The line said trade bookings to the destination – which was introduced in Scenic’s first full brochure for Egypt & Jordan in September – had so far amounted to 60% of the programme’s sales.

Scenic’s cruise and tour itineraries will depart in April and include an 11-day Treasures of Egypt trip from Cairo, featuring the pyramids of Giza, Luxor and a four-day Nile cruise.

Angela Sloan, head of UK sales, said: “We have had many agents interested and excited to promote these brand new itineraries,” adding: “With a new brochure… we would expect even more interest in Egypt in 2018”.

Sloan said she believed Egypt “remains the trip of a lifetime” for travellers, with recent archaeological finds in areas such as Luxor helping to drive interest in the country.

Brand manager Nichola Absalom added: “There is renewed interest in the market and working closely with local experts and travel operators in the region we have a number of exceptional itineraries that take passengers to ancient landmarks where they can experience real wonder relatively free of tourist crowds.”