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. (PM Arrival)

Cairo - Giza Pyramids -Egyptian Museum - Flight to Luxor

Today we 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, on our way to see the solar boat museum which sits with the pyramids. We continue on to the Great Sphinx which was carved out of 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! After a stop for lunch, we continue our tour 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. Transfer to Cairo Airport to take our flight to Luxor. We will be met and transferred to our hotel for the night.

Valley of the Kings - Nile Cruise

We start the tour today by visiting the Valley of the Kings and admire the magnificence of the grandeur of architecture which was used for many king's 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 a photo opportunity. After our visit, we embark on our deluxe Nile Cruise boat (Radamsis I) which is our home for the next four night. 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 - Karnak Temple - sailing to Edfu via Esna 

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. This morning, we enjoy 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 head back to the ship for lunch and enjoy sailing. As our riverboat moves south to Edfu via Esna, we pass through a lock on the Nile in Esna which is exciting to see. 

Nile Cruise -  Edfu Temple - Kom Ombo Temple - Sailing to Aswan

Our first visit today is to Edfu the most complete temple in Egypt. This afternoon we return to our ship and continue sailing 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 Aswan. Alon the way, Tonight, after dinner, we enjoy a traditional Egyptian celebration dressed in our traditional wear for those who'd like to attend.

Aswan - The Famous High Dam - Philae Temple

After breakfast we visit 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, the 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. We will go back to the ship for lunch. 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 (a separate additional fee is required).

Cairo - Sakkara & Memphis

Today we say goodbye to our home on the Nile as we disembark the ship and take an early flight back to Cairo. From the airport, we depart on a tour to 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. Check into our hotel by the airport to get some rest before our flight home. 

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