Day 1 – Depart US
Day 2 – Arrive Cairo (Welcome Reception)
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your
hotel where you’ll have time to unwind and explore its elegant amenities. Later, get acquainted with
your Travel Director and fellow travelers over a drink, toasting the start of your Egyptian adventure.
Hotel: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 3 | Fly to Luxor, Cruise the Nile
In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the
avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to
your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through
the Luxor Museum to admire its impressive collection of ancient artifacts. In the evening, enjoy
dinner on the ship and unwind at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Day 4 | Exploring Dendera and on to Edfu
A day of legend and history awaits you as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor
in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it features a rare depiction of Cleopatra and
her son Caesarion, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime, return to your ship and enjoy a scenic
journey through the Esna Lock to Edfu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 | Edfu to Aswan
Start the day with breakfast as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo, before continuing on to the
city of Aswan. Renowned for its archaeological sites, including the Philae Temple Complex and the
Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portrays an appealing blend of ancient and
contemporary Egypt. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea
with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Aswan’s High Dam and Temple of Isis
Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan's High Dam and granite quarries, where you'll see the
enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, which rises from the waters of
the Nile on the Island of Philae. Enjoy a retelling of the Nile flood and the stories of the goddesses Isis
and Hathor in a Roman-style theater. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your
cruise ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 | Feluccas and High Tea
Throughout your journey, you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your turn to
explore one for yourself. On board this traditional vessel, meet a local sailor who shares the history
and techniques behind navigating this culturally significant boat. Visit the local women’s co-op on
your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and discover how scrap materials are transformed into
fine handicrafts, supporting vulnerable women in the community. As the sun starts to set, enjoy high
tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did.
Round off the day with an atmospheric Sound and Light Show at Philae Island, where the temple’s
illuminated facade becomes the stage for tales of Isis, Hathor and the sacred Nile.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 8 | Free Time and on to Kom Ombo
With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel. These temples overlook
Lake Nasser and consist of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Later, sail to
Kom Ombo to visit Egypt's only double temple, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed
Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 | Cruising the Nile to Luxor
Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy the facilities on board and keep
your cameras ready for the sights as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor
Temple, where your ship will dock for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 | Explore Luxor and fly to Cairo
This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. Delve into
history seeing both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings where many pharaohs were
buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local
hospitality of Egyptians during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and
share bread with the Bahirat family, as they regale you with fascinating stories of daily life. Later,
transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 11 | Cairo Sightseeing
This morning, ascend to the Citadel for sweeping views over the city. While here, visit the Alabaster
Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of
modern Egypt. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to a remarkable collection of
ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 12 | Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
Today, you’ll head to Memphis, the legendary capital of the ancient world. Once the heart of
Egypt’s Old Kingdom, it was a flourishing center of politics, religion and art. Marvel at the colossal
statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx, believed to represent Queen Hatshepsut. Continue
to Sakkara to view the extraordinary Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest in Egypt, designed by the
architect Imhotep around 2700 B.C. This afternoon, journey to Giza to come face-to-face
with the enigmatic Sphinx. Gather at your hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travelers to share
canapes and a drink, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 13 | Depart Cairo
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.
Meals: Breakfast
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