Mystical Egypt and Istanbul

Make your own way to the International Airport to check-in for your flight to Cairo.

Welcome to Cairo! Cairo, named Al-Qahirah in Arabic, is not only one of Africas largest cities (population of 17 million) but the political and cultural center of the Arab World. Cairos old quarters retain their ancient charm with many streets still known by descriptions given to them by medieval chroniclers. Modern Cairos architecture is distinguished by Ottoman and later European influences, especially in commercial architecture, particularly as the citys population boomed during the 19th century. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.




Overnight in Cairo

Today you will visit the Pyramids & Sphinx — reckoned by the Greeks as of the Seven Wonders of the World.  A single pyramid is built from 2,300,000 blocks, each weighing an average of two and one–half tons. In the face of such immensity, one cannot help but feel the wonder and awe that so many writers and artists have sought to convey over the centuries. The Cheops Pyramid is particularly interesting since its interior burial chambers are open for inspection by the public. Not far from the Pyramids stands the Great Sphinx of Giza, dating from the time of Chephren (2620 BC). Hewn from natural yellowish limestone and standing 65 feet high & 187 feet long, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lions body. From there you will return to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps book one of the following optional tours.




Overnight in Cairo

This morning, we will be transferred back to Cairo International Airport for a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, we will be escorted to the cruise ship for embarkation. This will be our home for the next four nights. Lunch on board and in the afternoon, we will visit Luxor and Karnak Temples. Luxor Temple was the center of the most important festival, the festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the temple served as a setting for the rituals of the festival, which was held to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with his divine office. The procession of images of the current royal family began at Karnak and ended at the Luxor temple. Karnak Temple was erected in 1928 BC as a small shrine dedicated to Amun, the god of Thebes. The Temple of Karnak comprises three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples — all constructed over 1300 years. The three main temples of Mut, Monthu, and Amun are enclosed in enormous brick walls, with the temple of Amun at the center. Karnak is now the largest and oldest temple compound on earth.



Dinner and overnight onboard cruise

After breakfast, cross the newly constructed Luxor Bridge to visit the Valley of the Kings, which is home to many pharaonic tombs of the New Kingdom, including those of King Tutankhamun and Ramses the Great. You will visit 3 Royal tombs based on the availability of the day. Each king's formal name and title are inscribed in his tomb, which is also adorned with his images and statues. Most of the tombs were cut into limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber, and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. Explore several amazing Royal Tombs. Then visit the Valley of the Queens which includes between 75 and 80 tombs. These tombs belong to Queens of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. Among these is the famous tomb of Nefertiti, one of the five wives of Ramses II. Afterward tour the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th dynasty was built just north of the Middle Kingdom temple of Mentuhotep Nebhepetre, amid the bay of cliffs known as Deir El-Bahri. In ancient times the temple was called Djeser-djeseru, meaning the sacred of sacred. The female pharaoh chose to build her temple in a valley sacred to the Theban Goddess of the west, on a direct axis with Karnak Temple of Amun on the East Bank. After lunch on board, we sail to Edfu via Esna. Ancient Nubia was known to the pharaohs as the “Land of Gold,” and its wealth and lands were eventually incorporated into Egypt around 1500 BC. In the afternoon, join your shipmates for afternoon tea.



Dinner and overnight on-board cruise

Enjoy breakfast on board before visiting the Temple of Edfu. This temple is not only the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt but also the second largest after Karnak. It was believed that the temple was built on the site of the great battle between Horus and Seth. Hence, the current temple was but the last in a long series of temples built on this location. We will then sail to Kom Ombo and enjoy lunch and afternoon tea onboard the ship. This afternoon, disembark and enjoy a short walk to the Temples of Kom Ombo. This complex consists of two temples: The Temple of Sobek and the Temple of Haroeris. In ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank nearby. The Temple has scanted remains, due first to the changing Nile, then the Copts who once used it as a church, and finally by builders who used the stones for new buildings. As we sail toward Ancient Nubia, you may participate in an Egyptian Galabeya Party.




Overnight on-board cruise

After breakfast, you will visit the Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971); the Old Dam (completed in 1902). You will also visit the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a structure rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam's construction. The High Dam, just north of the border between Egypt and Sudan lies the Aswan High Dam, a huge rockfill dam that captures the world's longest river, the Nile, in the world's largest artificial reservoir, Lake Nasser. The dam, known as “Sadd El-Aali” in Arabic, was completed in 1970 after 10 years of work. Later, you may take a short trip on a motorboat to discover the Philae Temple. The Boat ride will bring the visitor to a magnificent vista of the island, before landing at what would have been the ancient quay on the south side. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and has many legends connected to it. The most well-known legend tells the story of how Isis found the heart of Osiris here after his murder by his brother Seth.



Dinner and overnight onboard cruise

Disembark the cruise after breakfast before being transferred to Aswan Airport for our flight back to Cairo. There, you will be met and escorted back to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or perhaps take an optional tour.




Overnight in Cairo

Today after breakfast, you will explore the beautiful city of Istanbul. The landmarks of Istanbul reflect the citys rich history and architectural splendor. The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now Sultanahmet Square, was an ancient chariot racing stadium built by Emperor Septimius Severus and later expanded by Constantine I. Though most of its structure is gone, remnants like the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column remain. The nearby Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, known for its stunning blue İznik tiles and grand design. Hagia Sophia, an engineering marvel constructed between 532 and 537, has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum, blending Christian and Islamic artistry. The Basilica Cistern, built during Emperor Justinian Is reign, is an underground marvel with 336 columns, some featuring Medusa heads. The Grand Bazaar, a vibrant market established in the 15th century, spans over 30,000 square meters and is a labyrinth of shops selling a variety of goods. Lastly, Topkapi Palace, built after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, served as the sultans residence and administrative center for centuries, showcasing Ottoman culture and housing significant treasures and sacred relics.Overnight in Istanbul

After breakfast, you may explore Istanbul city on your own. Once known as Constantinople and Byzantium, Istanbul's position on the Silk Road has made it an economic, historic, and cultural centre, serving as an imperial capital numerous time for the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. With both Asian and European sides to the city, this metropolis offers a lot to explore. Perhaps join our optional tours.




Overnight in Istanbul

Enjoy breakfast at hotel and make your own way back to Istanbul International Airport for your flight back home.