Delve into the antiquities of Egypt on this epic journey which begins in the effervescent Egyptian capital. As you transfer to your hotel for a day at leisure, you’ll feel the intoxicating buzz of this lively city – the perfect introduction to an unforgettable opportunity to learn about Egypt’s ancient past and exciting present. You may choose to relax after your trip, or experience the energy of Cairo for yourself at the Khan El-Khalili souk where the sounds and smells are almost overwhelming.
Immerse yourself during a full-day excursion to the old kingdom of Egypt. See the Colossus of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx at Memphis. Visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, then marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza and the mighty Sphinx.
Fly to Luxor this morning and embark on a guided tour of the Karnak Temple Complex, before boarding your cruise in time for lunch. Later, marvel at Luxor’s Temple and visit the Luxor Museum to see an astounding collection of archaeological treasures, including items from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Your Stays with Stories experience takes you on a cruise along the Nile, which continues to play a crucial role in Egyptian economy and biodiversity.
Pay tribute to the Goddess Hathor at Dendera Temple, a soaring structure built around 330 BC. Beautifully preserved and elaborate in its design, every inch of this impressive sand-colored structure is mesmerizing and you’ll see many of its halls, shrines and unique features such as the sun dial and replica Dendera zodiac, tracing the images of Taurus and Libra. You’ll learn about Dendera’s role as one of the major capitals of ancient Upper Egypt before sailing to Kom-Ombo for the night.
Today, we travel to Aswan, which for centuries held the important strategic role of being Egypt’s southern frontier and gateway to the rest of Africa. Today it is a tranquil, modern city, most known for its High Dam, Nubian villages and Philae Temple, built to honor Egyptian goddess Isis. We arrive in time for dinner, watching the buzz of the city from the comfort of our boat.
During your sightseeing in Aswan, you’ll see how the ancient Egyptians chose a stunning place to honor the goddess of love and you’ll learn how the Temple of Isis on Philae Island. Our final stop today is a visit to the High Dam, the world’s largest embankment dam which ended the cycle of flood and drought along the Nile River.
Today, you could join a once-in-a-lifetime Optional Experience to Abu Simbel, carved into a solid rock cliff in Egypt’s Nubian Valley. As you approach the Great Temple, you’ll marvel at the four seated colossi on either side of the entrance and the elaborate engravings depicting great victories and paying homage to the gods. Meet the members of a local women-owned cooperative on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Later, you’ll set sail in a traditional felucca around the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island.
We visit the roofless Temple of Kom-Ombo, a highlight along the Nile, where we’ll learn how the temple was built to honor two gods, Horus the Elder and Sobek. The Temple has a perfectly symmetrical design, the two sides mirroring each other with one side dedicated to the crocodile god, the other to the falcon god. You’ll learn all about the mythical link and why the Nile crocodile was of such importance to the ancient Egyptian priests.
Watch how the river gives life to an arid landscape and the people who live within it as you sail down the Nile towards Luxor, once an ancient Egyptian capital. Head to the Sundeck for the best views and thrilling experience of passing through Esna Lock before continuing your journey.
Disembark at Luxor to explore the fascinating complex of mortuary temples and tombs, including Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings. Connect With Locals as you enjoy a traditional Be My Guest experience. Fly to Cairo and enjoy an evening at leisure to soak up the buzzing atmosphere for which the city is famous.
The buzz of Cairo is undeniable, and you’ll get to feel it first-hand as you embark on an unforgettable sightseeing tour through the effervescent Egyptian capital. History buffs will love the visits to the Hanging Church of St. Mary and the Sultan Hassan Mosque in Old Cairo, built 700 years ago as a spiritual hub for the region. You’ll also see the Alabaster Mosque and Citadel of Cairo, a medieval Islamic-era fortification which served as the seat of the Egyptian government for almost seven centuries. Later, you’ll head to the celebrated Egyptian Museum, where you’ll Dive into Culture and discover the museum’s unbelievable array of artefacts, from mummies and sarcophagi to jewelery and King Tutankhamun’s treasures.
Our expedition at its end, say a fond farewell to your newfound friends.