Day 1 : Fly to Egypt

We board our overnight flight to Egypt.

Day 2 : Arrive in Cairo

Upon arrival in Cairo, we are greeted by our expert local guide and Tour Director. Enjoy getting to know fellow tourmates on the way to our comfortable 5-star accommodations.

Day 3 : Pyramids & the Great Sphinx

Today we begin our explorations 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 with a visit to the pyramids of Giza, featuring the Great Pyramid. This pyramid built by Khufu is 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.

Day 4 : Cairo Sightseeing

Our morning begins with a guided tour of Cairo. This ancient city is nestled along the Nile, the longest river in the world, and boasts countless legendary sites including the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Khan el Khalili Bazar, Old Cairo, and the Citadel of Cairo featuring the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. We also visit Old Cairo, the historic part of the city that tells its 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.

Day 5 : Karnak & Luxor Temples

We fly south to Luxor this morning and board the M/S Tulip, our home for the next four nights. Enjoy beautiful staterooms and all meals included onboard as we cruise the Nile River. 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 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 to the West Bank of Luxor into the Valley of the Kings. Marvel at the mountain-cut tombs built for the powerful pharaohs and nobles, once filled with riches to accompany them into the afterlife. Then visit the stunning Hatshepsut Temple, a mortuary temple dedicated to the longest-ruling female of Ancient Egypt. Later, we continue to Esna and cross the lock for our overnight. While here, admire the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed god of “the source” of the Nile, the river which brings all life to the sprawling Egyptian desert.

Day 7 : Edfu & Kom Ombo

We dock in Edfu this morning and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to the temple dedicated to the Falcon-headed god, Horus. One of Egypt’s most iconic deities, the Eye of Horus originates from this spirit, representing well-being, protection, and healing. Later, we cruise to the ancient agricultural city of Kom Ombo.

Day 8 : Ptolemaic Temple & Aswan

This morning we visit the Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo, an iconic double temple. Sobek is the deity we discover here, the crocodile-headed god known for fertility and as a repairer of evil in the world. Next, we sail to the High Dam, a massive embankment dam and impressive engineering feat, as well as the century-old Low Dam. Next, gaze upon the largest known ancient obelisk, known as the Unfinished Obelisk, at Aswan’s stone quarry. Our day concludes with a trip to Philae Temple, an island-based complex within the Low Dam’s reservoir and the last temple built in classical Egyptian style.

Day 9 : Kitchener Island

Today we disembark our cruise ship in Aswan and relax on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian wooden sailboat, for a scenic sail around Kitchner Island, known for its exotic birds and plants. After lunch together at a local restaurant, we fly back to Cairo and check in to beautiful Le Méridien Cairo Airport Hotel. Later, we gather with our new friends to reminisce on the incredible memories we had throughout Egypt during a Farewell Social Hour.

Day 10 : Fly Home

We return home with spectacular memories of our time in Egypt.