Unfold the mysteries of ancient Egypt with this 12‐day ultimate experience. Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend, and traditions as you view the timeless wonders of the Pyramids, incomparable sites of the pharaohs – Sakkara & Dahshur. Sail through five thousand years of history on a 6‐night cruise along the river Nile on the New “Oberoi Philae”. Luxuriate
at the Marriott Mena House and Four Seasons during your stays in Cairo. You will marvel at all you see and experience on this Grande Egypt tour.
12 Days – 10 Nights Saturday Departures
Featuring: 7 Day Deluxe Nile Cruise aboard the Exclusive Oberoi Philae
Tour Includes:
Highlights:
Deluxe Hotels & Nile Cruise:
Cairo: 3 nights – Marriott Mena House – Garden Room, Pyramid View
Nile Cruise: 6 nights – The Oberoi Philae
Cairo: 1 night – Four Seasons First Residence – Superior Room
A – Embarkation Aswan – Wednesday Sailings
L – Embarkation Luxor – Wednesday Sailings
* For twin-bedded rooms at Four Seasons First Residence, upgrade to Deluxe Room possible on request.
Oberoi Philae Cruise 4-night sailings are available, please inquire for details.
All tours in Cairo are based on 2 persons sharing a Private Car with Professional Isram Beyond Egyptologist Guide. While on Cruise, Oberoi Philae Cruise Guide will be utilized. Abu Simbel Air Excursion by Isram Beyond Private Escort & Services.
Saturday: En Route
Depart the USA on your non-stop flight to Cairo, Egypt.
Sunday: Cairo
Arrival Cairo; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Monday: Cairo
The day begins with a guided tour of the Three Great Pyramids, the oldest surviving structures built by man; enter one of the Pyramids. Stand in awe at the magnificent Sphinx carved out of a single piece of stone, guarding the Giza plateau. Try a camel ride and enjoy lunch at the Mena House. Then, we continue to the astounding necropolis of Sakkara, where architecture was born. Stroll along the first large
buildings in hewn stone in all history; see the centerpiece-the soaring Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Zoser, the first stone structure to appear in the world. On to the Pyramid of Dahshur, a fascinating link between the first Pyramid of Sakkara and the mighty Pyramid of Giza. Learn more about the “riddle of the Pyramids” as you explore the imposing Red Pyramid, with its tint of reddish limestone blocks and the Bent Pyramid. Tonight, enjoy the spectacular Sound & Light show at the Pyramids. (B.L)
Tuesday: Cairo
Morning drive to the world famous Egyptian Museum with objects covering 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian civilization; on to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The Museum presents a richer and deeper insight into Egyptian culture through the ages; enter the fascinating Mummy Room housing all 22 Mummies (relocated from the Egyptian Museum).
After lunch, drive to Old Cairo to visit the beautiful Coptic Church of St. Sergius where legend says Jesus and the Holy family stayed after fleeing from Jerusalem. Continue to the 9th century Ben Ezra Synagogue (subject to restoration completion, opening schedule and permission), the oldest in Egypt. Then, on to the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, at the 12th-century Citadel of Saladin. Drive to the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar where shopping is an exotic experience. Overnight in Cairo. (B.L)
Wednesday: Cairo / Luxor / Qena NILE CRUISE
Early Morning transfer to Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. Upon arrival, transfer to the luxurious “Oberoi Philae” for a 7 Day/6 Night Nile Cruise. Sail to Qena. After lunch, visit the Temple of Dendera dedicated to Hathor, goddess of love, beauty and fertility, with its profusion of reliefs and inscriptions. Sip afternoon tea before arriving in Qena where the ship docks for overnight. (B.L.D)
Thursday: Qena / Luxor
NILE CRUISE: Morning visit the Temple of Abydos, one of the holiest sites in the world, known as the cult center of the god Osiris and gateway to the underworld. Afternoon sail to Luxor and tour the Luxor Museum with its superb display of Egyptian Antiquities. Overnight in Luxor.(B.L.D)
Friday: Luxor
NILE CRUISE: This morning is at leisure to enjoy the elegant ambiance, expansive views and indulge yourself in the full-service spa with its rejuvenating treatments. After lunch, visit the vast Karnak Temple-Complex built by generations of pharaohs over a 2000-year period. On to the imposing Temple of Luxor with its grand colonnades, standing alone in the heart of town. Overnight in Luxor. (B.L.D)
Saturday: Luxor / Esna
NILE CRUISE: Drive to the imposing Valley of the Kings containing the secretive tombs of New Kingdom Pharaohs; enter the astonishing Tomb of Tutankhamen. Followed by a visit to the Temple of Medinet Habu, Dier El Madina. On the way back, stop at the Colossi of Memnon. The boat sails to Esna for overnight. (B.L.D)
Sunday: Esna / Edfu / Kom Ombo
NILE CRUISE: Sail to Edfu, to visit the Temple of Horus, the best-preserved of all large Egyptian temples, built over a 180-year period. Return to the boat to continue sailing to Kom Ombo, a hill town overlooking the banks of the Nile. Visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Horus, the Sun God and Sobek, the Crocodile God. Overnight in Kom Ombo. (B.L.D)
Monday: Kom Ombo / Aswan
NILE CRUISE: Sail to Aswan to visit the Aswan High Dam. Continue to the beautiful island of Philae to see the exquisite, gleaming white Temple of Isis. Afternoon visit the Nubian Museum dedicated to the Nubian culture and civilization. Overnight in Aswan. (B.L.D)
Tuesday: Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo
Disembarkation after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your short flight to Abu Simbel, one of the most desolate spots on earth where Ramses the Great built his monumental Sun Temple of Abu Simbel. Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Cairo. (B)
Wednesday: En Route
Transfer to Cairo Airport for your departure flight or continue on an optional extension to Alexandria; or extend your journey to Israel, Jordan or Dubai; please inquire. (B)
Please Note: The cruise sailing schedule alternates with some sailings beginning in Aswan and ending in Luxor. In such cases, Abu Simbel excursion will be conducted on the first day of the cruise sailing. The cruise line reserves the right to alter the sailing schedules.