ANCIENT EGYPT

DAY 1: ARRIVE CAIRO

Arrive in Cairo after changing planes in London. Founded on the site of Babylon, near the ruins of ancient Memphis, Cairo has been the largest city in Africa for centuries. Modern Cairo encompasses many former cities and their monuments: the pyramids of the pharaohs; early Christian monasteries and churches; Salah al-din’s Citadel; mosques of the Mamluke and Ottoman sultans five thousand years of culture are concentrated here, at the center of three continents. You are met and escorted to the Hotel of your choice.

DAY 2: PYRAMIDS/MEMPHIS/SAKKARA

Your tour includes the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramids of Giza – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – including the Pyramid of Cheops and the Sphinx with its unsolved mysteries. These astounding works are monuments to the incredibly precise building skills of the ancient Egyptians. Continue outside of Cairo to fabled Memphis, once a vast metropolis and capital of the Old Kingdom. The Alabaster Sphinx and the colossal statue of Ramses II bear mute testimony to the mighty civilization that once reigned from this glorious site. Next visit Sakkara – the oldest stone complex in the world – where you will stare in amazement at the towering Step Pyramid of Zozer, earliest of all pyramids, dominating the extensive pyramid field of funerary monuments that stretch for miles in all directions. This evening enjoy a festive welcome dinner at an Egyptian home and learn more about this enthralling country and its heritage. BLD

DAY 3: CAIRO CITY TOUR

Visit the world-renowned Egyptian National Museum, home to many ancient treasures including the splendid burial furnishings of Pharaoh Tutankhamenn. Proceeding back to Old Cairo, see the Citadel, one of Cairo’s most famous landmarks, with a panoramic view of the minarets and domes of Islamic Cairo; the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali and the colorful & centuries old Khan-el-Khalili Bazaar. BL

DAY 4: ABU SIMBEL/ASWAN – NILE CRUISE

Travel across the delta to Abu Simbel, site of the best-preserved temples in Upper Egypt. The design of Abu Simbel is unique – rock-hewn “grotto” temples, although unusual in Egypt, are frequently found in Nubia. But there is no other example of twin sanctuaries, in this case dedicated to Ramses himself and to his wife Nefertari, which combines to form a single ensemble. The image of the main temple facade, with its four colossi and row of grinning baboons is well known all over the world. Superb reliefs detail the Battle of Kadesh, and Ramses and Nefertari consorting with the deities and performing religious rituals. After your tour of Abu Simbel a short flight brings you to Aswan, where you’ll board the deluxe Oberoi Shehrayar or Shehrazad, a specially appointed five-star cruisers ship to be your home for the next four nights as you cruise the majestic and mystical Nile River. Sightseeing via traditional felucca (sailing boat) includes Elephantine Island, the botanical gardens of Kitchener’s Island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum. This evening attend a captain’s cocktail reception. BLD

DAY 5: ASWAN/KOM OMBO/EDFU

A tour of the Aswan Dam – one of the largest in the world, reveals a modern-day engineering marvel to match those of ancient Egypt. At the granite rock quarries, observe ancient stone-cutting techniques and see the “unfinished obelisk.” Followed by a visit to the Kalabsha Temple, the sandstone edifice was built by the Roman Emperor Octavius Augustus and dedicated to the fertility god Mandulis and the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is in a beautiful setting which has been landscaped to match its original site. Its various shrines and sanctuaries, which include a temple of Hathor, a Birth House and two pylons, celebrate all the deities involved in the Isis and Osiris myth. Sailing to Kom Ombo, visit Ptolemaic Temple, honoring the dual deities. This evening offers a unique opportunity to participate in a Galabiya & Costume party. BLD

DAY 6:             EDFU/ESNA/LUXOR

This morning, visit Edfu housing the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt. Dedicated to Horus, The falcon-headed god, built during the reign of six Ptolemies. There are numerous relief’s, including a depiction of the Feast of the Beautiful Meeting, the annual reunion between Horus and his wife Hathor, and a particularly fine ceiling relief of the goddess Nut in the New Year Chapel. Sailing up the Nile, visit Esna with its Temple of Khnum, the ram god. Its positioning shows the astonishing changes in the Nile River over time. Your leisurely cruise takes you to Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes. In the evening attend a video presentation on upper Egypt. BLD

DAY 7: LUXOR

The Luxor area of Upper Egypt was the Thebes of the ancient Egyptians – the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms. Today it is famous for its temples and the nearby Valley of the Kings; domain of the deceased and it is dominated by mortuary temples and tombs. The major temples include the Ramesseum – the famous mortuary temple of the 19th-dynasty pharaoh Ramesses II. Most famous of all on the West Bank is the Tomb of Tutankhamen. Visit the Necropolis of Thebes and the enchanting Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of design cut from a massive cliff face. In the Valley of the Queens see the Temple of Medinet and the Colossi of Memnon – two huge seated statues. This evening, a sound and light show displays the grandeur of the Karnak Temple. BLD

DAY 8: LUXOR/CAIRO

Disembark today and tour Karnak, the greatest place of worship in history. It includes many singular temples, dedicated to Amun, his wife (Mut), and their son (Khonsu), the moon deity. The temple starts with the Avenue of the Rams, representing Amun: symbol of fertility and growth. Beneath the rams heads, small statues of Ramses II are carved. The Luxor temple, is an accretion of structures erected by succeeding kings. The principal entrance today is the Pylon of Ramesses II that is flanked by two seated statues of the king and one standing statue. Later fly back to Cairo and enjoy a Farewell to Egypt dinner and folk show, with belly dancer. BLD

DAY 9: CAIRO/HOME

This morning board your flight for home taking with you truly unforgettable memories, photos and tales of Ancient Egypt. B