Egypt
This outstanding popular program is a true classic. It is designed to give the traveler with limited time, a superb introduction to the civilization of Ancient Egypt. It focuses on the Nile and its importance to the people. If you wish to extend you stay, you can do so by taking advantage of our post cruise extensions.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrive Cairo. Upon arrival at Cairo Airport you will be met & assisted by a local representative and transferred to your chosen hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Day 2. Cairo. Today's sightseeing takes you to the fabulous Egyptian Museum. Regarded as one of the most prominent in the world, it offers visitors remarkable insights into Egypt's ancient history dating back 5000 years. The priceless antiquities include King Tut's Treasures -- a spectacle beyond belief! We also visit the Solar Boat; Cheop's Pyramid one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World and the Sphinx, the great god-lion sentinel, built over 35 centuries ago.
Day 3. Cairo to Luxor - Embark Nile Cruise. Transfer to Cairo Airport for your early morning flight to Luxor. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your chosen ship, your floating hotel for the next 5 days as you cruise up-the-Nile. This morning, cross the Nile to Luxor's West Bank where you'll explore the astonishing and extensive New Kingdom city of "Thebes". Sightseeing includes the Valley of the Kings & Queens, the Colossi of Memnon, two huge seated statues of Amenhotep III. After lunch, visit Luxor and Karnak Temples, a holy city of pylons, hypostyle halls, colossal statues and obelisks built over many centuries and dedicated to the God Amon-Ra, his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu.
Day 4. Nile Cruise - Sail Luxor to Edfu. Early morning sail to Edfu via Esna lock.
Day 5. Nile Cruise - Edfu to Kom Ombo to Aswan. An exhilarating carriage ride takes you through town to the Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. Continue sailing to Kom Ombo to visit the Graeco-Roman style Temple of Sobek, the Crocodile God. Standing serenely on a hilltop, the site offers an incredible view over the Nile.
Day 6. Aswan - Cruise. Morning sightseeing includes Aswan's High Dam, the ancient Granite Quarries, and the Temple of Philae. After lunch, sail around Elephantine Island and the Botanical Gardens.
Day 7. Aswan to Cairo (*Optional Abu Simbel Excursion). Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo where you will be met and transferred to your Cairo hotel for overnight.
* Passengers who purchased the "Abu Simbel" Optional Excursion will fly from Aswan to this dramatic site then fly back to Cairo where upon arrival you will be transferred to your chosen hotel.
Day 8. Cairo. Day at leisure to explore this vibrant city. Some optional excursions available are Alexandria, Memphis, Sakkara or Old and Islamic Cairo
Day 9. Depart Cairo. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight or why not take one of our extensions to the Red Sea, Israel or Jordan.
