| Explorer's Egypt |
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Our 15-day Explorer’s Egypt itinerary has been designed to take you behind the scenes, to show you many facets of Egypt in an enjoyable way and at an enjoyable pace. Of course, you’ll see the places that have drawn visitors for thousands of years, including the Pyramids and Sphinx, the ancient necropolis of Sakkara, the Temple of Karnak and Philae Temple at Aswan.
We’ll also have a two-night stay at a unique hotel on Luxor’s West Bank, so you can visit the great temples of Abydos and Dendera, places not included on most programs. We also spend the night at Abu Simbel, with ample time to visit its great monuments. (You’ll return to the temples at night when they’re illuminated — it’s magic.) And in Cairo, you’ll be guests at the home of an Egyptian family for dinner.
On the Nile, you’ll be aboard the M/S Tu-Ya, a beautiful new ship with spacious cabins and excellent amenities.Throughout your stay you'll enjoy luxurious accommodations including former palaces, all with stunning views.
Everyone who has ever visited Egypt knows that a key difference between just seeing the country and understanding it is the people who show you around. Our guides have years of experience in the field and are experts on Egypt’s history and culture. But beyond that, they are warm, caring people who want you to enjoy yourself and get the most out of your travels.
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Day 1 • Tuesday
U.S. / Cairo
Depart the U.S. for Cairo. (Meals Aloft)
Day 2 • Wednesday
Cairo
We are met at the Cairo Airport, where entry procedures have been taken care of in advance. Transfer to the Mena House Oberoi Hotel, originally built as a hunting lodge for the Khedive Ismail. (Meals Aloft)
Day 3 • Thursday
Pyramids / Great Sphinx
After a morning briefing by our Egyptologist, visit the Pyramids of Giza, the sole survivor among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We also have a close-up look at the Sphinx, carved from a single massive limestone outcrop, and the Solar Boat, Cheops’ 142-foot funerary boat. This evening enjoy a special dinner in an Egyptian home. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit with a family and learn about life in Cairo. (B,D)
Day 4 • Friday
Sakkara / Memphis
Tour the Egyptian Museum, home to some of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted, including the Treasures of Tutankhamon. Drive to Sakkara, the site of the Step Pyramid and some beautiful tombs. At nearby Memphis see the Alabaster Sphinx and the toppled statue of Ramses II. (B,L)
Day 5 • Saturday
Luxor
Fly to Luxor to see some of the crowning achievements of Egyptian architecture. Explore one of the world’s largest and oldest religious structures, the Temple of Karnak. Also visit the exquisite Temple of Luxor before checking in to our beautiful 5-star hotel, Al Moudira, located on the Nile’s West Bank. This traditionally designed palace will be our home for two nights. (B,L,D)
Day 6 • Sunday
Abydos / Dendera / Luxor
Abydos has one of the finest monuments in all of Egypt — the Temple of Seti I, built of fine white limestone in honor of Osiris. The bas-reliefs are exquisite, and many of the colors remain vibrant. Later, we continue to Dendera, one of Egypt’s jewels. It was essentially lost, buried under the sand until the mid-19th century. In front are six dramatic columns with capitals in the shape of the cow-headed goddess of love and joy, Hathor. Reliefs on the walls show the empress Cleopatra. (B,L,D)
Day 7 • Monday
Luxor / Nile Voyage
Explore Luxor’s West Bank, seeing the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings, where we enter several well-preserved tombs. Later visit the Tombs of the Nobles and the ancient workmen’s village. This afternoon see the temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. It is one of the most striking sites of the West Bank, sitting in a natural amphitheater dug deep into the rock at the foot of steep ochre-colored cliffs. Our accommodations for the next four nights are aboard the deluxe Nile cruse ship M/S Tu-Ya. Tonight enjoy the renowned Sound & Light Show at the Temple of Karnak. (B,L,D)
Day 8 • Tuesday
Nile Voyage
Relax stay onboard the M/S Tu-Ya as she continues to Esna, giving us the chance to enjoy views of the countryside. (B,L,D)
Day 9 • Wednesday
Nile Voyage
This morning explore one of the best preserved temples in Egypt — the Temple of Horus. The famous statue of Horus as a falcon stands in the courtyard. Our ship sails on to Kom Ombo, where we explore the fine temple. (B,L,D)
Day 10 • Thursday
Nile Voyage
In Aswan, visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, learning how the ancient monuments were built. Had this obelisk been completed, it would have been the largest of the ancient world. This afternoon take a relaxing sail in a traditional “felucca” sailboat. After dinner enjoy a Nubian folkloric show featuring a whirling dervish, and stroll through the Aswan Souks, one of Egypt’s best markets. (B,L,D)
Day 11 • Friday
Abu Simbel
Fly to Abu Simbel, located on Lake Nasser. Built by Ramses II, the Great Temple of Abu Simbel towers more than 100 feet high. The cliff into which it was carved was to be flooded when the Aswan Dam was built, so the entire complex was disassembled and rebuilt, piece by piece, on higher ground. Because we stay here overnight, there is plenty of time to explore. Our charming hotel, the Seti Abu Simbel, enjoys a gorgeous setting on the shore of Lake Nasser. Return to the temples in the evening to see them beautifully illuminated — a magical experience. (B,L,D)
Day 12 • Saturday
Abu Simbel / Cairo
In the morning, time permitting, pay an early return visit to the temples. Return to Cairo and transfer to the deluxe 5-star Cairo Marriott Hotel. We stay here the next three nights. The rest of the day is at leisure, and dinner is on our own. (B,L)
Day 13 • Sunday
Cairo / Islamic Cairo
Travel back to the early years of Islamic civilization, visiting the 12th-century Citadel. Continue to the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, unquestionably one of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture. Pass through the “Gate of Conquests”: Bab El-Fotouh, raised by the Fatimids in the 11th century. Walk through El Moez Street and then tour the Gayer-Anderson Museum. Continue to Cairo’s renowned bazaar, the Khan-el-Khalili, to browse for jewelry, copperwork, silver, clothing and much more. (B,L)
Day 14 • Monday
Cairo / Coptic Cairo
Visit “Old Cairo,” founded by the Romans long before the modern city arose, and see its Coptic churches, including the lovely 4th-century “Hanging Church,” suspended over the Roman fortress of Babylon. Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue and, if open, the Coptic Museum, which highlights the artistic importance of the early Christians in the Nile Valley. Enjoy a farewell dinner celebration. (B,D)
Day 15 • Tuesday
Cairo / U.S.
After breakfast return to the airport and fly to the U.S. (B, Meals Aloft)
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| Prices are per person and include accommodations, meals as indicated, transportation by land and boat, guides, tips (expect to Egyptologist) for included services and group transfers. |
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01/16/2007
02/06/2007
02/20/2007
04/10/2007
10/16/2007
11/13/2007
11/27/2007
12/18/2007
01/29/2008
02/19/2008
02/26/2008
04/01/2008
04/15/2008
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Destination Information
Itinerary
Items Included
Departure Dates
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