Home to one of the oldest civilizations on earth, Egypt is a world all its own. You'll embark on a remarkable journey to explore the secrets of its majestic temples, tombs, and treasures that have fascinated the world for millennia. You'll tour Cairo, the capital city that fuses ancient and modern,  juxtaposing thousands of years of history with a bustling modern metropolis. Churches are built atop Roman ruins, and skyscrapers rise behind medieval monuments. Although Cairo is best known for preserving the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, you'll discover this sprawling city contains infinite treasures beyond the Pyramids of Giza. 

You'll board a luxury cruise ship for three days, and you'll wind your way down the  Nile to the city of Aswan, southern Egypt’s strategic and commercial gateway since antiquity. There, you'll get a glimpse of Nubian culture, a vibrant and diverse blend of customs, practices, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Today Nubians proudly keep their languages and traditions alive.  

And you can't truly see the country without experiencing Luxor, the world’s window into the history of Ancient Egypt. It's  home to archaeological sites including the tomb of Tutankhamun, the majestic temple complex of Karnak, and the stunning tomb of Queen Nefertari. Since your cruise vessel docks overnight at Luxor, you get the chance to sample vibrant, magical nights on the banks of the Nile.

This magnificent  journey culminates in Hughada, a popular resort destination, offering year-round sunshine and peaceful relaxation on its clear seas and sweeping sands. Nestled between the coral reefs of the Red Sea and arid mountain terrains of the Arabian Desert, Hurghada offers adventurous activities like diving, windsurfing, and snorkeling amidst superb marine wild life. Or you may prefer a land adventure like driving a four-wheeler through the sands of Sahara. This part of the tour completely belongs to you. The canvas is yours to paint. 

This 13-day journey will engage all your senses as you explore Egypt by land, air, and water. From the fertile Nile River, to the sparkling shores of the Red Sea, to the natural allure of the Sahara and islands of Aswan, this tour has been curated to encapsulate the hidden gems, gorgeous beaches, delicious cuisine, and the myriad of opportunities for adventure. And along the way, you will see the legendary landmarks that  have captured the imagination of travelers the world over. 

We invite you to compare; you won't find a tour of this caliber at this remarkable price. Don’t let this opportunity to discover an iconic destination pass you by!  

We'll leave from our respective air cities to arrive at JFK for our noon, 10-hour flight to Egypt. 

The preferred flight for this journey is Egyptair:

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Egyptair Flight # 986

Boeing 777-300

Departs 12:00 pm New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)

10h 20m Overnight flight

Arrives 5:20 am Cairo (CAI)Monday, May 26 

Saturday, June 7, 2025 

Egyptair Flight # 985

Boeing 777-300

Departs 4:30 am Cairo (CAI)

11h 30m

Arrives 9:00 am New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) Saturday, June 7

If you choose another flight or carrier, to be picked up and begin the tour with the group, it must arrive on Monday, May 26, 2025, and it must return home on Saturday, June 7th no earlier than 10:00pm. 

Our overnight flight to Cairo will arrive as dawn breaks over Egypt’s sprawling capital, royally perched on the Nile River. Often considered the cultural capital of the Arab Middle East, Cairo is the nation's largest city with a population of over 10 million. 

We'll be met at the airport by personal agents who will assist us through immigration and luggage collection. Before our arrival at the urban oasis in the heart of of the city, the Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah, we'll be treated to a preview of this remarkable city in the comfort of our private coach which will take us back in time to Old Cairo, which is considered by UNESCO to be, "one of the exceptional cities in the world, characterized by the extraordinary survival of its architectural, artistic and urban heritage, and the diversity of its values."

Our first destination, nestled in the heart of Old Cairo, will be The Hanging Church, also recognized as the Coptic Church of the Virgin Mary. This remarkable architectural wonder stands as one of Egypt's oldest churches, tracing its roots back to the 3rd century AD. At that time, Christianity was a fledgling faith and faced resistance among many Egyptians, leading to persecution and martyrdom of Christians. The church was constructed as a refuge for early Christians, offering them safety from religious oppression. 

Next on the itinerary will be The Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus, also known as Abu Serga. Abu Serga is named for Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Roman Army soldiers who stayed loyal to Jesus and were martyred for refusing to worship Roman gods. 

This holy site is the oldest church in Egypt and is built upon an ancient Roman fort in Old Cairo. Abu Serga is the oldest church in Egypt, dating back to the 5th century A.D. The church is constructed upon the crypt of the Holy Family where Virgin Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus stayed for three weeks during their sojourn in Egypt. According the Book of Matthew 2: 13-15, they fled to Egypt to escape persecution by King Herod. Imagine yourself stepping onto holy ground into the 33 feet-deep crypt in which the Holy Family dwelled for three weeks during their journey into Egypt. 

After our first glimpse of ancient Kemet, we'll check into our panoramic, Nile-view rooms, grab lunch on our own, and get some well-deserved rest from our long flight. 

Later that evening, we'll gather for an authentic Egyptian welcome dinner and sample Egypt's gastronomic delights. We'll also be entertained by belly dancing  and the peaceful,  hypnotizing movements of whirling dervish. 

Overnight at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah

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We'll begin our tour with the iconic Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx. Dating to the 26th century BC, the pyramids are the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to survive into the modern era. While the other wonders have vanished, crumbled, or been destroyed by man or nature, these massive monuments have stood the test of time. Not only will you get to tour these massive wonders, you can test your riding skills on the back of a camel and ride amidst these ancient, royal monuments. 

Afterwards, we'll be one of the fortunate few to stroll the halls and galleries of one of the most important attractions in Cairo, the Grand Egyptian Museum located just outside of Cairo on the Giza Plateau juxtaposed to the Pyramids. The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of Egypt’s most important attractions and holds a massive trove of antiquities, including royal mummies and the world-renown gilded treasures of King Tutankhamun. The new museum is not only the new crown jewel of Egypt, but it is also be one of the largest, most modern, and most renowned museums in the entire world. 

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Overnight at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah 

Today, we'll visit two trendsetters of the ancient world. Our first stop is Saqqara, the oldest complete stone building complex known in history. Also known as the Step Pyramid of Djoser, it was constructed during the 3rd Dynasty with assistance from the genius Imhotep, who served as chancellor to King Netjeryknet, better known as Djoser. Intended for the his ka (spirit) to use in the afterlife, Djoser not only placed his mortuary complex in a different location from his predecessors, but the complex he created with Imhotep would impact all royal memorial monuments made after his. It was the first mortuary structure in built in stone and the first stepped pyramid. Aside from being home to Egypt's oldest pyramid, Saqqara is the largest archaeological site in the country. 

After a local lunch, we'll then travel to the Pyramid of Unas built in the 5th Dynasty. Despite its size, this pyramid is incredibly significant as it displays the first example of hieroglyphic funerary texts known as Pyramid Texts. These texts were inscribed on the walls of the burial chamber and assisted the deceased pharaoh in his journey to the afterlife through instructive spells. 

Finally, we'll tour the breathtaking Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha or Alabaster Mosque. It's situated in the Citadel of Salah Eldeen and was commissioned  by Muhammad Ali Pasha. Situated on the summit of the citadel, this Ottoman mosque, the largest to be built in the first half of the 19th century, is the most visible mosque in Cairo. The mosque was built in memory of Tusun Pasha, Muhammad Ali's oldest son, who died in 1816. Mohammed Ali lies in the tomb on the right as you enter. This mosque, along with the Citadel, is one of the most famous landmarks of Cairo and can be seen when approaching the city any direction, mainly due its minarets, which are the tallest in all of Egypt. 

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Overnight at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah

Today, we'll leave Cairo and board our private bus to board a flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Temple of Philae. Dedicated to Isis the goddess of love and magic and her husband, Osiris, the temple is located on the island of Ajelika.  

After our visit, we'll check into our Nile-view rooms at the Movenpick Aswan hotel, located on the hauntingly beautiful Elephantine Island. Nestled on the Nile River, Elephantine Island is the oldest inhabited part of Aswan and one of Aswan's primary attractions. Rich in ancient Egyptian history, it was the city of Aswan's historic heart and was of immense importance in the Middle Kingdom and Old Kingdom eras. 

Upon our return, enjoy leisurely afternoon at the hotel, allowing you to settle into your Nile-view room. You can unwind or join us for an afternoon journey by motorboat to Nubian Village, a charming assortment of traditional Nubian structures lining the Nile's banks. This colorful, whimsical village offers numerous photo opportunities with its vibrant walls, doors, and scenic views. Explore the intricate nooks, staircases, and terraces that define Nubian architecture, creating stunning photo backdrops. 

Known for rich deposits of gold, Nubia, the ancient city of Kush, was also the gateway through which luxury products like incense, ivory, and ebony traveled from sub-Saharan Africa to the civilizations of Egypt and the Mediterranean.

We'll travel back to hotel, and later that evening, we will enjoy dinner in a local Nubian restaurant . 

Overnight at the Movenpick Aswan (You'll have the opportunity to leave the island by ferry and see Aswan at night) 

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Prepare yourself for a full day of discovery. We'll check out of the hotel at 4:00am with breakfast boxes, but don't worry; you'll have plenty of time to sleep on the bus. An agent will take our luggage to our awaiting cruise ship while we board an AC coach and ride across the Sahara bound for for Abu Simbel to visit the temples of King Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. 

The site of Abu Simbel is one of the most recognizable ancient sites in Egypt. It contains two temples carved into a mountainside  that were built by Pharaoh Ramses II (1303-1213 BCE), also known as Ramses the Great. 

Abu Simbel today is no longer in the same location as it was in ancient times. The area where the temples were originally is now flooded. Between 1964 and 1968, the temples were dismantled and relocated on an artificial hill. Completed under the direction of UNESCO, the relocation is one of the most impressive engineering feats in history. 

The building accomplishments of Ramses II, include Karnak and Abu Simbel. He erected more monuments and statues and sired more children than any other pharaoh. More importantly, the identity of Pharaoh in the Moses story has been much debated, but many scholars are inclined to accept that Exodus has King Ramses II in mind. 

Ramses II honored his Queen Nefertari—not to be confused with Nefertiti— with a temple at Abu Simbel as well as a magnificent tomb in the Valley of the Queens. Nefertari was the first and favored wife of Ramses II and is ranked alongside Hatshepsut, Nefertiti and Cleopatra as the most celebrated female rulers in Ancient Egyptian history.

We'll return to Aswan and check in to our 5-star cruise ship, the Sonesta Moon Goddess, and enjoy lunch on board. The rest of the day is yours to relax and have your first dinner on board. 

Overnight on the Sonesta Moon Goddess (Docked in Aswan)

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After taking breakfast aboard our floating hotel, we'll set off to the Temple of Kom Ombo, which is dedicated to two Gods, Sobek the Crocodile God and Haroeris. Kom Ombo is unique in that it is a double temple perched on a promontory at a bend in the Nile, where sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank in ancient times. Kom Ombo, is one of the Nile Valley's most beautifully sited temples. 

We'll return to the ship to sail northward to Edfu. While on the ship, make sure to grab a quick lunch and get back to your stateroom balcony or the top deck so you won't miss the engineering marvel of the Esna Lock. A lock and dam system built in the 19th century to facilitate the navigation of boats and ships, it has been played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people along the Nile River for centuries. 

Our next stop will be The Temple of Horus in Edfu, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus - son of Isis and Osiris- who was considered the protector of divine kingship and a symbol of pharaonic power. You'll have the opportunity to see the past as it was, the temple is indisputably one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt as it was buried under sand for centuries. 

Overnight on the Sonesta Moon Goddess 

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The Valley of the Kings is the ancient burial site where powerful pharaohs like Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and other rulers from the 18th-20th dynasties were laid to rest. You'll get the chance to descend into these royal tombs, stepping back into millennia to witness the opulent preparation for the afterlife. Treasures from Tut's tomb alone are estimated to be worth $1 billion. The sarcophagi, tomb paintings, and hieroglyphics seem frozen in time, yet they date back to 16th century BCE. Your package includes the visits to three (3) tombs, so choose your king wisely! 

There are many examples of great Egyptian monuments and temples throughout the country. However, today  you’ll visit one of the most impressive ones. The mortuary of Temple of Queen Hatshepsut  was designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. It seems to emerge from the towering cliffs behind it, making i it the most striking and most elaborate tomb complex raised in Upper Egypt.

We’ll return to the ship for the afternoon, and later that evening while we're docked in Luxor, you may decide to debark our vessel and walk the city to enjoy the breeze as the sun sets over the West Bank. Watch the moon rise and ignite a glittering Nile River each evening. Taste something delightful at a traditional restaurant. Take a twilight felucca. Enjoy and make memories. 

Overnight on the Sonesta Moon Goddess (Docked in downtown Luxor)

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Many of the most iconic sites in Egypt are found in Luxor. Get ready because this is our day to explore them. We'll debark the ship for the last time, climb aboard our coach, and set out for the world’s greatest open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The Karnak Temple Complex at Luxor evolved over more than 1,000 years, principally between the 12th and 20th Dynasties. At its peak, it was the largest and most important religious complex in ancient Egypt. The most significant structure, and the largest religious building ever built, is the Temple of Amun-Ra, considered to be where that god lived on earth with his wife, Mut, and son, Khonsu, who also have temples at the site.  

Leading to the complex is the almost two-mile passageway aptly named the Avenue of Sphinxes. Believed to date back 5000 years, the regal avenue was the backdrop for ancient celebrations, feasts, and coronations. Although some sphinxes are lost to time or damage, almost every pedestal remains. One amazing discovery during restoration was the cartouche (royal seal) of Cleopatra, proving this iconic queen visited the temple during her journey up the Nile with Marc Antony. We'll ask Yasser to  point it out when we visit!

That afternoon, we'll check into our Nile-view rooms at the Sonesta Saint George. Enjoy a relaxing day by the pool taking lunch on your own, or relax before our dinner and hookah at the Lantern Room in Luxor.

Overnight at the Sonesta Saint George

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After breakfast, we will depart early and embark on a 4-hour bus journey to Hurghada, where paradise awaits us. Hurghada, situated on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters, making it a unique resort destination. This beach escape boasts some of the world's finest diving and snorkeling spots.

Upon arrival, we'll check into the Sunrise Tucana Resort, our seaside home for three luxurious nights. There we'll restore and reflect on a private silky-white sand beach, perfectly located at the heart of Sahl Hasheesh Bay on the Red Sea. 

You can choose watersports, a day on a glass bottom boat, scuba, diving or snorkeling Hughada's coral reefs, a Turkish bath spa experience, yoga, or an indulgent massage. You may opt for a thrilling day on a quad biking through the Sahara Desert or choose the exhilaration of parasailing. Or you may simply choose to lounge by the pool or oceanside, basking in the warmth of the sun, doing absolutely nothing at all. 

Whatever you choose, our all-inclusive stay includes an array of dining options as well as soft drinks and cocktails at no additional cost.  

Overnight at the Sunrise Tucana 

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We'll say goodbye to the Red Sea and board our private bus back to the airport and head to Cairo in the early afternoon. We'll check into our rooms at Cairo's InterContinental Citystars where we will have lunch, and then you can choose to relax, lounge at the pool., or sleep until we leave at 1:00am. 

Or you may choose to do some last-minute shopping at the Stars Centre in the Citystars Heliopolis located right next door. There you'll find over 650 stores and restaurants, an indoor theme park, and 16 screen cinema.

We'll leave for the airport at 1:00 am for our Saturday, June 7th departure at 4:30am. 

Half day at the InterContinental Citystars until our departure from Cairo to JFK

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