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 and transferred to your hotel.
Day
2
FRI I CAIRO
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, featuring the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic artifacts and the treasures of Tutankhamen’s tomb. Then drive to Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished in Egypt. Here you will visit Al Moallaka Church (the Hanging Church), Saint Sergius Chuch, and Ben Ezra Synagogue. In the afternoon, a scenic drive will take you to explore the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, which have stood for the last 5000 years. (B,L)
Day
3
SAT I CAIRO I LUXOR
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor, the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. Here, you’ll drive through lush farmlands to the Nile waterfront, where our newest deluxe 5-star Deluxe Nile Cruise Ship, the “M/S Nebu”, awaits you. After a safety briefing, you’ll enjoy lunch onboard the ship and settle into your spacious and stylish suite. This afternoon, visit the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, burial sites for many of the most powerful and successful pharaohs and high priests. You’ll also visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and Medinet Habu Temple. (B,L,D)
Day
4
SUN I CAIRO I LUXOR
Today, the M/S Nebu proudly sets sail. As Luxor dwindles into the distance, you’ll join a procession of other stately cruise ships, amongst which the M/S Nebu surely takes the gold. This is the ideal opportunity to luxuriate in the peaceful rhythm of life on board the ship. In between sumptuous meals, cool off in the sparkling pool, sip cocktails in the shade on the deck, curl up with a good book, or capture everyday life along the Nile with your camera. (B,L,D)
Day
5
MON I EDFU I KOM OMBO I ASWAN
After breakfast today, continue cruising up the Nile, arriving at the Temple of Kom Ombo in the late morning. This temple, unlike many others in Egypt, was dedicated to two gods – the Southern section is dedicated to the god of fertility Sobek, known as the crocodile-headed man, and the Northern section is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. There is also a fascinating crocodile museum to visit here with many artifacts and mummified crocodiles on display. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onwards to the city of Aswan. (B,L,D)
Day
6
TUE I ASWAN I ABU SIMBEL I ASWAN
Have a delicious breakfast onboard the M/S Nebu and then head out for more adventuring. Today, you’ll get an idea of the vastness of Egypt’s ancient dynasties as we fly 175 miles south from Aswan to the visit the great twin temples of Abu Simbel. Along with the Temple of Isis at Philae, they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known collectively as the Nubian Monuments. Here, imposing 70-foot statues of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari overlook the Nile. After marveling at the architectural ingenuity of both the past and present, fly back to Aswan in time to enjoy lunch on board the ship. This afternoon, climb aboard a traditional felucca sailboat and sip sparkling wine in the glorious sunshine. (B,L,D)
Day
7
WED I ASWAN I KOM OMBO I EDFU
Rise and shine in Aswan with a full breakfast onboard the M/S Nebu before heading out to explore the area beginning with the massive Aswan High Dam. You’ll also take a short boat ride across the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam to visit the elegant Temple of Philae, another of UNESCO’s Nubian Monuments that had to be rescued from flooding. Philae was originally located near the First Cataract but was flooded after the construction of the Aswan Low Dam. From there, visit an ancient granite quarry, where you’ll see the famed Unfinished Obelisk. After lunch on board the ship, start your relaxing return cruise past Kom Ombo towards Edfu. This evening, don traditional galabeyas for a fun party on board. Dressed in traditional garb, you’ll be ready to dance like an Egyptian and to see a vibrant Oriental show with lively music that is sure to set the mood for a festive night like no other. (B,L,D)
Day
8
THU I EDFU I LUXOR
After breakfast, horse-drawn carriages will await you along the waterfront at Edfu for the ride through this small river city to the famously well-preserved temple of Horus. The largest temple dedicated to the falcon god, it is notable for the two stone falcons at its entrance and the huge relief figures on its façade. This afternoon, enjoy lunch on board the ship and more scenic Nile cruising as you return to Luxor. (B,L,D)
Day
9
FRI I LUXOR
Power up with breakfast on board before exploring two of Egypt’s most illustrious shrines: the Karnak and Luxor Temple complexes. You’ll be awed by the Great Hypostyle Hall, where a monolithic forest of 134 huge columns is ranked in 16 rows. The largest are 33 feet around and soar to 80 feet in height. After dinner this evening, you’ll be treated to a transfixing belly-dancing show on board the ship. Famed for its controlled and precise movements, Egyptian belly dancing is said to have originated in Cairo’s nightclubs before graduating to create stars of the silver screen. (B,L,D)
Day
10
SAT I LUXOR I CAIRO
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Nile and the crew of the M/S Nebu. Disembark and transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight. (B)
Day
11
