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Treasures of Egypt and the Nile Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Cairo
Today marks the beginning of your Treasures of Egypt and The Nile adventure as you arrive in Cairo. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception and meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Stay: Three Nights, Marriott Cairo Hotel
Day 2 - Cairo
This morning, visit Giza to see the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. With the head of a human and body of a lion, the mythical Sphinx is the most recognisable statue associated with ancient Egypt. Later, walk through the emerald-green gardens of Al Azhar Park before enjoying lunch overlooking Cairo. This afternoon, the choice is yours, with a range of select experiences on offer. Perhaps join a tour of Coptic Cairo, including the Church of St Sergius – believed to be built upon a shelter the Holy Family used during their time in Egypt. Or, choose to dine like a local at a traditional restaurant, from falafel to Mahshi (vegetables stuffed with rice) and shawarma. Daily: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 - Cairo
This morning is yours to continue your discovery of Cairo. Perhaps explore the Old Kingdom with a tour through Memphis and Sakkara. Later, set off on a Cairo city tour which includes admission to the Egyptian Museum. Home to the world’s most extensive collection of pharaonic artefacts, with more than 160,000 pieces on display, come face to face with genuine Tutankhamen treasures and antiquities. Later, stroll through the colourful Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you may find some memorable keepsakes. Daily: Breakfast
Day 4 - Cairo, Luxor
Take an included flight from Cairo to Luxor where you’ll board the MS Royal Lily, for your Nile River cruise. After settling in and enjoying lunch, this afternoon you will discover Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed. You’ll also explore the impressive Luxor Temple. Constructed in approximately 1400BC and once the capital of Egypt, Luxor Temple was dedicated to the veneration of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu and held Egypt’s most important religious festival – the annual Opet Festival. Tonight, indulge in a Captain’s Welcome Reception on board. Stay: Four Nights, MS Royal Lily Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Luxor, Edfu
Today, visit the monumental Colossi of Memnon statues before taking in the West Bank of the Nile, the world’s largest open-air museum. Here, you’ll journey to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, and the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Also known as the “Gateway to the Afterlife”, the Valley of the Kings and Queens was once a royal burial ground for pharaohs, queens and priests. Relax in comfort, with afternoon tea, as you sail to Edfu via Esna. Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Edfu, Aswan
INSIDER EXPERIENCE Tonight, attend a Galabeya party. Popular in the Egyptian culture, you’ll enjoy authentic music and food while perhaps wearing traditional pharaonic attire. On the banks of the Nile this morning, you’ll be escorted to the Temple of Edfu. A sandstone temple dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this temple is fabled to be the site of historic festivals and celebrations. Then cruise onwards to Kom Ombo, where you’ll enjoy lunch on board. Afterwards, visit the Kom Ombo Temple, an unusual double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus, the falcon god. Back on board, enjoy afternoon tea en route to Aswan. Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Aswan, Abu Simbel
INSIDER EXPERIENCE Sail along Kitchener's Island by felucca. Today is sure to be a highlight as you fly to Abu Simbel and visit this imposing temple complex. Once buried under centuries of sand, lost to the world until 1813, marvel at the two awe-inspiring temples considered masterpieces of ancient Egypt. Later, board a traditional wooden sailing boat and drift alongside this island home, turned botanical garden. Keep an eye out for plants native to Aswan. This evening, enjoy dinner followed by a Nubian folkloric show. Popular in Egypt, Nubian music is performed in Arabic and relies on drum beats, clapping, fiddles, lutes and various other percussion instruments. Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Aswan, Depart Cairo
Today in Aswan, bid farewell to the MS Royal Lily before taking in the Philae Temple and the world-famous High Dam, an engineering miracle of its time. Later, board your included flight back to Cairo for your onward flight home. Daily: Breakfast
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.