Gems of Egypt & The Nile River

Day 1 : Fly to Egypt

An overnight flight takes us to mystical Egypt.

Day 2 : Arrive in Cairo

When you arrive in Cairo, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. Enjoy getting to know one another on the way to our comfortable accommodations.

Day 3 : Pyramids & the Great Sphinx

Today we discover some of Egypt’s most mysterious monuments with a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza featuring the Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest and largest of the pyramids and the only surviving structure of the remaining six wonders of the ancient world. We also witness the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza dating back to the 26th century BC when the other civilization of the time was next-door Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). We drive to Memphis, once a thriving metropolis and capital of the Old Kingdom where we stop to see Sakkara, the legendary step pyramid of the Third Egyptian Dynasty.

Day 4 : Cairo Sightseeing

Set on the Nile, the longest river in the world, explore the ancient city of Cairo filled with fascinations including the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Khan el Khalili Bazar, Old Cairo, and the Citadel of Cairo featuring the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Old Cairo is the historic part of the city that tells its origin stories. Spark the imagination when you consider how Old Cairo was once a Roman-era fortress called “Fort Babylon” and at another time, an Islamic-era settlement, both which pre-dated the founding of Cairo in 969 AD.

Day 5 : Karnak & Luxor Temples

We fly south to Luxor where we board the ms Tulip, our home for the next four nights. Cruise the Nile River which flows northward through Africa and into the Mediterranean Sea. We visit Karnak, a complex that consists of decayed pylons, temples and chapels. Karnak Temple has not only religious significance, it also served as a treasury, administrative center, and palace for the New Kingdom pharaohs and is considered the largest temple complex ever constructed anywhere in the world. It is divided into three parts, and the largest is the precinct of Amun which contains the Great Hypostyle Hall of 134 massive columns, one of the most impressive places in all of Egypt. This temple must have been awe-inspiring over 2000 thousand years ago when these massive structures were first erected. Luxor Temple was built around the 14th century BC, and by the time of the Roman Empire, it was used as a fortress for the Roman government. Originally dedicated to the mother goddess of Mut, Luxor Temple has since turned into a Tetrarchy cult chapel, and then a church.

Day 6 : Valley of the Kings

Today we cross the Nile and disembark to visit the burials of the Valley of the Kings and Hatshetsut Temple, the ‘Holy of Holies’ built during the Eighteenth Egyptian Dynasty, showcasing masterful ancient architecture. After lunch on the ship, we continue on to Esna where we cross the lock and spend the night.

Day 7 : Edfu & Kom Ombo

Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon-headed god of Horus. Horus is among the most famous of the Egyptian gods. This deity’s significance lies in its many functions, being both the god of the sky and the god of kingship as well as the origin of the iconic Eye of Horus which represents health, protection, and restoration. This afternoon we visit the Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo before sailing to Aswan.

Day 8 : Ptolemaic Temple & Aswan

On our way to Aswan, we have a relaxing sail around Kitchener Island, home to the Aswan Botanical Garden, and accessible only by felucca, a traditional Egyptian wooden sailboat. Enjoy views of this lush island from the water.

Day 9 : The Botanical Island

Arriving today in Aswan, we see the temple on Philae Island, a destination that Victorian-era Brits found fascinating in the 1800s. Later this afternoon we fly back to Cairo and prepare for our flight back home.

Day 10 : Arrive Home