DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Egypt
Depart for Cairo, Egypt

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Cairo
Welcome to Egypt, one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations. Arrive in the lively capital Cairo, the largest metropolis in Africa and transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to rest, relax and adjust to the exotic surroundings. This evening, join your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, for an orientation meeting, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - The Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza, Sakkara, Carpet School
The day begins with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, built during the 3rd and 4th dynasties of the Old Kingdom. These monumental undertakings stand as a marvelous testimony to the almost unbelievable skill and determination of their builders. Get a close-up view of the Great Pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, as well as the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Not too far from the Pyramids, see the great Sphinx of Giza, the legendary statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, amazingly carved out of one massive piece of limestone. After lunch at a local restaurant explore Sakkara, the necropolis of the ancient city of Memphis. View the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, built by architect Imhotep. Next, visit a carpet school and learn about the ancient art of carpet weaving before returning to your hotel
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Monday - Flight to Aswan, Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, Nile Cruise Embarkation
Today, fly to Aswan, an ancient frontier town. Upon arrival, take a tour to the spectacular Aswan High Dam, an engineering miracle when originally constructed in the 1960s. The dam brought an end to the Nile's devastating floods. Continue to majestic Philae Temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis. Arrive by motorboat and marvel at the Temple's beautiful island location. Learn about the temple's history and admire the engravings depicting beautiful scenes of mythological times. Next visit a local perfume shop, where you can observe the creation of perfumes. Select a fragrance and choose from a wide selection of glass bottle containers. Afterward, embark on your ship for an unforgettable cruise on the legendary Nile River. After Lunch, visit a Nubian Village, traditional Egyptian village in Aswan. Get an insight into the culture, history, and lifestyle of one of Africa's oldest civilizations
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Tuesday - Abu Simbel Temple
Today's excursion transports you back in time to the mighty Temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reclaimed from the floodwaters of the Aswan High Dam and totally reconstructed in the present location. The site is dominated by the looming twin temples of Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari. The Abu Simbel Temple Complex is one of the most recognizable ancient sites of Egypt and reflects the grander and glory of the New Kingdom. Later, attend an insightful lecture on Egyptian life
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Wednesday - Temple of Kom Ombo
Discover the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, constructed during the Ptolemaic period between 108 to 47 BC. There were some additions to the temple that were made later, during the Roman period. The unique temple is dedicated to two gods; Horus, the sky god and Sobek, the crocodile god. Admire the fascinating detailed reliefs on the walls and intricately carved columns. Get back onboard and continue sailing. Take in the beautiful sights and senses of the Nile before landing at a quite island for overnight
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Explore Gebel El Silsila
Enjoy the breakfast and the views as you sail towards Gebel El Silsila, a rocky gorge where the Nile River narrows with steep sandstone cliffs on either side. Visit the temples carved into the cliff face along with many shrines, tombs and stelae. Lunch on board while resuming the navigation on the Nile
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Discover Edfu Temple & the Necropolis of El Kab
Begin a delightful exploration of the stunning Temple of Horus in Edfu. It is considered one of the best preserved of all the Egyptian temples, having escaped destruction from floods. The temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris. Gaze at the imposing sandstone walls, covered in brilliant friezes and massive hieroglyphs. Its extravagant design and sheer size are an indication of the country's prosperity at the time. Following the visit, return back to the ship & head to El Kab, originally known as Nekheb. The city dedicated to the vulture goddess of Upper Egypt Nekhbet, was one of the oldest and most important cities of ancient Egypt. Discover the necropolis of El Kab, a series of rock-cut tombs from the early Eighteenth Dynasty. Admire the well-preserved wall paintings depicting scenes from daily life, religious ceremonies, agricultural practices and battles against the Hyksos
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Disembarkation, Karnak & Luxor Temples
This morning, after disembarking your ship, drive to the East Bank of Luxor. Visit the magnificent Temple of Karnak, the largest in Egypt, dating back more than 3,000 years. Walk along the avenue of the Sphinxes and marvel at the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive sandstone columns. Following your visit to a gold shop, showcasing vast quantities of gold pieces and jewelry, check into the hotel. In the afternoon, head to the impressive Luxor Temple, dating from the 14th century BC. Admire the relief carvings beautifully preserved and the colossal statues of the great pharaoh Ramses II. Afterward, visit a Papyrus factory. Learn about the history of this ancient craft and how Egyptians used papyrus plant, found in damp regions of the Nile Delta, to create paper. Watch a demonstration of how the ancient paper is made and then browse through an extensive collection of hand-painted works. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - West Bank, Valley of Kings, Alabaster Factory, Local Market
View the magnificence of the Luxor West Bank on today's exploration. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO listed Valley of the Kings, the necropolis of Thebes and admire the tombs of ancient Egypt's rulers. Next, head to the mountainside Temple of Hatshepsut, a colonnaded structure surrounded by cliffs and learn about the life of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's longest-reigning female ruler. Later, visit an alabaster factory and observe how this soft mineral is processed. Browse the extensive collection of alabaster pieces. Savor a delectable lunch of traditional Egyptian favorites before retuning back to your hotel. In the afternoon you will enjoy the visit of the Luxor local market. Wander through the bustling and colorful bazaar for hidden treasures and join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Monday - Flight to Cairo, Citadel & Coptic Cairo
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, visit the impressive Citadel, strategically located on the Mokattam Hills, known for its sweeping views of Cairo. It was constructed by Saladin in 1183 AD as a defense against Crusader invasions. Marvel at the stunning alabaster-tiled Mohammed Ali Pasha Mosque, situated at the summit of the Citadel. Afterward, proceed to a local restaurant for lunch to sample traditional cuisine. Stroll around Coptic Cairo and visit the famed Hanging Church, a place of Orthodox worship constructed in the 3rd century. Next, pause at Abu Serga, known formally as Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. This place has great significance as it is believed to be the spot where the Holy Family took refuge during their journey in Egypt. Continue towards The Church of St. George, a Greek Orthodox church built atop the north tower of the old Roman fortress of Babylon. In the evening, head to El Moez street, one of Cairo's oldest streets. This pedestrian thoroughfare boasts a plethora of medieval Islamic architecture and art. Savor dinner of local specialties with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday - Egyptian Museum
Begin the day with a visit to the splendid Egyptian Museum, housing the world's most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities. No visit to Egypt is complete without a trip through its galleries. Marvel at the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Tonight, at dinner, share memories of your journey through Egypt and bid goodbye to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Wednesday - Depart Egypt
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast