Exploring Egypt

On our 10-day voyage to Egypt we travel from Cairo along the Nile with distinguished Egyptologists who will reveal the complexities of Ancient Egyptian beliefs and rites. Observe the scientific and artistic brilliance of the ancient kingdoms and the cultural vibrancy that has been maintained from the earliest prehistoric settlements of the fertile Nile River Valley to life in Egypt today. Visit bazaars alive with color and fragrant with exotic spices that create a distinct appreciation of Egypt’s unique diversity. This is a true discovery of Egypt’s religions, arts and, of course, the awe-inspiring architecture.

Itinerary:

DAY 1 — U. S./Fly Overnight to Cairo, Egypt

DAY 2 — Cairo
Arrive late in the day and transfer to the Four Seasons at The First Residence in Cairo.

DAY 3 — Cairo
Explore Islamic Cairo, a city of mosques, including the Mohammed Ali Mosque, whose five domes can be seen throughout the city. The pace quickens at Khan el Khalili, a maze of bazaars with rich leather goods, hand-worked gold and fragrant spices. Then, at the Egyptian Museum, view astonishing masterpieces from Ancient Egypt, including mummies of the pharaohs. This evening we will have a welcome dinner at a typical Egyptian restaurant. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswan/Embark
A private flight takes you from Cairo to Abu Simbel where the 3,500-year-old Temple of Amon and Re-Harakte houses the colossi of Ramses II. Rescued from Lake Nasser, the massive Great Temple of Abu Simbel now sits 200 feet above its original location. Nearby visit the Temple of Hathor that was built for Ramses’ favorite wife, Queen Nefertari. Continue your journey as our private aircraft takes us to Aswan where we board Triton and have lunch. We visit Aswan’s famous quarries of pink granite where you’ll walk across the massive 1,162-ton Unfinished Obelisk, abandoned when it cracked. Discover lovely Philae Temple, a monument to the Egyptian goddess Isis. Sail by felucca through the cataract along Kitchener Island. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — Aswan/Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo’s temple is dedicated to two gods: the hawk-headed Haroeris and crocodile-headed Sobek. Sail to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus, considered the best-preserved Ptolemaic masterpiece of the ancient world. You’ll also have time to relax as we sail lazily along the calm, majestic river. (B,L,D)

DAY 6-7 — Luxor
Karnak and Luxor Temples, both dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, are located about two miles apart, but were once joined by a paved road lined with ram-headed sphinxes. Visit the Temple at Karnak, an architectural wonder that had been the most important anctuary of Egypt, and the graceful Temple of Luxor, guarded by massive statues of Ramses II. Cross the Nile to Luxor’s West Bank and visit the Valley of the Kings, Queens and Nobles including the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which has been called the finest building in Egypt. At the Luxor Museum see a mural from the Temple of Aton. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Luxor/Disembark/Cairo
Disembark Triton and fly by private aircraft from Luxor to Cairo. Transfer to the Mena House Oberoi Hotel, located at the foot of the Pyramids in Giza. The afternoon is free and this evening attend the Pyramids sound and light show. (B,L)

DAY 9 — Pyramids,Sphinx, Memphis,Saqqara or Dashur/Cairo
The most enduring symbol of the ancient world, and the only surviving of its seven wonders, are the Pyramids at Giza. Learn how and why the pyramids were built, then view the Sphinx, carved out of a rocky outcrop, with the head of Pharaoh Chefren and the body of a lion. There will be an optional visit to Memphis, the city that represents the uniting of Upper and Lower Egypt, and Saqqara with its Step Pyramid complex or Dashur with its Bent and Red Pyramids. A memorable farewell dinner ends your expedition. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Cairo/Home
Extend your expedition to Jordan or fly home this morning. (B)

Included:

All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group nights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship's crew), taxes and service charges, services of aship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

Not Included:

Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/
travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship's crew at your discretion.

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.