Tour overview
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Included
- Land Package Only
- Luxury Accommodations
- Most Meals (B,L,D)
- Insurance Estimate
Not Included
- Airfare (Available to Add)
- Gratuities
- Some Meals (See Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrive Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in the bustling city of Cairo, Egypt, where you will be warmly greeted by your knowledgeable A&K representative. From the moment you step off the plane, you can relax knowing that you are in capable hands. You will be whisked away to your luxurious hotel, the renowned Marriott Mena House, which is ideally located in close proximity to the legendary Great Pyramid of Giza, the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World.
Day 2: Cairo | Ancient Treasures
On Day 2 of your luxury Egypt adventure, get ready to embark on a journey of discovery as you explore Cairo's ancient treasures. Accompanied by your knowledgeable A&K Egyptologist, you will start your day with a visit to the renowned Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an extensive collection of awe-inspiring ancient Egyptian artifacts. Marvel at the riches of the pharaohs, including the world-famous treasures of Tutankhamun, and gain insight into Egypt's rich history and culture.
After your fascinating museum tour, return to your luxurious base at the Marriott Mena House Hotel, where you can relax and unwind in the hotel's elegant surroundings. In the evening, join your fellow guests for a special welcome dinner, where you can indulge in delectable cuisine and share stories of your adventures in Egypt so far.
With its opulent ambiance, superb amenities, and close proximity to Egypt's ancient wonders, the Marriott Mena House Hotel is the perfect base for your exploration of Cairo's treasures. Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring you are well taken care of throughout your unforgettable journey with A&K.
Day 3: Giza | The Pyramids & Sphinx Today
Roam the Giza Plateau, the site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren, and the Great Pyramid, built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC). Revel in the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them. Ride a camel across the sands of Giza, and then view the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries. Marriott Mena House Hotel | Meals: B L D
Day 4: Luxor | Temple of Luxor & Valley of the Kings
Fly to Luxor, the site of the ancient city of Thebes. Begin your full day of exploring by visiting the striking Temple of Luxor. View the three giant statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple towers, the Courtyard of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 50-foot-high columns. Walk in their shadows, as visitors have done since antiquity, and ponder the astonishing feats of engineering it took to create them.
Then, step aboard ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ an elegant river cruiser renowned for the warmth and attentiveness of its service staff. Enjoy lunch on board before disembarking to explore the west bank of the Nile River and the Necropolis of Thebes and view the Colossi of Memnon. Continue to the architecturally stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh and regarded today as one of its most successful. Carry on to the Valley of the Kings, the pharaoh's burial ground and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a period of 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, tombs were built along this valley for pharaohs and nobles, including that of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamun — found in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter — to discover the secrets of this storied chamber. Next, descend into the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the valley. ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ | Meals: B L D
Day 5: Cruising the Nile | Luxor to Esna
Journey once more to the east bank of the Nile, this time visiting the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, strolling among its expertly aligned columns, which soar 80 feet high. This afternoon, cruise to Esna and visit the Temple of Khnum to marvel at its superb art and hieroglyphics. ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ | Meals: B L D
Day 6: Cruising the Nile | Temple of Horus & Kom Ombo
Today, view the Temple of Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, this amazingly well-preserved and colorful structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like. Back on board, learn to prepare local dishes during Chef’s Table experience: a cooking lesson with an onboard chef. Later this afternoon, enjoy a refreshing Scenic Sundowner as you cruise to Kom Ombo. Disembark at Kom Ombo (hill of gold) to visit the Greco- Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), whom some ancient Egyptians considered the creator of the world. View the mummified remains of several crocodiles that once basked along the old Nile shore, just as their descendants do today. ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ | Meals: B L D
Day 7: Aswan | Majestic Philae
Cruise to Aswan and proceed to the ancient granite quarries and site of the Unfinished Obelisk. This monolith is taller than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk, illustrating the skills of Egypt's stonemasons. Board a motorized boat to the picturesque Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. A sacred complex dedicated to the goddess Isis reflects a fusion of three great civilizations: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. Later, Ride Like a Local around the Aswan Islands in a felucca (traditional sailboat). ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ | Meals: B L D
Day 8: Abu Simbel | Temples of Ramses II & Nefertari
Today, bid farewell to ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ disembarking to fly to Abu Simbel and discover the commanding twin temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari. Four 70-foot-tall statues of the pharaoh dominate the former’s façade. Perhaps even more impressive, this entire site was disassembled and moved here to save it from the floodwaters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Return to Cairo for an evening at leisure. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza | Meals: B
Day 9: Cairo | Design Your Day
Drive to Sakkara, the site of hundreds of tombs and 14 pyramids, including the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser. After lunch, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
▶ Discover Coptic Cairo, visiting a church built where the Holy Family stayed, St. Barbara, and the Church of the Virgin Mary.
▶ Tour Islamic Cairo, including a walk along El-Moaz Street and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
▶ View the Royal Mummies, and countless other artifacts, as you tour the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
This evening, gather with your fellow guests to reflect on your journey through Egypt and along the Nile at a farewell dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza | Meals: B L D
Day 10: Depart Cairo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart. Meals: B