Embark on a 12-day Egypt, the Greek Isles, and the Suez Canal: Sailing Through Antiquity aboard the National Geographic Explorer. Journey across ancient lands unites two of the world’s greatest civilizations, Egypt and Greece. Encounter iconic monuments resurrected eons ago and witness modern-day life in fishing villages, souks, and museums. Walk in the footsteps of Egypt’s all-powerful pharaohs and gods who gave rise to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Karnak Temple complex, and the most famous tomb of all, where the boy King Tutankhamun rests. Hop among several Greek isles and cap it all off with views from Santorini that forever be seared in memory.
Highlights
Discover the beauty of four Greek islands, including stunning Santorini
Observe the exciting underwater realm of the Red Sea in Hurghada
Experience local culture as you explore fishing villages, souks, & wineries
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Cairo, transfer to the hotel (Ritz-Carlton or similar), and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather for a welcome reception and meet your fellow travelers.
Begin the day with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum to view astonishing masterpieces from ancient Egypt. See mummies of the pharaohs, beautifully adorned sarcophagi, regal statues, and many of the dazzling jewels found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Following a lunch of Egyptian specialties, travel to Giza and encounter one of the most enduring symbols of the ancient world, the Pyramids. The complex is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one that remains intact. Learn how and why the Pyramids were built, then view the Sphinx, carved from a rocky outcrop, displaying the head of Pharaoh Chefren and the body of a lion.
Early this morning, transferred to the airport for the flight to Luxor. Upon arrival enjoy a relaxing lunch at the hotel (Hilton Luxor Hotel or similar) before setting out to tour the Karnak Temple complex. Many of the more powerful pharaohs added their individual touches to the buildings of this massive complex during their reigns. You’ll return to town to visit the magnificent Luxor Temple. As with Karnak, the Luxor Temple was created at the hands of the pharaohs, primarily Amenhotep III and Ramses II. This impressive site was built on the banks of the Nile River and the timing of the visit provides the opportunity to photograph the stones, which appear to glow in the afternoon sunlight. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Following breakfast, travel to the West Bank of the Nile River to the Valley of the Kings. A sacred site for burials for nearly 500 years, the valley contains at least 63 tombs of pharaohs and powerful nobles, each decorated with elaborate mosaics and paintings depicting Egyptian mythology. Visit one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, the tomb of Tutankhamun. The tomb had remained largely hidden until its discovery in 1922—keeping the treasure trove of antiquities safe from looters. Enjoy a special lunch on the Nile before crossing the desert to Safaga on the Red Sea, where you'll embark on the National Geographic Explorer.
Enjoy Egypt’s stunning coastline, exploring the coral reefs, undersea beauty, and white sand beaches of the Red Sea. Hurghada offers spectacular opportunities to snorkel and dive in crystal waters. Alternatively, travel into the vast Sahara where you'll visit a traditional Bedouin village and learn how its inhabitants have made their lives in the desert for centuries. Enjoy lunch before heading back into the city center where you'll explore the bustling souk, Big Mosque, and the Corniche.
Spend the day transiting the Suez Canal. Sail past small villages and massive expanses of desert sand as you learn the history of this amazing paradigm of human engineering. Opened in 1869 after more than a decade of construction, the canal connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean and today it carries about 12 percent of the world’s trade. Spend time on the Bridge and observe the ship’s officers as they communicate with the vessels in the convoy to maneuver through the twists and turns of this extraordinary waterway.
Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was considered the intellectual and cultural center of ancient Mediterranean society. Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shougafa and climb the rocky hill to see Pompey’s Pillar, built in memory of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Spend time in the Bibliotheca Alexandria—the cultural complex erected to commemorate the Great Library of Alexandria, one of the most significant libraries of the ancient world. Once back on board, be out on deck as you sail past the Citadel of Qaitbay. Marking the entrance to the harbor, on the site of the Alexandria Lighthouse, the fortress protected the city against the advancing Ottomans.
Begin the day with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to view an astonishing collection of artifacts spanning 5500 years of Greek history. The museum houses the stunning frescos from Knossos including those depicting the historically popular sport of bull leaping. Afterward, choose from two options: Visit the Palace of Knossos, one of Crete’s most popular Minoan sites. Built on the grounds of an earlier palace dating to as early as 2000 BC, the present structure is a reconstruction of what the vast palace would have looked like in 1450 BC. Or explore the Greek site of Phaestos, among the greatest of the Cretan Minoan cities. Its wealth is evident in the extent and quality of its ruins, and the city offers a superb hilltop setting with fine views of the countryside. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch before returning to the ship.
Leaving North Africa behind, sail into the Dodecanese Islands, stunning gems of unique beauty tucked away in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Step back in time to explore traditional fishing villages and the unique natural beauty of the islands of Karpathos and Kasos.
Be on deck early this morning to enjoy the sunrise as you sail into the caldera of Santorini. Watch as the early light paints the surrounding hillsides and whitewashed dwellings in beautiful pink and orange hues. Take the cable car up the steep cliffs to visit the picturesque villages Thera and Oia, and walk along the edge of the caldera to take in the spectacular view. Then head inland away from the hustle to experience the culinary delicacies of the traditional villages and wineries tucked into the hillsides.
Day 12: Athens | Disembark
1 Breakfast
You sail into Athens this morning. Enjoy breakfast aboard before transferring to the airport for flights home.
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336
Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350
Main Deck L-shaped Suite #341 & 343
Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
11 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Onboard physician consultations (where available)
24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
Complimentary reusable water bottle
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
Private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
