12 daysEgypt
Explore the splendors of Egypt on this 12-day tour. Cruise down the Nile and follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie for high tea at the Old Cataract Hotel. Disembark in Luxor, where you will see the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs — including the famous Tutankhamun — are buried. Later, break bread with a family in Geziret Bahirat, who will welcome you with stories of local life. In Cairo, marvel at the oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, before traveling to see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Pyramids of Giza. Stand face-to-face with the towering Sphinx and as night falls, watch a spectacular sound and light show dance across the ancient stones.
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll have time to unwind and explore its elegant amenities. Later, get acquainted with your Travel Director and fellow travelers over a drink, toasting the start of your Egyptian adventure.
In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum to admire its impressive collection of ancient artifacts. In the evening, enjoy dinner on the ship and unwind at your leisure.
A day of legend and history awaits you as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it features a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarion, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime, return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey through the Esna Lock to Edfu.
Start the day with breakfast as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo, before continuing on to the city of Aswan. Renowned for its archaeological sites, including the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portrays an appealing blend of ancient and contemporary Egypt. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan's High Dam and granite quarries, where you'll see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, which rises from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. Enjoy a retelling of the Nile flood and the stories of the goddesses Isis and Hathor in a Roman-style theater. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship.
Throughout your journey, you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your turn to explore one for yourself. On board this traditional vessel, meet a local sailor who shares the history and techniques behind navigating this culturally significant boat. Visit the local women’s co-op on your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and discover how scrap materials are transformed into fine handicrafts, supporting vulnerable women in the community. As the sun starts to set, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did. Round off the day with an atmospheric Sound and Light Show at Philae Island, where the temple’s illuminated facade becomes the stage for tales of Isis, Hathor and the sacred Nile.
With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel. These temples overlook Lake Nasser and consist of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit Egypt's only double temple, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy the facilities on board and keep your cameras ready for the sights as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor Temple, where your ship will dock for the night.
This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. Delve into history seeing both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, as they regale you with fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
This morning, ascend to the Citadel for sweeping views over the city. While here, visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
Today, you’ll head to Memphis, the legendary capital of the ancient world. Once the heart of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, it was a flourishing center of politics, religion and art. Marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx, believed to represent Queen Hatshepsut. Continue to Sakkara to view the extraordinary Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest in Egypt, designed by the architect Imhotep around 2700 B.C. This afternoon, journey to Giza to come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. Gather at your hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travelers to share canapes and a drink, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.
Cairo, Egypt
4 nights
The luxurious Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar El Khayyam Casino is conveniently located on Gezira Island in downtown Cairo. The central section was once the Gezirah Palace built for the Khedive Isma'il Pasha in 1869.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Laundry, Gym, Spa, Pool, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Cairo, Egypt
7 nights
The MS Medea is one of the most luxurious vessels to cruise the Nile. Watch the ever-changing scenery from the comfort of your external-facing cabin or perhaps lounge on the top floor sundeck, complete with bar and swimming pool.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Gym, Laundry, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Safe, TV, Air Conditioning, Wi-Fi
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
$72
Aswan Museum on Elephantine Island
$39
Abu Simbel Excursion By Air
$455
Karnak Sound and Light Show
$62
Nile Cruise & Dinner
$95
Full-Day Alexandria (Designed For Those Visitors With Extra Pre- Or Post-Trip Nights In Cairo)
$170
Per person, twin share
