Wonders of Egypt

Upon arrival in Cairo, we will be met by our expert guide and transferred to our hotel in Cairo where our journey into antiquity begins. Cairo, the Triumphant City, is the glorious capital of Egypt, the cradle of civilization and a beacon of religion. It is the largest city in the Middle East and in Africa and lies at the centre of all routes leading to and from the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. Greater Cairo extends on the banks of the River Nile to the south of its delta. Here the Nile divides into two tributaries, the Rosetta and the Damietta. It is the city where the past and present meet. On its East Side stands the evidence of 2000 years of Islamic, Christian Coptic and Jewish culture still flourishing to this day. On its West Side lies the Ancient Egyptian city of Memphis (Giza), the renowned capital of the Old Kingdom and the site of the Pyramids, the only wonder of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World surviving. Indeed, a journey through Cairo is a journey through time, a journey through the history of an immortal civilization.

Accommodation: 2 Nights

After a relaxing breakfast at our hotel, we join our guide for a full-day tour to explore the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx as well as the wonders of Memphis and Sakkara. A delicious lunch is also included.

Our day includes visits to Cheops' Pyramid, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the Sphinx, the great god-lion sentinel. Built over 35 centuries ago, the towering pyramids were erected to preserve bodies and treasures for the afterlife. Later we continue on to Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, and Sakkara, the "City of the Dead", to see the step pyramid of King Zoser and the Wall of Cobras. This evening is free to explore on your own.

After breakfast at OUR hotel, we transfer back to the Cairo Airport for our flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to our ship, our floating hotel for the next 4 nights /5 days as we cruise up the Nile. We check-in in time for a sumptuous lunch on board.

Luxor is a city often called the "world's greatest open-air museum." The sheer number of preserved monuments in the area is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Luxor is actually composed of three different areas: the city of Luxor - located on the east side of the Nile, the town of Karnak, located just north of Luxor, and Thebes which is on the west side of the Nile across from Luxor.

After lunch, we visit the East Bank and discover the glories of the Luxor and Karnak Temples, a holy city of pylons, hypostyle halls, colossal statues and obelisks built over many centuries, dedicated to the God Amon Ra, his consort Mut and their son Khonsu. After our visit, we return to our ship for afternoon tea. Tonight we enjoy dinner including an evening of entertainment with belly dancing and an Egyptian folkloric show.

Accommodation: Cruise Boat – 4 Nights

After breakfast on board, we visit the West Bank of Luxor where we will explore the astonishing and extensive New Kingdom city of "Thebes" which includes the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at El-Deir El-Bahari. At approx. 1:00 pm, we set sail for Esna. Tonight is a special treat with our captain-hosted welcome cocktail and dinner on board with disco & music in the evening.

This morning we reach Edfu where our ship navigates the river locks in time to view the Horus Temple before continuing on to Kom Ombo.  This afternoon we visit the temple shared by two gods Sobek & Haeroris in Kom Ombo. We then return to the cruise for dinner on board.

Our journey continues southward this morning en route to Aswan. On arrival, we visit the famous High Dam and the Temple of Philae. After lunch on board, we join a smaller vessel, a traditional sailboat called a felucca, and visit the Botanical Garden. This evening is a special “meet the locals” night just for our group. We meet our Nubian guest host for a leisurely stroll of their local village to learn about Nubian tribal history and traditions and to meet with some of the villagers. Then we are off to the family home for a traditional ‘sit on the blanket’ evening meal with an array of delicacies to choose from Nile perch, spice-infused rice, tomato soaked chicken pieces and even some homemade beer to wash it all down with. After our wonderful experience, we are transferred back to our ship for our overnight.

After breakfast on board, we disembark and transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, we will be transferred to our hotel for our final 2 nights in Egypt. The rest of our day is at leisure.

Accommodation: 2 Nights

After breakfast at the hotel, we are picked up and taken on a full day's in-depth tour of the city. Our visits include a tour of the fascinating Egyptian Museum, the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world. It features artifacts from the Pharaonic and Graeco Roman periods, including the celebrated mummies of ancient Egypt's kings with a special room for King Tutankhamun's treasures. From here we visit the Citadel which is situated on a spur of the Muqattam Hills and dominates Cairo's skyline. This site was the nerve center of the city and all of Egypt for almost 700 years. Its construction was initiated in 1176 by Saladin and completed by Muhammad Ali. Mameluke sultans and Turkish governors, later on, made it their residence, building palaces and mosques within the Citadel walls. Facing the Citadel is the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363 and perhaps the most majestic monument of Arab architecture in Egypt. We will also have time to visit the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar to shop and barter for souvenirs. A final ‘farewell’ lunch is also included today at a local restaurant.

After breakfast at the hotel we transfer to the airport for our flights home.