Saturday: En Route
Depart the USA on your non-stop flight to Cairo, Egypt.
Sunday: Cairo
Arrival Cairo; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Monday: Cairo
Meet your private Egyptologist guide and begin the tour of the Three Great Pyramids, the oldest surviving structures built by man; enter one of the Pyramids. Stand in awe at the magnificent Sphinx carved out of a single piece of stone, guarding the Giza plateau. Try a camel ride before continuing to the new, spectacular, must-see Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) (subject to museum opening), the largest archaeological museum in the world with objects covering 5000 years of ancient Egyptian civilization. GEM is host to over 100,000 artifacts, including King Tut’s entire treasure collection. Stop for lunch before continuing to the astounding necropolis of Sakkara, where architecture was born. Stroll along the first large buildings in hewn stone in all history; see the centerpiece-the soaring Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Zoser, the first stone structure to appear in the world. On to the Pyramid of Dahshur, a fascinating link between the first Pyramid of Sakkara and the mighty Pyramid of Giza. Learn more about the “riddle of the Pyramids” as you explore the imposing Red Pyramid, with its tint of reddish limestone blocks and the Bent Pyramid. (B.L)
Tuesday: Cairo
Morning drive to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The Museum presents a richer and deeper insight into Egyptian culture through the ages; enter the fascinating Mummy Room housing all 22 Mummies (relocated from the Egyptian Museum). Drive to Old Cairo to visit the beautiful Coptic Church of St. Sergius where legend says Jesus and the Holy family stayed after fleeing from Jerusalem. Continue to the 9th century Ben Ezra Synagogue (subject to permission), the oldest in Egypt. Then, on to the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, at the 12th century Citadel of Saladin. After lunch, drive to the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar where shopping is an exotic experience. Overnight in Cairo. (B.L)
Wednesday: Cairo / Luxor / Qena
NILE CRUISE
Early Morning transfer to Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor, ancient city of Thebes. Upon arrival, transfer to the luxurious Oberoi Philae for a 7 Day/6 Night Nile Cruise. Sail to Qena. After lunch, visit the Temple of Dendera dedicated to Hathor, goddess of love, beauty and fertility, with its profusion of reliefs and inscriptions. Sip afternoon tea before arriving in Qena where the ship docks for overnight. (B.L.D)
Note: During low water period, the cruise cannot sail to Qena. Passengers will be transferred by bus to Qena.
Thursday: Qena / Luxor
NILE CRUISE
Morning visit the Temple of Abydos, one of the holiest sites in the world, known as the cult center of the god Osiris and gateway to the underworld. Afternoon sail to Luxor and tour the Luxor Museum with its superb display of Egyptian Antiquities. Overnight in Luxor. (B.L.D)
Friday: Luxor
NILE CRUISE
This morning is at leisure to enjoy the elegant ambiance, expansive views and indulge yourself in the full-service spa with its rejuvenating treatments. After lunch, visit the vast Karnak Temple-Complex built by generations of pharaohs over a 2000 year period. On to the imposing Temple of Luxor with its grand colonnades, standing alone in the heart of town. Overnight in Luxor. (B.L.D)
Saturday: Luxor / Esna
NILE CRUISE
Drive to the imposing Valley of the Kings containing the secretive tombs of New Kingdom Pharaohs; enter the astonishing Tomb of Tutankhamen. Visit the Temple of Medinet Habu, Dier El Madina. On the way back, stop at the Colossi of Memnon. The boat sails to Esna for overnight. (B.L.D)
Sunday: Esna / Edfu / Kom Ombo
NILE CRUISE
Sail to Edfu, to visit the Temple of Edfu, the best preserved of all large Egyptian temples, built over a 180-year period. Return to the boat to continue sailing to Kom Ombo, a hill town overlooking the banks of the Nile. Visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Horus, the Sun God and Sobek, the Crocodile God. Overnight in Kom Ombo. (B.L.D)
Monday: Kom Ombo / Aswan
NILE CRUISE
Sail to Aswan to visit Aswan High Dam. Continue to the beautiful island of Philae to see the exquisite, gleaming white Temple of Philae. Afternoon visit the Nubian Museum dedicated to the Nubian culture and civilization. Overnight in Aswan. (B.L.D)
Tuesday: Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo
Disembarkation after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your short flight to Abu Simbel, one of the most desolate spots on earth where Ramses the Great built his monumental Sun Temple of Abu Simbel. You will be met in Abu Simbel by your private guide. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, meeting assistance and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Cairo. (B)
Wednesday: En Route
Transfer to Cairo Airport for your departure flight or continue on an optional extension to Alexandria; or extend your journey to Israel, Jordan, or Dubai; please inquire. (B)
Please Note: The cruise sailing schedule alternates with some sailings beginning in Aswan and ending in Luxor. In such cases Abu Simbel excursion will be conducted on the first day of the cruise sailing. The cruise line reserves the right to alter the sailing schedule.
