Great Egypt
Tour Alexandria . Cruise The Nile
and the Nubian Sea

The 20 -Day In-Depth Tour of Egypt . We have even included all the tips .
If you prefer to enjoy an extended stay in Luxor , please click here

Abu Sir Pyramids Fields are closed for now
In some cases they may appear - in error - on some of our web page

This inclusive tour shows you the true grandeur of Egypt, from the Mediterranean shores in the north to " Nubia" , " the land of gold " in the south , with visits to the timeless monuments of cosmopolitan Cairo and Alexandria , a cruise to the temples along the Nile, and a voyage to the ancient sites on the vast inland sea of Lake Nasser in Nubia. It's all of Egypt in 20 Day
Compare with the 14-day version or the 17-Day Edition, or extend your stay on the Red Sea

Day 1- CAIRO - Wednesday - Weekly in Cairo
Arrive Cairo . Visa fee for Egypt , visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of nationalities such : American , Australian, NZ, EU , Canadian and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo . After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel.

DAY 2 - OLD CAIRO- Ottoman Cairo Home Hosted Dinner - Thursday (BL)
Coptic Cairo :The treasure filled Coptic Museum, churches & Synagogue are our goal this morning. After which we tour the former Royal palace of Abdeen, where Sadat welcomed Nixon in the 70's , Nixon was the first American president to visit Egypt since Roosevelt made a brief visit during W.W.II

We enjoy lunch at the famous El Khan restaurant then embark on a walking tour of the legendary 12th century district of Khan El Khalili including the Caravanserai: Wekalet el Ghouri & the 15th century Ottoman style house of Beit El Kritlya ( Gayer Anderson Museum).

Complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town):
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo l! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected.

Of course, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences. Add Extra Night : To add Memphis , Sakkara , Coptic Cairo and more, please click here

DAY 3 - The Egyptian Museum /Giza Pyramids - Friday (BL)
Today we see Cairo's major sights: the Egyptian Museum, including the Mummies room, Giza Pyramids, the Solar Boat Museum housing the oldest known Royal Barge that was found next to the Great Pyramid of Cheops, and was supposed to be ready for the Mighty Pharaoh in his "after Life" journey !. We tour as well the enigmatic Sphinx. Evening Sound & Light show at Giza.

DAY 4 - Giza , Memphis , Sakkara and Dahshour - Saturday (BL)
In the morning, we visit the Ancient Capital of Egypt Northern Kingdom Memphis and the Royal Necropolis of Sakkara, including the Step Pyramid of Zoser & Nobles tombs / Mastabas. After lunch at a local restaurant , on to another half-day tour that takes us to Dahshour, the newly-opened pyramid field south of Cairo: DAHSOUR - we'll motor to the edge of Cairo, to Dahshour, the newly-opened pyramid field south of Cairo. We visit the great pyramid of Senfru, father of Cheops, and other structure:

The "Discovery" of Dahshour:
For almost half a century, the great field of huge pyramids near the desert village of Dahshour, 25 miles south of Cairo, has been off limits to the public. Confined within the perimeter of a military base were many pyramids, including the great 4500-year-old pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops. Senfru's pyramid, the largest in Egypt until his son built Giza's Great Pyramid, is rhomboidal in shape: it tapers more distinctly on its upper half. All the pyramids were coated in thick plaster at one time. Most have lost these protective, decorative sheaths, but Senfru's--miraculously--is still in place.

DAY 5 - Cairo - Day At Leisure - Sunday (BL)
Full day at leisure-Explore Cairo on your own.

DAY 6- ASWAN/ NUBIAN CRUISE Monday (cBLD) After an early breakfast, we drive to the airport for the flight to Aswan, where we board our lake cruiser. Complimentary welcome fruit basket in ear cabin. After lunch aboard, we visit the Temple of Kalabsha, originally constructed in Pharaonic style, but later remodeled in Greco-Roman style and dedicated to the god Mandoulis. Next we visit Beit el Wali, a work of Pharaoh Ramses the Great, followed by a stop at Kertassi Kiosk, dedicated to the goddess Isis. We dine aboard our floating hotel.

DAY 7 - CRUISING Tuesday (BLD)
Lake Nasser, Egypt's great man-made inland sea formed by the waters held behind the Aswan High Dam. As we head south towards Wadi el Seboua, you have time to relax on deck, take a dip in the pool, read up on Egyptian history, and get to know your fellow travelers.

DAY 8 - WADI EL SEBOUA, DAKKA & AMADA Wednesday (BLD) Our first port of call is at the Temple of Wadi el Seboua, dedicated by the mighty Ramses the Great to two of ancient Egypt's most powerful gods. Our next stop is Dakka Temple, followed by a visit to Amada and the tomb of Penout, the powerful viceroy of Nubia, one of ancient Egypt's richest regions. Known as the "Land of Gold," Nubia was famous for the stream of gold, ivory, precious stones and minerals which made their way from Africa to Egypt via the Nubian Nile. We dock at Kasr Ibrim, where we dock for the night.

DAY 9 - KASR IBRIM & ABU SIMBEL Thursday (BLD)
As the sun brightens the lake shore we gaze at the citadel of Kasr Ibrim, a once-mighty fortress which time and weather have rendered fragile, the only structure of its kind still extant in Nubia. We learn about the history of Nubia and this fortress, then, after lunch, set sail for Abu Simbel. Arriving at the great temple, we have time to explore its colossal facade and surroundings before enjoying dinner and spectacular sound-and light show with the temple as our backdrop.

DAY 10 - ABU SIMBEL & ASWAN Friday (B)
Get up early today to enjoy the extraordinary vision of the temple of Abu Simbel at dawn, when the sacred sunlight penetrates deep into its holy of holies as its architect intended. The morning sun bathes the ruddy stone in golden light, providing perfect conditions for photography. We fly to Aswan, transfer to your hotel, enjoy the local souks or the water front.

DAY 11- NILE CRUISE Saturday (cBLD)
Morning visit to Aswan dam, the unfinished Obelisk, and the Island temple of Philae , dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS :

The Mystery of Isis : Two millennia ago the Mediterranean world was enthralled by the mystery of Isis:

"I, Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be; no mortal man hath ever seen me unveiled."

Called Aset by the ancient Egyptians, the goddess was a Madonna in the Mediterranean tradition that stretches far, far back to the primitive Mother Goddess from Anatolia, home to some of the oldest human communities on earth.

Isis was the powerful and quick-witted protector of her son Horus, the Sun God. Ancient peoples throughout the Mediterranean regarded Isis and Horus as the perfect Madonna and Child. Another legend says she was also the mother of the fertility god Min who, judging from the depiction of him on temple walls, needed no help from Viagra!

Because of her wisdom and skill at protection, she was admired as a good magician capable of healing the sick and protecting the dead in their journey to the Underworld. Isis is portrayed regally, as a queen seated on a throne (which may be the meaning of her name), often holding her son Horus as a baby. Other images show her with broad, magnificent gilded wings able to protect the world. Isis, the great Mother Goddess. Come explore her mystery in timeless Egypt when you Travel in Style!

before heading for our Nile Cruiser in time for lunch, complimentary fruit basket & bottle of mineral water (awaits you in your cabin), afternoon sailing on the Nile by felucca. A mini Camel Caravan short ride to a Nubian Village for a visit with the locals!!. Evening Nubian Folklore show on board.

DAY 12: KOM OMBO Sunday (BLD)
Morning sailing and departure for Kom Ombo, visit its twin temple then continue to Edfu. Afternoon tea served on deck. Complimentary galabya will be delivered to your cabin, you may wish to try it on for the costume party on board.

DAY 13: EDFU & ESNA /LUXOR Monday (cBLD)
We dock in Edfu, climb aboard horse-drawn carriages, and clip-clop through the town to the temple of Horus, Egypt's best preserved. Re-embarking, we cruise to Esna. Evening finds us in Luxor.
Complimentary Egyptian sweets & pastry.

DAY 14: LUXOR, Tuesday (BLD)
Crossing the Nile, to the West Bank we tour the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings including King Tut's Tomb, and the great temple of Queen Hatshepsut , and the Colossi of Memnon As well as the hidden ancient "Workers village " or Deir El Medinah, the first known "Workers Village" these were the true creative heroes who built the temples & tombs for the mighty Pharaohs of the Nile Kingdom.

Deir El Medinah is on Luxor's west bank you get a totally different perspective on ancient Egyptian life, at the ancient workers' settlement of Deir el-Medinah. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and decorated the tombs.

Here we'll see the excavated homes shared by laborers with their domestic animals. These quarters were surprisingly large, with three good-sized rooms, courtyard, kitchen, and even storage cellars. While ancient Egypt might not have been a workers' paradise, we'll see that artisans and builders were highly regarded in their community. We are proud to be the only operator to offer regular visits to this singular ancient settlement in its tour and cruise programs.

Then on to visit the new & old "Qurna" or Gurnah" : In Ancient times as well as in a more recent history, the locals populated the West Bank and lived in series of villages near the tombs they built for their kings & queens. The largest of these villages is Gurnah or Qurna , these villages continue to grow in population in spite of the damage caused to the nearby tombs, the house are an example of the traditional Egyptian rural homes, the houses are usually built of mud break mixed with straw, the New Gurnah was designed by the famous Hassan Fathy , author of " Architecture for the Poor", we conclude the afternoon by a visit to the nearby Nobles Tombs , can not guarantee which ones will be open as they are rotated , but you may visit : tomb of Rekhmire , Senoufer , or Ramose .
Evening Sound & Light show at Karnak.

DAY 15: LUXOR - Wednesday (B)
The gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and the mighty Temple of Luxor are our goals in the morning, after which we check in at your hotel. Deluxe : Sonesta St. George or the Old Winter Palace. First : Sofitel , Hilton Sheraton or similar . Afternoon complimentary guided tour of the Luxor Museum.

DAY 16 : Denderah Abydos - Full Day - Thursday (BL)
We drive inland to tour Denderah & Abydos Temples. Among the best preserved in Egypt. This temple as a sight to hold. Indiana Jones would have felt at home, with the massive stones & underground passages :

DENDERAH IN A DAY

We'll travel to Denderah to visit the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved in all of Egypt, and also one of the most important. In the ancient beliefs, Hathor was the consort of the god of daylight, ruler of the west, and protector or the underworld. In the manner of wise desert wayfarers, we'll leave before dawn to take advantage of cool temperatures. Our air-conditioned van will take us through timeless Nile-side villages, where life revolves around the irrigation and harvest of crops. Finally, we'll reach the temple precincts. We'll take note of the unusually deep tombs, and pass under the celebrated Zodiac, in a chapel dedicated to Osiris. (Denderah is the traditional site of his rebirth.) Our full day will also include a visit to Abydos, traditional home of Osiris, god of the underworld, and a stopping point on the journey of wayfaring souls. We'll enjoy a box lunch, and return to Luxor late in the afternoon .

DAY 17- CAIRO/ Alexandria - Friday (BD)
Fly back to Cairo, from Cairo Airport we go on to Alexandria by private air conditioned car / van and chauffeur , dinner is included at your hotel , subject to availability : First Class : the Cecil Hotel with the old world charm. Deluxe : Hilton , Sheraton or Palestine Montazah Hotel.

DAY 18 - Alexandria & Wadi El Natroun Monasteries / Cairo - Saturday (cBL)
Full day tour of Alexandria , the Catacombs, the Roman Amphitheater, Qayet Bey Fortress.

Qayet Bey Fort was built on the same site of the ancient wonder of the world : the famous Alexandria Light House. A brief stop at " El Selsela" the site of the Underwater reserve where Cleopatra Place was discovered, as well as Caesar Kiosk. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Crown Jewels Museum, then its off to the new site for the Alexandria Library before heading to Wadi El Natroun monastery almost midway to Cairo , where early Coptic Christians retreated here to escape the Roman persecution in the 4th century AD. The Egyptian Pope of Alexandria is always chosen from the Monks of wadi El Natroun. Reach Cairo early evening and your hotel. Time permitting we 'll visit the new museum in Alexandria , the building was originally built in 1926 for the US consulate in Alexandria and is a masterpiece in 1920's architecture & Mediterranean style buildings. Reach Cairo late evening, and your hotel.

Octavious visiting Alexander the Great's Tomb in Alexandria just after he defeated Cleopatra & Marc Anthony.  He left his coat as a token of respect to Alexander the Great.
The search continues for Alexander the Great's Tomb.

DAY 19 -Cairo Sunday (B)
Full day at leisure, own activities.

DAY 20 - DEPARTURE Monday (B)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight home.

Rates are per person

For Christmas, New Year, Easter, please add:10% supplement.
For Private Guide (s) on board the CRUISE : Supplement $250 per person per cruise
( Lake Nasser & Nile Cruise ) $ 500 total per person .

The King's Chamber in the Great Pyramid was not meant to be visited:
Getting to it is challenging, and once you enter, it is very difficult to turn back. The stone passage is only wide enough for one person. You must be in good physical condition, able to climb several flights of stairs, bend double, crouch and duck-walk for short distances. The King's Chamber itself is the world's most claustrophobic place, with dim light and heavy, hot, oxygen-poor air. There is no ventilation. If you are at all sensitive to claustrophobia or confinement, or if you have any sort of respiratory condition, for your own safety and the safety of others, you must not enter the pyramid because it is impossible to remove a person or to bring aid to them quickly

Rates include:

• All transfers in Egypt, always on a private basis.
  
• All tips to drivers, porters, guides, and the crew on board your cruises..
  
• Guided sightseeing as listed including all entrance fees.
  
• Hotel and cruise accommodations as per itinerary including al taxes .
  
• All shore excursions on board the cruise as listed, including all entrance fees.
  
• Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival on board the Nile Cruise.
  
• Complimentary welcome fruit basket on board the Nile Cruise.
  
• Large bottle of water ( per person ) delivered to you cabin daily while you are on board the Lake Nasser & the Nile Cruise.
  
• Tea or coffee an bottled water with each / every meal while you are on board the Lake Nasser & the Nile Cruise.
  
• Meals as listed including cB = Continental Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
  
• Domestic airfare within Egypt "Y" economy class.
  

Not included:

• Insurance of any kind
• International air fare Please ask us about our special air deals to Cairo.
• Visa fee for Egypt , visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of nationalities such : American , Australian, NZ, EU , Canadian and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo . After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel.

More Choices:

• Add a Red Sea Extension .
• Add Memphis , Sakkara and the Zoser Step Pyramid
• Compare with the 10 day version,
• The In-depth 20-Day Version
• Add air fare from JFK : 15 days version
• Compare with the Alexandria Edition ,
• The 18-day edition with extended stay in Cairo .
• Add the best preserved temple in all of Egypt : the mighty Denderah Temple complex
• Click here for : Thursday arrivals : Board the cruise in Luxor

Dining Room Reservations: Meet other passengers :
YOU will not require any, our dining rooms do accommodate all our guests in one seating, one less thing to worry about while you are on the Nile. Enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere with several different languages being heard at dinner.

Compare with the 10 Day version . Add Alexandria , check out the 18-day edition.
Add Denderah or the 20 Day edition . Add a Red Sea Extension.

DRESS CODE :

What to Pack: Clothing on Board the Nile Cruise

Please click here for sample Deluxe ships on Lake Nasser