ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Cairo
As you arrive in the Land of the Pharaohs, you will be welcomed by your representative at the Cairo International Airport, then escorted to your hotel.
DAY 2
Cairo - City Tour
Immerse yourself in Egyptian history with a full-day sightseeing tour of Cairo. After meeting your driver at the hotel, you will head to the Egyptian Museum to discover all its amazing history with the help of your private Egyptologist Guide. You will then continue to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East where you will discover a maze of alleys that have been at the center of Cairo’s trading activities since the 14th century. You will then visit Old Cairo to see its major attractions, including the Hanging Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Church of St. Barbara, and the Church of Abu Serga, one of the oldest Coptic churches in Cairo.
DAY 3
Cairo - Pyramids Tour
After breakfast, a scenic drive will take you to the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, which have been telling the story of Ancient Egypt for over 5000 years. Complete your visit to Giza with a tour of the Solar Boat Museum. After lunch, continue to the ancient city of Memphis, the first capital of United Upper and Lower Egypt, then visit Sakkara, the site of the Step Pyramid of Zoser.
DAY 4
Cairo, Luxor
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival transfer to your Dahabeya, a traditional sailboat offering luxury accommodations and modern amenities for your seven-night Nile cruise.
After lunch, you will embark on an excursion to visit the majestic temple complex of Amon-Ra at Karnak, with its vast hypostyle hall of 137 columns, followed by the equally impressive 28th Dynasty Luxor Temple. Overnight moored on the Nile Banks of Luxor.
DAY 5
Luxor
Today is reserved for the myths and legends of the West Bank as you visit the burial places of Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings - where Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922. You will then continue to the Valley of the Queens, the temple of Medinet Habu, and the Colossi of Memnon. Upon returning to the ship, your captain will continue sailing to Esna as you relax over a delicious lunch.
DAY 6
Esna
A day at leisure. After breakfast, the captain will continue sailing towards Esna, where your Dahabeya will moor overnight close to Nile island.
DAY 7
Edfu
This morning you will sail to Edfu where you will visit the wonderfully preserved Temple of Edfu. Overnight moored close to Nile Island.
DAY 8
Kom Ombo
Visit Kom Ombo to see the Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus, god of the morning sun.
DAY 9
Aswan
A leisurely day sailing to Aswan mesmerized by enchanting and contrasting sceneries with the desert reaching the edges of the western shores while palms and vast spreads of greenery cover the East bank. As you sail take pleasure in the Jacuzzi on deck, sipping cocktails, or retreating to the tranquil indoor library. The Dahabeya will moor overnight in Aswan.
DAY 10
Aswan
Today you will visit the Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971); the Old Dam (completed in 1902). You will also visit the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a structure rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam's construction.
DAY 11
Aswan, Cairo – Abu Simbel Tour
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Abu Simbel. Tour the colossal Temple of Ramses II and the temple of his beloved Queen Nefertari. Both were carved out of a hillside beside the Nile in the 13th century BC. Following your visit, transfer back to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel.
DAY 12
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight. (B)
Please note: The cruise itinerary is subject to change. The Dahabeya sails alternating weeks from Aswan to Luxor. The cruise itinerary may be in reverse order.
