Alexandria & Ancient Egypt

Begin your journey in the historic capital of Cairo, the cultural and political heart of Egypt. Explore its dynamic streets, rich with heritage and home to world-renowned sites, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Unwind with an overnight stay at a premium hotel offering exceptional amenities and breathtaking panoramic views of the Nile River.

This morning, board the air-conditioned express train for your journey to the storied Mediterranean city of Alexandria, once ruled by Egypt’s last pharaoh, Queen Cleopatra. Visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt, which features three subterranean levels carved into the bedrock. Continue to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a striking modern library and cultural center that honors the legacy of the ancient Library of Alexandria.

Check into your premium hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, join your Tour Director for a welcome dinner, marking the start of an enriching travel experience.

Discover Rosetta’s strategic significance in the Nile Delta, which made it a target for numerous invaders throughout history. Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, where the famous Rosetta Stone was unearthed in 1799. This granodiorite stone, with its inscriptions, provided the first crucial clues to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Continue your journey with a visit to the Greco-Roman Museum, founded in 1892, which boasts an impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the region.

Explore the historic battleground of El Alamein, the site of one of World War II’s defining battles. Visit the El Alamein War Museum, which houses extensive exhibits on the battle, and pay your respects at the Commonwealth Cemetery, a solemn tribute to the soldiers who fought there. Continue to Giza and enjoy a two-night Special Stay at your iconic hotel, offering stunning views of the Pyramids of Giza.

Sunset Drinks
Enjoy drinks and canapés as the sun sets over the magnificent pyramids.

Witness the grandeur of the pyramids, towering monuments of ancient engineering, and stand before the enigmatic Sphinx, a 20-meter-high limestone marvel that has guarded these necropolis grounds for millennia. Venture into the Grand Egyptian Museum for an afternoon steeped in history, where you can explore the precious artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, offering insights into the young pharaoh’s life and legacy.

The Solar Boat exhibit is another highlight, featuring a meticulously restored cedar wood barge dating back to 2500 BC. This ancient vessel, found buried beside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, gives insight into the sophisticated craftsmanship and religious practices of the time, depicting how the Egyptians prepared their rulers for the eternal afterlife.

Fly to Luxor and check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Explore the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious sites in the world, spanning over 200 acres. Marvel at the enormity of the Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 towering columns, each intricately engraved with hieroglyphs, depicting the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian mythology and history. This magnificent site served as a key place of worship and a testament to the architectural prowess of the New Kingdom pharaohs.

This morning, explore the Valley of the Nobles, a site with hundreds of rock-cut tombs belonging to ancient Egyptian nobility. These tombs, richly adorned with vibrant frescoes, provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily activities and cultural practices of their inhabitants. That's because the detailed wall paintings in each tomb showcase the artistic mastery of the time while also offering valuable insights into the social and economic structures of ancient Egypt, depicting scenes of agriculture, trade, and festivities that animated their world.

Board the elegant Sanctuary Sun Boat III and settle into your suite. As you cross to the West Bank of the Nile, prepare to be amazed by the well-preserved, vibrant hieroglyphics that decorate the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. You can also have the chance to visit the former residence of Howard Carter, the British archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Admire Queen Hatshepsut’s impressive monument.

Unwind on board your cruise and observe the vibrant daily life along the mighty Nile as you journey towards Dendera. There, visit the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt, renowned for its magnificent capitals and the Dendera Zodiac ceiling relief. This temple, dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, showcases exquisite architecture and intricate carvings that reveal the sophistication of ancient Egyptian religious practices.

After exploring Dendera, return to Luxor to visit the majestic Luxor Temple. Situated in the heart of ancient Thebes, Luxor Temple is a grandiose testament to Egyptian civilization's architectural prowess, featuring colossal statues of Ramesses II and amenities originally built by Amenhotep III, which illuminate the religious and political significance of the temple throughout history.

Trace the path once taken by ancient pharaohs' processions as you cruise south along the Nile. Admire the rural villages and majestic temples that dot the riverbanks. Explore the Esna Temple, one of ancient Egypt’s holiest sites, revered for its beautifully preserved hypostyle hall and intricate carvings dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed god of the river. Later, sail to the striking Kom Ombo Temple, strategically located on the East Bank. This unique double temple is dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God, and Horus the Elder, reflecting the duality of ancient Egyptian theology.

As the sun sets, the onboard atmosphere comes alive with a vibrant Galabeya party. Enjoy an evening of Egyptian delicacies, vibrant music, and dancing, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Cruise south to Aswan, the picturesque city and cultural heart of the Nubian community. Explore the Temple of Isis at Philae, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis, which exemplifies the fusion of three great civilizations: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. After your visit, unwind with a leisurely felucca sail on the Nile, experiencing the traditional Egyptian way of boating.

In the evening, enjoy a vibrant display of Nubian dance performance, celebrating the region's rich culture. Conclude your day with a farewell Gala Dinner alongside the captain and crew, a memorable end to your Nile cruise.

Aswan, situated at the southernmost tip of Egypt along the Nile, is renowned for its serene beauty and rich archaeological sites. This city serves as a cultural gateway, enriched by Nubian heritage and landmarks such as the Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam, which have significantly reshaped Egypt's landscape.

Enjoy your Special Stay at your luxurious hotel, where figures like Princess Diana and Winston Churchill have stayed. Savor pre-dinner drinks at The Terrace before dining at the acclaimed 1902 restaurant.

Freechoice
Choose from a range of activities:

Nubian Museum: Explore the Nubian Museum, which showcases the rich history and artifacts of Nubian culture dating back to approximately 2000 BC.

Visit a Nubian Village: Experience the rich heritage of the Nubians with a guided tour through a traditional village, including a visit to a local home to witness life along the Nile firsthand.

Kalabsha Temple: Discover Kalabsha Temple on Lake Nasser's shores, admiring its grand architecture and detailed reliefs.

Fly to Abu Simbel to witness one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sites: The massive World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. These architectural wonders were meticulously relocated in the 1960s to save them from submersion by Lake Nasser, created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temples are celebrated for their colossal statues and intricate carvings that glorify Ramses' reign and honor Nefertari, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Fly to the vibrant city of Cairo for a two-night stay at your elegant hotel, perfectly situated to explore the city's rich history. Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, a premier cultural institution showcasing extensive collections from Egypt's diverse eras. The highlight is the Royal Mummies’ Hall, where you can marvel at the preserved remains of ancient Egypt’s pharaohs, offering a unique window into the medical, artistic, and ceremonial practices of the ancient civilization.

Enjoy one more full day in Cairo. Choose from a variety of Scenic Freechoice experiences to tailor your day to your tastes and pace.

Freechoice

Coptic Cairo: Find yourself winding through the streets of Old Cairo. Visit Cairo’s Coptic Museum, containing one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian Christian artifacts. Continue to the Hanging Church and have a chance to visit Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Historic Cairo: Explore medieval Cairo’s Sultan Hassan Mosque, learn about Arabic calligraphy, and see community projects at Souq al-Silah and Bayt Yakan.

Roda Island: Discover Roda Island with stops at a 9th-century Nilometer and the Manial Palace Museum, highlighting Prince Muhammad Ali's era.

Bid farewell to your Tour Director and new friends as you are transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward journey, taking cherished memories with you.