Passage through Egypt

Our exploration has been developed to reveal all of Egypt, celebrated sites and less traveled areas as well. Leading Egyptologists join us as we survey imposing pyramids, impressive monuments and inspiring temples – built with techniques still not fully understood by modern engineers. Passage through Egypt’s 15-day pace is leisurely. You’ll visit Luxor and the West Bank twice. Explore the Temple of Dendera. You will spend three days in Cairo before your six-day river cruise as well as two and a half days after. Throughout this voyage you will discover the remarkable achievements of mankind’s longest chronicle.

Itinerary:

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

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

DAY 3 — Cairo
After a very long trip across the Atlantic and Mediterranean your first full day in Cairo is purposely left free to allow you to unwind and adjust to the time difference. Take our advice — relax, take advantage of the hotel and its spa and get caught up on your rest. It will enhance your experience throughout your expedition in Egypt. (B)

DAY 4 — Cairo
The morning is dedicated to a tour of the Egyptian Museum and its seemingly limitless collection of antiquities: mummies of the pharaohs, funerary jewels, and elaborate Island to view the Mausoleum of Agha Khan. You will have afternoon tea, then visit the Nubian Museum, home to archaeological riches rescued prior to building the High Dam. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — Cairo
Coptic churches, including the Church of Abu Serga and the 4th century “hanging” church, punctuate Old Cairo. Wander through the winding streets to the millennium-old Ben Ezra Synagogue and in Islamic Cairo, see the five domes of Mohammed Ali Mosque. After lunch, stroll through the Khan el Khalili bazaar. (B,L)

DAY 6 — Cairo/Luxor/Embark
Fly this morning by private aircraft to Luxor, gateway to the Temple of Karnak, a complex of three major temples — Mut, Montu, and Amun — and numerous smaller ones. Embark Triton, and later explore Luxor Temple and the Museum. (B,L,D))

DAY 7 — Luxor/Esna
Luxor’s West Bank is home to the Valley of the Kings. Travel through the desert to this burial ground where four centuries of Egyptian kings — the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties — were laid to rest. Sail for Esna after lunch. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Edfu/Aswan
The best-preserved monument of antiquity is at Edfu: The Temple of Horus — the falcon god. Its still intact roof allows visitors to see the play of light and shadow much as it appeared in Ptolemaic times. Depart for Aswan. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan
Board your private flight to Abu Simbel to visit the site of Ramses II’s greatest temple. When the Nile was dammed at Aswan, this entire Board your private flight to Abu Simbel to visit the site of Ramses II’s greatest temple. When the Nile was dammed at Aswan, this entire structure was removed from its original site and raised 200 feet, piece by piece, to where it stands today. The nearby Temple of Hathor was built for Ramses’ favorite wife, Queen Nefertari. Fly by private aircraft to Aswan for lunch on board Triton. Late this afternoon a traditional river sailboat — felucca — transports you to the colorful gardens on Kitchner Island to view the Mausoleum of Agha Khan. You will have afternoon tea, then visit the Nubian Museum, home to archaeological riches rescued prior to building the High Dam. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Aswan/Kom Ombo
Aswan is renowned for its quarries of pink granite. See the Unfinished Obelisk, left since antiquity, then visit the Aswan Dam. Travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Sail this afternoon for Kom Ombo. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — Luxor
Life along the Nile fills the morning hours as Triton sails toward Luxor. At the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut lies in a dramatic setting beneath sandstone cliffs. Nearby is the toppled colossal statue of Ramses II that inspired Shelley’s poem “Ozymandias of Egypt.” (B,L,D)

DAY 12 — Luxor/Disembark/Cairo
This morning we disembark Triton and visit the beautifully preserved temple of Dendera. Constructed during the time of the Roman emperors, the wall reliefs depict Egypt’s Queen Cleopatra. Also of note are the dramatic columns with capitals bearing the image of the cow-headed goddess of love, Hathor. Return to Luxor and fly by private plane to Cairo. Arrive and check in to the Mena House Oberoi Hotel. (B,L)

DAY 13 — Cairo
Among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World only the Pyramids at Giza have survived. Nearby is the massive Sphinx, carved from a single piece of stone — with the head of a man (the Pharaoh Chefren) and the body of lion. End the day with a visit to the Solar Boat Museum followed by the Pyramids sound and light show. (B,L)

DAY 14 — Cairo
Today is at leisure to explore Cairo on your own, revisit the Egyptian Museum or relax. For those who are interested, there will be an optional visit of Memphis and Saqqara, site of the Step Pyramid complex or Dashur, site of the Bent and Red Pyramids. A memorable farewell dinner ends your expedition. (B,D)

DAY 15 — Cairo/U.S.
Fly home this morning or extend your expedition to Jordan. (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.