Highlights of Egypt
Experience the majesty of the Great Pyramids at Giza before boarding your luxurious cruise ship for an elegant journey down the Nile. From the Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel to Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, see the splendors of ancient Egypt in the fashion of the pharaohs.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met and transferred to your luxury hotel overlooking the Nile River. Fairmont Nile City Center – 3-nights (Deluxe Side Nile View Room)
Note: VIP international airport arrival courtesies have been arranged.
Discover the iconic Great Pyramids at Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As you stand in the desert at the foot of these massive structures, gaze in awe at the engineering and artistry of the world’s most famous tombs. Then embark on a voyage to pharaonic times at the fascinating Solar Boat Museum. This afternoon, travel to the famed city of Memphis and nearby Saqqara where you can see the Step Pyramid, which was the earliest of all the classic memorials. Return to Giza for the incredible sound-and-light show at the Great Pyramids. (B)
Pay a morning visit to the great Egyptian Museum, repository of many of the glories of antiquity, including the spectacular treasures of the boy king Tutankhamen. Then descend into the past to experience the world-renowned Royal Mummy room, which houses 11 royal mummies from pharaonic times. This afternoon, follow your own path and explore or relax as you like. (B)
Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Abu Simbel and a tour of the rock-hewn Temples of Ramses II. The most spectacular aspect of this temple is its setting in the solid rock above the banks of the Nile River. Continue to Aswan where you will be met and transferred to your Nile cruiser. Enjoy lunch on board before disembarking for a visit to the impressive High Dam and the lovely Temple of Philae. Back on board, immerse yourself in Nubian culture with a colorful song-and-dance performance following dinner. Sonesta Star Goddess (Beethoven Suite) – 3-nights (B, L, D)
This morning, sail north to Kom Ombo to see the massive temple shared by the gods Sobek and Harocies. The main sight at Kom Ombo is the beautiful Outer Hypostyle Hall, with 15 thick columns topped with floral capitals and a cornice decorated with carved winged sun-discs. Reboard your ship in time for a relaxing lunch as you continue downriver to Edfu. Here you will visit the famed shrine of the Falcon God Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. This evening continue your sail toward Luxor with dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Disembark in Luxor to visit the West Bank and explore the tombs in the stunning Valley of Kings. Then it’s on to the striking Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, framed by towering cliffs. Return to the ship for lunch before continuing your exploration of Luxor with a visit to impressive Karnak and the Luxor Temple. (B, L, D)
Today, disembark the Sonesta Star Goddess and return by air to the bustling capital. The afternoon and evening are yours at leisure to explore, dine at one of the city’s excellent restaurants or just relax in your lovely hotel on the banks of the Nile. Fairmont Nile City center – 2-nights (Deluxe Side Nile View Room) (B)
Option: Soar above the Valley of the Kings on a hot air balloon ride in Luxor.
This morning, marvel at the highlights of Islamic and Coptic Cairo, and visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, which according to legend was built on the site where the baby Moses was found in the reeds. Savor a tasty lunch at Naguib Mahfouz restaurant before embarking on an exploration of the labyrinth of shops and alleyways in the ancient Khan el-Khalili Souq. Shop for treasures, do some friendly haggling and enjoy a cup of tea as you browse the wares of one of the world’s oldest marketplaces. (B, L)
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight. (B)
Extend Your Journey
- Witness the sound-and-light show at the Great Pyramids at Giza
- Discover the treasures of Tutankhamen and the mummy room in the Egyptian Museum
- Cruise the Nile on a luxurious, all-suite ship
- Take a stroll through ancient history in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor
- Shop for treasures at the medieval Khan el-Khalili Souq in Cairo
- Soar above the Valley of the Kings on a hot air balloon ride in Luxor (optional)
9 DAYS & 8 NIGHTS
Cairo, Abu Simbel & Nile Cruise (Aswan to Luxor) aboard the All-Suite Sonesta Star Goddess
2012 Dates:
Now - Apr
Beethoven Suite
Single Supplement
May - Sep
Beethoven Suite
Single Supplement
Internal Air
Prices From:
$4,125
$1,965
$4,195
$2,085
$430
Note:
*A holiday supplement of $755 applies to December 22 - January 7, 2012 and April 3 - 17, 2012. Internal Airfare is subject to change. Upon request, your travel consultant can provide an exact price based on your specific dates of travel.
Includes:
All accommodation, breakfast daily, full board dining while aboard the Nile cruiser, all internal air (priced separately) and transfers. Guiding is on a private basis in Cairo and Abu Simbel, and in small groups with the ship's resident Egyptologist on the cruise. Private journeys depart daily subject to availability.