Exploring Egypt

Day-to-Day 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 Salacia 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/Edfu

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 Salacia 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 we attend the Pyramids sound and light show. (B,L)

DAY 9 — Pyramids and Sphinx/Memphis and Saqqara/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. We'll visit Memphis, Egypt's ancient capital and the city that represents the uniting of Upper and Lower Egypt, and Saqqara with its Step Pyramid complex. A memorable farewell dinner ends your expedition. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Cairo/U.S.

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for flights home or extend your expedition to Jordan. (B)

Dates & Rates

* On these dates, the Nile voyage travels from Luxor to Aswan.
† Photo Cruise

Map

Ships

Salacia

Few if any ships on the Nile match the quality and style of Salacia. The ship has been converted from a vessel for over 100 guests to one that accommodates just 47. Twenty-six large and well-appointed Junior Suites and one Master Suite all face outside, and there are multiple deck areas for viewing life along the river. There is a swimming pool, a spa, exercise area and plenty of space to just lounge and relax. Lunch is a sumptuous buffet sometimes served on deck, dinner is à la carte — and there is no set seating time. It’s a haven of elegance and service — too often lost in today’s world. View ship details...