Itinerary: Mysteries & Magic of Ancient Egypt

Day 1, Saturday

Cairo

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport you will be met, assisted through Immigration & Customs, and then escorted to your selected hotel.

Day 2, Sunday

Cairo

Today's sightseeing takes you to the fabulous Egyptian Museum. Regarded as one of the most prominent in the world, it offers visitors remarkable insights into Egypt's ancient history dating back 5000 years. The priceless antiquities include King Tutankhamon's Treasures -- a spectacle beyond belief! After lunch we visit Cheops' Pyramid--one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World--and the Sphinx, the great god-lion sentinel, built over 35 centuries ago. The towering pyramid stands majestically on a desert plateau with two slightly smaller pyramids (one built by Cheop's son Kephren and the other by Mycerinus) erected to preserve their bodies and treasures for the afterlife. East of Cheops Pyramid is the Solar Boat Museum housing the spectacular funerary boats placed at the King's disposal for his journey of Day and Night in the afterlife with the Sun God Ra. Your sightseeing also includes the bazaars featuring a variety of items and bargains galore! (BL)

Day 3, Monday

Cairo

The excitement begins this morning with a visit to the Coptic Museum which exhibits approximately 16000 pieces arranged in chronological order in 12 different sections of the museum – the display had been set according to scientific measures. Coptic Monuments are considered as a liaison between Ancient Egyptian Art during the Pharaonic and the Graeco-Roman periods on one hand and the Islamic era on the other. This fact granted these monuments a great importance in the Egyptian Art in general. After lunch, we drive through Old Cairo to visit the Coptic Churches of Al Moallaka, better known as the "Hanging Church and Abu Sergah dating back to the beginning of the 5th Century. We proceed to the ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue believed to be the site where Baby Moses Basket was found. (BL)

Day 4, Tuesday

Cairo

Discover the Middle East’s largest Museum of Islamic Art, housing antique art treasures and thousands of rare objects dating from the dawn of Islam to the Ottoman period. We continue to the Citadel of Salah El Din. Built in 1183 AD, it houses many important monuments, including the great Mohammed Ali Mosque, constructed in 1830 AD. Our next stop is Al Rifai Mosque and Sultan Hassan Mosque, a masterpiece of Mameluk architecture, it includes bronze doors inlaid with gold and silver. We proceed to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, named after the founder of the Tulunid State. Built between 876 and 879 AD this is one of Cairo’s oldest, intact mosques characterized by its unique minaret. Next door is Gayer Anderson House, the Ottoman-syle residence of a British major, restored and furnished in the period style and boasts his fine collection of Islamic art.  (BL)

Day 5, Wednesday

Cairo/Sakkara/Alexandria

After an early breakfast we drive to Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt. Though most of the city has been destroyed by time, the Alabaster Sphinx and statue of Ramses II remain. We then proceed to the Necropolis of Sakkara, City of the Dead, to see the step pyramid of King Zoser and the Wall of Cobras. We also stop at the Carpet School for a demonstration. After lunch, we drive north to Alexandria, pearl of the Mediterranean. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. (BL)

Day 6, Thursday

Alexandria

Morning visit of the National Museum and its unique collection of art crafts. Proceed to the Roman Amphitheatre – in Ptolemaic times this area was the Park of Pan, a pleasure garden surrounded by Roman villas and baths. We also see Pompey’s Pillar and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa with its 2nd century AD statues of Sobek and Anubis wearing Roman armor.  We end our day with a visit to the renowned Alexandria Library. (BL)

Day 7, Friday

Alexandria/Cairo/Luxor

Morning visit of Montazah Palace and Gardens – Acres of formal gardens and a beautiful beach make Montazah the foremost city pleasure grounds. The Palace a grand structure built in a mixture of Turkish and Florentine styles, is now a state guesthouse. After lunch, we travel to Cairo for our flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, transfer to your selected hotel. (BL)

Day 8, Saturday

Luxor

This morning we visit the Museum of Luxor which houses a large collection of tremendously significant objects. These include statues from the famous cachette found buried in Luxor temple as well as a selection of items from the tomb of Tutankhamon. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. (B)

Day 9, Sunday

Luxor/Abydos/Denderah/Luxor

Today we start with Abydos*. Considered one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Egypt, this sacred city was the site of many ancient temples, including a royal necropolis where early pharaohs were entombed. Abydos became notable for the Great Temple of Abydos, of Seti I, which contains a tunnel displaying the "Table of Abydos": a chronological list showing cartouche names of every dynastic pharaoh of Egypt from the first, Narmer/Menes, until the pharaohs of the last dynasty. We drive back to Denderah where you will see the Ptolemaic hypostyle hall, crypts and classic sanctuary of the God Ptah, legendary Creator of the Universe. Meander through the once thronged Temple of Hathor, Goddess of Love. (BL)

Day 10, Monday

Luxor - Nile Cruise

Transfer to your Ship, your floating hotel for the next 5 days as you cruise up-the-Nile.  This morning you cross the Nile to Luxor’s West Bank, where you’ll explore the astonishing and extensive New Kingdom city of “Thebes”. Sightseeing includes the Valley of the Kings and Queens where some 64 of Egypt’s Pharaohs have their palatial resting places hewn into the sheer rock and the Colossi of Memnon, two huge seated statues of Amenhotep III. After lunch, you will visit Luxor and Karnak Temples, a holy city of pylons, hypostyle halls, colossal statues and obelisks built over many centuries and dedicated to the God Amon-Ra, his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu.  (BLD)

Day 11, Tuesday

Luxor/Edfu - Nile Cruise

Sail to Edfu via Esna lock. Overnight in Edfu. (BLD

Day 12, Wednesday

Edfu/Kom Ombo/Aswan - Nile Cruise

Today an exhilarating carriage ride takes you through town to the Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. Return to your ship and sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Graeco - Roman style Temple of Sobek, the Crocodile God. Standing serenely on a hilltop, the site offers an incredible view over the Nile. Then sail to Aswan. (BLD)

Day 13, Thursday

Aswan - Nile Cruise

Morning sightseeing includes Aswan’s Old and High Dams, the ancient Granite Quarries, and the Temple of Philae. After lunch we sail around Elephantine Island, the Botanical Gardens. (BLD)

Day 14, Friday

Aswan/Abu Simbel*/Cairo

Disembark after breakfast. Transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. *Passengers who purchased the “Abu Simbel” excursion will fly from Aswan to this dramatic ite to admire the magnificent Temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. They were moved up the hillside to keep them from destruction by flooding from the Nile when the High Dam was built forming Lake Nasser. (B)

Day 15, Saturday

Depart

Transfer to airport.

3/4 Star Standard

5 Star Standard

5 Star Superior

5 Star Deluxe

5 Star Premium

Rates

Premium Hotel Rates Are Subject To Availability And Review At Time Of Booking Supplements

• Grand Stella Resort (5*): $315 p/p includes- 6 nights based on Half Board, all taxes, service charges, round trip transportation Cairo/Ein Sokhna/Cairo. (Sgl. Supl. $136)


• Sea Club (4* Superior): $262 p/p includes- 6 nights based on Half Board, all taxes, service charges, round trip transportation Cairo/Ein Sokhna/Cairo. (Sgl. Supl. $112)

Price Includes:

• Airport transfers; Accommodations; Meals as indicated BLD; Guided sightseeing & entrance fees as per itinerary.

Additional Information:

• Touring in Cairo is based on shared seat in a van. Private touring available on request.
• Cruise Shore excursions, shared with other English Speaking passengers onboard. Private guide available on request
• Shore excursions are at the discretion of the cruise line. Description provided may be altered or changed. Refer to the Ship lobby bulletin Board for the final daily cruise itinerary schedule.
• Egyptair is the only major airline within Egypt. Their internal flights are generally very early morning and late evening. Be prepared for flight cancellation; delay; change of schedule; overbooking condition; too many or too little flights. therefore, your cooperation and understanding are very much appreciated.
• Beyond our Control: During certain times of the year, hotels and cruise ships may overbook. If so, we reserve the right to substitute accommodations within the same or higher category. We also reserve the right to change the sequence of the itinerary and internal flight schedule should local conditions necessitate. Onsite passenger(s) will be attended to at all times.

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