Day 1: Departure  Meet your RTT escort for the airport transfer to Frankfurt, or join the group at Frankfurt* airport for check-in. Direct flight to Cairo. Depending on the flight and ship schedules, the first night may be in Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan. The latter destinations will have connecting flights out of Cairo. A local representative will meet your group at the airport and escort you to your lodgings. Dinner on the arrival night is not included.

The following daily itineraries will take place in any order, depending on your arrival city and the cruise ship schedule. Each day will have an early morning departure for tour destinations. Shopping stops will be part of most days’ agenda and will fit the cultural aspects of the tour.

Day 2: Sakkara, Memphis, Giza: In an all-day excursion you will see the silent witnesses of the earliest Egyptian civilization of the Old Kingdom. Visit Sakkara, with the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser. Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom and the home of the Alabaster Sphinx. The statue of Ramses II is not many steps away. On the Giza plateau, you will see the breathtaking epitome of ancient Egyptian sepulchral art and architecture - the overwhelming sight of the mighty Cheops Pyramid, the Chephren and Mykerinos Pyramids and the gigantic Sphinx. Decide whether you want to visit the inside of one of the pyramids (entry fee not included). Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (excluding beverages).

Day 3: Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo, Mosque, Khan El Khalili: A half-day city tour focuses on the Hanging Church, the Crypt of the Holy Family, the oldest synagogue in Africa, and a representative mosque of the old city – all before visiting the famous Khan El Khalili bazaar! Informative time is spent in the Egyptian Museum, contemplating the treasures of ancient civilization and the wonders found in King Tut’s tomb. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (excluding beverages).


Day 4: Luxor Necropolis and Temples: Early in the morning, cross the Nile and with a short bus ride arrive at the cultural zenith of the tour – the Valley of the Kings. Here the Pharaohs came to their final rest in the mysterious, rugged valley of the Thebes Mountains. Stand in awe before the fabulous Necropolis of Queen Hatchepsut and take in a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon, stone guardians of the West Bank. Visit the temples of Luxor and Karnak with their gigantic galleries of pillars, their mammoth entrance pylons and oversized statues of the pharaohs. Sail in the afternoon and pass through the locks at Esna. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (excluding beverages).

Day 5: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples: Cruise today on the River Nile! Enjoy photographing the riverbanks and local culture as you relax on the sun deck on your way to Assuan, our next destination. Land excursions include the temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Kom Ombo includes the dual temples of the gods Sobek and Haroeris on a picturesque terrace beside the Nile. The well-preserved temple dedicated to Horus at Edfu includes wall illustrations of the ancient “royal family” and their family feuds! Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (excluding beverages).

Day 6: Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, Philae Temple: After arriving in Aswan, visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarry, an example of the gigantic projects undertaken by an ancient civilization. A photo stop on the High Dam will give you insight into the importance of the project for Egypt and its impact on the local population. Motorboat rides on Aswan Lake take us out to the Philae Temple, raised from the lakebed and preserved in its original form. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (excluding beverages).


Day 7: Abu Simbel (optional) and boat ride on the Nile in Aswaan: Join an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, the gigantic Ramses Temple and its companion Hathor Temple were the first World UNESCO Project, saved from the rising waters of Nasser Lake with the building of the High Dam. Relax in Aswan with a sailboat ride (depending on the weather, a motorboat may be substituted for the felucca) on the Nile and visit a typical Nubian Village (optional) along the shore. During the boat ride you will see some of the scenic areas and islands of the Nile: Kitchner’s Island, Elefantine Island and the Aga Khan Memorial. Camel rides here may complete your experience (not included)! Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (excluding beverages).

Day 8: Return flight: Full of unforgettable experiences and impressions, return via Cairo to Frankfurt.

*Other departure airports in Europe are available for these tour dates. There may be some difference in tour price. Please inquire with RTT.