Footsteps of Tutankhamun

Arrive in Cairo airport and private transfer to your hotel Marriott Mena House located at the foot of the Pyramids offering one of a kind accommodation experience with unmatched views of the Giza (accommodation in a Deluxe Partial View room). After check in enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Evening welcome reception at your hotel.

After breakfast transfer to the legendary Giza Plateau, where the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus rise from the desert sands. Stand before the Great Pyramid, the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, and take in the grandeur of these ancient structures built over 4,500 years ago. Nearby, gaze upon the mysterious Sphinx, guarding the pyramids for millennia. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Egyptian cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the spectacular new Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the pyramids. This world-class museum houses thousands of artefacts from Egypt’s rich history, including the complete and iconic treasures of Tutankhamun, on display together for the first time. The museum’s modern design and immersive exhibits offer a powerful connection to ancient Egypt like never before. After visit, return transfer to hotel for the evening. Optional: Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids. (B, L)

Morning transfer to Cairo airport for a short flight to Luxor. On arrival transfer to pier for embarkation on Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise. Enjoy lunch onboard your cruise. In the afternoon an unforgettable excursion to the Luxor Temple, which was built by two great pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Travel along an avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, extending for about two miles, which link Luxor Temple with the Karnak Temple. No site in the world makes a more overwhelming and lasting impression than this “Temple of all Temples”. On your way back to the port visit the local school of Fraciscan Sisters and the Orphanage. Return back to the port and board your cruise for diner and overnight onboard. (B, L, D) 

After breakfast join a tour to the West Bank including visits to the Valley of the Kings housing many of the tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom including access to three tombs. Continue to Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, the only woman pharaoh to reign in ancient Egypt, followed by stop near Colossi of Memnon - two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III rising majestically about 18m also known as the singing statues. Return to your vessel for lunch. Sail to Esna. Enjoy an afternoon tea time on the top deck while swimming and relaxing cruising along a scenic agricultural landscape by the Nile sores. Enjoy captain's welcome Cocktail and dinner onboard. Overnight in Esna. (B, L, D)

We strongly recommend that you wake up early walk the top deck and see the sunrise before breakfast. Today visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, having escaped destruction from Nile floods, is the most completely preserved and most atmospheric of ancient Egyptian temples. Return on board the cruise and sail to Kom Ombo In ancient Egypt the city was important to the caravan routes from Nubia and various gold mines. Up on arrival in Komombo disembark the cruise and walk to the Temple of Kombo dedicated to two gods the local crocodile god Sobek and Haroeris (Horus the older). After finishing the Temple visit continue to the New crocodile museum well worth a visit for its beautiful collection of mummified crocodiles and ancient carvings. Return back onboard for diner. Tonight dress up with Gallabya, a traditional Egyptian garment and join the Gallabya party while sailing to Aswan. Overnight on board. (B, L, D)

Today take a motorised boat to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika Visit the legendary Philae temple dedicated to the goddess Isis and reflects a fusion of three great civilisations — Egyptian, Greek and Roman. The temple was dismantled, and then painstakingly reassembled when the Aswan High Dam was constructed. Visit the High Dam an engineering miracle when it was built in the 1960s. It contains 18 times the material used in the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Continue to the Northen Quarries where the large Unfinished Obelisk is located. The site provided valuable insight into how those monuments were created, although the full construction process is still not entirely clear. Return on board the cruise for lunch and in the afternoon sail by traditional felucca boat around Kitchener’s island and Agha Khan Mausoleum. Today join a special visit to Sofitel Old cataract hotel where you will enjoy famous afternoon tea. Its captivating atmosphere inspired Agatha Christies’ famous work, “Death on the Nile” . Return onboard for dinner and enjoy a Nubian party with life music. Overnight in Aswan. (B, L, D)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your short flight to the Abu Simbel temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel - moved stone by stone in 1964 to higher ground to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After visiting the temple transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Here you are met and transferred to the Kempinski Nile hotel. Tonight experience a private home hosted dinner with a traditional Egyptian local family, where you’ll get a to meet the family members and see how they live, and chat while tasting delicious Egyptian homemade dishes. Return to your hotel for overnight at Kempenski Nile in Deluxe Nile View room. (B, D) 

Visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), a modern, beautifully curated museum offering a sweeping overview of Egypt’s rich history. One of the highlights is the Royal Mummies Hall, where you will come face to face with some of Egypt’s most legendary pharaohs, including Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut – an unforgettable and moving experience. Continue to the historic Citadel of Saladin, a medieval Islamic fortification offering panoramic views of Cairo. Within the Citadel, explore the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman-style architecture. Next, dive into the bustling energy of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in the Middle East. Browse a wide selection of jewellery, spices, textiles, and souvenirs, and try your hand at bargaining for the perfect keepsake. Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for overnight. (B, L)

After breakfast transfer to Cairo Airport. (B)