Treasures of Egypt

Day 1

Overnight Flight Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend, and lore as you walk amongst Egypt’s timeless wonders.

Day 2

Cairo, Egypt - Tour Begins - Begin your journey in Cairo, a modern megalopolis with an intriguing past.

Day 3

Cairo - Grand Egyptian Museum - Cairo Get a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties during an introductory talk before navigating Cairo’s famous traffic on your way to the remarkable collections of the Grand Egyptian Museum.* See the statues, reliefs, sarcophagi, and treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner overlooking the banks of the Nile.

Day 4

Cairo - Optional Excursion The day is yours to experience the energy of Cairo’s buzzing streets. Wander a maze of stalls at the market, relax at a local café, or maybe even spend time in one of the city’s many museums. Perhaps you will join a full-day exploration of Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city; you’ll discover the city’s Hellenic roots and Greco-Roman architecture, set in unique harmony with ultramodern facades like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Or you may choose to join a local guide for a tour of Sakkara and Djoser’s Step Pyramid.

Day 5

Cairo - Luxor - Karnak Temple - Board Cruise Ship Early this morning, fly to Luxor, site of Ancient Thebes (UNESCO) and home to the expansive Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions. This afternoon, board your cruise ship for a voyage on the Nile River. Relax aboard, taking in the views from the sundeck or participate in an informative talk covering Egypt from past to present. Tonight you might opt to join an evening visit to Luxor temple, all lit up and boasting fascinating plays of light and shadow, ending your evening at a local café for a taste of mint tea.

Day 6

Luxor - Valley of the Kings - Esna - Edfu Start the morning by venturing thousands of years into the past. Cross over to the West Bank of the Nile for a day in ancient Thebes. Explore the Valley of the Kings,** including the worldrenowned tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for lunch. Relax as you continue down the Nile towards Esna on your way to Edfu. Join a culinary demonstration and learn about the staples of Egyptian cuisine from your chef. This evening, dress up and join the fun during a traditional galabeya party.

Day 7

Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan Step into another world at the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Peruse the endless carvings of scenes depicting the power and grandeur of the pharaohs. After lunch, set sail for Kom Ombo and continue to Aswan, the Nubian City. Following dinner, enjoy a folklore show featuring a belly dancing performance.

Day 8

Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk - Philae Temple Board a motorboat towards the sanctuary island dedicated to the goddess Isis. Philae Temple (UNESCO) is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the construction of the High Dam. Then, learn about Aswan’s ancient trade of granite extraction and carving techniques during a visit to an ancient quarry and its unfinished obelisk. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you’ll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum.

Day 9

3 Aswan - Disembark Cruise Ship - Kitchener Island Disembark the ship this morning and sail to the lush oasis of Kitchener Island where you embark on a stroll through the botanical gardens. Aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat), take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile before arriving at your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you’ll stroll along the Corniche, Aswan’s waterfront promenade before regrouping for dinner at your hotel.

Day 10

Aswan - Cairo - Khan elKhalili Bazaar Pre sunrise, consider an optional tour to Abu Simbel*** to visit the extraordinary temples of Ramses II relocated here during the construction of the High Dam. Early this morning, return to Cairo. Walk along el-Moez Street, admiring the elegant Islamic architecture of Historic Cairo (UNESCO) and enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous souk of Khan el Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more.

Day 11

Cairo - Giza - Cairo Fulfill a lifelong dream and head to nearby Giza (UNESCO). Embark on an in-depth visit to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the iconic Great Sphinx, one of the world’s oldest and largest monuments. Then, it’s your choice! Meet with a local archeologist to learn about the most recent findings in Egyptology and how they influence the active digs on the Giza plateau -OR- channel your inner explorer and venture inside the largest Pyramid of Giza via the Robber’s Tunnel, winding through the inner chamber.**** Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner.

Day 12

Cairo - Tour Ends Your epic adventure comes to a close today. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner