Sands of Time – The Egyptian Odyssey

Today is dedicated to the legends of the desert. We marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza (Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure) before heading to Saqqara. Here, we explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the mysterious Serapeum, delving into the very first attempts at monumental architecture. (B/L/D) Night in Cairo.

A scenic drive takes us to the coast. We explore the Greco-Roman heritage of Alexandria, visiting the formidable Citadel of Qaitbay, the haunting Catacombs, and the ultra-modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a tribute to the ancient world’s greatest library. (B/L/D) Night in Cairo.

We immerse ourselves in the spiritual and local life of Cairo. From the heights of Salah El Din Citadel and the alabaster beauty of the Mohamed Ali Mosque to the winding alleys of Khan El Khalili bazaar and the ancient Hanging Church, today is a tapestry of faith and commerce. (B/L/D) Night in Cairo.

Fly to Luxor according to the confirmed domestic flight schedule. Transfer to the Nile cruise vessel agreed in the proposal.

Visits to Karnak and Luxor Temples can be arranged according to arrival time, opening schedules and the vessel’s program. The order of cruise visits may change with the sailing schedule.

Overnight: Onboard the confirmed Nile cruise. Meals as agreed in the proposal.

Explore Luxor’s West Bank, with visits selected from the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut’s temple and the Colossi of Memnon.

The tombs visited and included entrance tickets are confirmed in the proposal. Special tombs, including Tutankhamun’s, should be requested and confirmed separately where applicable. Walking, steps and site conditions should be considered for the group.

Overnight: Onboard. Meals as agreed in the proposal.

As we sail south, we visit the exceptionally preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu via horse-drawn carriage. Later, we explore the unique double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. (B/L/D) Night Onboard.

In Aswan, we visit the romantic Philae Temple, salvaged from the rising waters and dedicated to Isis. We also witness the sheer scale of ancient craftsmanship at the Unfinished Obelisk and the modern engineering of the High Dam. (B/L/D) Night Onboard.

Disembark according to the vessel’s schedule. A felucca trip and visit to the botanical gardens can be discussed, subject to weather, river conditions and access.

Transfer to the Aswan hotel confirmed in the proposal and allow time to relax.

Overnight: Aswan. Meals as agreed in the proposal.

An early morning pilgrimage takes us deep into the desert to Abu Simbel. These sun-temples of Ramses II, carved into the mountainside, remain one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth. We return to Aswan for a final evening by the cataracts. (B/L/D) Night in Aswan.

Fly back to Cairo according to the confirmed schedule and transfer to the hotel agreed in the proposal. The remainder of the day can be left free for rest or optional exploration, depending on arrival time.

Overnight: Cairo. Meals as agreed in the proposal.

Plan a guided visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum to explore Egypt’s archaeological heritage. The galleries, displays, ticket type and visit duration should be confirmed for the travel dates.

Overnight: Cairo. Meals as agreed in the proposal.

A free day for last-minute shopping or personal exploration. As the sun sets, we gather for a Farewell Nile Cruise Dinner, featuring traditional entertainment and gourmet Egyptian cuisine as we sail past the illuminated skyline. (B/D) Night in Cairo.

Transfer to Cairo airport for departure according to the agency’s confirmed flight arrangements. Breakfast and transfer timing depend on departure time and the agreed services.

End of the sample program.