8 Day Classic Egypt with 4 Day Nile Cruise

DAY 1 – Arrive in Cairo
Welcome to Egypt, one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations. Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel with 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
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 2 – The Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza
Visit 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 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 single piece of limestone. Next, visit a shop where you can view a quick demonstration of how the papyrus paper is made from the papyrus grass. Browse the collection of artwork on display. Leisure time this afternoon, or join the optional tour to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the iconic Pyramids of Giza. This state-of the-art museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Explore the cutting-edge exhibits, and interactive displays, that span over 5,000 years of history. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Optional: Half Day New Grand Egyptian Museum with lunch (PM)
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3- Flight to Aswan, Philae Temple, Cruise Embarkation
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan, an ancient frontier town. Take a tour of Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Arrive by motorboat and marvel at the Temple’s beautiful island location. On the way back, stop at a local perfume shop. During your visit, you can watch the creation of perfumes. Select a fragrance and choose from a wide selection of glass bottle containers. Later, embark on your ship for an unforgettable cruise on the legendary Nile River
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 – Cruise to Aswan
Spend the morning at leisure, or join the optional 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. Afterward, drive back to Aswan. Choose to relax the rest of the evening or take part in an optional Aswan Felucca Ride. Enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard a felucca, the traditional sailboat of Egypt used along the Nile
Optional: Abu Simbel by Bus (AM)
Optional: Aswan Felucca Ride (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5- Edfu Temples & Kom Ombo
This morning, visit the stunning Temples of Horus in Edfu, considered one of the best-preserved of all the Egyptian Temples. It was built during the Ptolemaic times and was completed over a 180-year period. The temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, son of Isis and Osiris. Its extravagant design and sheer size is an indication of the country’s prosperity at the time. Next, tour the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Horus, the sky god and Sobek, the crocodile god. Admire the fascinating detailed reliefs on the walls. Return to the ship for dinner
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 – Luxor & Karnak Temples
View the magnificence of the Luxor West Bank on this morning’s optional 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. After lunch aboard the ship, take a sightseeing tour of the East Bank. Start with a visit to Luxor Temple to admire the colossal statues of the great pharaoh Ramses II. Next, the magnificent Temples of Karnak, dating back over 3,000 years. Walk along the avenue of the Sphinxes and marvel at the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive sandstone columns
Optional: Excursion to West Bank (AM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 – Disembarkation, Flight to Cairo
This morning, after disembarkation transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure or join the optional Coptic Cairo with cooking class on lunch.
This area is the original home of the Coptic Christians, one of the world’s oldest Christian denominations. Here, visit the Hanging Church, that was built in the 7th century. Admire the courtyard and interior with its elaborate wooden screen, marble pulpit and icons. Proceed to Abu Serga, a 5th century Coptic church and hear how the church was built over the site of a cave, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt. Then, tour the Church of St. George, a Greek Orthodox church built atop the north tower of the old Roman fortress of Babylon
drive to the host by an Egyptian Middle class faily’host,Arrive at The Family house, meet and welcome drink. then start know how to cook. Lunch With the family. then afternoon tea/coffee with the family,,, general talks, during the Lunch , Overnight hotel . (B.L)

DAY 8 Depart Egypt
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Cruise sailing times are subject to change.

At certain times of the year your itinerary may be amended to travel early in the morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat.

Order or duration of some visits may be affected during official holidays.

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

Optional: Coptic Cairo with lunch
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Rates
Per Person in double room as per Itinerary is 875 $