Highlights of Egypt

Welcome to the land of the pharaohs — we’ll get you to your hotel and you’ll spend the night in enchanting Cairo.

Today you’ll leave bustling Cairo and head into the desert…. We’ll travel to Memphis and view the remains of the first capital of united upper and lower Egypt. Saqqara is our next destination, site of the earliest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. It’s architect, Imhotep, was considered a god…. You’ll stand at the foot of the Great Pyramids and marvel at the Sphinx — just as visitors have for 5000 years. We’ll return to Cairo, share dinner and turn in for the night. (B)

A short flight from Cairo will bring you to Luxor. You’ll marvel at the stunning Temples of Karnak and Luxor; our expert guide will bring to life the lives of the ancient pharaohs as you walk through their resting places in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. In a land of “big” architecture, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the most celebrated female pharaoh, never fails to fill one with awe. We’ll finish the day viewing the Colossi of Memnon, all that remains of the massive temple complex of Amenhotep III. Tonight we’ll stay in Luxor. (B)

Early morning flight to Aswan. You’ll visit the Aswan Dam, a modern engineering marvel in the land that set the standard… this is the source of the granite used in monuments throughout Egypt — an unfinished obelisk serves as poignant reminder of toll these projects took. You’ll stand in the exquisite Temple of Philae and board a felucca to view the tranquil gardens of Kitchner’s Island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum. You’ll spend the night in Aswan. (B)

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo — upon arrival, let our experts show you this amazing, vibrant city. The Egyptian Museum will not only dazzle you with ancient treasures, but bring you face-to-face with pharaohs — Rameses II, Seti I, Amenhotep III. An incredible opportunity to look upon the actual people behind the history. You’ll explore the medieval Citadel of Saladin and the beautiful Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque. A true highlight of the day is a walking tour of the 13th century covered market, Khan El Khalili Bazaar – here is nothing that can’t be bought here! We stay in Cairo tonight. (B)

After breakfast, you’ll say farewell to newfound friends – we’ll get you to the airport for your flight. (B)