Arrive Cairo, Egypt
Upon your early arrival in Egypt’s historic capital, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your ideally-situated hotel. After breakfast, meet your Egyptologist and depart for a day of exploration of the ancient capital of Memphis. Marvel at the giant Colossus of Ramses II and King Zoser’s Step Pyramid. Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, and be awed by the enormity of the Great Sphinx. Step into the fragrant aromas of middle-eastern cuisine with dinner at a popular local restaurant. Then, a magical sound and light show awaits you at the Great Pyramids. (BLD)
Marriott Cairo Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 1:
Cairo / Luxor
Fly to Luxor and board the elegant River Tosca. After lunch, explore the fascinating Karnak Temple and its great Hypostyle Hall. Savor a leisurely afternoon as your ship travels north to Dendera. (BLD)
River Tosca
Dayt 2:
Nile River Cruise
Accompanied by your private Egyptologist, you’ll disembark daily to explore the Nile’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This morning is dedicated to exploring the wonderfully preserved complex of the Temple of Hathor, the ancient goddess of maternal and family love. Return to your ship for lunch, then, cruise back to Luxor where you’ll disembark to view its magnificent temple. (BLD)
River Tosca
Day 3:
Nile River Cruise
Venture into the Valley of the Kings, which contains 63 tombs, including that of King Tutankhamun. (King Tut’s tomb at an additional cost.) Visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female ruler. You can’t miss the colossal remains of the two statues of Pharaoh Amenohotep III. Tonight, don traditional Egyptian dress for a festive Galabeya party. (BLD)
River Tosca
Day 4:
Nile River Cruise
Continue your quest into the mysteries of the Egyptian pantheon as you disembark to visit the dual temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both the falcon god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. Cruise to Aswan to visit the High Dam, an engineering marvel that created the second largest artificial lake in the world. In the adjacent granite quarries, you’ll view the ancient Unfinished Obelisk. Explore the Philae Temple, which was dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground. Cap the afternoon with a sail on a traditional felucca. (BLD)
River Tosca
Day 5:
Aswan / Cairo
Your cruise comes to an end today. Upon disembarking, you may opt for an excursion to Abu Simbel to view the monumental Temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, carefully relocated and rebuilt when Aswan’s High Dam was built. Fly to Cairo and settle into your well-appointed hotel. (B)
Marriott Cairo Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 6:
Cairo
Meet your Egyptologist for further exploration of historic Cairo. Visit the Citadel complex which Salah El-Din began building as a fortification against the Crusaders in 1176, and the 13th-century Sultan Hassan Mosque. Afterwards, peruse the ancient exhibits of the Egyptian Museum, including the famous collection of King Tutankhamun and the Mummies Room. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (BD)
Marriott Cairo Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 7:
Cairo / Depart
Transfer to the airport in time for your departing flight.
This morning is at leisure, before disembarking after lunch. BL
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
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