you don’t have to be Hercule Poirot to discover that this junction-box country – where Africa meets the Middle East – is a versatile destination. 

Egypt is equipped with luxury beach resorts as well as sites of incomparable ancient importance, and intriguing Mediterranean cities as much as citadels in the sand. It can also, despite its many layers of history, work just as well for families and children as those who want to delve into the stories of this archaeological paradise. 

The following 10 getaways demonstrate its variety as a country for everyone, no matter your age or fascination.

Head to Port Said and beyond for a different way to cruise

If you’re more enthralled with the idea of a cruise, less with Agatha Christie or the Nile, there is more than one way to see Egypt from the deck of a ship. For those who prefer the journey rather than the arrival, the eight-day Three Continents voyage may well suit. The itinerary sticks to the promise in the title, departing from Athens (Europe), calling on Rhodes and Cyprus, docking at Ashdod in Israel (Asia), and anchoring at Port Said, at the mouth of the Suez Canal, for Africa, Egypt, and excursions to Cairo. 

How to do it: There are four editions of this particular cruise slated for this year (all in November and December) offered by Celestyal Cruises (0808 280 3549; celestyal.com). From £749pp; excluding flights.

Discover culture the kids will love on The Nile

So Nile cruises aren’t the best option for under 15s, but is it possible to tour Egypt with children? Is it too hot? Too heavy on history? Is it best to stick to the beach? If any of these questions concern you, one answer may be the Family Egyptian Sphinx, Pyramids and Nile River package. This 10-day group trip works its way up-river from Cairo to Luxor, taking in all the expected sights – but is tailored for travellers with children (the minimum age is five; the average child age 12). The itinerary also ends by the Red Sea, at Safaga. 

How to do it: Explore (01252 240 706; explore.co.uk) has three editions planned this year. From £1,828 adult; £1,583 child; including flights.