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Grand Tour of Egypt:
Cairo, Alexandria, Siwa & Nile River Cruise
This exciting and adventurous itinerary will take you to not only the most popular destinations in Egypt but also to one of the country's most remote areas, the beautiful and secluded desert oasis of Siwa. On this journey you will have the opportunity to explore famous places like the iconic Pyramids of Giza, take a dip in Cleopatra's Bath and cruise along the world's longest river. With endless wonders to behold, you are sure to leave Egypt with a truly unforgettable experience.
ACCOMMODATIONS
• 2 Nights Cairo
• 1 Night Alexandria
• 3 Nights Siwa
• 1 Night Cairo Airport Hotel
• 4 Night Nile River Cruise (Luxor to Aswan) on the MS Nile Premium
 
INCLUSIONS
• Private Full Day Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx Tour with Lunch
• Private 2-day transfer from Cairo to Siwa with an Overnight in Alexandria en Route (Includes an Alexandria City tour with Lunch)
•Full Board or All Inclusive stay in Siwa
• Private Temple of the Oracle, Temple of Alexander, Cleopatra`s Spring and Sunset Fatnas Island Tour
• Private Arrival and Departure transfers per city
• Daily Breakfast
 
Arrive Cairo:

Arriving through the Cairo International Airport, 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 where street vendors hawk their wares, unknown fragrances tempt the senses, and the Muslim call to prayer can be heard across the city. While some might call this city chaos, its 22-million inhabitants simply call it Umm Ad Dunya - "The Mother of The World".

(Accommodations, Cairo)

Cairo:

Today you'll see the iconic and can't-miss sights and museums of Cairo and Giza with an Egyptologist as your personal guide. Start with a tour of the Egyptian Museum, one of the largest museums in the world that is home to countless antiquities. Then explore the historic neighborhoods of Cairo, starting with Coptic Cairo, a stronghold of Coptic Christianity that is home to centuries-old monuments including the Hanging Church. Continue to the Citadel of Salah El Din, an Islamic fortress dating back to the Crusades that protects the beautifully ornate Mohamed Ali Mosque, shining brightly amidst Cairo's skyline with its alabaster stone and iconic dual minarets. Finally, experience the hustle and bustle of Cairo at its fullest at the Khan El Khalili bazaar.

End this full day of adventure with a visit to the iconic Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. Learn the long history of these monuments and ponder upon their mysteries with full commentary provided by your Egyptologist guide. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to visit the Papyrus Institute for a demonstration on how ancient Egyptians transcribed their lives and thoughts upon papyrus. After exploring these famous monuments, return to your hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Cairo)

Cairo to Alexandria:

Today, you'll travel to the legendary port city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast to enjoy a full day of discovery within Egypt's second largest city. An English-speaking guide will escort you through the city's main sights and illuminate the storied past of this city, from its Greco-Roman roots and beyond. Descend into the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, tour the Roman Theater, see the centuries-old Pompey's Pillar, stroll the gardens and hallowed halls of the decadent Montaza Palace, and marvel at the opulence showcased within the Royal Jewelry Museum. After the tour, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. One classic way to experience the vibrance of modern Alexandria is with a stroll along the Corniche waterfront promenade, delighting in fresh seafood caught from the Mediterranean that catches your eye along the way.

(Breakfast, Cairo; Lunch & Accommodations, Alexandria)

Alexandria to Siwa:

Today you'll travel deep within Egypt's Great Sand Sea to the oasis of Siwa, one of Egypt's most isolated settlements. The endless desert and dunes give way to a lush settings of olive trees and palms that cradle the town of Siwa, a city of roughly 33,000 people. The people who call this oasis home mostly identify as Berbers, a desert culture unique and distinct from that of Egyptian. Historically, a part of the Ancient Egyptian civilization, this region gained fame when Alexander the Great made a detour here to consult the Oracle of Amun, and many tourists make their own pilgrimage to this site today.

(Breakfast, Alexandria; Lunch, Dinner & Accommodations, Siwa)

Siwa:

Today discover some of the most intriguing sites in Siwa. Start the day by visiting the amazing Temple of Amun before continuing to the Temple of Alexander The Great. The temple was built to commemorate Alexander's passing on his way to Siwa. One of the temple's walls has a scene showing Alexander the Great offering gifts to the god Amun. After the temple visits, continue to Cleopatra`s Spring also known as Cleopatra's Bath, a natural spring stone water pool where you can take a dip.

After your visit to the Spring, continue back to your hotel for a 3 hour break. You can have lunch and rest during this time.

After the break, meet your guide to continue on a trip to see the sunset at Fatnas Island. The island`s hot spring is a famous attraction where you can swim and enjoy the benefits of the healing waters as well as cafes and restaurants. Views over the lake at sunset are spectacular.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Accommodations, Siwa)

Siwa:

Your last day in Siwa is a day at leisure to spend as you wish. Relax at your hotel, explore the town on your own, or add an optional excursion to learn more about this unique area. Choose to take a guided tour of the Siwa House, Shali and the Mountain of the Dead to discover the history and artifacts of the ancient Siwan population and take in the impressive Mountain of the Dead that is the home to more than 1500 tombs. Or for the adventurous, take a sunset safari into the desert to visit the hot and cold springs. This is a popular activity in Siwa, and what better way to end your time in Siwa than watching the sun setting over the dunes while soaking in a natural spring.



(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Accommodations, Siwa)

Siwa to Cairo Airport Hotel:

Make the long trek (10 hours) from Siwa to Cairo today, travelling through the seemingly endless dunes of the Great Sand Sea on route once more to the bustling capital of Egypt to prepare for your next adventure. There will rest stops along the way including a stop to grab a light lunch (lunch not included). After arriving, spend the night at the comfortable and chic Le Meridien Airport Hotel before your trip to Luxor the following day.

(Breakfast, Siwa; Accommodations, Cairo Airport)

Cairo to Luxor for Nile River Cruise:

After breakfast at the hotel, travel by plane to the city of 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 4-night cruise aboard the MS Nile Premium cruise ship*. All of the cruise ship's cabins are elegantly decorated and equipped with a bathtub, mini bar, LCD TV, and all other amenities expected of a luxury vacation. Enjoy the ship's extravagant culinary program that incorporates international and local cuisines, relax in the pool located on the sun deck, or revel with fellow passengers at the cocktail lounge.

You have the freedom to choose any 4-Night cruise from Luxor to Aswan* that matches your taste, budget, and dates. This is an itinerary based on the 4-Night Luxor to Aswan Cruise on the MS Nile Premium. Please Note: Itinerary and pricing will differ depending on the chosen ship.

Start your Nile Cruise with a visit to the ruined Karnak and Luxor Temples on the East Bank of the Nile, historic sites of antiquity within the city of Luxor. These are just two of the many temple complexes found in this area and some of the most well-preserved. The Luxor 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. The nearby Karnak Temple complex stretches over five acres and has over 200 structures, from columns to chapels and more, making it one of the largest religious structures ever built. After witnessing these historic sites for yourself, return to the ship.

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

Nile River Cruise:

Today you'll explore the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of Kings, where grand monuments from Ancient Egypt await, 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. Afterwards, board the ship and sail onwards to Edfu on the West Bank.

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

Nile River Cruise:

Begin the day with a visit to the Edfu Temple, dedicated to the god 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. Sail onward to Kom Ombo to see its magnificent temple. Unique for its symmetrical design, this temple essentially operated as two temples dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. With its delicate and detailed engravings and hieroglyphics, this temple is one of the most exceptional of its kind in Egypt. Finally, sail upstream to Aswan to spend the night.

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

Nile River Cruise:

Today, start your trip with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, a modern marvel unto itself, separating the Nile from Lake Nasser and providing water and electricity to most of Egypt. Next, visit the submerged Unfinished Obelisk in the quarries of Aswan, one of the largest obelisks ever recorded at 137 feet tall that is left in situ as it was centuries ago. Then tour the Philae Temple dedicated to the Goddess Isis. This temple was moved from the island of Philae to the island of Agilkia where it was reconstructed following the construction of the High Dam nearby. Finally, spend the afternoon in the Aswan Botanical Garden, located on an island amidst the Nile. With its shady palms and lush scenery, this island is an oasis of serenity. Return to the ship for your final night on deck.

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

Aswan to Cairo:

After breakfast, say goodbye to the M/S Nile Premium and meet your private driver for a transfer to the Aswan airport on route to Cairo. If your international flight leaves today, depart from the Cairo International Airport, either onwards to your next destination or for the return home. If your return flight from Cairo departs the following day, add an additional night in the Cairo airport hotel before departing Egypt (additional night not included in this package).

(Breakfast, Nile River Cruise)

 
** Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
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