A representative will meet you at the airport before passport control to assist you. You will then be transferred to your hotel, where you will have free time to relax and explore. Join us for the Welcome Dinner later in the evening.
Enjoy a 2-night stay at a premium hotel in Cairo, included as part of your tour.
Join us for our Welcome Dinner and connect with your fellow travelers.
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel.
Experience a guided tour of the incredible Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx. The Great Pyramid is the oldest and only intact of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. For more than 3,700 years, it was the tallest human-made structure in the world. The colossal Sphinx, with the head of a king and the body of a lion, was built to demonstrate the power of the king. Enjoy a guided tour of the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum, which is considered the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization - the Ancient Egyptian Civilization. After your museum tour, enjoy some free time to explore more exhibits and savor lunch at one of its delightful restaurants.
Onsite Add-on: A ticket is needed to go inside the Great Pyramid which can be purchased at the ticket booth.
A trip to Egypt is incomplete without discovering the art of papyrus paper making. We will visit a papyrus gallery to enjoy a fascinating demonstration of how this ancient paper is crafted.
Your stay at a premium hotel in Cairo is included as part of the tour.
Enjoy a delightful breakfast to start your day off right.
Experience an early morning flight to Aswan, bringing us closer to the monumental wonders that shaped Ancient Egyptian societies.
Board a motorboat to travel across the Nile River to Agilkia Island for a guided tour of the stunning island temple built around 690 BC, primarily dedicated to the goddess Isis. As you step ashore, realize that the entire Philae Temple Complex was moved stone-by-stone in the 1970s by UNESCO to save it from rising Nile waters.
Oils have been used since ancient Egyptian times for medicinal and aromatic purposes. At the oil palace we learn about the unique properties of Egyptian oils.
An afternoon sail on the Nile River in a traditional wooden felucca is a perfect way to relax after a busy morning.
Enjoy a filling buffet lunch aboard the Nile River Boat.
Enjoy a delightful dinner accompanied by special nighttime activities aboard the boat.
Your stay in a cozy cabin aboard a Nile River boat is included as part of the tour.
This morning's breakfast is a convenient breakfast in a bag, allowing us to depart predawn for our exciting excursion.
The predawn drive is so worth it! Just as we round the mountain, we see the colossal statues of Ramses II bathed in the golden glow of the sunrise. Abu Simbel features two massive rock-cut temples carved into a solid sandstone cliff. Again, UNESCO came to the rescue to save this historic monument in all its grandeur from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam by moving the entire structure 656 feet northwest and 213 feet higher to an artificial hill.
Upon returning to Aswan, you will enjoy a relaxing experience on the boat as we sail along the magnificent Nile River.
As the sun begins to set in the late afternoon, we arrive at the magnificent doorstep of the Kom Ombo Temple Complex. Here, we embark on an enlightening guided tour of this extraordinary double temple, which is uniquely dedicated to two fascinating deities: Sobek, the revered crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, the powerful falcon-headed god. This temple not only showcases stunning architecture but also offers rich historical insights that will captivate your imagination and deepen your understanding of ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices.
The Crocodile Museum was opened in 1979 to showcase some of the many fascinating crocodile mummies that were discovered during the extensive excavation of Kom Ombo. This unique museum offers visitors an incredible opportunity to learn about the significance of the Nile crocodile in ancient Egyptian culture and how it was revered as a powerful symbol of strength and fertility. As you explore the exhibits, you will gain insight into the rituals and beliefs surrounding these remarkable creatures, making your visit both educational and memorable.
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board the cruise boat.
Enjoy a delightful dinner and engaging evening activities aboard the boat.
Rest peacefully in a Nile Cruise Cabin, included as part of your tour.
Enjoy a leisurely buffet breakfast this morning.
Join us for a fascinating morning Egyptian History lecture led by Dr. Yousif on the sundeck while we sail through the breathtaking landscapes of the Nile. Develop a a richer understanding of ancient Egypt as we delve into its intriguing past, exploring the myths and legends of this vibrant culture.
Experience up close this incredible engineering marvel as we board the impressive elevator on the Nile River. The lock system expertly lifts and lowers ships an astonishing 20 to 32 feet to seamlessly join the two segments of the majestic Nile River. Witness the remarkable mechanics at work while enjoying the breathtaking views that surround you on this unforgettable journey.
Upon arrival to Luxor, we have guided tours of Karnak and Luxor Temples. Spanning an impressive 240 acres, the Karnak Temple is the largest religious building and ancient temple complex ever constructed in human history, showcasing the incredible skill and artistry of ancient Egyptian architecture. Unlike the other temples we visit, the Luxor Temple is dedicated to the rejuvenation of royal power and the divine nature of kingship rather than a specific god. This temple's stunning carvings and vast courtyards are a testament to the pharaohs' enduring legacy, making it a fascinating place to explore the rich history and spirituality of ancient Egypt.
Egyptian spices were part of every day ancient life for daily health, religious rituals, mummification, and international trade. Our visit to a spice shop introduces us to several of the important spices since the time of Pharaohs.
Enjoy a filling buffet lunch aboard the boat.
Enjoy a delightful dinner in the main dining room. Spend the evening on the sundeck taking in the beauty of Nile River at night.
Sweet dreams in Nile Cruise Cabin stay included as part of the tour.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will disembark from the boat and begin our exciting day's tours, filled with exploration and adventure ahead.
Travel to the Valley of the Kings to explore the fascinating tombs of some of Egypt's most famous pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramses the Great. Unlike earlier pharaohs who built massive, visible pyramids that invited grave robbers, New Kingdom rulers opted for hidden, deep-underground chambers specifically designed to protect their precious mummies and treasures from intruders. These elaborate tombs, sealed deep in the earth, have kept their secrets well guarded for centuries. As a result, the details and colors of the exquisite tomb art remain intricate and vivid, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the artistry and beliefs of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Onsite Add-on: Additional tickets are needed to enter the premium tombs of Seti I, Tutankhamen, and Ramses V & VI. They must be purchased at the ticket booth BEFORE we enter the site.
Unlike the free standing temples, Hatshepsut's Temple is a striking three-tiered colonnaded design that beautifully mimics the natural limestone cliffs rising majestically behind it, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature. This impressive structure not only serves as a testament to Hatshepsut's reign but also reflects the ingenuity and artistry of ancient Egyptian architecture, drawing visitors in with its grandeur and the stunning landscape surrounding it.
This mortuary temple built by Ramses III is a massive, remarkably well-preserved ancient Egyptian temple that showcases the artistry of the time. Visitors can explore its vast courtyards and intricate carvings, which provide captivating glimpses into the amazing colors and artistic techniques used by the ancient Egyptian artists.
Egyptian alabaster is unique because it is made of translucent calcite rather than European gypsum, giving it a luminous, glowing quality and superior durability. At the alabaster factory we see and feel how it is polished and carved.
LUXOR HOTEL
After a breakfast, we take an early morning flight to the vibrant city of Cairo, where we will spend an entire day immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture. Our journey will involve touring and exploring iconic landmarks that beautifully illustrate the transition from the ancient past to the dynamic present, offering us a unique glimpse into the heart of this fascinating city.
Experience the stateliness of Shalah El Din Citadel, a historic fortress that stands proudly overlooking the city. As you wander through the citadel's vast grounds, soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that stretch as far as the eye can see. Each step reveals the architectural beauty and intricate design of this remarkable structure. Learn about its fascinating history, from its strategic importance in protecting the city to its pivotal role in various battles that shaped the region. This experience not only connects you with the past but also allows you to appreciate the stunning views and rich culture that define this iconic landmark.
Here we enjoy a leisurely walk inside the majestic Babylon Fortress, located on the vibrant streets of Coptic Cairo. As we explore, we will encounter several historic churches that are steeped in rich cultural significance, including the remarkable site where the Holy Family is said to have found refuge during their flight to Egypt. This experience not only allows us to appreciate the stunning architecture but also to immerse ourselves in the fascinating stories that this area has to offer, making it a memorable part of our journey.
There is no place like this bazaar in the rest of Egypt, which started in 1329 as a vibrant trade center for caravan merchants from Asia, Europe, and Africa. This bustling marketplace offers a unique atmosphere filled with rich history and culture. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the charming cafes while soaking in the lively ambiance. Afterward, take your time wandering through some of the 600+ shops, where you can discover and choose from an array of beautiful items to find your perfect Egyptian souvenir, whether it be handcrafted jewelry, traditional textiles, or stunning pottery.
Late afternoon check into our premium Cairo hotel.
Gather one last time at our Farewell Dinner, where we will celebrate the memories we've created together and toast to the adventures that lie ahead. Enjoy a delightful evening filled with delicious food, laughter, and heartfelt goodbyes as we reflect on our shared experiences and cherish the bonds we've formed. This special occasion will be the perfect opportunity to connect, reminisce, and make lasting memories before we part ways.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel to fuel your journey ahead. Afterward, prepare for departures home, taking with you wonderful memories and experiences from your trip.
Transport to the airport for your departure home