CaIro
An Imposing Fortress and Ancient Treasures -- Enjoy a fascinating overview of Egypt’s capital city and vast history. Drive to the Citadel of Salah el Din (Citadel of the Mountain), perched on a rocky hill. Its great dome and towering minarets dominate the Cairo skyline. Home to 60 mosques spanning the centuries, its most notable is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, sometimes called the Alabaster Mosque for its gleaming interiors. Later, take a short drive with your guide to the remarkable Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Built in 1897 and opened in 1902, the museum’s 107 exhibit halls hold over 120,000 items dating from the prehistoric to Greco-Roman periods. Its most celebrated collection, in the Tutankhamen Gallery, contains the famous gold mask and other artifacts. Please note: There is an additional fee for entry to the Mummy Room. Photography is not permitted in the Egyptian Museum. At the mosque, shoes must be removed, modest dress is required, and only non-flash photography is permitted.
Cairo’s Bustling and Colourful Souk -- Experience the energy and centuries-old tradition of shopping in Cairo, followed by a traditional dinner. Join your guide for a drive to Khan el-Khalili, the sprawling outdoor marketplace where Old Cairo comes to life. Its narrow warrens are teeming with all manner of goods. After an orientation, you will have time to browse its stalls selling
brassware, lanterns and jewelry. The infinite wares tell only part of Khan el-Khalili’s story; this was a terminus on ancient trade routes and its rich atmosphere has changed little since Berbers, Turks and others converged here on camelback. After time to explore, and perhaps join in the long and good-natured tradition of haggling, you will continue to a local restaurant and enjoy a typical Egyptian dinner.
Old Cairo & its Coptic Quarter
Discover Ancient Christian Origins -- Meet your guide and set off to discover the Christian Quarter of Cairo. The Coptic Quarter was important to early Christianity and was a stronghold for the faith during the Islamic Era. Visit the Coptic Museum, which holds the largest collection of Christian artifacts in the world and is built on the ruins of the Roman Babylon fort. View the Ben Ezra Synagogue, believed to be where the Pharaoh’s daughter discovered baby Moses. You will then visit the Hanging Church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and built on the ruins of the two Towers of Babylon. It was the first basilica-style church built in Egypt and houses some of the holiest icons that date back to the 8th century.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Uncover the Fascinating History of Egypt -- Experience a unique insight into Egyptian civilization, from prehistory to present day, during a guided tour of the museum. Located in the ancient city of Fustat, now part of Cairo, the large museum overlooks the serene Ain Al-Seera natural lake. Admire the collection of 50,000 artifacts that take you on an exciting journey through the rich heritage of Egypt, including the gold and lapis lazuli bracelets of King Rameses II. A highlight of your visit is the Royal Mummies’ Hall, specially designed to showcase the mummies of 20 ancient kings and queens. The crown jewel of the museum, the hall contains the famous mummies of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. At the end of your tour, browse the book and souvenir shop.
Sakkara Step Pyramid, Giza & the Sphinx
View Iconic Landmarks of Antiquity -- Immerse yourself in the past with a visit to three of the most iconic landmarks of ancient Egypt. Journey with your guide to the necropolis of Sakkara, believed to be the first pyramid built in ancient Egypt. Enter the complex via a narrow portal, part of a great wall that once surrounded the necropolis. Admire the enduring construction of the Step Pyramid, then step inside one of the tombs, some of which are decorated with the finest paintings from the Old Kingdom period. After lunch, you will travel to the Giza Plateau. There are many tombs here, but the most spectacular are the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World remaining. Hear about their fascinating history from your guide. Then, proceed to view the famous Abu al-Hol, the Sphinx, erected here to guard the tombs and ward off tomb raiders and enemies of the pharaohs.
Luxor
Karnak Temple & Luxor Library
Luxor Monument and Historic Exhibits -- Visit the Temple of Karnak, among the world’s largest ancient temple complexes. Marvel at its great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 136 ancient columns that once supported a towering ceiling, and its huge sacred lake. This massive complex, embellished over centuries by every major pharaoh, could fit the equivalent of ten cathedrals within its walls. After time here, continue to the Luxor Heritage Center, the aim of which is to enlighten visitors on Egypt’s long and rich history. Explore the center’s interactive showcase documenting the country’s history from ancient times to the present on nine connected flat-screen televisions offering a 180-degree panorama. Tour the Forsan al-Sama’a Hall, with its exhibits featuring
astrological equipment, and the 3D Show Hall, home to selected archaeological pieces from the Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic eras. Afterward, visit the library, which houses more than 10,000 books on Egyptian history in several languages and features a dedicated map room.
Luxor Temple
Visit a Spectacular Ancient Egyptian Site -- Visit one of the most breathtaking temples in Luxor, spiritual capital of Egypt for 15 centuries. Begin with your guide at the Temple of Luxor. This magnificent Ancient Egyptian temple complex was built in approximately 1400 BC by Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Enter through its massive pylons; as you explore, your guide will interpret the ancient hieroglyphs, some of which illustrate the extravagant Opet festival held to ensure a good harvest. One of the obelisks and several of the temple’s statues now reside in Paris. You will also see remains of the Avenue of the Sphinxes, which links Luxor to Karnak. Beyond lies the Great Court of Ramses II, whose walls are adorned with the names and titles of his 17 sons. In 1989, during a period of restoration, a cache of 26 statues was found here, buried by priests in Roman times.
Qena
Dendera Temple Exploration
View Ancient Art and Architecture -- Return to the time of the pharaohs with a tour of Dendera Temple, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temple complexes. Located on the west bank of the Nile River on the edge of the desert, this massive complex dates back to the mid-4th century BC, though archaeologists believe a temple has existed on the site since 2250 BC. Visit the main temple, Hathor, and admire the many examples of Ptolemaic Egyptian art adorning its chambers. View the Dendera Zodiac, a unique bas-relief sculpture from the Greco-Roman period that maps the ancient sky. The original was taken by the French in 1820 and now sits in the Louvre; what remains is a replica. Also, examine the controversial Dendera Light, three stone reliefs depicting what some say was ancient Egyptian electrical lighting technology (others contest it represents Egyptian mythology). Explore the subterranean necropolis and crypts before returning to your ship.
Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Queen Nefertari Tomb
Burial Places of Egyptian Royalty -- Witness the pharaohs’ portals to the afterlife on a fascinating excursion. The stark hills of the Nile’s west bank in Luxor once hid countless treasures. Here, pharaohs were buried in elaborate tunnels carved into the earth and adorned with artful paintings. Their mummies were draped in gold and jewels and their tombs were filled with worldly possessions. Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamen’s tomb here in 1922, bringing the world’s attention to this necropolis of kings and queens. Journey here with your guide before the heat of day and enjoy access to select tombs. After time to explore on your own (guide-led tours are not allowed in the tombs), continue to the terraced Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh, dramatically carved into the Theban Hills. Finally, visit the Valley of Queens and enjoy private access to Queen Nefertari’s tomb. Note that photography is prohibited inside the tombs.
Esna
Ancient Temple of Esna
Discover Greco-Roman Dedication to Egypt and its Gods -- Visit Esna, once the ancient site of Latopolis, and explore itstemple, primarily dedicated to the god Khnum. A water god, Khnum was worshipped as the guardian of the source of the Nile and was said to have fashioned humankind from his potter’s wheel. The temple was thought to have been one of the latest temples built by the ancient Egyptians. See the well-preserved Hypostyle Hall, whose back wall is said to have been the facade of the old Ptolemaic temple. Admire the intricate carvings adorning towering columns and marvel at ancient wall paintings that still retain their original color. Witness the last known hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded, by the Roman Emperor Dios in 250 AD. Enjoy time to explore at your leisure before walking back to your ship.
Village of Esna by Foot
Historic Temple and Lively Market -- Explore Esna, once an important center for trade and later a regional capital under the Greeks and Romans. Today, Esna is a quiet farming town with a lively market scene. Take a short walk from your pier into town. Along the waterfront, there are several examples of 19th-century houses with elaborate mashrabiya, or elaborate wooden lattice screens. Walk past the 14th-century Emari minaret, one of Egypt’s oldest, and view the remains of the ancient temple dedicated to the god Khnum. Built in Greco-Roman times by the Ptolemies on the site of an older temple, its hypostyle hall is the only building that has been excavated—the rest remains underneath the surrounding modern city. Venture into the covered street market, where you can purchase fabric, or have the fabric made into clothing. Also, see a market that is home to an oldmill that presses lettuce seed into oil before returning to your ship.
Aswan
The Temples at Abu Simbel
Architectural Marvel on the Shores of Lake Nasser -- The temples were constructed in the 13th century BC during the reign of Ramses II. Rediscovered only in the early 19th century, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites were moved from their original location in 1968 during the construction of the Aswan Dam. Marvel at the imposing statues of Ramses II that adorn the facade of the Great Temple and the bas-relief sculptures found inside depicting the pharaoh’s military victories and connection to the gods. Then, visit the Small Temple, dedicated to Queen Nefertari; the temple’s facade is a rare example in Egyptian art. Inside,you will find sculptures honoring the pharaoh, many of them including Nefertari.
Aswan High Dam, Local Market Visit & Felucca Sail
Egyptian Engineering, Colourful Market and Nile Cruise -- Visit the Aswan Dam, a feat of engineering that protects the Nile’s surrounding fertile lands. Before the dam was built, the region would suffer annually from flooding, resulting in crop failure and fading food supplies. Its completion in the 1960s dammed the Nile to establish the 300-mile-long Lake Nasser. The lake nowprovides irrigation, water and electricity for all of Egypt. Next, call on a local market and explore its spice-scented alleys. The market, or souk, also displays beautiful textiles, crafted pottery and spices that are renowned for curing everyday ailments. Head down to the banks of the Nile and board your felucca (sailing boat). Relax and enjoy the scenery as you pass stunning
landmarks including the Agha Khan Mausoleum and the West Bank—a desolate hillside dotted with the Tombs of the Nobles.Learn about the powerful courtiers and persons of the city of Akhetaten and discover how ancient Egyptians navigated their way through the famous cataracts of the Nile.
Nubian Village, Philae Temple & the Papyrus Institute
Traditions of Nubia and Temple Saved from Submersion -- Learn about their lifestyle and gain insight into the traditions the Nubians have followed for thousands of years. Visit a school in the village and spend time playing with the children. Next, you will board your motorboat and visit the Temples of Philae—built to honor Isis, construction began in around 690 BC. The structure was moved from its original location on Philae Island, to its new location on Agilkia Island, after the flooding of LakeNasser. As the waters of Lake Nasser rose, the temple complex was relocated here. The UNESCO Nubia Campaign Project took nine years to complete, protecting this and other complexes before the completion of the Aswan High Dam. Later, stop at the Papyrus Institute to learn how the delicate paper from its namesake plant is created.
Kom
Kom Ombo Temple
One Temple, Two Gods -- See the fascinating dual temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to two gods, Sobek and Horus. This remarkable temple, very near our berth, is unique for many reasons. Two temples in one, Kom Ombo is perfectly symmetrical. One half is dedicated to Horus, the falcon god of the sky, and the other to Sobek, the crocodile god, a protective deity thought to have created the world. It is believed that the temple’s builder went to great lengths to ensure that both halves were precisely alike, so as not to offend either god. You will walk a short distance with your guide to the temple and learn about its Greco-Roman style, first built by the pharaohs of Egypt and completed by an emperor of Rome. Upon arrival, you will admire its duplicate gateways, chapels, courtyards and columns. During your visit, you can view some mummified crocodiles discovered in the area.
Edfu
Edfu Temple
A Temple Magnificently Preserved -- Visit one of Egypt’s most complete ancient temples, buried and preserved under desert sands for 2,000 years. From your ship, you will board a horse-drawn caleche for an exciting ride through the village streets. Upon arrival at the Temple of Horus at Edfu, built between 237 and 57 BC, you will gather at the entrance with your guide to marvel at the pair of black granite statues of Horus, the falcon god to whom the temple is dedicated. Proceed into the colonnaded courtyard past hieroglyphics and rows of lotus columns into two halls, whose side chambers stored offerings to the gods. As you explore, you will see the stairway leading to the roof. During an annual New Year’s festival, priests carried a statue of Horus to the roof so it could be revitalized by the year’s first sun. In the sanctuary, you can admire a replica of Horus’s sacred boat.
JORDAN
Petra
A Breathtaking Rose-Red Ancient City -- Tour the awe-inspiring city of Petra, carved into towering cliffs more than two millennia ago. Nomadic Nabataeans sought refuge in this secluded enclave and created this fortress city, ideally situated on the trade route from Yemen to Syria. Soon, Petra grew into such an important stopover on the route that it controlled the flow of goods, particularly frankincense, valued more highly than gold as it was burned on altars all across the known world. With their wealth, the Nabataeans sculpted their glorious rose-colored city of imposing buildings and monuments, today among the best preserved from that time. Meet your guide and drive into the desert to reach the rugged hills that protected the ancient city during its heyday. Then walk through the famed Siq, the enormous fissure in the rock wall that leads to a stunning view of the
Treasury and the incredible repository of rock-carved wonders beyond.