Day 1 — Cairo, Egypt

• Egypt's bustling capital is one of the world's oldest and most fascinating cities. Situated along the Nile River, Cairo blends thousands of years of history with modern Egyptian life and serves as the gateway to many of the country's most iconic ancient sites.

• Today: Arrive in Cairo and check in to your hotel.

• Excursions: None scheduled.

Day 2 — Cairo, Egypt

• Cairo has played a central role in Egypt's religious, political, and cultural history for centuries. The city is home to the Great Pyramid of Giza and Old Cairo, which contains one of the world's greatest concentrations of Islamic architecture.

• Included Excursion: The Sakkara Step Pyramid & Cairo Citadel (Length: 8 hours)

  Visit two of Cairo's most important historic sites. Explore the ancient necropolis of Sakkara and see the Step Pyramid, believed to be Egypt's first pyramid. You'll also visit one of the decorated tombs before returning to Cairo to explore the Citadel of Saladin, including the impressive Mosque of Muhammad Ali.

• Optional Excursion: Khan el-Khalili Market & Dinner (Length: 4 hours)

  Explore Cairo's famous Khan el-Khalili market, a centuries-old maze of shops selling lanterns, jewelry, brassware, and other traditional goods. Enjoy time to browse and haggle before continuing to a local restaurant for a traditional Egyptian dinner.

Day 3 — Cairo, Egypt

• Explore more of Egypt's captivating capital, including its ancient monuments, museums, and historic neighborhoods. Cairo's remarkable history stretches from the pharaohs through the Islamic dynasties and into the modern era.

• Included Excursion: Giza Pyramid & Grand Egyptian Museum (Length: 8 hours)

  Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to more than 100,000 artifacts and an extensive collection connected to King Tutankhamun. Then travel to the Giza Plateau to see the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx.

• Optional Excursion: Nile Cruise & Dinner (Length: 3 hours 30 minutes)

  See Cairo from a different perspective during an evening cruise on the Nile. Sail past landmarks including Cairo Tower and the historic Egyptian Museum before enjoying a dinner featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine.

Day 4 — Luxor, Egypt

• Fly ✈️ from Cairo to Luxor, your embarkation city for the Nile River cruise ⛴️. Once the capital of Egypt's New Kingdom, Luxor is often described as the world's greatest open-air museum. The city is home to the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, while the west bank contains the Valley of the Kings and many ancient royal tombs.

• Included Excursion: Karnak Temple & Luxor Library (Length: 3 hours 30 minutes)

  Explore the vast Temple of Karnak, one of the largest ancient religious complexes in the world. See the famous Hypostyle Hall, sacred lake, and Avenue of the Sphinxes before visiting the Luxor Heritage Center and library.

• Included Excursion: Luxor Temple (Length: 1 hour 30 minutes)

  Visit the spectacular Temple of Luxor, built primarily by Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Walk among towering pylons, ancient hieroglyphics, statues, and the Great Court of Ramses II while learning about the temple's role in ancient Egyptian religious ceremonies.

Day 5 — Qena, Egypt

• Located along the Nile, Qena has been an important trading center for centuries. Today, it is best known as the gateway to the beautifully preserved Temple of Dendera.

• Included Excursion: Dendera Temple Exploration (Length: 2 hours 30 minutes)

  Explore one of Egypt's best-preserved temple complexes. Visit the Temple of Hathor and admire ancient artwork, the famous Dendera Zodiac, intricate carvings, underground crypts, and other fascinating archaeological features.

• Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride (Length: 2 hours)

  Take to the skies at sunrise for breathtaking views over Luxor's west bank. Float above the Nile, ancient temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the surrounding desert landscape during this unforgettable experience.

  Note: This excursion is weather dependent.

Day 6 — Luxor, Egypt

• Luxor sits on the site of ancient Thebes, once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. The Nile historically divided Thebes into the "City of the Living" on the east bank and the "City of the Dead" on the west bank, where royal tombs and mortuary temples were constructed.

• Included Excursion: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Seti I Tomb (Length: 5 hours 30 minutes)

  Explore some of Egypt's most important royal burial sites on Luxor's west bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings and the remarkably preserved Tomb of Seti I, see the Howard Carter House, and explore the dramatic Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.

Day 7 — Esna, Egypt

• Known in ancient times as Latopolis, Esna was named for a sacred species of Nile perch. Today, this small Nile-side town is known for its colorful markets, traditional crafts, and remarkably preserved Temple of Khnum.

• Included Excursion: Ancient Temple of Esna (Length: 1 hour 30 minutes)

  Explore the Temple of Khnum, one of Egypt's latest-built ancient temples. Admire its beautifully preserved Hypostyle Hall, colorful wall paintings, intricate columns, and some of the last known hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded.

• Included Excursion: Village of Esna by Foot (Length: 1 hour 30 minutes)

  Walk through Esna and experience daily life in this historic farming town. See examples of traditional architecture, the ancient Temple of Khnum, a historic minaret, and the lively covered market.

Day 8 — Aswan, Egypt

• Located near the historic border of ancient Nubia, Aswan has long been an important Nile trading center. Today, it is known for its Nubian culture, colorful markets, granite quarries, and spectacular location along the Nile.

• Included Excursion: Aswan High Dam, Local Market Visit & Felucca Sail (Length: 3 hours 30 minutes)

  Visit the impressive Aswan High Dam and learn how it transformed the Nile and created Lake Nasser. Explore a local spice market before boarding a traditional felucca sailing boat for a scenic cruise past landmarks including the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Tombs of the Nobles.

• Optional Excursion: The Temples at Abu Simbel (Length: 7 hours)

  Fly ✈️ from Aswan to visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed temples of Abu Simbel. Marvel at the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari, both famously relocated to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

  Round-trip flights between Aswan and Abu Simbel are included. Must be booked at least 30 days before departure.

• Optional Excursion: Botanical Garden & Old Cataract Afternoon Tea (Length: 3 hours 30 minutes)

  Cruise by motorboat to Kitchener Island and stroll through the Aswan Botanical Gardens. Continue along the Nile to the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a Victorian-era landmark that has hosted royalty and famous world leaders, for an elegant afternoon tea.

Day 9 — Aswan & Kom Ombo, Egypt

• Aswan sits at the first cataract of the Nile and has long served as an important trading center. The city's history is also closely connected to the granite used to construct many of ancient Egypt's temples, obelisks, and monuments.

• Kom Ombo is a small agricultural town surrounded by sugarcane and corn fields. Its most famous landmark is the unusual double temple overlooking the Nile.

• Included Excursion: Philae Temple & the Papyrus Institute (Length: 4 hours 30 minutes)

  Travel by motorboat to Agilkia Island to explore the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Learn about Nubian culture and discover the remarkable story of how the temple complex was relocated to protect it from flooding. You'll also visit the Papyrus Institute to see how traditional papyrus artwork is created.

• Included Excursion: Kom Ombo Temple (Length: 1 hour)

  Visit the unique double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Horus, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. Explore its symmetrical layout, duplicate chambers and courtyards, and see mummified crocodiles discovered in the area.

Day 10 — Edfu & Luxor, Egypt

• Edfu is steeped in ancient Egyptian mythology and is home to one of the country's best-preserved temples. According to legend, this was where Horus battled Seth after the death of his father, Osiris.

• Return to Luxor, a city filled with archaeological treasures spanning thousands of years. Its museums and ancient monuments provide insight into Egypt's remarkable dynasties and rulers.

• Included Excursion: Edfu Temple (Length: 2 hours)

  Visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, which was buried beneath desert sands for nearly 2,000 years. Explore its massive entrance, colonnaded courtyard, hieroglyphic-covered walls, ceremonial halls, and sanctuary.

Day 11 — Cairo, Egypt

• After disembarking your ship, fly ✈️ back to Cairo for your final night. The city's historic souks offer a glimpse into Egyptian daily life, culture, food, art, and centuries-old trading traditions.

• Optional Excursion: Old Cairo & Its Coptic Quarter (Length: 3 hours 30 minutes)

  Explore the historic Christian Quarter of Cairo, a UNESCO site with deep roots in early Christianity. Visit the Coptic Museum, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the famous Hanging Church, then enjoy free time to explore the neighborhood.

• Optional Excursion: The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (Length: 3 hours)

  Discover Egypt's history from prehistoric times through the modern era at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Highlights include thousands of artifacts and the Royal Mummies' Hall, featuring the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens, including Hatshepsut and Thutmose III.

Day 12 — Cairo, Egypt

• Your Egyptian journey comes to an end today.

• Today: Bid farewell to your fellow travelers and journey home, or continue your travels with an optional extension.

• Excursions: None scheduled.