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The famed Nile has witnessed the rise of Pharaohs and the fall of many great kingdoms. Today, it flows alongside ancient temples and thriving modern cities, and virtually teems with life along its ever-fertile banks. Cruise this mighty river as you meet the people, learn the history, and discover the realities behind the fascinating relics and colorful legends of Egypt. Your Egyptologist tour manager opens the door of adventure and knowledge.
Inclusions
- On-tour flights: Cairo/Luxor, Aswan/Abu Simbel/Cairo
- 3 nights in pyramid view rooms at Cairo's Mena House Oberoi Hotel
- 2 nights at the Helnan Palestine Hotel in Alexandria
- 2 nights at the Conrad Cairo
- 1 night at Concorde El Salam Hotel Cairo
- 6 night Nile River cruise aboard the deluxe Oberoi Philae Cruiser
- 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners (bottled water included)
Highlights
- Sightsee at the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx and Solar Boat Museum
- Visit seldom-seen Dahshur's Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid
- Explore the Egyptian Museum, including the Mummy Room
- Visit the magnificent Karnak and Luxor temples
- Take a flight excursion to experience amazing Abu Simbel
- Visit the Mediterranean seaport of Alexandria
- Explore Dendera, Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples
- See Aswan and the Aswan High Dam
- Cruise up the Nile from Luxor to Aswan
- Enjoy the company of an experienced Egyptologist tour manager
Special Features
- Enjoy a presentation by an Egyptian archaeologist, have lunch in the Khan El Khalili Bazaar and visit King Tut's tomb in the Valley of the Kings.
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 - Depart USA/Arrive Cairo
Make your way from the USA to Cairo. For the next three nights, your room overlooks the timeless Giza Pyramids at the world famous Mena House Oberoi Hotel.
Day 3 - Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
Today, gaze upon feats of architectural wonder from the back of a camel as you make your way to the Pyramids at Giza. Later, see the Solar Boat, found buried next to the Great Pyramid and believed to provide passage for the Pharaoh in the afterlife. Have a good look at the mysterious Sphinx and ponder the puzzle of its origin. This afternoon, travel to Memphis, the capital of Egypt in ancient times. Sightseeing includes the mastaba (tomb) of Mereruka and Djoser's Step Pyramid, the oldest freestanding stone structure in the world. At the reception this evening, a presentation will be given by an Egyptian archaeologist on old and modern Egypt.
Day 4 - Dahshur Pyramids/Pyramids Sound & Light
Today, enjoy some of the seldom-seen pyramid treasures of Egypt. The Red Pyramid is often overlooked, but is just as impressive as its Giza counterparts. The Red Pyramid is also thought to be the "training ground" for the Giza Pyramids, being older in origin. Another is the Bent Pyramid, sometimes referred to as "the shining pyramid" because it still possesses much of its smooth outer casing. This evening, attend the Sound & Light Show overlooking the Sphinx and Giza Pyramids.
Day 5 - Alexandria
Set out across northern Africa's desert to the ancient Mediterranean seaport of Alexandria. Visit the Alexandria National Museum of Antiquities and see Montazah Palace. Your final stop of the day is at the catacombs, dating from Roman times and filled with pharaonic art.
Day 6 - Alexandria
Continue your sightseeing with views of Sultan Bey's Fort and the Roman Amphitheater. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandria, a modern reconstruction of one of the most celebrated centers of learning in human history. Your afternoon is free.
Day 7 - Egyptian Museum/Cairo
Return to Cairo to visit the Egyptian Museum. Explore an enormous collection of more than 00,000 items, including the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb, mummies ranging from the 18th to the 20th Dynasties and artifacts from ancient royal palaces.
Day 8 - Khan El Khalili Bazaar/Old Cairo
Walk the streets of Old Cairo this morning to see the Mohammed Ali Mosque, the Ben Ezra Synagogue and one of the renowned Coptic churches. Then enjoy a shopping experience at the notorious bazaar of Khan El Khalili.
Day 9 - Luxor/Embark Nile Cruise
After a flight south up the Nile Valley to Luxor, known in ancient times as Thebes, step aboard a luxurious cruiser for a journey along the timeless Nile. Observe everyday life on the banks of the river as you float along on board the Oberoi Philae.
Day 10 - Dendera
Explore the Temple of Dendera, dedicated to the Egyptian God Hathor, to see hieroglyphics chronicling the reigns of several pharaohs. In the inner temple is a copy of the famous Dendera Zodiac.
Day 11 - Karnak and Luxor Temples
This morning, tour the massive Karnak Temple complex at Luxor. Pass through three small temples and step into the architectural masterpiece of the Hypostyle Hall. This complex was once considered the ultimate house of worship. Then visit the smaller Temple of Luxor, built by Amenhotep III and Rameses II, which was buried under desert sand for centuries and therefore is now well preserved.
Day 12 - Valley of the Kings/Valley of the Queens
Enter the secluded Valleys of the Kings and Queens, located on the West Bank of Luxor. The valley is home to 64 pharaohs' tombs plus those of queens and nobles. Visit the tomb of King Tutankhamun, discovered early last century and the only pharaonic tomb to remain unlooted over the millennia. See the colonnaded temple of Egypt's only female pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut, and the famed Colossi of Memnon.
Day 13 - Edfu/Kom Ombo
Visit Edfu to see the Temple of Horus, the falcon god. Later, travel to the magnificent Temple of Kom Ombo. This temple is a beautiful sight at sunset when the light makes the stone especially colorful.
Day 14 - Aswan
In Aswan see one of the world's greatest engineering feats, the Aswan High Dam. It created Lake Nasser, at more than 500 miles long and one of the world's largest artificial lakes. Visit Philae Temple, which was moved to its current island to rescue it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Philae features two pylons displaying all the ancient deities of Isis and Osiris.
Day 15 - Abu Simbel/Cairo
Your Nile cruise comes to an end today as you fly over Lake Nasser to Abu Simbel, a stunning Nubian site with its temple built to honor Rameses II and his wife, Nefertari. Originally carved into the surrounding sandstone cliffs in 50 B.C., this masterpiece also faced relocation due to the High Dam construction. Twice a year, the sun is able to penetrate to the innermost sanctuary and shine on the statues of Rameses II and Amon Ra, the Sun God. Late this afternoon is your return flight to Cairo. This evening, recount the favorite moments of your journey with fellow travelers at your farewell dinner.
Day 16 - Departure day
Flights depart Cairo this morning for your return home. Saida, as-salam alaikoom! |
