DAY 1 - CAIRO
Arrive any day in Cairo (Subject to cruise and hotel availability)
Compare with the 14 Day edition.
Our Cairo staff 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. You'll have time to relax and unwind. Visa fee is included & issued upon arrival. Available only to American, Japanese , Canadian, Singaporean & EU citizens, your passport must be valid for at least 6 month beyond the date of arrival.

Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur
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 your Cairo first stay , rate is per person in double

DAY 2 - CAIRO (BL)
Private air condition car for your tour today . Private chauffeur .

Your exploration of ancient Egypt begins today! We'll start after breakfast with the Egyptian Museum. 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. But there's more, on we go to the Coptic & Jewish ancient quarter . After lunch Egyptian-style, we'll motor to the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids on the edge of Cairo.

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!

DAY 3 - CAIRO (BL)
Private air condition sedan/vehicle is at your disposal today, with a private guide & a private chauffeur, to take you on a leisurely tour , including a walking tour of the legendary Khan El Khalili ancient bazaar district, a shopper's dream. We'll go on a treasure hunt , until we break for lunch at a charming local restaurant, after which we bring you back to the hotel. Reminder of the day at leisure.

DAY 4 - Fayoum Oases (BL) On Desert Safari for the Day - Fayoum Oases - And you thought the Pyramids were old !

We leave Cairo by sunrise ( private air conditioned car/driver/guide): Full day to the Biblical Fayoum Oases including: Hawara Pyramid, El Lahoun Pyramid, Ruins of Karanis, drive by Lake Qarun, lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Fayoum irrigation system and the Oasis was said to be designed by Joseph after the Pharaoh entrusted Egypt's fate to him in facing the 7 years of abundance that are followed by 7 years of drought.

The wilds of the desert begin right on the outskirts of Cairo, and continue for hundreds of miles to the east and west, through sands, rock, mountains, oases, and a surprising variety of scenery and inhabitants.

Join us for a day ranging across the desert like modern nomads. In place of camels, we’ll travel in comfortable, reliable four-by-four Toyota Land Cruisers. Your guide and drivers will meet you at your hotel, and soon you’ll leave bustling Cairo behind as you undertake the drive toward the Oasis of El Fayoum, 150 kilometers to the southwest. Hard as it is to believe, a great inland sea once covered these sands. It was a holy reserve of sacred crocodiles, symbolized by the god Sobek.

We’ll visit the temple of Kom Oshim, drive over ancient lake beds, and alongside the waters of today’s Fayoum Lake to reach the fishermen’s village of Chak Chouk. There we’ll stop for a lunch of fish caught fresh that morning. There will be time to wander the village lanes and discreetly watch the everyday activities of baking flatbread, irrigating crops from the lake’s waters, and bringing in the catch. We’ll also include the craft and pottery museum where the best works of local artisans are on display.

Then it’s into our four-by-fours again, for an off-road adventure! We’ll head alongside and across desert washes, between dunes, and over ancient lake beds for 35 kilometers to the Valley of the Whales ( In Arabic : Wadi-El-Hitan) . Incredibly, these great mammals once thrived - almost forty million years ago- in waters surrounded by sands. We’ll stop and gaze in amazement at their fossilized remains alongside smaller sea creatures that remain in stone.
This valley was discovered in 1936 , by the German geologist George Schweinfurth in the northwestern corner of Wadi El-Rayan.

The valley provides evidence of one of the major changes in this mammal evolution has been declared by the UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site. It is believed that these land based whales once had feet that may have helped them somewhat while ashore . A team from the University of Michigan discovered in the late 80's that these Zeuglodon whales did have rudimentary feet , this was a startling discovery , suggesting that whales of Wadi -El-Hitan had recently started living in water as well , these whales were not related to any of the whales we have today , rather a more slender body and may grow up to 75 feet long. Several skeletons of whales are exposed in the sand. George Schweinfurth named this extinct specie the Zeuglodon Isis Whales .

In the evening, you’ll return to your hotel in Cairo. Land transportation in air-conditioned four-wheel-drive Toyota Land Cruiser with the services of driver and English-speaking driver. Lunch is included

DAY 5 - LUXOR - Hotel (B)
Early morning flight to Luxor, ( or Aswan) all transfers are on a private basis, always with an air conditioned car. On to your hotel. You'll tour the charming Luxor Museum . Remainder of the day at leisure. Evening Karnak Sound & Light Show. Hotel : Old Winter Palace Nile view or the Al-Moudira hotel on the West Bank. Please advise us of your preference ( always subject to availability)

DAY 6 - LUXOR / DENDERAH and ABYDOS (BLD)
Breakfast at the hotel . Lunch box provided today from the hotel.
We drive inland to tour Denderah & Abydos Temples. Among the best preserved in Egypt. This temple as a sight to hold. Indiana Jones would have felt at home, with the massive stones & underground passages :

DENDERAH IN A DAY

We'll travel to Denderah to visit the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved in all of Egypt, and also one of the most important. In the ancient beliefs, Hathor was the consort of the god of daylight, ruler of the west, and protector or the underworld. In the manner of wise desert wayfarers, we'll leave before dawn to take advantage of cool temperatures. Our air-conditioned van will take us through timeless Nile-side villages, where life revolves around the irrigation and harvest of crops. Finally, we'll reach the temple precincts. We'll take note of the unusually deep tombs, and pass under the celebrated Zodiac, in a chapel dedicated to Osiris. (Denderah is the traditional site of his rebirth.) Our full day will also include a visit to Abydos, traditional home of Osiris, god of the underworld, and a stopping point on the journey of wayfaring souls. We'll enjoy a box lunch, and return to Luxor late in the afternoon, and your hotel .

DAY 7 - LUXOR - Nile Cruise (BLD)
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, our local rep will assist with your transfer to the Nile Cruise.
A welcome fruit basket awaits you on board your Nile Cruise. Relax, unpack, and settle into your accommodations on board for the next four nights. Then we'll set out overland to visit the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, followed by the mighty Temple of Luxor. We'll return in time for afternoon tea. You'll have a chance to explore your ship before dinner, which tonight features an international buffet.

For guests booking Presidential Suites on board the cruise :
Our guests , receive special consideration . When you reserve your 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!

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 , and on to 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.

As soon as Nefertari is opened again, we will reinstate it in our programs.

On to the Colossi of Memnon. On to Edfu. Where we dock for the night. 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.

DAY 9 - EDFU, KOM OMBO, ASWAN (BLD)
In 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.

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 Temples of Philae, rescued from rising waters , 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.

DAY 11 -CAMEL CARAVAN/SAILING BOATS (BLD)
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 (subject to availability ).
After the tour you return to check-in at the legendary OLD Cataract Hotel , Nile View room .
If the Old Cataract is not available, then we'll use the Mövenpick Elephantine Island.

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

DAY 12 - ABU SIMBEL - Ramses the Great - Master Builder of all Times (BL)
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, soft drinks , tea and light lunch.
Just as planeloads of visitors arrive to throng the temples we drive back to Abu Simbel Airport to fly back to Aswan and your hotel.

Jacquie Kennedy & Abu Simbel:

All Americans alive during the 1960s remember President John F Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Most Americans from that time also remember Abu Simbel, the dramatic, ancient Pharaonic temple threatened by the rising waters blocked by the new Aswan High Dam. Read More.

It’s worth remembering that it was Jacquie Kennedy who provided crucial support for the mammoth rescue project. Without her help, Abu Simbel might have been lost. Times change, leaders come and go, but some acts of support and generosity are remembered through the decades. Read More.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy loved Egypt, and Egypt still loves her.

DAY 13 - Aswan / Cairo (B)
After breakfast , we flay back to Cairo , and your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 14 - CAIRO (cBL)
The Culture of Cairo : Today we’ll explore deep into the heart of Cairo, and get to know its daily rhythms, its spirituality, its history, and its modern diversions. We’ll start early, with a visit to a local market, with an immense variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables on offer, both familiar and exotic.

You’ll see that shopping in Cairo goes far beyond a supermarket experience. Be prepared for whispers, gestures, shouting, and controlled chaos. It’s all part of the bargaining process, engaged in by women in traditional modest garb as well as others in Western dress.

Then it’s on to the Gayer-Anderson House, a serene and classic domestic oasis, right down to its central fountain and exquisite furnishings. Our visit is also a journey into a vanished way of life—the residence is actually two traditional medieval Cairo houses restored by an English physician to a former king. We’ll stop for lunch at a restaurant where Cairenes go, then visit the Bab an-Nasr, the Gate of Victory in Cairo’s old walls. You’ll even see graffiti that survives from soldiers of Napoleon and of the British Empire, among the many who passed this way.

DAY 15 - CAIRO - El Minya (cBLD)
After breakfast we head to Cairo railway station to board the train for El-Minya about 245 kilometers south of Cairo ( 3-4 hours ride ), yet depending on the season , we may use an air conditioned vehicle.
For Egyptians this provincial capital marks the divide between Upper and Lower Egypt.
This is a special tour to the capital of Nefertiti and Akhenaton kingdom . When they had their bloodless religious revolution , to escape from the ever growing power of the church - then of the might Amon-Ra.

Lunch box will be included from Cairo , with bottled water.
Upon arrival we proceed to tour Beni Hassan ( 20 Kilometers south of Minya ) to tour the ancient tombs necropolis , with an commanding view, a superb location overlooking the Nile Valley and the Nile River.

The tombs are cut into the cliffs , the tombs mostly date from the 11th and 12th dynasties about 2000 years BC. Most of the tombs are unfinished.
When Akhenaton died, the whole capital moved back again to Luxor, and the old powerful grip of Amon-Ra Chief god priests, declared Akhenaton a heretic. And all the work on the tombs in Beni Hassan was abandoned.

We cant guarantee which tomb will be open on any given day , but samples include tombs of Kheti and Amenemhat, then wonder among the desolate ruins of Tel El Amarana the Ancient Capital of the self exiled Pharaoh Akhenaton and his queen : Nefertiti.
Dinner and overnight at 3 stars modest hotel ( there is no 4 or 5 stars accommodation in El Minya). Private touring as usual.

Depending on your comfort level , driving condition , traffic etc, we may have to tour Tuna El Gabal Necropolis tomorrow

Nefertiti Turns Egypt Upside Down!! The first bloodless religious revolution against the established church in Ancient Egypt And the seat of power that rested with the priests in Karnak

DAY 16 - El Minya - Cairo (cBL)
Depending on your comfort level , driving condition , traffic etc, we may tour Tuna El Gabal Necropolis yesterday or today. Before we head back to Cairo by train or private air conditioned vehicle.

Day 17 Cairo / Sharm El Sheikh (B)
Breakfast at the hotel before we fly to Sharm El Sheikh . Private air condition car always for your transfers. We'll settle you into your Luxury hotel in Sharm : Sonesta , Hyatt, Renaissance Hotel , The Ritz Hotel or similar.

DAY 18 - Sharm El Sheikh (B)
Full day at leisure . Hit the water , or explore Sharm El Sheikh on your own . The Choice is yours.

DAY 19 - Sharm El Sheikh (B)
Full day at leisure . Enjoy your hotel facilities , or venture into the nearby Bedouin village to see how the local people live-as you like.

DAY 20 - MOUNT SINAI - St. CATHERINE ( Santa Katarina / Catarina ) Monastery (BL)
Relax! This is one more day in "Paradise", enjoy the beach the Egyptian sun and maybe fishing , snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea. Or join us on a complimentary tour to Mount Sinai then in the cool before sunrise, we drive into the wilderness of Sinai, through which Moses led his people to the Promised Land. Our goal is the Monastery of St. Catherine, built on the site of the  burning bush  at the base of Mount Sinai. We tour the monastery, rich in history,icons and sacred paintings, returning to Sharm late in the evening. You must be in good physical condition if you wish to consider climbing Mt. Sinai. The climb is not recommended for those affected by heights.

DAY 21 -CAIRO - HOME HOSTED FAMILY DINNER (aBD)
Fly to Cairo remainder of the day in Cairo, at leisure.
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 22 - ALEXANDRIA - (BL)
Conqueror of the Mediterranean Coast - Alexander the Great
In 332 BC, Egypt was laboring under Persian military control when Alexander the Great arrived to drive out the invaders without the shedding of a drop of blood. The Persian governor surrendered and the conquering hero was hailed as a liberator and given Egypt's double crown symbolizing control of Upper and Lower Egypt. Alexander reinstated Egypt's traditional government and founded the city of Alexandria at the country's most important crossroads: where the Nile meets the Mediterranean.

Today, we'll get to known Alexandria in depth, as we visit the Roman Amphitheater, the Koum El Shougafa Tombs,lunch is included in an Alexandrine restaurant.
Helnan Palestine Hotel or Hilton Alexandria

Octavious visiting Alexander the Great's Tomb in Alexandria just after the Roman Emperor 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 23 - ALEXANDRIA / Cairo - (BL)
Today our tour includes Qayet 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 , then its off to the new site for the Alexandria Library before heading back to south. Time permitting we 'll visit the new museum in 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. Reach Cairo early evening and your hotel.

The New Alexandria Library

DAY 24 - 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!

This tour starts daily in Cairo , throughout the year. Subject to the availability of the Nile Cruise.

Please note that the Nile vessels and cruise itineraries are subject to change.
Click here for more info on these luxurious cruises: M/S Mojito , Queen TiYi , Royal Lotus or the Radamis II ( Swiss Management) , Moon Goddess all suites with private balconies ,

Moon Goddess ( all state   rooms do offer private balconies)

The all suites M/S Amarco

The Ultra Deluxe all suites M/S Amarco

M/S Tuya and M/S TiYi Luxury Nile Cruise

A special on Queen TiYi : Please add $ 400 Per person for the upgrade to the Presidential suite.
Subject to availability. 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, or a private guide / Egyptologist to answer any questions you may have about the wonders around you.

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

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

Rate includes:

• Add a visit to El Djarrah Cave that was discovered in 1873, and then forgotten for more than 100 years. Even today, few visitors are privileged to penetrate its depths to admire its stalactites and ancient rock art

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Our Nile cruise passengers come from all countries of the world, more from Europe, but also from North America, South America and Asia, and naturally they'll often keep the company of their own language and culture.

Your patience and extra efforts to interact are sure to bear rewards.
Some guests from the USA did bring up the issue that in some cases the boat did have 2 or 3 English speaking couples onboard, and that they expected more !
Most sailings have a few native English speakers, though the numbers, of course, vary by season, and are not guaranteed.

 

 

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.