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 city that is Cairo. While some might call this city chaos, its 22-million inhabitants simply call it Umm Ad Dunya - "The Mother of The World".

(Accommodations, Cairo)

Today meet your English-speaking Egyptologist for a tour of Giza's iconic wonders of the world as well as the ruined city of Memphis, and the necropolis of Saqqara. Start with the Pyramids and The Sphinx of Giza, the most quintessential icons of Ancient Egypt. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the Papyrus Institute for a demonstration on how ancient Egyptians transcribed their lives and thoughts upon papyrus.

Next, travel to the ancient city of Memphis, the first capital of Ancient 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, a vast underground burial site used by the Pharaohs of Memphis, marked by 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 Egyptologist starting with the city's renowned Egyptian Museum, exemplary for its extensive collection of ancient Egyptian relics and antiquities. 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, home to centuries-old monuments including The Hanging Church, the Coptic Museum, and the Babylon Fortress.

Focus now on the Islamic influence on Egypt, next visiting 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 and iconic mosque, with its twin minarets and stunning Islamic art, 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's neighborhoods and history.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Cairo)

After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport on route for a flight to Aswan in Southern Egypt. This city has been marked as the gateway to Egypt for centuries and effectively demarcated Ancient Egypt's southern border. Home to the Nubian Museum, dedicated to the Nubian civilization of Sudan and Southern Egypt, a multitude of archaeological sites on Elephantine Island, and much more - Aswan is an idyllic oasis within the desert.

After arriving in Aswan, meet your driver for a private transfer to the cruise port to begin your three-night Nile River trek aboard the Oberoi Zahra Luxury Cruiser*. Aboard the Oberoi Zahra, take in the awe-inspiring mystique of the desert and timeless monuments of ancient Egypt as you float down this legendary river. The ship itself offers chic accommodations and extravagant amenities. With 27 spacious cabins and suites that all have their own river views, every passenger aboard the Oberoi Zahra will be assured of their privacy and comfort.

On your first day aboard the ship you'll visit the modern marvel that is the High Dam, separating the Nile from Lake Nasser, as well as the Philae Temple, a reconstructed temple dedicated to the Goddess Isis that was carefully moved to Agilkia Island preceding the construction of the High Dam in 1970. Aboard the ship you'll enjoy a host of amenities today, including afternoon tea and entertainment in the ship's Club Lounge before spending the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

Please note: you have the freedom to choose any 3 Night cruise from Aswan to Luxor* that matches your taste, budget, and dates. This package is based on the 3 Night Aswan to Luxor Cruise on the 5 star Oberoi Zahra. Itineraries and pricing will differ depending on the chosen ship.

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

Sail downstream the Nile today, making stops at the Temple of Kom Ombo, the city of Edfu, and the city of Esna. First on the itinerary today is a tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo. Unique for its symmetrical design, this temple essentially operated as two temples dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. In the city of Edfu, on the west bank of the Nile, visit the monumental Temple of Horus. Built between 237 and 57 BC, this temple is one of the best-preserved in all of Egypt with its walls and roof intact. Finally, sail upstream to Esna, a busy farming town that is most famous for the Temple of Khnum - a Ptolemaic era temple that was occasionally renovated by Roman emperors. Dinner will be served aboard the ship, while the remainder of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure.

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

Enjoy breakfast aboard the ship as you sail upstream to Luxor, the historic site of Thebes, the one-time capital of the Pharaohs between the 16th-11th centuries B.C. Start with an exploration of the West Bank, touring the monumental Valley of the Kings and uncovering its wonders such as the Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon. For nearly 500 years from the 16th to the 11th century BC, Egyptian pharaohs built their tombs within the Valley of Kings, leaving a wealth of archaeological findings - including the tomb of Tutankhamun. After lunch, cross the Nile to the city of Luxor on the east bank to visit the Temple of Luxor. This expansive and ornate temple was built between 1500 - 1200 BC and is not dedicated to any god but rather to kingship itself. It is believed that many of the Egyptian pharaohs were crowned here and this legacy inspired Alexander the Great to commission a granite shrine to himself within the temple. After a tour of the temple, return to the ship for tea and dinner, with the rest of the evening at your leisure.

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

After breakfast, disembark the Oberoi to visit the Karnak Temples. This huge temple complex stretches over five acres and has over 200 structures, from columns to chapels and more. After the tour, meet your driver at the cruise port for your private transfer to the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada. This city is known for its vibrant nightlife, colorful beachside promenade, and the coral reefs offshore that make for superb diving and snorkeling.

(Breakfast, Nile River Cruise; Accommodations, Hurghada)

These last few days of the trip are spent at your leisure. Whether that means simply relaxing on the beach, rejuvenating at the hotel spa, enjoying the nightlife on the promenade, arranging a windsurfing session or a snorkeling excursion with your hotel - the choice is yours! The Red Sea is the main attraction here, popular with kite surfers and snorkelers, with incredible coral reefs just offshore that are perfect for diving. Otherwise, the Sahara Desert is just outside of the city where unforgettable experiences like camel riding or mountain biking can be had.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Hurghada)

After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to the Hurghada International Airport to return home or onward to your next Avanti Destination!

(Breakfast, Hurghada)