DAY 1 – YOUR EGYPT ADVENTURE

Cairo & the Nile

In the heart of Cairo on the banks of the River Nile, the Hotel opens the door to discovering Egypt’s 5,000-year-old ancient mysteries. Just a short drive away, set out to explore the majestic pyramids, the 1,000-year old market, the 12th-century citadel and the ancient Egyptian museum. Later, experience Cairo’s breathtaking sunset from the Nile on a traditional felucca, dine at our nine acclaimed restaurants, relive the pharaoh’s beauty secrets at the Spa or simply take an art tour to see the collection of contemporary local artwork that fills the halls.

DAY 2

Explore Cairo

Tour 7,000 years of history at the Egyptian museum, which houses the largest collection of Egyptian art in the world.  Key features of the museum include the treasures of Tutanhkamun, including his gold mask and his beautiful throne.

Visit the fascinating Khan El-Halili Bazaar, reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East.  Originally founded as a watering shop for caravans in the 14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions.  Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets with your guide where you will find workshops and stalls selling all manner of things.

Finally, visit the Citadel, a medieval fortress perched high on limestone hills above Cairo, built in 1176 to protect the city from Crusaders.  Today, the complex houses mosques and museums including the National Military Museum.

DAY 3

Great Pyramids of Giza

Begin with the legendary city of Memphis, founded in 3,100 BC by Menes, the Pharaoh who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Next, move to Sakkara, a former necropolis and the place where the very first pyramids were built as tombs for kings.

Discover the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the first pyramid ever built and the world’s oldest freestanding stone structure. The Great Pyramids of Giza are the only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built over 4,500 years ago as giant tombs for the mummies of the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menakaue, who were a father, son, and grandson.

Nearby sits the enigmatic Sphinx with the body of a lion and the face of a man wearing a royal head cloth, which workers may have based on King Khafre to guard his enormous funerary monument.

DAY 4

Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa

Today you will visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa, The Roman Amphitheater and The Alexandria National Museum.  The Catacombs of Kom El Shuqafa is the largest Roman burial site discovered in Egypt to date, consisting of three tiers of tombs and chambers.

The only Roman amphitheater in Egypt was discovered quite recently.  The well-preserved theatre once stood with thirteen semi-circular tiers of white marble imported from Europe.  It contains galleries, mosaic-flooring and marble seating.

Alexandria National Museum is a former palace for one of the wealthy wood merchants in the city, who built it in the style of Italian architecture.  The museum comprises more than 1800 archaeological pieces that narrate the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic, Islamic and modern history of Egypt.

DAY 5

Valley of Kings

Today you will fly to Luxor where you will check-in to your five-star deluxe Nile cruise boat. Upon arrival you can visit the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor, the West Bank and explore the Valley of Kings.  You also have the opportunity to visit two tombs in the Valley of the Queens and visit the Temple of Queen Hatsepsut.

On the way back to the river Nile, pass by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn.

Enjoy a folkloric and Whirling Dervish show while sipping on Egyptian wine followed by a gourmet dinner.

DAY 6

Temple of Khnum at Esna

Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Karnak and then continue with your cruise onward to Esna while enjoying lunch.  This afternoon your Egyptologist will guide you around the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna.  The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle hall was built during the region of the Roman Emperor Claudius.

Afternoon tea will be served as you sail to Edfu where you will enjoy a delicious dinner on board.

DAY 7

Temple of Edfu

This morning you will enjoy breakfast on board before visiting Edfu Temple and exploring the extraordinary Temple of Horus.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god: Sobek. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank.

This evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner as well a an Egyptian Night costume party, with a chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian galabeyyas.

DAY 8

Philae Temple & Elephantine Island

Following breakfast on board, visit the Tombs of the Nobles, which are tombs of ancient Egyptian governors and nobles.  Enjoy lunch on board followed by a short boat ride to visit the majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilika where you will see the Unfinished Obelisk.

Next, take a ride on a felucca (a typical Egyptian sailboat) around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (weather permitting).

Enjoy your final evening on board the cruise boat.

DAY 9

Temple of Abu Simbel

This morning, you will fly to Abu Simbel where you will visit the Temple of Abu Simbel built by the Great Ramses II. This temple is one of the most recognizable images in the country.

Two temples, namely the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, fronted by the four colossal statues of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses’ favorite wife Queen Nefertari. Both were moved to their current location when the creation of Lake Nasser threatened their existence.

Following your tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cairo.

DAY10

Departure

Today you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your international flight home.