Treasures Of Egypt

Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend, and lore as you walk among Egypt's timeless wonders.

Begin your journey in Cairo, a modern megalopolis with an intriguing past. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at your hotel. Today dinner will be included.

Get a glimpse into ancient Egypt's Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties during an introductory talk before navigating Cairo's famous traffic on your way to the remarkable collections of the Grand Egyptian Museum. See the statues, reliefs, sarcophagi, and treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Today breakfast will be included.

Grand Egyptian Museum is projected to open in 2021. If opening is delayed, groups will visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.

The day is yours to experience the energy of Cairo's buzzing streets. Wander a maze of stalls at the market, relax at a local café, or maybe even spend time in one of the city's many museums. Perhaps you will join a full-day exploration of Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city. The 3.5-hour-drive north takes you to the shores of the Mediterranean. Here you'll discover Alexandria's Hellenic roots and Greco-Roman architecture, set in unique harmony with the ultramodern facade of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Or you may choose to join a local guide for a tour of Sakkara and Djoser's Step Pyramid. Today breakfast will be included.

Depart your hotel before dawn for your flight to Luxor home to the expansive Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions. This afternoon, board your cruise ship for a voyage on the Nile River. Relax aboard, taking in the views from the sundeck. In the early evening, opt to join a visit to Luxor temple, all lit up and boasting fascinating plays of light and shadow, ending at a local café for a taste of mint tea before returning to the ship for a late dinner followed by a folkloric belly dancing performance. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

The exact flight schedule will be confirmed closer to departure. Due to limited flights, our departure from Cairo to Luxor will be at 6:30 a.m. or earlier, requiring a 3:00 a.m. departure from the hotel.

Venture thousands of years into the past. As the sun rises, cross the Nile for a day in ancient Thebes. Explore the Valley of the Kings, including the world-renowned tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for a late lunch. This afternoon, take in the views of the fertile banks of the Nile as you sail down the river towards Edfu. Join a culinary demonstration and learn about the staples of Egyptian cuisine from your chef. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Visiting the Valley of the Kings requires walking on sand and mostly unpaved paths. In addition, visiting the tombs requires navigating through multiple steep staircases and/or ramps with limited help from handrails.

Beat the heat with an early morning visit to the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Peruse the endless carvings of scenes depicting the power and grandeur of the pharaohs. Later this morning, participate in an informative talk covering Egypt from past to present. After lunch, set sail for Kom Ombo and explore the unique double temple before continuing to Aswan, the Nubian City. This evening, dress up and join the fun during a traditional galabeya party after dinner on board. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Board a motorboat towards the sanctuary island dedicated to the goddess Isis. Philae Temple (UNESCO) is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the construction of the High Dam. Then, learn about Aswan's ancient trade of granite extraction and carving techniques during a visit to an ancient quarry and its unfinished obelisk. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you'll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Disembark the ship this morning and sail to the lush oasis of Kitchener Island where you embark on a stroll through the botanical gardens. Aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat), take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile before arriving at your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you'll stroll along the Corniche, Aswan's waterfront promenade before regrouping for dinner at your hotel. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Pre sunrise, consider an optional tour to Abu Simbel for a visit of the extraordinary temples of Ramses II, relocated here during the construction of the High Dam. If you're not participating in the optional tour, you will transfer to the Aswan airport sometime between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. for your return to Cairo. Walk along el-Moez Street, admiring the elegant Islamic architecture of Historic Cairo (UNESCO) and enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous souk of Khan el Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more. Today breakfast will be included.

Due to flight schedules, the Abu Simbel option must be purchased at time of booking. While we do our utmost to schedule the option on the same day of your return to Cairo to reduce the number of early morning starts, please be aware that the airline schedule is subject to change.

Fulfill a lifelong dream and head to nearby Giza (UNESCO). Embark on an in-depth visit to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the iconic Great Sphinx, one of the world's oldest and largest monuments. Then, it's your choice! Meet with a local archeologist to learn about the most recent findings in Egyptology and how they influence the active digs on the Giza plateau. Or channel your inner explorer and venture inside the largest Pyramid of Giza via the Robber's Tunnel, winding through the inner chamber. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner at your hotel. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Visiting the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Cheops in Giza requires agility as you will have to climb up steep, narrow , tall steps on the side of the Pyramid without handrails. To access the inner chamber, you will need to crouch and at times to crawl up the narrow shaft with minimal handrails.

Your epic adventure comes to a close today. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land. Today breakfast will be included.