13 Day Crown of Egypt with 7 Day First Class Nile Cruise

<p class="itin-odd"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Egypt</span></strong><br /><strong>Depart for Egypt*</strong><br /><i>*For flights departing on day 1 and arriving in the early hours of day 2, a room will be available for you upon arrival</i></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-even"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Cairo</span></strong><br />Welcome to Egypt, one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations. Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Cairo<br /><b>Meals:</b> Dinner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-odd"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 3, Thursday - The Pyramids of Giza, National Museum of Egyptian Civilization</span></strong><br />Begin the day with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, built during the 3rd and 4th dynasties of the Old Kingdom. These monumental undertakings stand as a marvelous testimony to the almost unbelievable skill and determination of their builders. Get a close-up view of the Great Pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, as well as the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Not too far from the Pyramids, see the great Sphinx of Giza, the legendary statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, amazingly carved out of one massive piece of limestone. Continue to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Be amazed by its extensive collection of more than 50,000 artifacts, depicting the several stages of the development of Egyptian civilization from the Predynastic period to the modern age. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Cairo<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast, Lunch</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-odd"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 4, Friday - Explore Historic Alexandria</span></strong><br />Today's early morning excursion transports you to the city of Alexandria, founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great. Visit the Roman Amphitheater in Kom El-Deka, the only Roman amphitheater in Egypt, dating back to the 2nd century AD. This theater made of marble once seated around 800 spectators with galleries, remains of mosaic flooring, and a recreational garden, surrounded by Roman baths and villas. Continue to the fascinating Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. This necropolis consists of three levels of burial chambers, dating back to the 2nd century AD and exhibits a fusion of Greek, Roman and Egyptian cultures in its features. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Royal Jewelry Museum. Admire the beautiful displays of jewels and jewelry of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty, along with 19th century paintings and statues. Later, return back to Cairo<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Cairo<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast, Lunch</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-even"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 5, Saturday - Cairo City Tour, Flight to Luxor, Nile Cruise Embarkation</span></strong><br />This morning, visit the impressive Citadel, strategically located on the Mokattam Hills. It was constructed by Saladin in 1183 AD as a defense against Crusader invasions. Marvel at the stunning alabaster-tiled Mohammed Ali Pasha Mosque, situated at the summit of the Citadel. Continue with a visit to the splendid Egyptian Museum, housing the world's most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities. The original collection was established in the late 19th century. Savor lunch of delectable specialties at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive to the airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, transfer to the port. Embark on your ship for an unforgettable cruise on the legendary Nile River<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Nile Cruise<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-odd"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 6, Sunday - Karnak</span></strong><br />This morning, drive to the East Bank of Luxor. Visit the magnificent Temple of Karnak, the largest in Egypt, dating back more than 3,000 years. Walk along the avenue of the Sphinxes and marvel at the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive sandstone columns. Next, visit a shop where you can view a brief demonstration of how papyrus paper is made from papyrus grass. Return to the ship for lunch, and continue sailing onward this afternoon<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Nile Cruise<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-even"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 7, Monday - Temple of Kom Ombo</span></strong><br />Discover the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, constructed during the Ptolemaic Period between 108 to 47 BC. There were some additions to the temple that were made later, during the Roman period. The unique temple is dedicated to two gods; Horus, the sky god and Sobek, the crocodile god. Admire the fascinating detailed reliefs on the walls and intricately carved columns. Return to the ship and continue your cruise<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Nile Cruise<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-odd"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 8, Tuesday - Cruise to Aswan</span></strong><br />Spend the morning at leisure, or join the <i>optional</i> to Abu Simbel Temples. An early morning bus ride from Aswan transports you back in time to the mighty Temples of Abu Simbel, reclaimed from the floodwaters of the Aswan High Dam and totally reconstructed in the present location. The site is dominated by the looming twin temples of Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari. It is one of the most recognizable ancient sites of Egypt. Afterwards, drive back to Aswan. Choose to relax the rest of the evening, or take part in an <i>optional</i> Aswan Felucca Ride. Enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard a felucca, the traditional sailboat of Egypt used along the Nile.<br /><b>Optional: </b>Abu Simbel by Bus (AM)<br /><b>Optional: </b>Aswan Felucca Ride (PM)<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Nile Cruise<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-even"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 9, Wednesday - Philae Temple</span></strong><br />This morning, explore Aswan, an ancient frontier town. Take a tour to Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Arrive by motorboat and marvel at the Temple's beautiful island location. Learn about the temple's history and admire the engravings depicting beautiful scenes of mythological times. Next, visit a local perfume shop where you can observe the creation of perfumes. Select a fragrance and choose from a wide selection of glass bottle containers. Spend the afternoon at leisure or, join the <i>optional</i> Nubian Village visit. On this tour, board a motorboat and cruise along the Nile River to a Nubian village. Along the way, admire the sweeping views over the river. Upon arrival, visit a traditional Nubian village<br /><b>Optional: </b>Nubian Village Visit (PM)<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Nile Cruise<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-odd"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 10, Thursday - Explore Edfu Temple</span></strong><br />Begin a delightful exploration of the stunning Temple of Horus in Edfu. It is considered one of the best preserved of all the Egyptian temples, having escaped destruction from floods. The temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris. Gaze at the imposing sandstone walls, covered in brilliant friezes and massive hieroglyphs. Its extravagant design and sheer size are an indication of the country's prosperity at the time. Following the visit, return back to the ship<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Nile Cruise<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-even"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 11, Friday - Luxor Temple</span></strong><br />Enjoy your morning at leisure, or join the <i>optional</i> West Bank. View the magnificence of the Luxor West Bank on this morning's excursion. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO listed Valley of the Kings, the necropolis of Thebes and admire the tombs of ancient Egypt's rulers. Next, head to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a colonnaded structure surrounded by cliffs and learn about the life of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's famous female ruler. Visit an alabaster factory, where you can view a demonstration of grinding alabaster the old-fashioned way. Browse the extensive collection of alabaster pieces. Conclude the tour at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep II. In the afternoon, head to the impressive Luxor Temple, dating from the 14th century BC. Admire the relief carvings beautifully preserved and the colossal statues of the great pharaoh Ramses II<br /><b>Optional: </b>Excursion to West Bank (AM)<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Nile Cruise<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-even"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 12 Saturday - Disembarkation, Flight to Cairo</span></strong><br />After disembarking your cruise ship this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manager during dinner at the hotel<br /><b>Overnight: </b>Cairo<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="itin-even"><strong><span class="itinhead">DAY 13, Sunday - Depart Egypt</span></strong><br />Transfer to the airport for your departure flight<br /><b>Meals: </b>Breakfast</p> <p><b>Cruise sailing times are subject to change.</b></p> <p><em>At certain times of the year your itinerary may be amended to travel early in the morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat.</em></p> <p><em>Order or duration of some visits may be affected during official holidays.</em></p> <p><em>Due to regional laws, hotels and restaurants will not serve alcoholic beverages on certain holidays. On these days, no wine or beer will be included with dinner.</em></p>