Royal Egyptian
Egypt
8 days
Royal Egyptian
The great pyramids of Giza, Aswan’s Temple of Philae, the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut’s Deir el-Bahri are just a sampling of the extraordinary World Heritage monuments to Egypt’s ancient royalty that you’ll explore on this journey. From Cairo to Aswan and throughout your luxurious four-night Nile cruise, you’ll be joined by a private expert Egyptologist, enlightening you about the mysteries of this ancient cradle of civilization.
Highlights
Explore the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Discover the Karnak Temple, a complex of temples, obelisks, pylons and sanctuaries.
Experience the High Dam in Aswan and sail on a felucca to the botanical gardens.
Enjoy gourmet dining and cruising in luxury on your four-night Nile Cruise.
Accommodations
1. Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
Egypt, Cairo
Immersed in an exotic garden setting, and surrounded by the sights and sounds that make Cairo the most popular destination in the Middle East, the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino is an island haven of peace. The twin towers of this landmark hotel rises 20 stories high and provides magnificent views of the Nile and six acres of palace gardens. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms boast mini-bars, tea/coffee service, more than 60 TV channels and complimentary Wi-Fi. Unwind at the pool, enjoy a drink at Café Promenade or simply meander the gardens. With over a dozen on-site casual and fine dining options, your meal choices are endless. Additional amenities include a gym, 24 hour Business Center and laundry facilities. Nearby attractions include the Pyramids of Giza, Khan el Khalili, Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and Cairo Opera House.
2. River Tosca
Egypt, Nile River
Lavishly adorned with original artwork, marble floors and rich, warm, wood paneling throughout, the River Tosca sets a new standard of luxury on the Nile. Old world elegance and sophistication blend in perfect harmony with modern amenities and comforts aboard the ultra-luxurious River Tosca. Each of the suites has balconies for incredible Nile River views and custom-made beds draped with the finest bed linens. Added conveniences include a vanity, make-up mirror, generous built-in closets, a hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, iPod® docking station, and flat-screen television with satellite channels. The bathrooms have both a bathtub and shower. The ship offers a lounge with full-service bar, cozy library, elegant restaurant, sun deck with cabanas and a swimming pool, fully equipped gym and massage room, boutique for gifts and sundries, and wireless Internet access in public areas. Meals are a delicious fusion of quality, creativity and flavors inspired by the local region.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Cairo, Egypt
Upon your early arrival in Egypt’s historic capital, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your ideally-situated hotel. After breakfast, meet your Egyptologist and depart for a day of exploration of the ancient capital of Memphis. Marvel at the giant Colossus of Ramses II and King Zoser’s Step Pyramid. Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, and be awed by the enormity of the Great Sphinx. Step into the fragrant aromas of middle-eastern cuisine with dinner at a popular local restaurant. Then, a magical sound and light show awaits you at the Great Pyramids. (BLD)
Marriott Cairo Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 2. Cairo / Luxor
Fly to Luxor and board the elegant River Tosca. After lunch, explore the fascinating Karnak Temple and its great Hypostyle Hall. Savor a leisurely afternoon as your ship travels north to Dendera. (BLD)
River Tosca
Day 3. Nile River Cruise
Accompanied by your private Egyptologist, you’ll disembark daily to explore the Nile’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This morning is dedicated to exploring the wonderfully preserved complex of the Temple of Hathor, the ancient goddess of maternal and family love. Return to your ship for lunch, then, cruise back to Luxor where you’ll disembark to view its magnificent temple. (BLD)
River Tosca
Day 4. Nile River Cruise
Venture into the Valley of the Kings, which contains 63 tombs, including that of King Tutankhamun. (King Tut’s tomb at an additional cost.) Visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female ruler. You can’t miss the colossal remains of the two statues of Pharaoh Amenohotep III. Tonight, don traditional Egyptian dress for a festive Galabeya party. (BLD)
River Tosca
Day 5. Nile River Cruise
Continue your quest into the mysteries of the Egyptian pantheon as you disembark to visit the dual temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both the falcon god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. Cruise to Aswan to visit the High Dam, an engineering marvel that created the second largest artificial lake in the world. In the adjacent granite quarries, you’ll view the ancient Unfinished Obelisk. Explore the Philae Temple, which was dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground. Cap the afternoon with a sail on a traditional felucca. (BLD)
River Tosca
Day 6. Aswan / Cairo
Your cruise comes to an end today. Upon disembarking, you may opt for an excursion to Abu Simbel to view the monumental Temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, carefully relocated and rebuilt when Aswan’s High Dam was built. Fly to Cairo and settle into your well-appointed hotel. (B)
Marriott Cairo Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 7. Cairo
Meet your Egyptologist for further exploration of historic Cairo. Visit the Citadel complex which Salah El-Din began building as a fortification against the Crusaders in 1176, and the 13th-century Sultan Hassan Mosque. Afterwards, peruse the ancient exhibits of the Egyptian Museum, including the famous collection of King Tutankhamun. Continue to the National Museum of Egypt Civilization to the famous mummy collection. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (BD)
Marriott Cairo Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 8. Cairo / Depart
Transfer to the airport in time for your departing flight.
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply Jan 01-05, Mar 28 - Apr 11, Dec 20-31..
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
Internal air included in land arrangements.
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