Treasures of Egypt
Follow the allure of the Nile, uncover complex legends, and retrace the steps of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Stand in awe before the iconic Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza – one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Embark on a 7-night cruise on the Nile, the world’s longest river. In Luxor, explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and the impressive Temple of Karnak. Partake in a special evening and dress up to join the fun at a traditional galabeya party. Take in the scenery aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat) during a scenic boat ride in Aswan. Egypt's fascinating story waits to be discovered.
Follow the allure of the Nile, uncover complex legends, and retrace the steps of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Stand in awe before the iconic Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza – one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Embark on a 7-night cruise on the Nile, the world’s longest river. In Luxor, explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and the impressive Temple of Karnak. Partake in a special evening and dress up to join the fun at a traditional galabeya party. Take in the scenery aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat) during a scenic boat ride in Aswan. Egypt's fascinating story waits to be discovered.
Highlights
- Home to a vast majority of Egypt’s antiquities, Luxor is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum. This city, parted by the Nile, has been visited by travelers for centuries. Even the Greeks and Romans would travel to see the treasures that lie here. Its immense number of monuments is incredible. There’s the famous Valley of the Kings which boasts 63 royal tombs, one more elaborate than the next…and Karnak, a vast complex of temples and gigantic statues including the Temple of Amun, known to be the largest religious building ever constructed. Luxor will bring you back to ancient times while you are awed by the wealth of its leaders and the skill of its people.
- The Temples of Karnak is a large complex of temples, chapels and other buildings located in the city of Luxor. It is said to be the largest religious building ever constructed, covering about 200 acres. The Hypostyle Hall alone is 54,000 square feet in size and features 134 columns. The great temple in the heart of Karnak is so big that St. Peter’s, Milan, and Notre Dame Cathedrals could fit inside of it.
- Located among the cliffs on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor is the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. The tombs were built here over a period of almost 500 years. There are 63 tombs in the valley, 26 of them carved for kings, and the others were carved for royal family members.
- Kom Ombo is a town in Egypt famous for its temple, the Temple of Kom Ombo. This Graceo-Roman temple was built in 332 B.C. Being a double temple makes it quite unique. One temple is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and the other is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god.
- Aswan is a city in the south of Egypt located just north of the Aswan dams on the east bank of the Nile River and is 81 miles south of Luxor, Egypt. It is said to be Egypt’s sunniest southern city and has a busy market and tourist center.
Hotels
- Cairo Marriott Hotel & Casino — Cairo
- <i>M/S Blue Shadow II</i>, Nile River — Nile River
- Intercontinental Citystars Hotel — Cairo
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Cairo
- End City
- Cairo
- Duration (Days)
- 12
- Activity Level
- Level 3
What's Included
- 26 meals included
- Inter-tour flights included
- Home to a vast majority of Egypt’s antiquities, Luxor is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum. This city, parted by the Nile, has been visited by travelers for centuries. Even the Greeks and Romans would travel to see the treasures that lie here. Its immense number of monuments is incredible. There’s the famous Valley of the Kings which boasts 63 royal tombs, one more elaborate than the next…and Karnak, a vast complex of temples and gigantic statues including the Temple of Amun, known to be the largest religious building ever constructed. Luxor will bring you back to ancient times while you are awed by the wealth of its leaders and the skill of its people.
- The Temples of Karnak is a large complex of temples, chapels and other buildings located in the city of Luxor. It is said to be the largest religious building ever constructed, covering about 200 acres. The Hypostyle Hall alone is 54,000 square feet in size and features 134 columns. The great temple in the heart of Karnak is so big that St. Peter’s, Milan, and Notre Dame Cathedrals could fit inside of it.
- Located among the cliffs on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor is the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. The tombs were built here over a period of almost 500 years. There are 63 tombs in the valley, 26 of them carved for kings, and the others were carved for royal family members.
- Kom Ombo is a town in Egypt famous for its temple, the Temple of Kom Ombo. This Graceo-Roman temple was built in 332 B.C. Being a double temple makes it quite unique. One temple is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and the other is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god.
- Aswan is a city in the south of Egypt located just north of the Aswan dams on the east bank of the Nile River and is 81 miles south of Luxor, Egypt. It is said to be Egypt’s sunniest southern city and has a busy market and tourist center.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Overnight Flight
Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend, and lore as you walk amongst Egypt’s timeless wonders.
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Day 2: Cairo, Egypt
Today, arrive in Cairo, a modern megalopolis with an intriguing past.
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Day 3: Cairo - Pyramids of Giza
Be prepared for a dose of Cairo’s legendary traffic as you head to Giza this morning. Fulfill a lifelong dream as you encounter the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and marvel at the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Then, get a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties during a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum,* Egypt’s newest and most ambitious cultural landmark. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and gather for a welcome dinner this evening.
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Day 4: Cairo - Fly to Luxor - Board Cruise Ship
Depart your hotel before dawn** for your flight to Luxor. Pause for a visit to the expansive Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions. Then, board your cruise ship for your 7-night voyage on the Nile River. After lunch on board, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to get familiarized with the ship. This evening, take in the views from the sundeck before joining your fellow travelers for your first dinner aboard.
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Day 5: Luxor - Valley of the Kings - Afternoon Sailing
Venture thousands of years into the past. As the sun rises, cross the Nile for a day in ancient Thebes. Explore the Valley of the Kings,*** including the world-renowned tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship for a late lunch and settle in for views of the fertile banks of the Nile as you sail upstream towards Kom Ombo, where you’ll arrive tomorrow afternoon.
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Day 6: Morning Sailing - Kom Ombo - Afternoon Sailing
Linger over a relaxed breakfast and a lazy morning on board. Take in glimpses of the small farms that dot the Nile’s banks, appreciating the simple, modest livings of local farmers. In a place where daily life has changed little over the centuries, stay on the lookout for water buffaloes and other farm animals dotting the landscape. Later this morning, engage in an informative talk covering Egypt from past to present. After lunch, dock in Kom Ombo and explore its unique double temple. Return to the ship bound for Aswan, the Nubian City. This afternoon, enjoy a culinary demonstration and learn about the staples of Egyptian cuisine from your chef. Later on after dinner, dress up and join the fun during a traditional galabeya party.
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Day 7: Aswan
Consider a full-day optional tour to Abu Simbel**** to visit the extraordinary temples of Ramses II, saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser during the construction of the High Dam. If you decide to sleep in, enjoy a day at leisure to explore Aswan. Perhaps you’ll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum or stroll along the Corniche, Aswan’s waterfront promenade.
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Day 8: Aswan
This morning, hop on a motorboat for a ride to the sanctuary island dedicated to the goddess Isis. Philae Temple is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the building of the High Dam. Then, gain a different perspective on the epic construction of the dam during an up-close visit of the area, before returning to your ship for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you’ll wander the local stores or search for spices in the local market, before regrouping for dinner aboard.
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Day 9: Aswan - Afternoon Sailing
This morning, board a felucca (wooden sailboat) for a scenic sailing. As your time in Aswan draws to a close, take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile. Your ship sets sail once again after lunch for a relaxing afternoon heading downstream towards Edfu.
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Day 10: Edfu - Luxor
Beat the heat with an early morning visit to the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Peruse the endless carvings of scenes depicting the power and grandeur of the pharaohs. Return to the ship for your last stretch of sailing, docking in Luxor mid-afternoon. Upon arrival, visit the city’s homonymous temple and walk among the mysterious human-headed sphinxes lining the ancient processional road to Karnak. After dinner on board, it’s your choice! Linger aboard the ship -OR- join your guide for some time at the local souk (market), ending at a traditional café for a taste of mint tea.
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Day 11: Luxor - Fly to Cairo
Early this morning,***** return to Cairo. Head towards the old town to enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous bazaar of Khan el-Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon, where this evening, you’ll join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
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Day 12: Cairo - Tour Ends
Your adventure in Egypt ends today. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land.