Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend, and lore as you view the timeless wonders of Egypt. Discover the world of the ancient Egyptians as you visit the incomparable sites of the pharaohs - Memphis and Sakkara, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and Karnak temples, and the tombs on the West Bank of ancient Thebes. Cruise along the legendary Nile River, pass colonnaded temples, and stop at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, situated at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend and lore as you view the timeless wonders of Egypt. Discover the world of the ancient Egyptians as you visit the incomparable sites of the pharaohs - Memphis and Sakkara, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and Karnak temples and the tombs on the West Bank of ancient Thebes. Cruise along the legendary Nile River, pass colonnaded temples and stop at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, situated at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land.
Day #2 Cairo, Egypt - Gather for a special welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Day #3 Cairo - Giza - Memphis - Sakkara - Cairo - This morning travel to nearby Giza to visit one of the seven ancient wonders of the world – the Pyramids of Giza. This afternoon, travel south to visit the site of ancient Memphis, with its 40-foot statue of Ramses II, and Sakkara, where you will see the oldest of all the pyramids, the Step Pyramid. Return to the pyramids this evening for a captivating sound and light show.
Day #4 Cairo - Luxor - Spend the morning discovering the remarkable collections of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, including statues, reliefs, sarcophagi and the treasures of the tomb of Tutankhamen. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor*.
Day #5 Luxor - Begin your tour of ancient Thebes as you cross over to the West Bank of the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the massive complex of the Temple of Karnak.
Day #6 Luxor - Board Cruise Ship - Return to the West Bank to visit the tombs in the Valley of Nobles and the well-preserved temple complex of Medinet Habu. Embark on your Nile cruise this afternoon.
Day #7 Luxor - Your ship sails in the early hours of the morning. Begin sailing down the mighty Nile, arriving in Esna. Continue sailing this afternoon toward Edfu.
Day #8 Edfu - Kom Ombo - This morning visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Following lunch, set sail for Kom Ombo, where you will tour the famous double sanctuary.
Day #9 Aswan - Arrive in the Nubian city of Aswan this morning and visit the ancient Philae Temple of Isis. Later, explore Nubian history and its environment with a visit to the Nubian Museum, known for its rich collection of artifacts showing the material culture of Nubia, from prehistory to present times. Your ship remains in Aswan overnight.
Day #10 Aswan - Disembark Cruise Ship - Disembark your ship this morning. You may choose an optional tour to Abu Simbel** and see the extraordinary temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II, which were moved to their present site during construction of the Aswan High Dam. Later, sail by traditional felucca to Kitchener Island for a stroll through the botanical gardens.
Day #11 Aswan - Cairo - Fly from Aswan to Cairo* and check into your hotel. Tonight enjoy a delightful farewell dinner and share your experiences with your fellow travelers!
Day #12 Cairo - Tour Concludes -
