Depart for Cairo
Board your fight to step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend, and lore as you walk amongst Egypt’s timeless wonders.

Arrive to Cairo
Begin your journey in Cairo, an ancient city with an intriguing past. Upon arrival meet your guide and be whisked to your hotel situated along the bank of the Nile River.

Cairo
After breakfast, visit the Pyramids of Giza on camelback, built during the 3rd and 4th dynasties of the Old Kingdom. These monumental undertakings stand as a marvelous testimony to the almost unbelievable skill and determination of their builders. Get a close-up view of the Great Pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, as well as the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Not far from the Pyramids, see the great Sphinx of Giza, the legendary statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, amazingly carved out of one huge piece of limestone. (B, L, D)

Cairo – Luxor – Karnak – Board Ship
This morning, fly to Luxor, site of Ancient Thebes (UNESCO), the East Bank, and home to the expansive Karnak and Luxor Temples. 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 leisurely voyage on the Nile River. Relax aboard, taking in the views from the sundeck. Later, delight in an evening visit to Karnak Temple, all lit up and boasting fascinating plays of light and shadows! (B, L, D)

West Bank – Esna – Edfu
Your day begins 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, before visiting the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship for lunch and relaxation as you continue down the Nile towards Esna, on your way to Edfu. (B, L, D)

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. (B, L, D)

Aswan
This morning explore Philae a UNESCO site dedicated to the goddess Isis. Arrive by motorboat and marvel at the Temple’s beautiful island location. Learn about Aswan’s ancient trade of granite extraction and carving techniques during a visit to an unfinished obelisk. Board a felucca, (wooden sailboat), and sail around the Aswan Islands. (B, L, D)

Aswan – Disembark Cruise – Cairo
Disembark the ship this morning, return to Cairo, and enjoy time exploring the city independently.  You may choose an optional tour to Abu Simbel*** instead. Plan the day as you desire. (B, L)

Cairo
Today visit the Citadel of Salah El-din, where you will see the view of all of Cairo. Visit the Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque, considered the largest mosque, built at the beginning of the 19th century by the ruler of Egypt (1805-1849) who ruled Egypt for over 45 years. Later proceed to Old Cairo to visit fascinating built wonders such as the Hanging Church, which was built in the 3rd and beginning of the 4th century. Later, shop in the world-famous souk of Khan El-Khalili. Established as a center of trade in the Mamluk era, the opportunity to peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, and polished pendants is endless. (B, L, D)

Depart for Home
Your epic adventure concludes today. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land. (B)