Wonders of Ancient Egypt

Delve into the antiquities of Egypt on this journey which begins in the Egyptian capital. As you transfer to your hotel for a day at leisure, you’ll feel the buzz of this lively city – the perfect introduction to Egypt’s ancient past and exciting present. Later, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers over a drink. It’s your first chance to connect and get a feel for this extraordinary city.

Meet your Travel Director early this morning and immerse yourself during a full-day excursion to the old kingdom of Egypt. See the Colossus of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx at Memphis. Visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, then marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza and the mighty Sphinx.

Fly to Luxor this morning and embark on a guided tour of the Karnak Temple Complex, before boarding your cruise in time for lunch. Later, marvel at Luxor's Temple and visit the Luxor Museum to see an astounding collection of archaeological treasures, including items from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Your Stays with Stories experience takes you on a cruise along the Nile, which continues to play a crucial role in Egypt's economy and biodiversity.

Pay tribute to the Goddess Hathor at Dendera Temple, a soaring structure built around 330 BC. Beautifully preserved and elaborate in its design, every inch of this impressive sand-colored temple is mesmerizing and you’ll see many of its halls, shrines and unique features such as the sun dial and replica Dendera zodiac, tracing the images of Taurus and Libra. You’ll learn about Dendera’s role as one of the major capitals of ancient Upper Egypt before sailing to Edfu for the night.

Today, travel to Aswan, which for centuries held the strategic role of being Egypt’s southern frontier and gateway to the rest of Africa. Today it is a tranquil, modern city, most known for its High Dam, Nubian villages and Philae Temple, built to honor Egyptian goddess Isis. Arrive in time for dinner, watching the buzz of the city from the comfort of your boat.

During your sightseeing in Aswan, you’ll see how the ancient Egyptians chose a stunning place to honor the goddess of love and you’ll learn about the Temple of Isis on Philae Island. Your final stop today is a visit to the High Dam, the world’s largest embankment dam which ended the cycle of flood and drought along the Nile River.

Today, you could join a once-in-a-lifetime Optional Experience to Abu Simbel, carved into a solid rock cliff in Egypt’s Nubian Valley. As you approach the Great Temple, marvel at the four seated colossi on either side of the entrance and the elaborate engravings depicting great victories and tributes to the gods. Meet the members of a local women-owned cooperative on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Later, you’ll set sail in a traditional felucca around the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island.