A night at the cursed temple with Howard Carter

February 2025 – Luxury travel company, Cookson Adventures has crafted the ultimate journey through Ancient Egypt, with off-limits access to its great tombs, exclusive beach dining setups and theatrical experiences, exploring temples after dark with the new actor-led narratives and personalised roles for each private group of guests.

This new adventure is set to bring the golden age of archaeology in 1920s Egypt vividly to life through a unique live retelling of the past. Guests will be transported back in time on an immersive experience where they will meet history’s greatest archaeologist and Egyptologist, Howard Carter, who in 1922 famously discovered Tutankhamen’s fully intact tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

While taking in the famous sights aboard the Nile’s most luxurious dahabiya (luxury private yacht), guests will be surprised to receive a pressing telegram from the famous Howard Carter. He will request the group’s urgent help as amateur archaeologists to help him unravel the ancient mysteries of the past and assist him in the quest of a lifetime. With exclusive after-dark access to one of Luxor’s iconic temples, guests will disembark for a dramatic evening of entertainment.

The scene will be set at a secret location with the unfolding of an evocative musical backdrop, underscored by professional local musicians. Carter will enlist the whole group in his mission of lifting a secret curse that has befallen his team. By working together to decode a series of mysteries in each catacomb, the temple will gradually light up and be fully revealed. If successful, guests can join Carter and his team at their archaeological camp set up in the shadow of the temple to enjoy a celebratory fireside feast under the night’s sky.

Founder of Cookson Adventures, Henry Cookson, comments; “A slow and luxurious private voyage down the Nile surrounded by your friends and family is constantly alluring. We always look to create something special for our guests so they can engage with the fascinating history that surrounds them in as interactive a way as possible. Here, the suspense builds from the moment the telegram is delivered on board your dahabiya. By bringing in professional actors and musicians, the evening is cinematic in its atmosphere and scope. This exclusive experience recreates the excitement of discovery and harks back to that adventurous spirit that led to explorers flocking to Egypt in the 1920s and a worldwide fascination with Ancient Egypt, as mysterious objects and spectacular tombs were unveiled for the first time”.

This ultra-luxury private charter from Luxor to Aswan will take in many of the Nile’s greatest wonders, from Abu Simbel to Karnak, with expert Egyptologist guides. When not watching river life play out in the utmost comfort onboard, Cookson Adventures will organise access all-area experiences, unique dining setups and aerial adventures. From hot air balloon rides over the Nile’s floodplains to kayaking out to secret islands, guests will be able to experience Egypt’s iconic sights differently on this new yachting adventure for 2025.