Arrive through the Cairo International Airport and meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at your leisure. Relax in the hotel or venture out into the bustling and sometimes dizzying city that is Cairo, known to its 22-million inhabitants as Umm Ad Dunya - "The Mother of The World".

(Accommodations, Cairo)

Today meet your local English-speaking Egyptologist for a tour of Giza's famous monuments and the open-air museum of Memphis. Start with the Pyramids and The Sphinx of Giza, the most quintessential icons of Ancient Egypt, learning the history of these ancient wonders and visiting the Papyrus Institute to learn how papyrus was created centuries ago. Next, travel to the ancient city of Memphis, once the capital of Lower Egypt. Now a World Heritage Site, the ruins of Memphis are home to an impressively preserved statue of Ramesses II and a sphinx carved from a single piece of alabaster. Finally, explore the ancient necropolis of Saqqara and its timeworn Step Pyramid, the oldest stone pyramid in the world. Afterwards return to your hotel to reflect upon the legacy and traditions of Ancient Egypt while relaxing in Cairo, the beating heart of modern Egypt.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Cairo)

Today, explore Cairo with an expert English-speaking guide starting with the city's renowned and exemplary Egyptian Museum. Accompanied by your guide who will provide you with an in-depth tour of the collection, the museum houses almost 6,000 years of Egyptian history, including the famous golden face mask of King Tutankhamen. Next, your guide will lead you on an exploration of Old Cairo, starting with the winding streets and alleys of Coptic Cairo, a stronghold of Coptic Christianity in Cairo for centuries home to centuries-old monuments including The Hanging Church. Then visit the Citadel of Salah El Din, a medieval-era Islamic fortress built during the Crusades that protects the beautifully ornate Mohamed Ali Mosque. Tour this impressive mosque, with its twin minarets, before visiting the famous Khan El Khalili bazaar in the center of the city. Here you'll experience the hustle and bustle of Cairo at its fullest, enjoying a traditional mint tea while bartering for souvenirs. Finally, return to your hotel after your thorough exploration of Cairo.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Cairo)

After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport on route for a flight to Luxor in Southern Egypt. Luxor sits upon the historic site of Thebes, one-time capital of the Pharaohs between 16th-11th centuries B.C. After arriving in Luxor, meet your driver for a private transfer to the cruise port to begin your four night Nile River cruise aboard the Oberoi Philae Luxury Cruiser.*

Aboard the Oberoi Philae, take in the awe-inspiring mystique of the desert and timeless monuments of ancient Egypt as you float down this legendary river. The cruiser itself offers chic accommodations and extravagant amenities. With 22 spacious cabins and suites that all have their own river views, every passenger aboard the Oberoi Philae will be assured of their privacy and comfort.

After lunch, your first day aboard the Philae will include an excursion to Karnak and Luxor Temples. Spread out on the east bank of the Nile, Luxor is the tourist Mecca of the Nile Valley. The bustling town is centered on the magnificent Luxor Temple, an enduring symbol of its glorious past. Located at the northern end of the town of Luxor, Karnak Temple is the country's most important temple. It covers five acres of land making it one of the largest places of worship in the world.

Please note: you have the freedom to choose any 4 Night cruise from Luxor to Aswan* that matches your taste, budget, and dates. This package is based on the 4 Night Luxor to Aswan Cruise on the 5 star Oberoi Philae. Itineraries and pricing will differ depending on the chosen ship.

(Breakfast, Cairo; Lunch, Dinner & Accommodations, Nile River Cruise)

After breakfast on board, today you will explore the West bank of the Nile and tour the monumental Valley of the Kings, uncovering its wonders including King Tut's tomb, the Tomb of Ramses VI, the Temple of Medinet Habu, the Colossi of Memnon, and more. The remote barren Valley of the Kings was the necropolis of the New Kingdom pharaohs and is home to 62 tombs. Afterwards you will continue your journey on the Nile and sail to Esna where you will overnight.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Accommodations, Nile River Cruise)

On the third day of your cruise, sail to Edfu to see the extraordinarily well-preserved Temple of Horus. It is the largest and best-preserved Ptolemaic temple in Egypt. Then continue to the symmetrical Temple of Kom Ombo, said to be one of the most beautifully situated temples in Egypt due to its panoramic views of the Nile River. One side of the temple is dedicated to the Crocodile God Sobek, God of Fertility and Creator of the World. The other side is dedicated to the Falcon God Haroeis, also known as Horus, the Elder. Your overnight will be in Kom Ombo.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Accommodations, Nile River Cruise)

Today sail to Aswan where you will take an excursion to see the modern marvel that is the High Dam. It was considered a miracle of engineering, using more than 16 times more stone than used to build the Great Pyramid at Giza. You will also visit the Philae Temple, a reconstructed temple dedicated to the Goddess Isis. Philae Temple was relocated due to the construction of the High Dam and now resides on Agilika island. After lunch you will visit the Nubian Museum. Here you will see thousands of pieces of Egyptian antiquities, representing various ages and learn how the region`s most important historic monuments were moved, stone by stone, saving them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser and the Nile River, following the building of the Aswan High Dam. Spend the last night docked in Aswan, rejuvenating after this exhilarating and comprehensive tour of the Upper Nile.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Accommodations, Nile River Cruise)

Disembark from your Nile cruise in the city of Aswan and catch a flight back to Cairo. Once in Cairo, relax and stay the night in the convenient Le Meridien Airport hotel connected to the Cairo International Airport, no transfers required.

(Breakfast, Nile River Cruise; Accommodations, Cairo)

After breakfast, board your plane in the Cairo International Airport to return home or onward to your next Avanti Destination!

(Breakfast, Cairo)