10 day Nile Splendor

Welcome to the land of pharoahs & the world’s most historic destination, Egypt.

You’ll be met by our airport representative who will help you through airport procedures, and be transferred to your hotel for the evening. Free time for the remainder of the day.

Optional Tour: Pyramid Sound & Light Show

HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)

Meals: Dinner

Activities

• Pyramids of Giza

• Great Sphinx

• Saqqara Necropolis

Enjoy breakfast before starting your guided tour to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the world, the Great Pyramids of Giza. You’ll also see the Great Sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh.

Following a stop for lunch, you’ll pay a visit to the wonderous Saqqara Necropolis.

This remarkable complex includes the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the undergrounds tombs which you will visit. You’ll also see plenty of hieroglyphics that adorn the walls of the complex throughout.

Meals: Breakfast

Activities

• Grand Egyptian Museum

• Citadel

• Khan El Khalili Market

Start the day with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. (GEM)

The GEM is without doubt Egypt's longest awaited attraction, being 20 years in the making. Here, for the first time you will have the opportunity to visit with your guide to various exhibit halls, main galleries and the colossal statue of King Ramses II near the main staircase.

Next, pay a visit to the impressive Citadel. This preserved historic site of mosques and museums has a commanding position high above greater Cairo, and offers impressive sweeping views of the city and beyond.

The last visit of the day is Khan El Khalili Market. Nestled within the vibrant streets of the historic Islamic Cairo, this enchanting world of colors, scents, and cultural treasures offers a place to shop for unique pieces and souvenirs through its whimsical laneways.

HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast

Activities

• Catacombs

• Roman Amphitheatre

• Qaitbay Fortress

Today make your way north to the city of Alexandria, on the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city and boasts a thriving port along its 32 kilometres of coastline. Founded by Alexandria the Great, and once ruled by the Greek and Romans, the city has many incredible sights.

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa is a historical archaeological site and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. It is regarded as a huge necropolis and royal cemetery that dates back to the second century AD.

Next, see the Roman Amphitheatre. Once a grand spectacle, this ancient structure hosted gladiatorial contests and public events. Explore the remaining foundations and imagine the roar of the crowd echoing through this historic site

After lunch we’ll head to Qaitbay Fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Built by Sultan Qaitbay in the 15th century, the fort once protected Alexandria from Ottoman invaders, showcasing its military significance.

HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast

Activities

• Karnak Temple

• Luxor Temple

• Nile Cruise

After breakfast you will be transferred to Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor. Check in to your cruise ship for the next 4 nights. After lunch you will start your guided tour. of Karnak Temple.

Built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. the great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral. One of Egypt’s more prized attractions, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks. Simply put, everything here is on a gigantic scale.

Next is Luxor Temple. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, Luxor Temple reigns supreme as one of Egypt's most extraordinary archaeological gems built over 3,000 years ago. Marvel at the soaring columns and colossal statues, adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and reliefs depicting scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology and history. The Avenue of Sphinxes, stretching over a mile in length, connects Luxor Temple to its sister temple,

Cruise: Radamis II or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Attractions:

• Valley of the Kings

• Hatshepsut Temple

• Esna Lock

Today you will explore one of Egypt’s most prized attractions, Valley of the Kings. Located on the west bank of the Nile River, this ancient burial ground served as the final resting place for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom era. Spanning over 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th century BCE, it contains around 63 tombs, including Tutankhamun's famous tomb. These tombs were carved into the rock and adorned with intricate paintings and hieroglyphics. Discovered in the 18th century, the Valley of the Kings remains a significant archaeological site, giving us valuable insights into the ancient Egyptian burial customs and beliefs.

Next on your tour is Hatshepsut Temple. This magnificent ancient structure is in honour of the powerful female pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut.

As you continue sailing down to Aswan, be sure to be up on deck to view the boat passing through the engineering marvel of Esna Lock. As the boat enters the lock, the gates will be closed, allowing the water level in the lock to adjust to match the level of the river downstream. Once the water level is equalized, the boat can pass through and continue its journey down the river.

Meals: Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Activities

• Edfu Temple

• Kom Ombo Temple

The Edfu Temple, located in southern Egypt, is a stunning example of the well-preserved ancient Egyptian architecture. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this temple boasts intricate carvings and towering columns.

On return to our cruise ship, you will sail to Kom Ombo Temple. The Temple is dedicated to both Sobek the crocodile god, and Haroeris the hawk. Kom Ombo temple stands on a promontory at a bend in the Nile, where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank.

After dinner tonight will be the Egyptian Galabeya party, where you will be invited to dress up in traditional costume.

CRUISE SHIP: Radamis II or similar

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Activities

• High Dam

• Unfinished Obelisk

• Philae Temple

Start your day with a visit to the High Dam. This engineering miracle was built in 1960 protecting Egypt from annual floods from the Nile.

Next is the unfinished obelisk, demonstrating the stone working techniques of ancient Egyptians and is a tribute to their immense ambition and skill.

During the afternoon you will jump aboard a motor boat for the short journey to Philae Temple on the island of Agilkia. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple is a testament to Egypt's rich cultural heritage. You’ll hear stories from your Egyptologist guide amidst stunning columns and intricate hieroglyphics that adorn the walls throughout. Rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the temple was moved to its present location, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Cruise: Radamis II or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will disembark your cruise in Aswan and make you way to the airport for the flight back to Cairo. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Optional Tour of Abu Simbel: Why not join an unforgettable private tour of Abu Simbel, a famous UNESCO World Heritage site. It is renowned for its colossal rock-cut temples and built by Ramses II. These iconic structures stand as a testament to ancient Egyptian civilization, attracting visitors worldwide with their impressive architecture and rich historical significance. The two colossal temples greeting visitors are dedicated to Pharaoh himself and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. At conclusion of your tour, you will be transferred back to Aswan to board the flight to Cairo.

HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you will be met by a representative and escorted to the Cairo International Airport for your outward journey.

Why not ask us about an extension of your trip to the Red Sea Resorts.