Destination: Egypt
Route: Cairo – Aswan – Luxor
Duration: 8 days/7 nights

Land Cost: $2999:

Day 1 Cairo
Arrive in Cairo and meet your personal guide. Cairo, “The City of a Thousand Minarets,” is the capital of Egypt, and boasts extravagant Islam architecture that dates back many ages. Transfer to your hotel and delight in a delicious welcome dinner.

Day 2 Cairo
Spend time browsing exhibits at the Egyptian Museum, the greatest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Explore the Citadel of Saladin (12th c.), once a fortification against the Crusaders and now a dominating landmark against the backdrop of Cairo’s pyramids. Inside the Citadel, marvel at the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, the largest mosque to be built in the first half of the nineteenth century. Later, stroll through Coptic Cairo, where you can see Christian and Jewish influences, including the Hanging Church (3rd c.) and the Ben Ezra Synagogue (19th c.). Shop in the exotic Khan Al Khalili bazaar, and purchase Egyptian spices and embroidery.

Day 3 Cairo – Memphis – Cairo
Drive to Memphis (30 min.), a cultural center from the ancient period. There, amidst the pyramids and monuments, discover Saqqara, the burial ground for Memphis’ residents. Return to Cairo for a tour of its antiquities. Gaze at the world-famous Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While there, ride a camel, and experience life as a desert traveler.

Day 4 Cairo – Aswan
Fly to Aswan, located at the first cataract of the Nile. Once a frontier town for the Egyptian Empire, Aswan is now a bustling economic hub. Head for the High Dam, a source of hydroelectricity and important part of Egyptian culture. From the dam, overlook Aswan and the Nile. Visit the mysterious Unfinished Obelisk and the Philae Temple, part of the Nubian Monument System. Enjoy a felucca ride around the Nile islands and the area around the Agha Khan Mausoleum (the interior is closed). Board your Nile cruiser, which will be your home and tour base for the next three nights, and set sail for Kom Ombo.

Day 5 Kom Ombo
Uncover Kom Ombo, a temple shared by two gods, Sobek and Haroris. Then, continue on to Edfu, where you will visit the Temple of Horus, the second largest temple in Egypt. Watch the sun set over the Nile River as you sail toward Luxor.

Day 6 Luxor
Start your day with an amazing view of the surrounding landscape as you sail through Esna and cross the lock in the river. Arrive in Luxor. In the afternoon, investigate the Temples of Karnak, whose looming obelisks and pylons, enigmatic hieroglyphs, and silent tombs will astound you. In addition, visit the Temple of Luxor, an equally as impressive structure dedicated to a triumvirate of Egyptian gods. Return to the boat.

Day 7 Luxor – Thebes – Cairo
Cross the West Bank and adventure through the Necropolis of Thebes, the Valley of the Kings. There reveal the mysteries of Tutankhamen and Ramses’ tombs. Then, head to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an astonishing monument built in honor of one of the most famous Egyptian rulers. Get up close to the Colossi of Memnon, two gigantic statues in the likeness of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Transfer to Luxor Airport and return to Cairo.

Day 8 Cairo
Enjoy the ancient bazaar and enjoy free time as you explore the city. Your guide and private car will be available all day.

Day 9 Cairo
Transfer to the airport for departure.

This tour program INCLUDES the following:

• Visa support
• Local air tickets (Cairo¬-Aswan, Luxor-Cairo)
• Private transportation and cruise along the Nile
• Experienced English speaking guide
• Hotel accommodation for two
• Breakfast and dinner
• Entrance fees for the sites
• Sound and light shows at the Great Pyramids and Temples of Karnak

This tour program DOES NOT INCLUDE the following:

• International flights
• Hotel service charges
• Visa fee at Cairo airport