Wonders of Egypt

Your journey starts with a motorcoach transfer from Central PA to a local international airport and an overnight flight to Cairo International Airport.

The group air schedule is in economy class. Air upgrades are available by request only and are not guaranteed. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit.

On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll have time to unwind and explore its elegant amenities. Later, get acquainted with your Travel Director and fellow travelers over a drink, toasting the start of your Egyptian adventure. Hotel: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino.

In the morning, meet your Travel Director and fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak, and stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship*, your home for the next four nights.  After lunch on board, visit the Luxor Museum. Enjoy dinner on the ship before relaxing in its lounge or in the comfort of your room. Hotel: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine.)

*There is no lift/elevator on board the ship. There are also no mobility railings in the bathroom and the tub is quite high to get in and out.

This morning, travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried. Experience a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Share bread with the Bahirat family, as they regale you with their stories of daily life. Visit Luxor Temple before returning to your cruise ship and sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu, for your overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine.)

In the early morning, sail to Kom Ombo to visit Egypt’s only double temple, dedicated to two gods. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience. This evening, enjoy a fun-filled traditional Egyptian-themed dinner and galabeya party on board your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Visit the Aswan High Dam and granite quarries to see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, which rises from the waters of the Nile on Philae Island. Later, on a traditional Nile Felucca, meet a sailor and learn about traditional sailing practices. Afterwards, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. Return to Philae Island this evening, for the atmospheric Sound and Light Show, where the temple’s illuminated facade brings ancient myths to life in a vivid display across the Nile. (Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner.)

In the morning, disembark your ship and enjoy time at leisure in Aswan. Spend the morning at your leisure visiting local points of interest. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo for the night. Hotel: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino (Breakfast)

Explore Cairo’s Citadel of Saladin with your Egyptologist, where cascading domes, slender minarets and stained-glass windows reflect Ottoman influence and Muhammad Ali Pasha’s ambition. Later, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to over 100,000 ancient treasures, including the personal belongings of Tutankhamun. (Breakfast)

Gain a deeper understanding of the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World during a visit to Giza with your Egyptologist. Stand in awe before the Pyramids and meet the enigmatic Sphinx. Continue onward to Memphis, to see the colossal statue of Ramesses II and the impressive Alabaster Sphinx. At Sakkara, marvel at the Step Pyramid of Zoser, and visit a local weaving school. This evening, raise a glass and savor canapes with your Travel Director and fellow guests as your trip through the wonders of Egypt comes to a close. (Breakfast)

Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport to depart back to Central, PA (Breakfast)

The group air schedule is in economy class. Air upgrades are available by request only and are not guaranteed. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit.

*Itinerary is subject to change without notification or compensation.

**For inter-flights between Luxor and Aswan, you should expect early morning departures from your hotel due to early morning flight schedules. You should expect early morning departures on the days the Valley of the Kings and Pyramids of Giza are featured.

***The Egyptian Government charges a camera and/or video fee of approximately 18 US Dollars for taking photos inside the Valley of the Kings. Entrance fees to many sites and to some special tombs/sites are covered in the price of the tour (King Tutankhamun and King Ramses VI tombs in the Valley of the Kings and to the Great Pyramid of Giza in Cairo) but other tombs/sites will be at your expense. Rates are subject to change at any time based on governing authority.