14 DAYS ~ EGYPT


Tour Pace
In a word, leisurely. There are two– nights in Cairo to help you get over your flight, followed by a relaxed day in Luxor. Then unpack, unwind, grab a cool drink and watch the world drift by for a carefree week aboard your luxurious cruise. There are two more nights in Cairo to round off this wonderfully stylish tour.

Fellow Passengers – Join elite travellers from all over the world who share a sense of romance and adventure. Immerse yourself in the daily hubbub of the towns and cities, and enjoy all the fascinating historic sites, before returning to the sophistication and tranquility of your luxury Nile cruise.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA.
Board your overnight flight.

DAY 2 – FRI – ARRIVE CAIRO.
Welcome to Egypt! On arrival in Cairo, you join a long list of travellers, from the ancient Greeks to Agatha Christie, who have been seduced by the wonders of Egypt. You are met at the airport and transferred to your elegant and sophisticated Cairo hotel.

Hotel: Sofitel El Gezira

DAY 3 – SAT – CAIRO SIGHTSEEING.
Meet your Tour Director for a detailed pre–tour briefing then proceed to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids at Giza and their guardian Sphinx! Your guided tour of includes entry into one of the Pyramids. Nearby lies Memphis, famous capital of ancient Egypt. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara, to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest in the world, dating back from 2700 BC. Return to Giza as night falls to attend a magical Sound and Light Show at the world famous Pyramids, which literally illuminates the ancient history of Giza! (BB)

DAY 4 – SUN – CAIRO – LUXOR.
Transfer to the airport for your flight south to Luxor, and check into your famous hotel. Originally built in 1886 to attract the nobility of Europe, it has been home to Howard Carter, Jane Fonda, King Farouk as well as many other crown princes and princesses. Spend the afternoon at leisure. A visit to the Luxor Museum is just one suggestion.

Hotel: Old Winter Palace. (BB)

DAY 5 – MON – CRUISING.
This morning is devoted to Karnak, the largest temple complex ever built by man, constructed over a time period of 1500 years. Walk through the avenue of Ram–headed sphinxes, past the statue of Rameses II, to stand in awe among the huge columns of the vast Hypostyle Hall. At lunch time board your luxury cruise ship, one of the most stylish and spacious in Egypt. Journey down river to overnight on–board at Dendara Ship: MS Tosca.(BB,L,D)

DAY 6 – TUE – CRUISING.
Visit the Temple of Dendara this morning. It was built in the 1st century BC by Ptolemy VIII, and then later, Roman Emperors continued to decorate it in honour of Hathor; the Goddess of maternity, love and music. One of the best preserved temples in Egypt it also contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra VII and her son Caesarian, son of Julius Caesar. After cruising back to Luxor, visit the temple of Luxor, lost for thousands of years, buried beneath the streets and houses of the town. Seek out the Mosque of Abul Haggag to understand the scale of the excavations. (BB,L,D)

DAY 7 – WED – CRUISING.
Across the Nile to the west of the city lies the necropolis of ancient Thebes. Stop for a photo of the Colossi of Memnon, these two giant seated figures of Amenhotep III once guarded his mortuary temple. Continue to the reconstructed temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the rare female Pharaohs. In the nearby Valley of the Kings, the pharaoh's planned to meet their Gods in the afterlife. After visiting some of their tombs, return to your cruise ship and set sail for Kom Ombo. (BB,L,D)

DAY 8 – THU – CRUISING.
The Kom Ombo Temple is a beautiful sight as you approach it from the river. It’s uniquely dedicated to both Horus the Elder and Sobek the Crocodile headed god, which is verified by the mummified crocodile remains on display. Now relax and enjoy a visual feast as you cruise along the Nile to Aswan. Take a motorboat across the Nile to the extraordinarily preserved temple complex of Isis on the island of Philae. Visit the High Dam and see the unfinished obelisk still attached to the bedrock in the granite quarries. Complete your day by sailing in a traditional felucca around Aswan’s botanic gardens. This evening, don your galabeas (traditional Egyptian attire), for a fun–filled Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party. (BB,L,HD)

DAY 9 – FRI – CRUISING IN ASWAN.
Explore Aswan at your own pace today. Don’t miss the opportunity to join the optional excursion by air to Abu Simbel to view the fabulous temples carved out of the cliffside by Rameses II and later transported, in an amazing feat of modern engineering, out of the rising waters of Lake Nasser. (BB,L,D)

DAY 10 – SAT – CRUISING.
Begin your return voyage along the Nile, lined by a green ribbon of fertile land, with the arid desert beyond. The river continues to play a vital role in everyday life. In scenes that have changed little for centuries, local residents swim, bathe, work and play along its shores, while water–buffalo graze in nearby fields. Overnight on–board at Edfu. (BB,L,D)

DAY 11 – SUN – CRUISING.
Visit Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, the falcon headed god, built on the site of the great battle between Horus and Seth. It is not only the best preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but also the second largest after Karnak. Return to your cruise and enjoy the ever–changing scenery, past irrigated fields and palm fringed villages as you float downstream to Luxor. (BB,L,D)

DAY 12 – MON – LUXOR – CAIRO.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to your stylish hotel in Cairo, where you are at leisure. Perhaps take an optional excursion to visit the Coptic Museums and hanging church?

Hotel: Sofitel El Gezira. (BB)

DAY 13 – TUE – CAIRO SIGHTSEEING.
Prepare yourself for a highlight visit to the Egyptian Museum to stare in amazement at the priceless treasures recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Later, enjoy fine views over the city from the Citadel of Salah El Din before visiting the alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali, with its highly ornate interior. The rest of the day is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 14 – WED – RETURN TO USA.
The tour ends with transfers to Cairo Airport. (BB) Additional visa requirements