.
Cairo and Ancient Egypt
Day 1 - UK - Cairo (Egypt)
Welcome to the bustling city of Cairo. Your journey begins as you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a three-night stay in Cairo. This evening, meet your Tour Director for a tour briefing.
Day 2 - Cairo
On your first day in Cairo, be awed by the sheer magnitude of the Pyramids before marvelling at the 20-metre limestone monolith of the Sphinx. This evening, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with a local family. (B,D)
Day 3 - Cairo
Discover the priceless antiquities in the Egyptian Museum including the artefacts recovered from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Then visit one of the most fascinating and ancient markets in Cairo, the Khan-El-Khalil market. This colourful market has stocks of everything from soap powder to semiprecious stones. Perhaps spend your time at leisure exploring the Fortress of Babylon. This evening, perhaps take the opportunity to witness a light display and entertaining show at the Pyramids (extra expense). (B)
Day 4 - Cairo - Luxor
Fly to Luxor this morning and be astounded by the well-preserved, colourful hieroglyphics adorning the tombs in the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of the Nile. Visit the Monument of Queen Hatshepsut, and statues of the Colossi of Memnon before embarking your Emerald ship. Later, visit the vast open-air temple complex of Karnak and stroll through the impressive Hypostyle Hall. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - River Nile
In Dendera, marvel at the vibrant colours of the hieroglyphics adorning the roof of the Hathor’s Temple before returning to Luxor for a guided tour of the temple complex which straddles the banks of the Nile. This evening, enjoy a belly dance performance on board. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - River Nile
Follow the course of the ancient Pharaohs’ processions along the Nile as you cruise south, where villages and majestic temples line the banks of the river against the backdrop of the desert. Discover the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the most completely preserved complex in Egypt. This afternoon, explore Kom Ombo temple, perched high on the east bank and dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god. On board this evening, enjoy a lively Galabeyya party with Egyptian delicacies, music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - River Nile
Cruise south to reach charming Aswan, the home of the Nubian people. Discover the Osiris temple complex of Philae, then visit the stone quarries to learn about ancient carving techniques and see the enormous unfinished obelisk. This afternoon, take a Felucca cruise on the Nile (weather dependent). Tonight, join the Captain and crew for a farewell Gala Dinner, followed by a Nubian show. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Nile River - Abu Simbel - Aswan
Disembark your ship this morning and fly to Abu Simbel. Marvel at the enormous World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, rescued from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam. This evening, head to Aswan where you will enjoy an overnight hotel stay. (B)
Day 9 - Aswan - Cairo
Start your day with a visit to a traditional Nubian village. Meet the school children and learn about life on an island in the Nile. In the afternoon, you will fly to Cairo, then join your tour director for a farewell dinner before spending the night in Cairo. (B,D)
Day 10 - Cairo - UK
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your homebound flight. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.