Land of the Pharaohs

Egypt is a glorious open-air museum of astounding temples and monuments, all raised to honor a colorful pantheon of gods. We take in the full measure of Egypt’s 5,000-year-long story from the Great Pyramids, a colossal testament to mankind’s quest for immortality, to the legendary Nile, where we cruise aboard the deluxe Sun Boat IV. The grand scale of the Temple of Karnak, the famed tomb of young Tutankhamen, and the haunting mortuary temple of Ramses the Great are among the wonders of our inspiring Nile journey. Our extensions bring us to the ancient crossroads of Alexandria and to fabled Petra, Jordan’s long-lost 2,000-year-old city carved into a cliff face.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Cairo and the Great Pyramids

We take in the mesmerizing sight and grand scale of the Great Pyramids, gaze at the enigmatic face of the Sphinx, and at the incomparable Egyptian Museum, examine the golden treasures of young King Tut’s tomb. Here we can also view the astonishing royal mummies. Our hotel is the historic Mena House Oberoi, directly facing the Great Pyramids.

Days 3-7
Nile Cruise / Luxor to Aswan

Flying to Luxor, we explore the Valley of the Kings and Queens and visit King Tutankhamen’s Tomb and the grand Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female Pharaoh. We walk among the massive stone columns of Karnak Temple, built on a scale to suit the gods, then embark on the 5-star Sun Boat IV, our luxurious home for four nights. On the Nile, we explore bewitching wonders like Edfu, the mammoth Greek-built temple dedicated to Horus, falcon-headed son of Osiris, majestic Philae, set on its own island, and Kom Ombo,with its crocodile-headed gods. We disembark at Aswan, where a felucca (traditional sailboat) takes us among the islands and jagged rock outcrops that dominate the Nile landscape.

Days 8-10
Abu Simbel / Aswan / Cairo

We visit awesome Abu Simbel, where enormous statues of the empire-builder Ramses II were carved into towering cliffs. The faces of the statues look out over the Nile Valley, radiating power and warning invaders from the south. On Day 9, we fly to Cairo to explore the fascinating Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a maze of narrow streets with shops offering a myriad of crafts. Depart on Day 10.

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Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

• Jordan: Petra and The Dead Sea Extension (7 days)
• Alexandria Extension (3 days)

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1+, Easiest. It is an overland touring trip with day walks exploring the fascinating ruins and wonderful towns in this ancient and modern civilization. Please note that we have several early morning starts, especially on days with air travel.

Explanation of Trip Levels