Visit the must-see sights, such as the Pyramids of Giza – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Valley of the Kings, and the temples of Karnak, Luxor and Abu Simbel. And, as a superb complement to your Egyptian adventure, you’ll also spend four nights relaxing aboard the luxurious Moon Goddess as you cruise down the mighty Nile River.
Day 1. Arrive Cairo
On arrival in Cairo be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet your fellow travellers and your Egyptologist, who will also be your personal Tour Director, at a Welcome Reception.
Day 2. Alexandria
Travel to Alexandria, which was built in 332 BC by Alexander the Great. See the ancient catacombs, a huge Egyptian burial site. Visit Pompey’s Pillar, before heading to the Bibliotheca, the new library of Alexandria. Built to capture the spirit of the original Bibliotheca, the library is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to research and education. Later, check-in to your hotel, then enjoy dinner at King Farouk’s Office.
Day 3. Alexandria
This morning, visit the Roman Amphitheatre and spend time exploring the spectacular Montazah Summer Palace gardens. Later, travel along the beautiful Corniche to Qaitbay Citadel, overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 4. Alexandria, El Alamein, Cairo
Today, travel via the port town of El Alamein. Here, in 1942, the Battle of El Alamein signalled an important turning point in the Second World War. See the 9th Division Australian Army Memorial and Commonwealth War Cemetery. Visit the war museum and learn about this important campaign. Later, return to Cairo for a delicious dinner at a favourite local restaurant, La Bodega.
Day 5. Cairo
This morning after breakfast, a city tour of Cairo takes in the Old City, where you’ll gain an insight into the history of this fascinating destination; the amazing Citadel of Saladin; the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar; and the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, one of Cairo’s must-see attractions. The museum is home to Egypt’s most revered antiquities, the treasures of legendary King Tutankhamun. Included in your visit to the museum is entry to the famed Mummy Rooms.
Day 6. Cairo, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Embark Ship
This morning board your included flight to Abu Simbel. Here, see the spectacular temples of Ramesses II, the third pharaoh of the nineteenth dynasty, and his beloved Nefertari. Following your discovery of Abu Simbel, join your included flight to Aswan and board the Moon Goddess for your luxurious four night cruise along the Nile. Later this afternoon board a traditional felucca and see the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan, the Botanical Gardens and more. Tonight enjoy dinner on board as well as an Nubian Cultural Show.
Day 7. Aswan, Kom Ombo
Start today with a hearty breakfast on board, then visit the Aswan High Dam. Completed in the early 1970s the dam has been crucial to controlling the flow of water down the Nile, creating agricultural opportunities as well as generating hydro-electricity. See the Russian friendship monument, built to commemorate Russia’s involvement in constructing the dam. After visiting the Unfinished Obelisk, take a small boat to Philae Temple. After lunch on board, cruise to the Temple of Kom Ombo and tonight enjoy the festivities of the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party.
Day 8. Edfu
This morning after breakfast in Edfu, travel to the Temple of Horus, the second largest temple in Egypt after the temple of Karnak, and also one of the country’s best-preserved temples. This afternoon your ship will cruise north, taking in the best views of the Nile Valley as you relax on board your luxury floating hotel and take advantage of the onboard facilities. Tonight enjoy a fun Galabeya Party.
Day 9. Luxor, Karnak Temple
Rising to another beautiful morning on the Nile, you may like to take advantage of the opportunity to go hot air ballooning over the East Bank, a once in a life-time opportunity (weather permitting, own expense). Later in the day, visit the Karnak Temple complex, a vast area consisting of ruined temples, chapels and pylons. Today the site is a giant open air museum, telling stories of an ancient civilisation. Later, continue to the Luxor Temples. This area has been home to three different religions over the centuries, with the temples standing like a beacon on the banks of the Nile.
Day 10. Disembark Ship, Luxor, Valley of the Kings
This morning after disembarking your river ship travel to the Valley of the Kings, a large area where tombs were constructed for notable pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Later, visit the equally impressive Valley of the Queens, home to approximately 80 tombs. Choose where to dine this evening, perhaps try the La Corniche Restaurant, El Tarboush, or Ilpalmeto. Tonight, be awestruck by an imaginative fusion of light and sound as the Karnak temple complex comes to life during an evening sound and light show. Your experience begins with a horse-drawn carriage ride to Karnak, on the banks of the Nile. Watch in wonder as illuminations reflect off the ruins and water, lighting up the sky.
Day 11. Luxor, Cario
Today transfer to the airport for your included flight back to Cairo.
On arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax in the gardens of the Mena House Oberoi.
Day 12. Great Pyramid of Giza, Memphis, Sakkara
Today get up close to the Great Pyramid and Sphinx of Giza. Then explore Memphis and Sakkara. Tonight enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile River.
Day 13. Cairo
This morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
