13 DAYS ~ EGYPT

Pace –
While you might find hustle and bustle in the bazaars of Cairo, it is certainly not to be found aboard your stylish Nile cruiser. With seven nights to relax while you glide down the Nile, this tour could quite possibly be one of the most graceful vacations you will ever experience.

Fellow Passengers–
Most passengers are attracted to this tour by the prospect of seven days aboard a Nile cruise, with ever–changing scenery and frequent stops at ancient monuments. It certainly suits those with an interest in ancient history who wish to experience Egypt in a relaxed and refined way.

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

DAY 2 – TUE – ARRIVE CAIRO.
Welcome to the timeless land of the Pharoahs, a vast treasure trove of ancient temples, tombs and monuments, which has attracted travellers for centuries. On arrival in Cairo, you are met and transferred to your hotel to relax and settle in.

Hotel: Marriott.

DAY 3 – WED – CAIRO SIGHTSEEING.
After breakfast there is a detailed pre–tour briefing with your Tour Director. Then commence your exploration of Cairo with a visit to the Citadel for breath– taking views over the city. Salah El Din started the Citadel in the 12th century, but it owes its present outline to Mohammed Ali, whose great Mosque you visit next.This afternoon visit the Egyptian Museum, an unrivaled warehouse of Pharaonic treasure. Among the many exhibits are the fabulous artifacts recovered by archeologist Howard Carter from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Later, drive to the Pyramids to witness the magical Sound and Light Show which literally illuminates the ancient history of Giza – an unforgettable introduction to the world of ancient Egypt. (BB)

DAY 4 – THU – CAIRO – CRUISING.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor, nestled on the banks of the Nile. There is no better introduction to Upper Egypt than a tour of the temple complex of Karnak, dedicated to the Sun–God Amon. Walk spellbound through the avenue of sphinxes into the vast Hypostyle Hall, a veritable stone forest, housing 134 giant decorated columns. Later, settle in to your cruise boat, and set sail along the Nile for Dendara. Ship: MS Miriam/MS Giselle. (BB,L,D)

DAY 5 – FRI – CRUISING – LUXOR.
This morning visit the Temple of Hathor in Dendara, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt and containing a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian, whose father was Julius Caesar. The cruise returns to Luxor around midday where you can take in the exotic mix of sights and sounds at your leisure. In the cool of early evening, visit the ancient Temple of Luxor, founded in 1400 BC during Thebe’s Golden Age under the 18th and 19th Dynasties. (BB,L,D)

DAY 6 – SAT – CRUISING – EDFU.
Travel by air–conditioned coach to the West Bank of the Nile for a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon. Drive on to visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, before continuing to the Valley of the Kings, where many illustrious Pharoahs were buried. Return to your cruise boat where you sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu, where there is free time on arrival. (BB,L,D)

DAY 7 – SUN – CRUISING – ASWAN.
Visit the well–preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God. After exploring this fascinating site, your cruise continues to Aswan. Don your galabeas (traditional Egyptian attire), for a fun–filled Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party. (BB,L,HD)

DAY 8 – MON – CRUISING – ASWAN.
A full day of sightseeing includes a visit to the Aswan High Dam and Granite Quarries to see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae.Later, return to Aswan to sail in a traditional Nile felucca around Aswan’s Botanical Gardens. (BB,L,D)

DAY 9 – TUE – CRUISING – KOM OMBO.
Spend the morning at leisure in Aswan or perhaps join the optional excursion by air to the temples of Abu Simbel, carved out of the rock by Rameses II (see page 158). In the afternoon, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt dedicated to two gods, the crocodile headed, Sobek and falcon headed Horus the Elder. At one time crocodiles would have been kept in the temple and there is even a mummified example on display. (BB,L,D)

DAY 10 – WED – CRUISING – LUXOR.
Your cruise continues along the life giving waters of the Nile, a visual feast for the senses, passing irrigated fields and shady villages. In the evening, arrive back in Luxor where there is time for last minute shopping and sightseeing. (BB,L,D).

DAY 11 – THU – LUXOR – CAIRO.
Disembark your cruise and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. Perhaps opt for a lively dinner with entertainment tonight?

Hotel: Marriott. (BB)

DAY 12 – FRI – CAIRO SIGHTSEEING.
Drive to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. Admire the colossal statue of Rameses II and the great alabaster sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back from 2700 BC. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Giza where you see the enigmatic Sphinx and the magnificent Pyramids with a highlight visit inside one of these extraordinary creations! (BB)

DAY 13 – SAT – RETURN TO USA.
The tour ends with transfers to Cairo airport. (BB)