From Cairo, to Luxor, to Abu Simbel, and on to Alexandria, travel in style as you explore the treasures of EgyptSee the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic artifacts and the treasures of Tutankhamen’s tomb at the Egyptian Museum of AntiquitiesTake in the famed sights of Luxor including the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, and moreBoard your luxury vessel in Luxor and enjoy a leisurely sailing along the glorious Nile as you delve into astounding antiquities in Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and AswanSail on board a traditional Egyptian sailing “felucca” for a view of Kitchener’s Island Botanical Garden and the Agha Khan MausoleumMarvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Solar Boat Museum, the ancient city of Memphis, and Sakkara’s Step Pyramid
Itinerary
Day
1
THU I CAIRO
Arrive in the Land of the Pharaohs. Upon completion of immigration and customs formalities at Cairo International Airport, you will be met at the exit by our representative and escorted to your hotel.
Day
2
FRI I CAIRO
Start your day with a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities which includes the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic artifacts and the treasures of King Tutankhamen’s tomb. Drive to Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished in Egypt. Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue and Saint Sergius Church. After lunch, drive to the Citadel of Saladin and visit Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque. Enjoy a walking tour of the largest 13th century covered oriental market, Khan El Khalili Bazaar. (B,L)
Day
3
SAT I CAIRO I LUXOR
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, transfer to your cruise ship. Accommodations onboard consist of outside cabins with private facilities. Visit the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple as well as the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. In the evening, enjoy an optional sound and light show at Karnak Temple. (B,L,D)
Day
4
SUN I LUXOR I ESNA I EDFU
Early this morning, you will sail to Edfu via Esna, where you will pass through the Esna Lock. (B,L,D)
Day
5
MON I EDFU I KOM OMBO I ASWAN
After breakfast, travel by horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus, considered the bestpreserved ancient temple in Egypt and the second largest after the Temple of Karnak. Back onboard, sail to Kom Ombo and visit the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris before continuing to Aswan. (B,L,D)
Day
6
TUE I ASWAN
This morning, visit the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and the temple of Isis at Philae. Later, sail on board a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, and view Kitchener’s Island Botanical Garden and the Agha Khan Mausoleum. (B,L,D)
Day
7
WED I ASWAN I ABU SIMBEL I ASWAN
Disembark this morning and transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Abu Simbel. Visit the Great Temple of Ramses II and the temple of his beloved Queen Nefertari. After visiting this magnificent site, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Aswan. Spend the balance of the day at leisure. In the evening, enjoy an optional sound and light show at the Temple of Isis at Philae. (B)
Day
8
THU I ASWAN I CAIRO
After breakfast, transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. Once there, your representative will assist and transfer you to your hotel. (B)
Day
9
FRI I CAIRO I ALEXANDRIA I CAIRO
Start your excursion to Alexandria by air-conditioned private vehicle with an English-speaking Egyptologist as your guide. Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shugafa and Qait Bay Fort. Stop for lunch and then proceed to the National Museum and the Alexandria Library, “Bibliotheca Alexandrina”. Return to Cairo for the evening. (B,L)
Day
10
SAT I CAIRO
Begin your day on a scenic drive to the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, which has stood for the last 5,000 years. Complete your visit at Giza with a tour of the Solar Boat Museum. After lunch, continue to the ancient city of Memphis, the first capital of United Upper and Lower Egypt, and then visit Sakkara, site of the Step Pyramid of Zoser. In the evening, see an optional sound and light show at the Pyramids. (B,L)
Day
11
SUN I CAIRO TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)
Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight. (B)