MYSTERIES OF ANCIENT EGYPT ITINERARY:
Days 1 and 2 — New York/London/Cairo, Egypt
Depart on an overnight flight to London. Connect to Cairo,
arriving in the evening.
Conrad Cairo Hotel
Day 3 — Cairo
Spend the morning at the Egyptian Museum. Its collection of
artifacts dates back to 4000 B.C. and includes the treasures of
the tomb of Tutankhamun and the Royal Mummies Room. Then
discover the graceful architecture of Islamic Cairo's historic
mosques. After lunch, explore the bazaar of Khan El Khalili,
alive with the timeless sounds and excitement of bargaining and
trade. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (B, L,
D)
Day 4 — Cairo
Attend a private talk by Dr. Zahi Hawass,* a National
Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and Secretary General of the
Supreme Council of Antiquities. Then visit Gîza to behold one of
the world's most spectacular sights: the Pyramids. On a private
tour of the latest discoveries, gain special access to the
excavations at the workmen's tombs. Face the imposing Sphinx,
and see the reassembled funerary boat of King Cheops at the
Solar Boat Museum. Weather permitting, board a felucca, a
traditional Egyptian sailboat, for a sail along the Nile. (B, L)
Day 5 — Cairo
Travel to the ancient capital of Memphis to see the superb
statue of Ramses II. Just outside the city, stop at the Step
Pyramid built by King Djoser in 2700 B.C. Later, explore the
lesser known Pyramids of Dahshûr. (B, L, D)
Day 6 — Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswân
Fly to Abu Simbel to encounter the amazing Temple of Ramses II
and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses II's favorite
wife, Nefertari. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for the
flight to Aswân where you embark on the Sun Boat IV, your home
for the next three nights. Following lunch, visit the Aswân High
Dam and take a short motorboat ride to the island of Agilika to
explore the majestic Philae Temple. Later, at the “unfinished
obelisk,” learn about the fascinating engineering feats the
ancient Egyptians accomplished to create these huge monuments.
M.S. Sun Boat IV (B, L, D)
Day 7 — Aswân/Kôm Ombo/Idfu/Isna
After a morning sail, arrive at Kôm Ombo and venture into
the beautiful Greco-Roman temple, dedicated to Horus, the
falcon-headed sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. Return to
the boat and continue to Idfu, admiring the passing scenery
while cruising along the banks of the Nile River. In the
afternoon, visit the evocative Temple of Horus in Idfu. This
well-preserved structure makes it easy to imagine how ancient
Egyptians might have used their temples to worship. Later,
travel to Isna where you will dock for the night. (B, L, D)
Day 8 — Isna/Luxor
This morning, cruise to Luxor. With its vast array of
ancient temples and monuments, Luxor is often called the world's
greatest open-air museum. Discover the sites of the West Bank of
the Nile today. Stop at the fabled Colossi of Memnon and the
Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh. At the
Valley of the Kings, step from a sun-drenched landscape into the
dark silence of the tombs. Following lunch, wander among the
massive pillars of the Temple of Amun at Karnak and visit the
Temple of Luxor. Return to the Sun Boat IV for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 9 — Luxor
After disembarking, explore the Ramesseum, Ramses II's
mortuary temple. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to the new
Luxor Museum and examine its beautifully presented artifacts.
Attend a talk by the director of Luxor's antiquities about the
new findings along the Nile's West Bank. Tonight, experience the
mystique of Karnak at a sound-and-light show. Sonesta St.
George Hotel (B, L)
Day 10 — Luxor/Cairo
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight
to Cairo. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy a
relaxing lunch. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore
more of Cairo. Tonight, experience true Egyptian hospitality at
a farewell dinner at a private Egyptian home. Conrad Cairo
Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 11 — Cairo/New York
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for
your return flight. (B)
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