USA to Cairo

Today we depart the US on our international flight to Cairo.  Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival, we are escorted to our hotel to rest from our travels, enjoy the beautiful hotel or go out for a walk around and enjoy the area. 

Cairo - Flight to Aswan - Nile Cruise

Today we depart to the world famous Egyptian museum, home of the treasures of King Tut’s tomb and the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities in the world. We will then start our exploration of the mysteries Egypt holds at the pyramids in Giza and discover the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World.  We have a safari on camels, or horse buggy if you prefer. We continue on to the Great Sphinx that was carved out of a solid natural rock around 2500 B.C. After a stop for lunch, we visit the Papyrus institute to see how it is made and introduced to ancient Egyptian writing.  An explanation is also provided as to what a cartouche is, as we will see them throughout our tour! Tonight, for those interested, we will make arrangements for you to travel back to the Giza pyramids for a laser light show. ($)

Memphis and Sakkara

Today we journey south outside of the city of Cairo to see the area of Sakkara which is one part of the old great necropolis of Memphis. Sakkara is probably best known as the location of King Zoser's step Pyramid, one of the oldest on record.  Our excursion proceeds to the old capital of Memphis, which was the capital city of the Old Kingdom. We see the ruins of the Temple of Ptah, and the gigantic colossi of king Ramses the second.  While in this area, we visit a local carpet school and we are able to watch the fascinating skills of those who make rugs by hand. 

Cairo - Flight to Aswan - Nile Cruise 

We start the day early with breakfast and then are transferred to the Cairo airport for our flight south to Aswan.  Our tour begins at the famous High Dam which was built to save Egypt from the wild Nile floods.  We continue on to visit one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt, the Philae Temple, which is the temple of ISIS, goddess of magic and maternity. To access this temple we ride a motor boat, which also provides us our first views of the local terrain and interaction with people.  After our visit, we embark on our deluxe Nile cruise boat which is our home for the next three nights.  We enjoy lunch and some free time onboard to rest from our early morning.  For those who wish, we may take a motor boat up the Nile to a local Nubian village and learn about their culture and visit a local family.  We have time here to do our first market shopping and maybe find a special galabaya (traditional Egyptian garment) for our onboard party tomorrow night. 

Nile Cruise

As our riverboat moves north, our first visit today is to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple in Egypt, which is dedicated to Horus the falcon, and Sobek the crocodile. Then we sail to Edfu and overnight in Edfu. Tonight after dinner, we enjoy a traditional Egyptian celebration dressed in our traditional wear for those who’d like to attend.

Nile Cruise

Today we will visit the most complete temple of Edfu in Egypt. This afternoon we return to our ship and continue sailing to Luxor.  Along the way, we pass through a loch on the Nile in Esna which is exciting to see. Tonight after dinner we have a very unique experience of enjoying a fascinating tour around the city of Luxor by night on horse-pulled buggies. 

Nile Cruise - Valley of Kings - Cairo 

For those who are adventurous and up for a thrill, there is an opportunity for an optional hot air balloon ride this morning over the Valley of the Kings in Luxor (a separate additional fee is required).  The view is incomparable and lets you appreciate the large scale of the burial place of many famous pharos.  We start our official tour today by visiting the Valley of the Kings and admire the magnificence of the grandeur of architecture which was used for many kings' burial sites. We visit 3 famous tombs, including the tomb of King Tut Ankh Amen!  We pass by the temple built by Queen Hatshepsut, the daughter of Thutmosis I for photo opportunity. This afternoon, one of the tour highlights of the whole tour is visiting the Karnak Temple, the greatest example of worship in the history of Egypt.  It is dedicated to the god Amon, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu. We will then transfer to the airport for our flight back to Cairo and enjoy a farewell dinner.   

Today (early AM) we depart Egypt and take our flight home with memories to last a lifetime.