Ancient Egypt

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday May 17: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday May 18: Cairo

Arrive in Cairo, known as the Mother of the World. Take in the sights and sounds of this bustling city as you transfer to your hotel. (D)

Day 3, Sunday May 19: Cairo

Today's full day of sightseeing includes the Egyptian Museum, which houses King Tutankhamun's treasures, the Citadel of Saladin and the alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Then visit the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you can shop for local treasures—including perfume, spices and trinkets. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday May 20: Cruise

A morning flight brings you to Luxor where you board your Nile cruise ship. After lunch, explore the East Bank of the Nile with visits to the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple with its Sacred Lake. Return to your cruise ship for dinner and a night's rest. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Tuesday May 21: Cruise

Today a visit to the vast burial ground on the West Bank of the Nile includes stops at the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari. You will explore the Valley of the Kings, constructed for the eternal preservation of the New Kingdom pharaohs and now an archaeological site famous as the spot where Tutankhamun's tomb was unearthed. Sail to Esna for your night on board the cruise ship. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Wednesday May 22: Cruise

Cruise to the friendly city of Edfu this morning for a visit to the Temple of Horus, the best preserved temple in Egypt. Enjoy lunch on board the ship as you sail on to Kom-Ombo to see the Temple of Kom-Ombo, a unique, symmetrical double temple dedicated on one side to the crocodile god Sobek and on the other to the falcon god Haroeris. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Thursday May 23: Cruise

Eat breakfast aboard the boat this morning as it sails to Aswan. In the afternoon enjoy a tour by felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat, around beautiful Elephantine Island, which served as a powerful fort on Egypt's southern borders. The island is home to one of the few remaining Nilometers, used to measure the Nile's water level as late as the 19th century. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Friday May 24: Cairo

Disembark from your cruise ship today and continue to explore Aswan. Tour the impressively engineered Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis. Then take an excursion by short flight to Abu Simbel to see the Temple of Abu Simbel built by Ramses II and the Temple of the King's wife Nefertari. Transfer to the airport to board your flight back to Cairo for dinner. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday May 25: Cairo

After breakfast visit Memphis, the old capital of Egypt, and the 200-foot-high Step Pyramid of Sakkara. Then continue your exploration of ancient times with an excursion to see the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinos, and the guardian Sphinx of Giza. Enjoy your last evening in the City of a Thousand Minarets with a special farewell dinner and show. (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday May 26: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)