Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts Tuesdays. January to December
8 days from $3795.00Arrive Cairo, Egypt
Welcome to Cairo. You are met on arrival at Cairo airport, and then transferred to your luxury hotel. Settle into this exotic city and enjoy your Pyramid View Room.
Cairo & the Pyramids
This morning explore the Pyramids of Giza – dating back nearly 5,000 years and one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Venture inside one of the Royal Burial Chambers and see the funerary boat of Cheops. View the Great Sphinx of Giza – a monumental statue carved from a single block of stone. This afternoon visit the ancient city of Memphis, the oldest capital of Egypt. Here admire the finely detailed, colossal 120-ton statue of Ramses II, and the stunning 80-ton Alabaster Sphinx. Explore Sakkara, the oldest ancient Egyptian cemetery, to see the Step Pyramid. It is the oldest pyramid, and the first large limestone construction in the world. (B)
Cairo & Aswan
See the highlights of the city of Cairo today, starting with the truly incomparable Egyptian Museum. Examine the fascinating treasures of the Tutankhamen collection; learn about ancient Egypt’s funerary rites when you visit the Mummies Room. Next, drive to the Citadel and see the Ottoman-style Mohammed Ali Mosque, a Cairo landmark. Then you have time to explore and barter in the renowned Khan El Khalili Bazaar, with its colorful souqs and cafes.
Enjoy a special lunch at a local restaurant before flying to Aswan in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax in your Nile View room in Aswan. (B,L)
Abu Simbel, Aswan & Nile River Cruise
Early this morning take a flight excursion to visit Abu Simbel and see its impressive 3,300-year-old temples carved out of a hillside to honor Ramses II. Upon your return to Aswan, visit the High Dam and learn its importance to the water and power of Egypt. Next, explore an ancient granite quarry and see the gigantic unfinished obelisk. Visit the Temple of Philae, then enjoy sailing in a Felucca around Elephantine Island and a visit to the Botanical Garden.
This afternoon, board the luxurious Sonesta St. George I to embark on your 3-night Nile Cruise. (B,L,D)
Nile Cruise: Kom Ombo & Edfu
This morning is yours at leisure, perhaps to watch life along the Nile. This afternoon stop in Kom Ombo to tour the famed double temple of Haroeris (the falcon-headed god) and Sobek (the Crocodile god). Continue cruising to Edfu, where you disembark to tour the beautifully preserved sandstone Temple of Horus — one of the finest examples of Ptolemaic art in Egypt. In the evening, the boat sails on to Esna. (B,L,D)
Nile Cruise: Luxor
Today, you cruise to Luxor, an important modern-day town with an amazing history dating back more than 4,000 years. In the afternoon, visit Luxor’s East Bank to tour the sacred Luxor Temple, among the most beautiful in Egypt, and where you can examine the evidence it also contained a Christian church and Muslim mosque. You also tour the vast Temple of Karnak, the largest ancient temple complex, containing the ruins of three main temples as well as chapels, pylons and more. (B,L,D)
Disembark Cruise, Luxor & Cairo
This morning bid farewell to your home on the Nile, and explore Luxor’s West Bank. Tour the Valley of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its more than 60 excavated royal tombs. Visit the infamous tomb of King Tut-ench-Amoun, but note, most of the valuable treasure found inside are on display in the Egyptian Museum. Explore the Valley of the Queens, surrounded by impressive cliffs, and home to the tombs of queens, concubines and children. You also see the Colossi of Memnon statues and the Temple of Madinat Habu.
Fly back to Cairo in the afternoon. Enjoy the remainder of your last day in Egypt at leisure. (B)
Depart Cairo
Today you are taken to the airport for your departing flight home or on to your next destination. (B)
Mena House, Cairo
This palatial hotel in the shadow of the Great Pyramids in Giza has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House has played host to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. A variety of international as well as Egyptian cuisine is on offer at the excellent restaurants and bars in the hotel. All guest accommodation at Mena House is air conditioned with satellite television, broadband internet access, electronic safes and hair dryers. Rooms and Suites are lavishly appointed with traditionally inspired furnishings and rich carpets. The hotel offers 2 different luxury experiences in which its heritage has been preserved; in the Old Palace Wing are located 76 rooms and suites, while contemporary elegance has been lavishly designed into the Nile Wings 62 rooms and suites. A 2014 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
Movenpick Aswan, Aswan
A perfect place to relax in some of the most beautiful natural surroundings in Egypt. The Resort is set on an island in the middle of the River Nile in one of the most enchanting natural locations.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
This stylish, seven-story hotel on the riverfront combines marble, laser-cut hieroglyphics, royal cartouches and etched images of Ramses and Tutankhamen in its common areas. Recreation includes an elaborate pool and a luxurious spa with gym, sauna and hammam (Arabic steam bath). Guest rooms offer Internet access, hair dryer, mini-bar, and in-room safe.
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Cairo
This beacon of sophisticated hospitality rises on the legendary Corniche along the bank of the river. With commanding views of both the Nile and the Citadel, Four Seasons unites its timeless, caring, personalized attention with the dynamism of fast-forward Cairo. It is steps from Garden City's historic mansions and a short taxi ride from Cairo's attractions. The Four Seasons features an unparalleled spa, lush pool oasis, and eight eclectic choices for dining or entertainment. The guest rooms and suites are generously sized and reflect the vibrancy of contemporary Cairo, with bright interiors, natural wood finishes and chic, comfortable furnishings. All guest quarters offer panoramic views, whether across the Nile to the island of Zamalek and beyond, or towards the 12th-century Citadel. Triple-glazed windows ensure that interiors remain cool and quiet. Up-to-the-minute technology for communication and entertainment includes high-speed Internet wired and wireless access throughout. The spacious marble bathrooms incorporate Four Seasons' signature features: deep soaking tub, separate glass-enclosed shower, and a large double vanity.