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Luxor Temple
Sail by Felucca Around Kitchner Island
Pyramids of Giza
Aswan High Dam
Local Food & Ancient Culture
Nile River, Cairo city
Hatshepsut Temple
Immerse yourself in the ancient kingdoms and immortal cities of Egypt, where legendary sites and fascinating culture await. Begin in Cairo with seeing some of Earth’s greatest wonders: the Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Great Sphinx. Then, take a short flight to Luxor and board our beautiful riverboat for four spectacular nights. Watch the storied history of this area reveal itself to you as we cruise the country’s lifeblood, the Nile River, with several stops shrouded in myth and mystery including Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Kom Ombo, and more. Enjoy five-star French balcony cabins, luxurious amenities, cultural performances, and flavorful cuisine on board! Upon returning to Cairo, our private Egyptologist guides us through some of the city’s most famous sites, including Old Cairo and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, before concluding our adventure with a Farewell Social Hour.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Giza Necropolis
Named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza were built more than 4000 years ago for pharaohs of ancient Egypt during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. There are three large pyramids, one for each pharaoh, as well as smaller pyramids that belonged to the pharaohs’ queens, mothers, and daughters. The Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid, is the tallest of them all and took over two million blocks of stone to complete! This complex also features a worker’s village and the famous Great Sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and head of a man, which spans 240 feet long and over 60 feet high.
5-star Coral Sea Riverboat
Discover rich history while relaxing aboard our 5-star floating hotel along the legendary Nile River — the perfect way to explore the ancient civilizations and vibrant culture of Egypt. This beautiful riverboat is big enough to deliver first-class service, amenities, and entertainment, yet small enough to provide an immersive, personalized experience. Enjoy cabins with French balconies, spa treatments, a sauna, a sun deck pool and bar, games like ping-pong and billiards, and more. Savor flavorful local and international cuisine, and as night falls, gather in the lounge for lively entertainment, from belly dancing to a festive Galabeya Party.
The Valley of the Kings in the West Bank of Luxor
Explore this impressive burial site that was used for nearly every pharaoh during the 18th, 19th, and 20th Egyptian Dynasties. There are over 60 tombs in the Valley, including the world-famous tomb of King Tutankhamun, which is the only Valley of the Kings royal tomb discovered relatively intact. These wealthy and powerful rulers chose underground burials in this isolated valley off the Nile River as their final resting place to avoid tomb robberies.
Karnak Temple Complex
Karnak translates to “fortified village,” which is fitting as the largest complex of religious monuments in the ancient world. Constructed thousands of years ago, it can be separated into three parts: the precincts of Amun, Mut, and Montu. In the precinct of Amun, stroll through the Great Hypostyle Hall’s 134 columns that are so massive and elaborate you will find yourself short of words to describe their magnificence. Over 80,000 servants were assigned to Amun-Ra in Karnak and 5,000 statues were built in his honor, which is only a glimpse at how much power he once held.
- Day 1: Meet Your GroupFly to an East Coast city and settle into our comfortable hotel for a relaxing evening. Enjoy getting to know your fellow travelers and Tour Director while breaking up the journey for a smoother, well-rested arrival in Cairo.
- Day 2: Fly to EgyptToday, we board our overnight flight to a land known for its history and mysteries as old as time.
- Day 3: Arrive in CairoAs our flight descends into Cairo, catch your first breathtaking glimpse of the city's golden-hued skyline with ancient pyramids emerging from the sprawling desert. Our expert local guide warmly welcomes us at the airport before we board a motorcoach for a panoramic city tour of downtown. Later, we settle into our 5-star accommodations for a restful evening and socialize with fellow travelers over a Welcome Drink.
- Day 4: Pyramids & the Great SphinxWe begin our day with a drive to ancient Memphis, once a thriving metropolis and capital of the Old Kingdom. Here, we view the legendary step pyramid of the Third Egyptian Dynasty in Saqqara, the world’s oldest stone complex. Later, gaze upon some of Egypt’s most mysterious and famous monuments during a visit to the Giza Necropolis. Marvel at the remarkable Great Pyramid, the oldest and largest of the pyramids, and the only surviving structure of the remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We also see the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza, dating back to 26th century BC. Afterwards, we return to our hotel in Cairo.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 5: Karnak & Luxor TemplesOur journey continues with a southbound flight to Luxor this morning, where the 5-star Tamr or Tulip awaits. Enjoy beautiful staterooms with French balconies and all meals included on board as we cruise the Nile River for four mesmerizing nights. Our first stop is Karnak, the world’s largest temple complex consisting of ancient pylons, temples, and chapels that once served as a palace for the New Kingdom pharaohs. We also visit Luxor Temple, built around 14th century BC and used as a fortress during the Roman Empire. Originally dedicated to the mother goddess of Mut, the temple turned into a Tetrarchy cult chapel before becoming a church.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 6: Valley of the KingsToday, we cross the Nile to the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor. Marvel at the mountain-cut tombs built for the powerful pharaohs and nobles, once filled with riches to accompany them in the afterlife. We then visit the stunning Hatshepsut Temple, a mortuary temple dedicated to the longest-ruling female of Ancient Egypt. Later, our ship cruises to Esna and crosses the lock for our overnight. While here, admire the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed god and “the source” of the Nile, the river that brings life to the sprawling Egyptian desert.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7: Edfu & Kom OmboWe dock in Edfu this morning and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to its namesake temple. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god and one of the most important deities, Horus, this well-preserved monument is Egypt’s best example of a Ptolemaic temple building. Afterwards, we cruise to the ancient agricultural city of Kom Ombo and see its iconic double temple built during the Ptolemaic dynasty. The two identical entrances are dedicated to different gods: Horus and Sobek, the local crocodile-headed god known for fertility and as a repairer of evil in the world. This evening, join an immersive celebration of Egyptian traditions with music, laughter, and dancing at a festive Galabeya Party aboard the ship. Watch for small boats pulling right up to the ship for an opportunity to purchase your own traditional galabeya gown!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8: Aswan’s High DamOur morning begins with a journey to the High Dam, a massive embankment dam and impressive engineering feat. We also visit the Old Dam and explore the largest known ancient obelisk, the Unfinished Obelisk, at Aswan’s stone quarry. The rest of the day is yours to relax on the ship, explore more of its amenities, and enjoy passing scenery. Tonight, we attend a traditional belly dancing show, a captivating performance rooted in Middle Eastern cultural celebrations.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9: Philae Temple & Kitchener’s IslandToday, we disembark our cruise ship and visit Philae Temple, an island-based complex within the century-old Low Dam’s reservoir and the last temple built in classical Egyptian style. After lunch at a local restaurant in Aswan, we relax on a traditional Egyptian wooden sailboat, called a felucca. Take in scenic vistas as we sail around Kitchener’s Island, known for its exotic birds and plants. This evening, we board a flight back to Cairo.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: Cairo SightseeingWe embark on a guided tour of Cairo today, nestled along the longest river in the world, the Nile. This ancient city boasts countless legendary sites, including the Grand Egyptian Museum, Khan el Khalili Bazar, and the Citadel of Cairo, featuring the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. We also visit Old Cairo, the historic part of the city that holds origin stories of days as a Roman-era fortress called Fort Babylon and an Islamic-era settlement, both pre-dating the city’s founding in 969 AD. Later, we gather to celebrate our incredible Egyptian vacation during a Farewell Social Hour.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 11: Fly HomeWe board our overnight flight home, returning with spectacular memories of our time in Egypt.
Directors are not guaranteed and subject to change.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night in an East Coast city (before flying to Egypt)
- 2 nights at Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino
- 4 nights aboard the Tamr or Tulip
- 2 nights at Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino (before returning home)
Attractions & Highlights
- Welcome Drink in Cairo
- Giza Necropolis feat. the Pyramids & Great Sphinx
- Memphis feat. Saqqara's Step Pyramid of Djoser
- Cairo guided city tour feat. Grand Egyptian Museum & Citadel of Cairo’s Mosque of Muhammad Ali
- Valley of the Kings
- Ports of call: Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Aswan
- Temples of Karnak, Luxor, Khnum, Edfu & Kom Ombo
- Aswan High Dam & Old Dam feat. Philae temple complex
- Sail by felucca around Kitchener’s Island
- Daily guided tours with private Egyptologist
15 Excellent Meals
- 12 included meals aboard the Tamr or Tulip
- Farewell Social Hour in Cairo
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport