Itinerary
Day 1: Monday - Arrive in Cairo
Welcome to Egypt, one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations. Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Cairo.
Day 2: Tuesday - The Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza
After breakfast, visit the Pyramids of Giza, built during the 3rd and 4th dynasties of the Old Kingdom. These monumental undertakings stand as a marvelous testimony to the almost unbelievable skill and determination of their builders. Get a close-up view of the Great Pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, as well as the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Not far from the Pyramids, see the great Sphinx of Giza, the legendary statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, amazingly carved out of one huge piece of limestone. Next, visit a shop where you can view a quick demonstration of how the papyrus paper is made from the papyrus grass. Browse the collection of artwork on display. Leisure time this afternoon or, join the optional tour to Memphis & Sakkara with lunch. In Sakkara, site of hundreds of tombs, view the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser. Visit Memphis, the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom, founded by King Menes. Now, is an open-air museum highlighted by a giant statue of Ramses II
Optional: Half Day Memphis & Sakkara with lunch
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Wednesday - Old Cairo, Flight to Aswan
After breakfast, explore the old side of Cairo. Visit the famed Hanging Church, a place of Orthodox worship constructed in the 3rd century. Next, see Abu Serga, known formally as Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. This place has great significance, as it is believed to be the spot where the Holy Family spent time during their journey in Egypt. Continue onward to Ben Ezra synagogue, which is the reputed location of Moses' discovery as a baby. A visit to the Gayer Anderson art museum, which houses a vast collection of local art, precedes the final visit of the morning to Ibn Tulun Mosque. The oldest mosque in Cairo comprises of six mihrabs, or prayer niches. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Cairo, before departing for the airport for a late afternoon flight to Aswan for overnight
Overnight: Aswan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Thursday - Flight to Abu Simbel
A flight from Aswan transports you back in time to the mighty Temple of Abu Simbel, reclaimed from the floodwaters of the Aswan High Dam and totally reconstructed in the present location. The site is dominated by the looming twin temples of Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari. It is one of the most recognizable ancient sites of Egypt. On your way back visit the High Dam before returning to the hotel. Later, join the optional Aswan Felucca Ride and enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard a felucca, the traditional sailboat of Egypt used along the Nile and watch the exquisite sunset
Optional: Aswan Felucca Ride
Overnight: Aswan
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Friday - Nile Cruise Embarkation
This morning, choose to take part in the optional Half Day Nubian Village by Motorboat Tour. Spend time visiting Gharb Soheil, walking through the local market to get a taste of the unique culture and traditions. Afterwards, embark on the Nile Cruise. After lunch on board, take a tour to Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Arrive by motorboat and marvel at the Temple's beautiful island location. Next, stop at a perfume factory and then return to the ship for dinner
Optional: Half Day Nubian Village by Motorboat Tour
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Saturday - Kom Ombo, Edfu & Esna
Tour the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, that is dedicated to Horus, the Sky God, and Sobek, the Crocodile God. Admire the fascinating detailed reliefs on the walls. After lunch on board, sail towards Edfu. Take a tour to the stunning Temple of Horus in Edfu, considered one of the best preserved of all the Egyptian temples. It was built during the Ptolemaic times and was completed over a 180-year period. The temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris. Its extravagant design and sheer size is an indication of the country's prosperity at the time. Cross Esna Lock and sail onward towards Luxor
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Sunday - Luxor West Bank
View the magnificence of the Luxor West Bank on this morning’s optional excursion. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO listed Valley of the Kings, the necropolis of Thebes and admire the tombs of ancient Egypt’s rulers. Next, head to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a colonnaded structure surrounded by cliffs and learn about the life of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s longest-reigning female ruler. Visit an alabaster factory, where you can view a demonstration of grinding alabaster the old fashion way. Browse the extensive collection of alabaster pieces. Conclude the tour at the Colossi of Memnon: two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Return to the ship for lunch
Optional: Hot Air balloon Over the West Bank
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Monday - Temples of Karnak & Luxor, Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembark from the ship. Take a sightseeing tour of the East Bank of Luxor. Visit the magnificent Temples of Karnak, dating back over 3,000 years. Walk along the avenue of the Sphinxes and marvel at the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive sandstone columns. After exploring this ancient structure, visit a shop where you can view a quick demonstration of how the papyrus paper is made from the papyrus grass. Browse the collection of artwork on display. Afterward, head to Luxor Temple to admire the colossal statues of the great pharaoh Ramses II then transfer to your Luxor hotel. After time at leisure, choose to attend the optional Sound & Light Show held at the Karnak Temple where ancient and poetic voices tell about the birth of Karnak temple and the heroic achievements of pharaohs and god Amun. A spectacular and unforgettable evening!
Optional: Sound & Light Show in Karnak
Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Tuesday - Flight to Cairo
This morning, transfer to the airport for flight to Cairo. Lunch is on your own upon arrival. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, or take part in an opportunity to join the optional Egyptian Museum, a neoclassical building located on Tahrir Square. The museum houses the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Overnight Cairo
Optional: Egyptian Museum
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Wednesday - Depart Egypt
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast