The famed Nile has witnessed the rise of Pharaohs and the fall of many great kingdoms. Today, it flows alongside ancient temples 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.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
Arrive Cairo
Welcome to Cairo, jewel of the Nile! Private car transfer is provided to your hotel, for the three-night stay in downtown Cairo.
Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
Ride camelback to the Giza plateau, where the amazing pyramids rise from the desert floor. In constructing the pyramids, consider the task of transporting and laying the three million two-ton blocks so perfectly in place. See the Solar Boat, found buried next to the Great Pyramid and believed to provide passage for the Pharaoh in the afterlife, and the mysterious Sphinx, to ponder the puzzle of its origin. This afternoon, travel to Memphis, ancient capital of Egypt. Sightseeing includes the mastaba (tomb) of Mereruka and Djoser's Step Pyramid, the oldest freestanding stone structure in the world.
Dahshur Pyramids
Today enjoy seldom-seen pyramid treasures of Egypt. The Red Pyramid is often overlooked, but is just as impressive as its Giza counterparts. It is thought to be the "training ground" for the Giza Pyramids, being older in origin. Another is the Bent Pyramid, called "the shining pyramid" because it still possesses some of its smooth outer casing. This evening, attend the Sound & Light Show overlooking the Sphinx and Giza Pyramids.
Alexandria
Set out across the desert to the Mediterranean seaport of Alexandria, founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great. Visit the Alexandria National Museum of Antiquities and see Montazah Palace, the former summer residence of the royal family of Egypt. Tour the catacombs, dating from Roman times and filled with pharaonic art. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandria, a modern reconstruction of one of the most celebrated centers of learning in human history.
Egyptian Museum
Return to Cairo and visit the Egyptian Museum. Guided by your Egyptologist, explore the enormous collection of over 100,000 artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb, mummies ranging from the 18th to the 20th Dynasties, and wonderfully mysterious statues from ancient royal palaces.
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 old Coptic churches. Then enjoy a memorable shopping experience at the notorious bazaar of Khan El Khalili. Luncheon is included in the bazaar.
Fly to Luxor / Beging Nile River Cruise
Fly south up the Nile Valley to Luxor, known in ancient times as Thebes, and step aboard a luxurious cruiser for a journey along the timeless Nile. Observe everyday life on the banks of the river as you sail the fine OBEROI PHILAE.
8
Nile River Cruise
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. This afternoon your ship sails back to Luxor. OBEROI PHILAE.
9
Nile River Cruise
This morning tour the massive Karnak Temple complex at Luxor. Pass through a series of three small temples and step into the architectural masterpiece of the Hypostyle Hall, once considered the ultimate house of worship. Then visit the smaller Temple of Luxor, built by Amenhotep III and Rameses II, buried under desert sand for centuries and therefore now well preserved. There is free time to wonder the markets of Luxor. OBEROI PHILAE.
10
Nile River Cruise
Enter the secluded Valleys of the Kings and Queens on the west bank of the Nile, across from 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. OBEROI PHILAE.
11
Nile River Cruise
At Edfu visit the remarkably intact Temple of Horus, the falcon god. Later your ship calls at the Temple of Kom Ombo, consisting of two shrines - one for Sobek the crocodile god and the other for Horus the Elder, the god of war. Kom Ombo is beautiful at sunset when the light makes the stone especially colorful. OBEROI PHILAE.
12
Aswan
In Aswan see one of the world's greatest engineering feats, the Aswan High Dam. It created Lake Nasser, at over 500 miles long one of the world's largest man-made lakes. Visit Philae Temple, which was moved to its current island to rescue it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. It features two pylons displaying all the ancient deities of Isis and Osiris. OBEROI PHILAE.
13
Abu Simbel / Cairo
Disembark the ship and fly over Lake Nasser to magnificent Abu Simbel, a stunning Nubian temple site built to honor Rameses II and his wife, Nefertari. Originally carved into the stone cliffs in 1250 BC, the temple was also relocated due to the High Dam construction. Twice a year, the sun is able to penetrate to the innermost sanctuary, to the statues of Rameses II and Amon Ra, the sun god. Relax on the return flight to Cairo.
Return Home
Depart Cairo for your return home. Saida, as-salam alaikoom!
PRICES FROM
From $4600 per person in double occupancy
FACTS
Duration: 13 Nights, 14 Days
Type of services: Guided services throughout with local English-speaking guides.
Travel documents: Please visit our “Visa Info” page to inquire if you need a travel visa for this tour. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain proper travel documents for this tour..
Inclusions: All ground transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International and/or domestic airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
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