12 Days Egypt: Jewels Along the Nile Tour Package
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Priced From: $4900 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jan - Apr, Sep - Dec

Our expert Egyptologists invite you to delve into a fascinating civilization where architectural feats and antiquities still amaze thousands of years after their creation - an intriguing land of pyramids, temples, colossal statues, mummies, golden treasures, and hieroglyphic symbols! Our comprehensive Egypt tour includes a ride atop a camel and a sound & light show at the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza; a sunset cocktail cruise aboard a traditional felucca; stays at Egypt's finest hotels - including Pyramid-view rooms in Cairo, an exclusive - and visits to the temple complexes of Luxor, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, Old Cairo, the Egyptian Museum and more. And of course, no Egypt tour is complete without a cruise along the River Nile; our guests spend four nights aboard Nile Adventurer, one of the best ships on the ancient river.

• Indicates cruise day

Day 1 - Welcome to Cairo
Your Egypt tour begins at the Mena House Oberoi.  A transfer is included from Cairo International Airport to your hotel, a sumptuous former royal hunting lodge. Your room looks out on to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Since most international flights arrive between 3:00 and 11:00 PM local time, you might want to consider traveling to Egypt a day early and arrange a pre-stay in Cairo to ease the effects of jet lag before the first day of sightseeing on your Egypt tour begins.
Meals:A snack in your hotel room upon late arrival
LodgingMena House Oberoi, Cairo, Egypt

Day 2 - The Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, and a camel ride
A visit to the Pyramids is on every world-traveler's must-see list, and is an iconic image of your Egypt tour. After meeting  local Egyptologist this morning, visit the Solar Boat Museum, whose main attraction is an ancient Egyptian cedarwood boat dating back 4,500 years. At Giza, see the Sphinx guarding the plateau, as it has for the same 4,500 years. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), a crowning architectural achievement. Cap the day with a camel ride* at the Pyramids. Attend a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingMena House Oberoi, Cairo, Egypt

Day 3 - Pyramids galore in Memphis, Sakkara and Dahshur
Travel to the site of ancient Egypt's first capital, Memphis, for a look at some of Egypt's oldest antiquities; you'll see the Alabaster Sphinx and an imposing statue of Ramesses II. In Sakkara, visit the Teti Pyramid, and view the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's first monumental structure built of stone. Continue off-the-beaten-path to the less-often visited necropolis at Dahshur for a look at the numerous pyramids and temples there, including an Exclusive - entry into the private tomb of one of the early mastabas at the site.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch
LodgingMena House Oberoi, Cairo, Egypt

Day 4 - Luxor, the Temple of Karnak and a felucca cruise
Take a private charter flight to Luxor, site of ancient Thebes, where your Egypt tour continues at the vast Temple of Karnak, built over a span of 1,300 years and one of the world's largest temple complexes; explore it with our expert Egyptologist. Next up is a guided visit to the Luxor Museum, displaying rich archeological finds from the temples and tombs of Upper Egypt. Later, enjoy a sunset cocktail cruise on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, followed by dinner at a choice of restaurants at your hotel - where your room overlooks Egypt's timeless river!
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingSteigenberger Nile Palace Luxor, Egypt

• Day 5 - Valleys of the Kings & Queens, Luxor & your cruise
On a major highlight of your Egypt tour, visit the Valley of the Kings, where at least 62 ornately decorated tombs for the pharaohs were hidden. Our Egyptologist accompanies your exploration of the Valley of the Queens, revealing 80 tombs of royal family members; see Medinet Habu. Board the Nile Adventurer for the start of your 4-night cruise along the Nile. After settling into your cabin, go ashore and ride a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Luxor - noted for its avenue of sphinxes, grand colonnades, and colossal statues of Ramesses II - for a spectacular evening visit. Join us for a welcome dinner featuring belly dancers and entertainment back aboard the ship tonight.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard Nile Adventurer

• Day 6 - A day on the Nile and a visit to Esna
Spend a day cruising the Nile, glimpsing life along the ancient river's banks. Arrive in Esna for visits to its Greco-Roman antiquities including the Temple of Khnum, constructed during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Back aboard ship, a cooking demonstration, private galley tour and afternoon tea await. This evening, enjoy Egyptian wine and local beer at the Captain's welcome reception aboard the Nile Adventurer.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard Nile Adventurer

• Day 7 - Cruising to Edfu and celebrating Egyptian culture
Continue your Egypt tour with another day on the amazing River Nile. After a morning at leisure aboard ship, you'll travel to Edfu for visits to the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus and the ancient stone quarries nearby. Join your shipmates tonight for a special evening featuring traditional Egyptian dress, cuisine, dancing and entertainment.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard Nile Adventurer

• Day 8 - Kom Ombo, Aswan and a shipboard farewell
Discoveries abound on the last day of your unforgettable Nile cruise, as your Egypt tour takes you to see the unusual double temples of Kom Ombo, then on to Aswan for a motorboat ferry ride to the Philae Temple on Agilka Island; dedicated to Isis, it was moved to its present location to save it from the rising waters caused by the building of the new Aswan Dam. You'll also see the Unfinished Obelisk, still in the quarry where its carving was begun thousands of years ago. Tonight, the Captain and crew of Nile Adventurer bid you farewell at a gala dinner served by white-gloved waiters.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard Nile Adventurer

Day 9 - Across the desert to Abu Simbel and a flight to Cairo
After disembarking Nile Adventurer in Aswan, set out across a corner of the Sahara Desert for Abu Simbel, in what was once the ancient kingdom of Nubia. Marvel at the Great Temple honoring Ramesses II - carved out of a cliff, with four 67-foot-high seated statues of the pharaoh at the entrance - and the adjacent Temple of Hathor, dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertari. Fly to Cairo by private charter for a three-night stay at your hotel in the city's heart; enjoy stunning Nile views from the balcony of your room.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingSemiramis InterContinental Cairo, Egypt

Day 10 - Egyptian Museum and the "Boy King's" treasures
Explore the Egyptian Museum's world-renowned collection of antiquities, many 5,000 years old, for yet another memorable experience on Egypt tour. Behold treasures found in the tomb of the "Boy King," Tutankhamun, including his golden funeral mask, solid gold coffin, carved throne, and jewelry. "Meet" ancient rulers, including the mighty Ramesses II, face-to-face in the Royal Mummy Room. This evening's elaborate sound and light show at the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza is a spectacular way to end an unforgettable day.
Meals:Breakfast
LodgingSemiramis InterContinental Cairo, Egypt

Day 11 - Discovering Old Cairo
A lecture by a professor of modern Egyptian history kicks off your day, followed by a walking tour of Old Cairo that visits the Church of St. Sergius, a 5th-century Coptic Christian Church; Ben Ezra Synagogue, built in 882; and the Amr ibn al-As Mosque, the first mosque on the continent of Africa; and the tomb of 20th-century Egyptian ruler King Farouk. Be sure to join us for a special farewell dinner tonight to share the amazing memories you've created with your fellow travelers as your extraordinary Egypt tour concludes.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingSemiramis InterContinental Cairo, Egypt

Day 12 - Bound for home
Tour ends at Cairo. A transfer is included from the Semiramis InterContinental Cairo to Cairo International Airport; allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals:Breakfast

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252

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