Day 1. Depart your hometown for London. British Airways flies from numerous cities in North America.

Day 2. London to Nairobi. After introductions and meeting our tour director, we fly to Nairobi. Upon arrival this evening we will be met and transferred to our hotel.

The Norfolk

Day 3. Nairobi to Shaba National Reserve (Samburu). After breakfast we depart Nairobi for the Shaba National Reserve travelling through the fertile farmlands of central Kenya. We arrive in time for a late lunch before we head out on our first game drive to explore this harshly beautiful reserve where game abounds.

Sarova Shaba Lodge (2 nights) BLD

Day 4. Shaba National Reserve. Shaba is well known for its reticulated giraffes, long-necked gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostrich. Morning and afternoon game viewing to explore this rugged reserve. This evening we will enjoy a traditional Masai dance display and cultural lecture. BLD

Day 5. Shaba to Aberdares & The Ark. Today we travel to the Aberdares, with a stop en-route at the Equator for the "water demonstration". After lunch at the Aberdare Country Club, we transfer to The Ark where the night is spent, comfortably watching forest game as it comes to drink and lick salt at the floodlit waterhole below.

The Ark. BLD

Day 6. Aberdares to Lake Nakuru & Naivasha. After breakfast we will drive via Nyahururu Falls and the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. This afternoon we will embark on a game drive to explore this world famous bird sanctuary noted for its huge concentration of flamingoes.

Flamingo Hill Camp BLD

Day 7. Lake Nakuru/Naivasha to Masai Mara. This morning after a hearty breakfast we visit Crescent Island and enjoy a boat trip on the lake. Back to the lodge for lunch before departing for the Loldia Airstrip at Lake Naivasha for our short flight to the Masai Mara. Upon arrival we will be transferred to the camp for a late afternoon game drive in Kenya's best-known game reserve.

Mara Safari Club (2 nights) BLD

Day 8. Masai Mara. Today we explore the rolling savannah for a wonderful sight of the great numbers of different animal species found here. This Northern extension of the Serengeti is home to the annual wildebeest migration (July to October). Tonight, our farewell to Kenya "Hippo Point Dinner". BLD

Day 9. Masai Mara to Cairo via Nairobi. This morning we embark on our final game drive. We'll enjoy lunch at the lodge before transferring to the airstrip for our flight to Nairobi and connection to our international flight to Cairo. Upon arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel.

Grand Hyatt by the Nile (4 nights) BL

Day 10. Cairo. The excitement begins this morning with a visit to the fabulous Archaeological Museum and Mummy Room.  Regarded as one of the most prominent in the world, it offers visitors remarkable insights into Egypt's ancient history dating back 5,000 years. The priceless antiquities include King Tutankhamon’s Treasures. After lunch at the Mena House Palace, we proceed to Cheop’s Pyramid one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, the Sphinx and Valley temple. Built over 35 centuries ago, the towering pyramid stands majestically on a desert plateau with two slightly smaller pyramids erected to preserve their bodies and treasures for the afterlife. East of the Great Pyramid is the Solar Boat Museum housing the spectacular funerary boats placed at the disposal of the king for his journey of Day and Night in the afterlife with the Sun God Ra. BLD

Day 11. Cairo to Luxor - Nile Cruise. This morning we will fly to Luxor and transfer to the Sonesta Nile Goddess, our deluxe floating hotel for the next 5 days as you cruise up-the-Nile.  Prior to sailing we will visit Luxor's West Bank to explore the New Kingdom city of “Thebes” including the Valley of the Kings and Queens and the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch we visit Luxor and Karnak Temples.

Sonesta Sun Goddess (4 nights)  BLD

Day 12.  Luxor to Edfu - Nile Cruise. Sail to Edfu via Esna lock. Overnight in Edfu. BLD

Day 13. Luxor to Edfu & Kom Ombo- 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. We then sail onto Aswan. BLD

Day 14. Aswan - Nile Cruise. This morning we will visit Aswan's Old and High Dams, the ancient Granite Quarries, and the Temple of Philae. After lunch we will sail around Elephantine Island and the Botanical Gardens. BLD

Day 15. Aswan to Abu Simbel and Cairo.  This morning we will transfer to Aswan Airport for our flight to Abu Simbel, site of the magnificent Temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.  An engineering marvel, the great temple was moved up the hillside to save it from flooding when Aswan's High Dam was built. We will then fly back and transfer to our hotel.

Grand Hyatt (3 nights) BLD

Day 16. Alexandria. Today we will travel to Alexandria to visit the National Museum, Pompey's Pillar and the Roman Amphitheater, the Catacombs, Qait Bay Citadel and Alexandria Library before returning to Cairo. BLD

Day 17. Cairo. After breakfast we will drive through Cairo to visit the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, one of Cairo's oldest intact mosques, characterized by its unique minaret. Next door is Gayer Anderson House, the Ottoman-style residence of a British major which house a very fine collection of Islamic art. We end our day at the Citadel of Salah El Din which houses many important monuments, including the great Mohammed Ali Mosque. Tonight enjoy our farewell dinner cruise with belly dancing onboard the Nile Maxim. BLD

Day 18. Cairo to Home. Today we transfer to Cairo International airport for our flight to London. We then connect with our flight to North America. Connections with your domestic flight to your home city can be arranged (extra cost). B