The Discovery Journey to
Egypt
In Egypt, legend meets reality in the blink of an eye. No other place on earth reveals the wonders of centuries past in such living color as Egypt. Stand in awe of the colossal pyramids and Sphinx as they loom high above the shifting desert sands. Journey along the Nile, aboard your new, luxury cruiseship and explore massive temples and tombs that echo with ancient scenes of everyday life and the afterlife.
Days 1/2 - New York/Cairo
In New York, board your overnight flight to Egypt. Upon arrival the next afternoon, you are escorted to your luxury hotel in the heart of Cairo. CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL. (Meals Aloft, D)
Days 3/4 - Cairo
Drive to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. See the beautiful Alabaster Sphinx and an enormous reclining statue of Ramses II. Continue on to the necropolis of Sakkara and one of the world’s oldest stone structures, the step pyramid of Zoser. Lunch at the Mena House with its spectacular view of the pyramids. Then, see face-to-face the legendary Sphinx with Cheops Pyramid rising majestically behind it. Tour the nearby Solar Boat Museum home to a 142-foot long funerary boat. The next morning explore the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, including the treasures of Tutankhamen. Visit the 12th century City Citadel, the medieval fortress of Salah El Din, and the stunning Alabaster Mosque. Then barter at the colorful Khan El Khalili Bazaar. MARRIOTT. (B,L Daily)
Day 5 - Cairo/Luxor
As you ascend into the sky above Cairo, it’s only sand canyons and dunes as far as the eye can see. Land in Luxor and transfer to your hotel built on eight acres of land with shady palm trees on one side, and the Nile on the other. The hotel integrates in its garden paradise crescent-shaped bazaars and 92 rooms set in 14 chalets marvelously designed with a mystical charm of the Orient. Your day is free to stroll along the Nile or enjoy your hotel’s beautiful amenities. SHERATON LUXOR RESORT. (B)
Day 6 - Luxor/Nile Cruise
Transfer to your luxury cruiseship to begin your adventure down the Nile. Each of the 60 cabins has en suite facilities. Amenities include a swimming pool, open-air jogging track, gym, and boutique. Lively entertainment is offered nightly. After settling in, explore Karnak’s complex of temples, obelisks, courts, colonnades, reliefs and sanctuaries once connected to Luxor Temple by a two-mile path lined with sphinxes. It is the largest religious structure in the world, built by generation after generation of pharaohs. Then, visit the magnificent Temple of Luxor still standing proudly in the center of the city. M/S TI-YI NILE CRUISE. (B,D)
Day 7 - Nile Cruise: Luxor/Esna
Cross the Nile by ferry to Luxor’s west bank and explore the ancient city of Thebes. Stand in awe at the necropolis of pharaohs and nobility as you are greeted by the Colossi of Mennon: two giant seated statues of Amenophis III. Tour the Valley of the Kings, surrounded by the eternal tombs of the pharaohs. Discover the Valley of the Queens and Nobles and the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Moor in Edfu to see one of the best preserved temples in Egypt and the Roman temple of Khnum at Esna, which contains two large inscriptions in praise of Khnum, a ram-headed creator god who fashioned mankind on a potter's wheel from the clay mud of the Nile. M/S TI-YI NILE CRUISE. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Nile Cruise: Edfu/Kom Ombo
Explore Edfu and see one of the best preserved temples in Egypt which honors the falcon-headed god, Horus. Without question, this 118-foot-high, 262-foot-wide temple is one of the most splendid examples of late temple architecture. The incredible number of inscriptions on its walls has greatly enriched our knowledge of Egyptian civilization, especially in the area of theology and cult practices. Later, set sail for Kom Ombo. M/S TI YI NILE CRUISE. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Nile Cruise: Kom Ombo/Aswan
Visit a unique third-century temple with beautiful stone reliefs, murals and a dramatic view of the Nile. Kom Ombo is home to an unusual double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Sail for Aswan and tour one of Egypt's modern wonders—the Aswan High Dam completed in 1971. Then visit the Unfinished Obelisk to understand Egypt's ancient construction methods. Boat to the elegant Temple of Isis at Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The Temple was moved in its entirety to the island of Agilkia when the High Dam was built. M/S TI YI NILE CRUISE. (B,L,D)
Day10 - Nile Cruise: Aswan/Cairo
Sail across the Nile in a felucca to visit the Botanical Island and the Mausoleum of Agha Khan. This pink granite mausoleum was built in 1950 for the spiritual leader of the Ismailis, a Shiite based principally in India but with followers around the world. After disembarking your ship, fly to Cairo where you are escorted to your hotel. Enjoy the hotel’s many modern amenities such as the fitness center, jogging track and tennis courts before a delicious farewell dinner. SHERATON HELIOPOLIS HOTEL. (B,D)
Day 11 - Cairo/New York
Depart Cairo for home bidding farewell to Egypt. (Meals Aloft)
Optional Extension to Jordan
Continue your journey through time in Jordan. Fly to Amman, a bustling modern city with at least a 5,000 - year - old history. Then continue to the ancient metropolis of Petra, which was literally carved from the red sandstone in the harsh desert cliffs of southern Jordan. From the second century B.C. to the second century A.D., Petra stood at a nexus of international silk and spice trade routes linking China, India, and Southern Arabia with the markets of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Syria. A Bedouin guided horse will take you past tombs into the lost city to discover soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a carved Roman theater, burial chamber and more.
Your Journey Includes:
- Round trip air transportation between New York and Cairo.
- Domestic flights within Egypt and Jordan as described in the itinerary.
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- 4-Day / 5-Night Nile cruise aboard the deluxe cruise ship Ti-Yi.
- Professional Egyptologist escort with a minimum of 6 passengers.
- All meals as indicated.
- Sightseeing by private car or motorcoach.
- All applicable hotel taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.
2008 Dates |
Price Main Trip |
Single Supplement Price/Main |
Optional Extension |
Price Extension |
Single Supplement Price/Ext |
Feb 14 - 28 |
$3,595 |
$895 |
Jordan |
$1,695 |
$495 |
Mar 20 - Apr 3 |
$3,595 |
$895 |
Jordan |
$1,695 |
$495 |
Sep 25 - Oct 9 |
$4,195 |
$995 |
Jordan |
$1,695 |
$495 |
Oct 30 - Nov
|
$4,195 |
$995 |
Jordan |
$1,695 |
$495 |
*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.