Highlights of Egypt

Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Cairo

Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, with a vast collection of Egyptian antiquities from the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods. In the afternoon, venture to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the sole remaining wonder of the ancient world, constructed from over 2,300,000 blocks of stone, each weighing approximately 2.5 tons. Nearby, marvel at the Sphinx, standing guard over the Giza plateau. Overnight: Cairo (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan (flight cost not included). Upon arrival, transfer to your Nile Cruise for embarkation. In the afternoon, enjoy a Felucca ride on the Nile and view the Botanic Gardens on Kitcheners Island, as well as the sights of Elephantine Island and Aga Khan’s Mausoleum on the west bank (viewing only, no visit). Overnight: Nile Cruiser (BLD)

Visit the High Dam, a monumental rock-fill dam that harnesses the waters of the world’s longest river. Journey by motorboat to Agilika Island and explore the reassembled Philae Temple, devoted to the goddess Isis. Cruise onwards to Kom Ombo, where you will visit the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris, venerating the crocodile god and the falcon-headed god respectively. The cruise then proceeds to Edfu. Overnight: Nile Cruiser (BLD)

Travel through Edfu to reach the best-preserved ancient Greek-built Horus temple. Dedicated to the Falcon God, it stands atop a rise, safeguarding it from the annual flooding of the Nile. The cruise then proceeds to Esna and onward to Luxor. Travel by coach to the West Bank and explore Thebes Necropolis and the Valley of the Kings, an expansive City of the Dead for numerous generations of Pharaohs, featuring magnificent tombs carved into the desert rocks. Continue to Deir al-Bahri, home to the Temple of Hatshepsut, erected for the sole female ruler of Egypt. See the Colossi of Memnon, the sole remnants of the Temple of Amenophis, which succumbed to the annual flooding of the Nile. Overnight: Nile Cruiser (BLD)

Disembark after breakfast and proceed to visit the Karnak Temple, an expansive complex dedicated to Amun Ra. Next, explore the Luxor Temple, which lay hidden beneath the shifting desert sands until its discovery. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo (flight cost not included). (B)