DAY 1 - CAIRO
Our local Cairo rep. greets you and escorts you through the excitement and hubbub of the terminal, and onward to your hotel. Traditional sweets await you, with our compliments. Visa maybe issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as : American, EU , Canadian , EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. Guests are to to pay for it upon arrival ( approx : $ 15 - subject to change ) . You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo . After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you to the hotel .
For Hotel upgrade in Cairo : Four Seasons or the Mena House Palace wing / Pyramid's view ( you may mix & match Cairo stay first stay at Four Seasons and return stay Mena House Palace Wing: please add: $489 for the total of 3 nights per person in double

DAY 2 - CAIRO (BL)
Private air condition car / van for your tour today . PRIVATE guide throughout

Your exploration of ancient Egypt begins today! We'll start after breakfast with the Egyptian Museum ( all morning is devoted to the museum tour). Here you'll see the treasures of the ancient pharaohs: Mummies Hall is included , statuary, and precious stones and metals. Travelers have long come to Cairo just to gaze on these sights alone. Break for lunch at a local restaurant ( included).
But there's more, on we go to the Coptic & Jewish ancient quarter then the Royal Manial Palace of the former Crown Prince Mohamed Ali and the Nilometer.

DAY 3 - CAIRO- Shopping Galore (aBL)
Breakfast at the hotel . Private air condition car for your tour today . Private chauffeur, we spend a full morning walking "Indiana Jones' territory, the charming 11th,12th century district of Khan El Khalili Bazaar , and a true treasures hunt . If you wish to visit some of the shops and souks where locals do their shopping , please ask your guide. Lunch is included at a local charming restaurant.
Visit Wekalet El Ghoury ( Caravan Seray) & Beit El Kretlia ( the house of the lady from "Krete" Crete)
As an example of old Arabic ( maybe Mamluk era ) style "middle class home.

DAY 4 - GIZA PYRAMIDS , the SPHINX and DAHSOUR - (cBL)
After breakfast, we'll motor to the edge of Cairo, to the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. The museum of the Royal Barge of Cheops The museum is built over the rectangular pit that housed the Royal Barge for thousands of years , the wooden boat was readied for the king's daily journey with the sun god, Ra . Discovered in 1954, in a completely dismantled state, the 43-metre (140-foot) cedar boat is a rare window on the Royal boats used by the kings of Ancient Egypt.

Those who are fit and adventurous enough may wish to penetrate into the heart of the Great Pyramid, to the King's Chamber your ticket is included with our compliments (or the interior of Kephren Pyramid). Taking a camel ride (Included) is entirely your own choice!

Continue to Dahshour, the newly-opened pyramid field south of Cairo. We visit the great pyramid of Senfru, father of Cheops, and other structure:

The "Discovery" of Dahshour:
For almost half a century, the great field of huge pyramids near the desert village of Dahshour, 25 miles south of Cairo, has been off limits to the public. Confined within the perimeter of a military base were many pyramids, including the great 4500-year-old pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops. Senfru's pyramid, the largest in Egypt until his son built Giza's Great Pyramid, is rhomboidal in shape: it tapers more distinctly on its upper half. All the pyramids were coated in thick plaster at one time. Most have lost these protective, decorative sheaths, but Senfru's--miraculously--is still in place.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant .

DAY 5 - LUXOR (or Aswan) - The Legendary Old Winter Palace - (aB)
If you prefer that Cairo guide escorts you on the flights & all the way on board the cruise, please add $ 250 per person .

Early morning flight to Luxor, all transfers are on a private basis, always with an air conditioned car.
Business class Cairo to Luxor. A welcome fruit basket awaits you at the charming Old Winter Palace. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon , we'll enjoy a guided tour of the Luxor Museum, then a leisurely walk to the next door Amon Ra Temple . After which we will enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride along the Nile water front.
PRIVATE guide throughout.

DAY 6 - LUXOR- Medinet Habu - Ramesseum - Ramses the Great Units the Land - (aB)
All transfers are on a private basis, always with an air conditioned car /
"private " donkeys :-), for those interested , we 'll be glad to offer complimentary donkey ride (if you prefer , it maybe one way to the temple on donkeys or horses , then return by car/van , the vehicles will always follow you so if you change your mind midway, you may hub back on board your air conditioned car/van.

Today , Medinet Habu , the Ramesseum, & Deir el Medinah are our goal this morning.

Fragmented Archives:
Deir El Medinah is on Luxor's west bank you get a totally different perspective on ancient Egyptian life, at the ancient workers' settlement of Deir el-Medinah. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and decorated the tombs.

Here we'll see the excavated homes shared by laborers with their domestic animals. These quarters were surprisingly large, with three good-sized rooms, courtyard, kitchen, and even storage cellars. While ancient Egypt might not have been a workers' paradise, we'll see that artisans and builders were highly regarded in their community. We are proud to be the only operator to offer regular visits to this singular ancient settlement in its tour and cruise programs.

It is worth noting that this worker's village was home to the tomb workers who initiated the first known and documented "workers strike " that began on 14th Nov 1152 B.C. On that day in the 29th year of Ramses III rule, about 60 workers laid down their tools , closed their places in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile in the Ancient Egyptian Capital of "Thebes" (today's Luxor) . The workers went back to their village (Deir El Medinah) , then on to the Ramsseum (the administration center then) , with its well-filled storehouses, from which they were supposed to be paid their wages .
They arrived at the Ramesseum Palace gates and staged the first know " sit-in.

" We are hungry" , "we are thirsty", was their cry, their food (wages) was overdue by a month , they carried on for three days, " we have no clothes, no oil, neither fish, nor vegetables. Let the pharaoh , our good master , know"

They threatened reporting the matter to the vizier, and this was the magic word.
The workers received their monthly rations of sacks of grain, barley and sesame oil.

The strike was over on the 3rd day. Today we'll try to trace some of their steps and cover their village , the Ramesseum and Medinet Habu . Remainder of the day at leisure.
Again we overnight at the charming Old Winter Palace. PRIVATE guide throughout

DAY 7 - LUXOR- Your Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruise - (aBLD) Monday
The River of the Gods
Breakfast at the hotel . Morning at leisure. Transfer before noon to your Nile Cruise. Relax, unpack, and settle into your accommodations on board for the next four nights. A welcome Fruit Basket AND Egyptian Sweets awaits you in your cabin. Afternoon tour of twenty centuries in stone : the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, where Heaven meets Earth. This is where Ancient Egyptian Gods & Goddesses held court for 20 centuries.
It is impossible to really do the Karnak justice in trying to tour it in a day or two.
Yet we are among the very few that offer you an in-depth tour of Karnak , we start today focusing on one area ( your guide will brief you ) , then return again tomorrow to visit another area of Karnak.

We'll return to your luxury cruise in time for afternoon tea. You'll have a chance to explore your ship before dinner, which tonight features an international buffet. Evening Karnak Sound & Light Show ( bring a jacket) . PRIVATE guide throughout

DAY 8 - LUXOR/ EDFU (BLD)
We'll cross the Nile to view an array of ancient splendors: the tomb chambers of the Valley of the Kings; the imposing tomb-temple of Queen Hatshepsut in the Valley of the Queens including Nefertari's Tomb;

The Queen for whom the sun shines : ( closed for repairs )
Long before Cleopatra humbled the ruler of Rome, an Egyptian queen held power over the heart and soul of Ramses, Egypt's greatest pharaoh. In the 12th century BC, a broken-hearted Ramses built a grand funerary tomb for Queen Nefertari, "the Beautiful one," in the Valley of the Queens. It's been exquisitely restored with the aid of an American endowment, and is among the rarest sights in all Egypt: the only great tomb ever built by a pharaoh for his late queen. Artistically, it is the closest thing you could ever come to see the original Ancient Egyptian art in all of its glory and finesse.
Because of its fragile nature, only a limited number of visitors are allowed entry each day. We are the only company to include a visit to Nefertari's tomb in our daily program. Because of the limited access we must rise early for our visit, appropriate as Ramses named Nefertari "the one for whom the sun shines."

We'll set out to visit the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, followed by the mighty Temple of Luxor and Colossi of Memnon.

On to Edfu. Horse-drawn carriages meet us at riverside to take us through Edfu to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. Later, we'll cruise to Esna. Relax on deck or on your private terrace, and gaze at timeless Egypt. In the evening, we'll celebrate in Egyptian style, dressed in galabias ( A Galabia will be delivered to your cabin with our compliments), the galabia is the flowing national costume. While you are on board the cruise, afternoon tea will be served daily on deck. PRIVATE guide throughout

DAY 9 - EDFU, KOM OMBO, ASWAN (BLD)
At EDFU: Horse-drawn carriages meet us at riverside to take us to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. After our visit, we'll re-embark, and enjoy lunch while we proceed upriver. We'll disembark at Kom Ombo to explore the twin temples of Haroeris, the sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, then continue our voyage to Aswan, while we party after dinner. Complimentary "Egyptian sweets" platter will be delivered to your cabin today with our compliments. PRIVATE guide throughout

DAY 10 - ASWAN (BLD)
After breakfast, we'll visit the dams at Aswan, including the High Dam, a modern wonder in this ancient land. At the ancient granite quarry, we'll see an obelisk left unfinished, then board a launch to visit the Island temple of Philae , dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS :

The Mystery of Isis

Two millennia ago the Mediterranean world was enthralled by the mystery of Isis:

"I, Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be; no mortal man hath ever seen me unveiled."

Called Aset by the ancient Egyptians, the goddess was a Madonna in the Mediterranean tradition that stretches far, far back to the primitive Mother Goddess from Anatolia, home to some of the oldest human communities on earth.

Isis was the powerful and quick-witted protector of her son Horus, the Sun God. Ancient peoples throughout the Mediterranean regarded Isis and Horus as the perfect Madonna and Child. Another legend says she was
also the mother of the fertility god Min who, judging from the depiction of him on temple walls, needed no help from Viagra!

Because of her wisdom and skill at protection, she was admired as a good magician capable of healing the sick and protecting the dead in their journey to the Underworld.

Isis is portrayed regally, as a queen seated on a throne (which may be the meaning of her name), often holding her son Horus as a baby. Other images show her with broad, magnificent gilded wings able to protect
the world.

Isis, the great Mother Goddess. Come explore her mystery in timeless
Egypt when you Travel in Style!

Our farewell dinner is a buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by a show featuring oriental performers, including, of course, a belly dancer. PRIVATE guide throughout

DAY 11 - Disembark - CAMEL CARAVAN/SAILING BOATS (BL)
After breakfast on board, we'll have the opportunity to experience Egypt at its most authentic, as we sail the Nile in a graceful Felucca, the age-old sailing vessel of the river. If you wish, try your hand at camel riding! We'll take a traditional caravan to enjoy tea with Nubian villagers. Check-out from the suite is after breakfast. Luggage will be sent to the Old Cataract , then you return from the tour to check-in at the OLD Cataract. Afternoon High Tea included on the famous terrace over looking the Nile, where Agatha Christi wrote "Death On the Nile " Remainder of the day at leisure. Make sure you retire to bed early tonight, you leave tomorrow for Abu Simbel before sunrise
PRIVATE guide throughout .

DAY 12 - ABU SIMBEL - RAMSES THE GREAT MASTER BUILDER OF ALL TIMES (B)
Very early breakfast. Abu Simbel We've planned our visit to Abu Simbel to be a highlight of your Egyptian adventure. Rising before dawn, we drive along the shore of Lake Nasser, watching the sky lighten and the sacred sun rise above the horizon. We reach the great temples while the air is clean, clear and cool, and the sun's light still golden;just right for photographs.
In the larger temple, colossal figures of Ramses are seated with the gods and attended by his queen and daughters.
The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, who appears as Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and fertility, symbolized by the benevolent cow. We explore these fine temple by ourselves in the quiet of the morning, admiring their ancient aura and artistry, after which retire to a comfortable hotel for refreshments. PRIVATE guide throughout . Fly back to Aswan and your hotel.

DAY 13 - Aswan / Cairo (B)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we connect by air to Cairo, at Cairo airport, our local rep will assist with the transfer back to you Hotel .

Octavious visiting Alexander the Great's Tomb in Alexandria just after he defeated Cleopatra & Marc Anthony.
He left his coat as a token of respect to Alexander the Great. The search continues for Alexander the Great's Tomb

DAY 14 - Alexandria (BL)
We leave aboard your FIRST class EXpress train to Alexandria for a very full day tour of Alexandria covering : the Catacombs, the Roman Amphitheater, Qayet Bey Fortress: built on the same site of the ancient wonder of the world : the famous Alexandria Light House. A brief stop at " El Selsela" the site of the Underwater reserve where Cleopatra Place was discovered, as well as Caesar Kiosk. Lunch at a local restaurant , then its off to the new site for the Alexandria Library . Late afternoon tour of the local souks and Zanket el-Setat. Evening walking tour of el-Raml downtown area with tea and pastries at one of the local cafes.

DAY 15 - Alexandria / Cairo (B Lunch )
Breakfast , then start our day with a visit to the Museum of Alexandria , the building was originally built in 1926 for the US consulate in Alexandria and is a masterpiece in 1920's architecture & Mediterranean style buildings.
Lunch will be served in Alexandria before we head for the train station and your First Class reserved seat back to Cairo and your hotel.

DAY 16 -CAIRO - HOME HOSTED FAMILY DINNER (aBD)
You'll have one more opportunity to experience the excitement of this great city and, of course, do some last-minute shopping.
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo ! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy dinner in a quiet restaurant with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences. You may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town).

DAY 17 - DEPARTURE (aB)
Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur .Our Cairo-based staff escorts you to the airport, where you'll begin your journey home. Salaam and Bon Voyage!

Please note that the Nile vessels and cruise itineraries are subject to change.

Rates per person, in deluxe accommodations, in US$:

For travel at Easter, Christmas or New Year's, a 15 percent supplement applies.

Rate includes:

• private guide / Egyptologist to answer any questions you may have about the wonders around you, private guide / air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur all the way even while on board the cruise.

 

Presidential Suites :
Our guests , receive special consideration . When you reserve your Presidential Suite , we will provide you with a private valet to take care of your personal and touring needs, and a private guide / Egyptologist to answer any questions you may have about the wonders around you.

Just for fun, we'll even engage a local fortune - teller , knowledgeable in the mystic secrets of ancient Egypt, to read the future in your palm or your coffee grounds!

 

 

 

 

Honeymoon at the Cairo Four Seasons:

Four Seasons defines the essence of a superb honeymoon. As a destination setting, for just you two, or your whole party, we make weddings and honeymoons seamless and inspiring. For your first night, we offer a retreat of peace and comfort - with a smooth start for your trip to another Four Seasons honeymoon setting. Or for your honeymoon with us, we can help you craft every unforgettable detail.

Special photo for your honeymoon in Cairo at the Four Seasons :
Our talented in-house Pastry Chef can create a beautiful customized special cake in the favor of your preference to enjoy the cake an d a special candlelit dinner , we'll have a photographer at your disposal for 30 minutes to take some photos for your honeymoon album .
If you have a photograph of a special cake you prefer , please e.mail it to us as JPG, or include in your e.mail message, , we will be happy to try to prepare that cake for you.

 

Read more on Cleopatra's First visit to Rome. She Turned Heads. The Senate was not amused Cleopatra visited Rome in 46 BC, was received in triumph, and moved into Caesar's villa even though Caesar was already married. Caesar's imperial ambitions and his indiscreet extramarital affair with Cleopatra turned powerful senators against him, and he was murdered on the steps of the Senate in March of 44 BC.