Jewels of the Nile

Welcome to Egypt. On arrival at Cairo Airport you will be welcomed by our local representative prior to immigration to assist you with your included Egyptian Visa. You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your Pyramids area hotel. The remainder of the day at leisure.

A day to remember! Meet your private Egyptologist guide and embark on a full day sightseeing tour of the Pyramids and Greater Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Begin your day with a visit to the impressive site of the Pyramids. Construction began in 2690 BC, the Pyramids of Mycerinus, Chefren and the Great Pyramid of Cheops are the only survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Face the mystical Sphinx, reputedly used as target practice by Napoleon’s troops. This afternoon visit the nearby GEM, dedicated to the boy king Tutankhamun. The museum is currently in a “soft opening” phase, and you will have an opportunity to see the grand statue of Ramses II, relocated from Tahrir Square dominating the foyer, plus many other ancient Egyptian wonders.

OPTION: For those interested in visiting Memphis and Sakkara, this option can be included instead of visiting the GEM.

This morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. On arrival in Luxor embark on your cruise along the life-giving Nile. After lunch on board your cruise ship you will head out to explore one of the world’s most remarkable open-air museums – Thebes. Visit the magnificent Luxor Temple then follow the Avenue of the Sphinx to the Temple complex of Karnak. This gigantic site was added to by approximately 30 different Pharaohs over time, which goes some way to explaining its immense size and majestic grandeur. Dinner on board.

In the early hours of the morning your cruise ship will cross the Esna locks and sail for Edfu. Following breakfast on board you will set out to view remains dating back to the Old Kingdom, as well as the revered Temple of Horus – one of the holiest of the Egyptian pantheon of gods. Return to the ship mid-morning and continue sailing to Kom Ombo. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the ship prior to a late afternoon visit to the Kom Ombo Temple. This remarkable temple was jointly shared by the two Gods: Sobek, depicted with the head of a crocodile, and Horus, represented with the head of a falcon. It was constructed during the Ptolemaic period, spanning from 237 to 57 BCE. Admire the beautifully preserved murals and intricate bas-relief, adorned with inscriptions that offer valuable insights into language, mythology, and religion during the Egypt’s Greco-Roman era. There will be a Galabeya party on board this evening.

Early this morning your ship will set sail for Aswan. After breakfast visit the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and the beautifully restored Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis (the mother of Horus). This remarkable temple was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. Return for a leisurely lunch on board your cruise ship before setting off mid-afternoon to sail by traditional felucca around Kitchener’s Island with a view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum. This evening attend dinner and a Nubian folkloric show on board.

Optional (surcharge applies): Half day or overnight visit to Abu Simbel

Disembark from your cruise this morning after breakfast. You will be met and transferred by private vehicle to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be met and transferred to your city hotel. Conveniently located in the centre of Cairo, you can spend the remainder of the day at leisure while you soak up the local culture and atmosphere.

Meet your private Egyptologist guide and embark on an enriching journey through Egypt’s rich history and. Your first stop is Coptic Cairo, where you will visit the famous Coptic Museum, built on the site of the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon, constructed about 30BC. Inside the fortress are several Coptic churches and the richest collection of Coptic art in the world. Additionally, visit Ben Ezra Synagogue, nestled within a pleasant shady garden in the centre of Cairo, housing several artefacts including the manuscript known as the ‘Atlas of Moses’.

After a break for lunch, walk through Old Cairo with your guide. Start at Bab al-Futuh and stroll through al-Moez Street visiting and viewing the magnificent Islamic architectural heritage including mausoleums, mosques, Sabils (fountains), and medieval houses dating back to the Fatimid and Mamluk periods. If you wish, take a moment to reenergize with a refreshing beverage at Fishawy Café, an optional stop amidst the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaars.

Sightseeing Options:  You have the option today to replace one of your half day tours with the one of the following:
1)   The new discoveries at Sakkara
2)   A visit to the Museum of Ancient Civilisation in Cairo

This morning you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward flight.