INSPIRING ITINERARIES

Days 3: Cairo

Discover the monuments at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. You'll visit the enormous statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx, and the necropolis of Sakkara—the site of the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth.

You’ll then go to the Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2589 BC and 2504 BC.

Days 4: Cairo & Luxor

After checking out of the hotel, take a morning flight south to Luxor—formerly known as Thebes, the capital city of the New Kingdom of Upper Egypt. Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to two astonishing temples—Karnak and Luxor.

Be welcomed aboard your luxurious river ship to begin your Nile River Valley cruise. Later this afternoon, visit the Temple of Luxor, constructed over hundreds of years by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamun, and other pharaohs.

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After your visit, continue to experience Egyptian magic with a traditional folkloric-style belly dance on board your ship.

Day 5: Luxor

Visit the tombs of ancient Egypt in the Valley of the Kings, one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. The spectacular rock-cut tombs on the west bank of Luxor include that of the enigmatic King Tutankhamun, whose mummified remains are still on display.

Afterward, go to Deir el-Bahri to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs and its first female ruler. Next, you’ll visit the Valley of Queens, home to the mummified remains of more than 30 queens and princesses, including Nefertari’s Tomb, where you’ll enjoy exclusive
access.

Your day’s adventure concludes with an up-close view of the Colossi of Memnon—two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

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Day 6: Edfu
 

The city of Edfu is best known for one of Egypt’s most remarkably preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. Built in 230 BC, it is the second-largest temple in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with walls that display compelling details about the religion and language of the country’s Greco-Roman period.

After visiting Edfu, relax on board and take in the Nile River's timeless landscapes as the ship continues to Aswan.

Day 7: Aswan
 

Board a motorboat and cruise to the colorful Nubian Village of Hessa.

• Meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who will welcome you to their village.

• Savor a local lunch here

• Explore the UNESCO-designated Philae Temple complex, with one of the most stunningly restored and preserved hieroglyphs in Egypt, built between 380 BC and 362 BC and dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus.

Later in the day, take a peaceful ride in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, around the beautiful Elephantine Island, which locals say is the home to the legendary Egyptian god Khnum.

Cap the day off with an optional late afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a 19th-century Victorian Palace crafted in rose granite. Delight in an authentic “high tea” experience and revel in the stunning views of your oasis—Aswan and Elephantine Island.

Tonight, there is an optional outing to a sound and light show at Philae Temple.

Day 8: Aswan & Kom Ombo
 

Enjoy free time in Aswan or go on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (must be pre-booked).

If you purchased the optional excursion, you'll take an early morning flight over Lake Nasser to Abu Simbel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is more than 3,000 years old, is dedicated to Ramses II, one of the most active pharaohs. The front of the main temple, discovered half buried in sand in 1813, has four gargantuan statues of Ramses II on his throne, each measuring nearly 70 feet high. The smaller temple is dedicated to his chief wife, Queen Nefertari.

During the afternoon, cruise to the Great Temple of Kom Ombo, where its soaring columns rise above the Nile River. Unique in Egypt, this temple is dedicated to two gods—the crocodile god, Sobek, sitting on the right, and the falcon-headed Haroeris, “The Good Doctor.”

After visiting Kom Ombo, relax on board and take in the Nile River's timeless landscapes as the ship continues to Esna. In the evening, join your crew outside on the sundeck in a celebration of local customs with the chance to don a Galabeya, traditional Egyptian attire, and toast to the rich
culture and history of the Nile River Valley.

Day 9: Luxor

Spend the morning with scenic cruising along the glistening Nile River, and relax on the sundeck as you cruise from Esna back to Luxor.

First, explore the Temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex in Egypt and one of the largest in the world, covering about 200 acres in a vast network of columns, hieroglyphics, obelisks, sphinxes, and colossi—even a lake. The Hypostyle Hall is a great architectural marvel and filled with its roof blocks, supported by colossal 134 columns standing at 70 feet high, with 12 larger columns standing at 80 feet high lining the central aisle. It is still the largest room of any religious building in the world.

Then discover the art of papyrus making with a museum visit. Learn how the ancient Egyptians used the extraordinary aquatic papyrus plant--that flourished in the Egyptian Delta and Nile River Valley--to make sails, cloth, food, and paper for important documents and texts.

Day 10: Qena

Set sail to Qena to explore its ancient Egyptian heritage.

You’ll go to Dendara to visit the best-preserved temple in Egypt, the Temple of Hathor—the Goddess of Love, to whom the powers of joy, feminine love, and motherhood were attributed. The temple was built by Ptolemy and a group of Romans who worshipped her.

Following your visit here, sail back to Luxor.

Day 11: Luxor & Cairo
 

Disembark the ship in Luxor and fly back to Cairo, where you will be taken to the Abdeen Presidential Palace, considered one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. The palace consists of multiple museums, including the Silver Museum, Arms Museum, Royal Family Museum, Presidential Gifts Museum, and a Historical Documents Museum. It is also one of the official residences and places of work for the President of Egypt.

Afterward, be treated to a very special lunch at the palace. Finally, you’ll explore the old part of the city, which includes Coptic Cairo, where the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue are located.

Day 12: Cairo
 

Bid farewell to Cairo and prepare for your flight home.