Be transported to a land that time forgot.
This adventure will include experiences that most have only dreamt of – lands of legends, relics, and indescribable beauty. We’ll visit the famous Pyramids of Giza and the stoic Sphinx. The Nile, the world’s longest river, will accommodate us as we cruise her waters. Centuries of history and iconic wonders – this is the essence of Egypt.
** Departure from USA October 14, to arrive in Cairo October 15
Arrive at Cairo Airport where you will be greeted and assisted through the entry process. After which you’ll be transported to the Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel. Enjoy breathtaking Nile River views from your Deluxe guest room. As most flights from USA arrive in Cairo late evening, dinner will be on your own this evening. The hotel has several wonderful restaurants.
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Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel
Following breakfast, we’ll visit the Coptic Museum, which houses the largest collection of Coptic artifacts in the world and was inaugurated in 1910. Magnificently decorated manuscripts, icons, delicately carved woodwork and elaborate frescos with religious scenes recovered from ancient monasteries and churches are among its extensive collection.
We will visit Coptic Cairo, where you will find the remains of the old Fortress of Babylon. The walls of the fortress enclose the Church of St. Sergius, which is built on a crypt considered to be one of the resting places of the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt 2000 years ago.
Generally reserved for dignitaries, we will have exclusive access to the Egyptian Museum, which is home to an extensive collection of 120,000 ancient Egyptian antiquities. Stand face-to-face with the Burial Mask of King Tutankhamen!
This evening we’ll gather for our “Welcome to Egypt” dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel
Today it’s the Great Pyramids of Giza! The only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, they are among the world’s greatest tourist attractions and never lose their ability to inspire and overwhelm visitors. As an added treat, we’ll have exclusive insider access under the Paws of the great Sphinx! And, no trip to Egypt would be complete without a ride on a “ship of the desert”, and so you will have an opportunity to mount your individual camel for an unforgettable ride across the sands of Giza from a distance.
After lunch we’ll head to Saqqara – home of the step pyramid, the first limestone structure ever built. Explore its 4350 years old colored tombs. Get the chance to go inside a pyramid and see the ancient Hieroglyphics that have been engraved on its walls for thousands of years.
Dinner will be on your own.
Breakfast & Lunch
Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel
Today we’ll visit the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan. It is regarded as the finest piece of early-Mamluk architecture era in Cairo – an age of architectural splendor.
We’ll take a walking tour through the Old Islamic Cairo with its narrow streets, and bustling road-side shops and “wekalas” – trading places, that still actively trade in all sorts of wares. Walk down Al Moez Street until you reach the recently renovated Beit El Seheimi, one of the most impressive of the homes of the 17th century Islamic era. Then walk in El Muizz Street, which has the greatest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world. Explore the winding alleyways of the famous Khan El Khalili market.
Dinner will be on your own.
Breakfast & Lunch
Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel
Today we’ll take our breakfast “on the go” as we head to the airport to fly to Aswan where we’ll visit the island of Philae and the temple of Isis, the goddess of love and passion in ancient Egypt. We’ll see the granite quarries, where ancient Egyptians mined the stone to build their eternal structures. We’ll enjoy lunch onboard the ship, followed by a leisurely felucca sailboat ride down the Nile and around Elephantine Island, A treat with a glass of wine during the amazing sunset.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel
Following breakfast your guide will take you for a wonderful experience to learn about the people of Nubia who lived in the south from the ancient time through different dynasties and ages. The Nubians still speak their own language which is not written beside the Arabic language. Long ago the Kings of Nubia were the Kings of Ancient Egypt that means the Rulers of the ancient world. Lunch will be at local authentic restaurant. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the Nubian Museum. Dinner will be on your own.
Breakfast & Lunch
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel
This morning we’ll fly to Abu Simbel on the southern border of Egypt. This site is the home of two massive rock temples dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses the Second and his wife Nefertari. See the gigantic statues of the pharaoh standing for over 3200 years, flanking the entrance to one of the most impressive temples in Egypt. After our visit, we’ll board the return flight to Aswan and transfer to your 5* Cruise Sun Goddess, where you’ll settle in and enjoy lunch onboard. Dinner and entertainment onboard the ship.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Sonesta Sun Goddess River Ship
Today includes a visit to the temple of Horus at Edfu, the most intact temple from the ancient world. Followed by lunch onboard the ship. We’ll spend the afternoon visiting the temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile and falcon gods. Stop at the Crocodile Mummification Museum, where you can see crocodile mummies that are thousands of years old. We’ll enjoy dinner and entertainment onboard the ship.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Sonesta Sun Goddess River Ship
Visit the temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex that was ever built for a god. The temple is dedicated to the god Amon Ra, the chief creator god in Ancient Egypt. Proceed to visit the Luxor temple that was predominantly built by Pharaoh Ramses the second. We’ll enjoy lunch onboard the ship and enjoy a leisurely afternoon taking in the sights and sounds of the magnificent Nile. Dinner and entertainment onboard the ship tonight!
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Sonesta Sun Goddess River Ship
Today, we’ll take breakfast “on the go” as we disembark and and head to the Valley of the Queens where we will visit the Tomb of Queen Nefertari – only recently opened (after 30 years) to only private access and a limited number of visitors each day. We’ll also visit temple of Hatshepsut – the only female pharaoh who dressed and ruled like a king. We’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch while sailing on the Nile. Dinner tonight along the Nile’s edge.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa
Your 10-night journey, filled with wondrous delights, has come to its conclusion. Transfer to Luxor airport to board your departure flight via Cairo with your heart filled with
memories of the sights, sounds and voices of Egypt to carry with you.
** Air travel Luxor to Cairo not included. This should be added when booking your international airline travel.
Breakfast
The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo carries a rich legacy of tradition and luxury. Overlooking the Nile River lies the iconic luxury hotel, offering travelers an opulent retreat in the heart of Cairo. The hotel marries the “bucket-list” city with world-class services; offering splendid amenities including more than nine distinctive restaurants and bars, a lavish spa and unprecedented service promising you an unforgettable getaway.
Step into the legendary site where King Fouad once entertained and Agatha Christie sipped cocktails: the 5-star Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Hotel. In the Nubian Desert on the banks of the Nile, opposite Elephantine Island, the majestic hotel sits on a pink granite cliff overlooking the world’s longest river. This ravishing hotel with its legendary guest list of royals and dignitaries is both ideal for romantic getaways and leisure travelers alike.
The newest ship of the Sonesta Nile fleet is the Sun Goddess. It’s so new, in fact, that it’s not even listed on the company’s website! However, rest assured that with Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine we ONLY travel in style and comfort.The Sun Goddess is noted as one of the most elegant ships on the Nile, it offers a full-service spa and fitness center, restaurant, bars, and nightly entertainment.
Facing the West Bank, this beautiful resort rests on the edge of the River Nile, just outside of central Luxor. With views of the Nile and felucca sailboats, and the mountains that jut out of the Valley of the Kings. Several fabulous dining options await you, as well as a complete spa, and beautiful pool areas.
What will the weather be like?
October is slightly cooler than preceding months but remains quite warm and dry.
In Cairo, daytime temperatures range from 73 to 86°F and evenings drop down to the 60’s°F. Farther south in places like Luxor and Abu Simbel, days are warmer (about 86 – 95°F) but the nights cool down to the delightful mid-60’s°F.
What should I wear?
Casual attire is appropriate everywhere, as long as it’s relatively modest. No short skirts or shorts. Plan to dress in layers for variable temperatures from morning to evening. As always, comfortable (broken-in) walking shoes are important.
Do I need to get any vaccinations?
Nothing specific is required, but you should be up-to-date with all routine vaccinations. Consult the Center for Disease Control website for current recommendations. Check with your physician at least 30 days prior to travel.
Are there any special precautions for COVID-19?
Currently, all passengers traveling to Egypt must be in possession of a negative PCR test certificate for COVID-19, taken at a maximum of 72 hours before their flight departure time. Also, a day prior to departing Egypt, and in preparation for our return to the United States, a local medical lab will come to our hotel and administer a PCR Covid test, which is required by the US government, for reentry.
What about airfare?
International airfare is not included in the package. We can assist with reservations for a service fee of $75 per person.
Will I need an adaptor to plug in my appliances and chargers?
Egypt uses a Type C (two pin) adapter. Please note: even with an adapter, a US hairdryer should not be used. All hotels and the ship will have hairdryers available.
Can I use my cell phone in Egypt?
With most providers, it’s best to activate an international data and telephone plan. We suggest that you contact your carrier to discuss potential costs for data and voice communications.
What is the currency?
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the national currency and the symbol is E£. At present, one EGP is worth approximately U.S. 6¢ ($.06).
What about travel insurance?
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