Itinerary Details
Insight Vacations: Wonders of Egypt - Small Group, Winter
Day 1 - Arrive in Cairo
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and have time to relax and sample the hotels amenities after your journey. Refreshed and ready to embrace the intoxicating energy of this ancient and modern city
Accommodations: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Day 2 - Fly to Luxor, Cruise the Nile
In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next four nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts and see two royal mummies. This evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a welcome drink followed by dinner. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure, enjoy dinner on the ship before relaxing in its lounge or in the comfort of your room.
Accommodations: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 3 - Valley of the Kings to Edfu
This morning travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, whilst they regale guests with their fascinating stories of daily life. Visit Luxor Temple which was unearthed by Mariette in the 1860s, before returning to your cruise ship and sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu, for your overnight stay.
Accommodations: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 4 - Kom Ombo to Aswan Relaxed Start
In the early morning sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt dedicated to two gods. Discover the Temple, learning all about its ‘double’ and perfectly symmetrical design for the duo of gods – one side dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, the other to Horus the Elder the falcon god. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience. This evening, enjoy a fun-filled traditional Egyptian themed dinner and galabeya party on board your ship.
Accommodations: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Aswan’s High Dam and Nile Felucca
In the morning, visit the Aswan High Dam and granite quarries, to see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis. Rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae, it was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style. Later, on a traditional Nile Felucca, meet a sailor and learn about traditional sailing practices. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. The likes of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie stayed at this pretty venue, and Christie supposedly wrote “Death on the Nile” from the hotel itself.
Accommodations: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 6 - Aswan and Back to Cairo Relaxed Start
In the morning, disembark your cruise ship and enjoy time at leisure in Aswan. Why not join an optional experience and travel by air to the magnificent Temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Otherwise, spend the morning as you wish. Perhaps soak up the African atmosphere in the Nubian bazaar or visit one of the many points of interest nearby, such as the Botanical Gardens, Elephantine Island and the Aga Khan Mausoleum. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo for the night.
Accommodations: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - The Egyptian Museum and Citadel
Begin your city sightseeing with your Egyptologist by exploring the Cairo Citadel, a medieval Islamic-era fortification that served as the seat of the Egyptian government for almost seven centuries, and see the Great Alabaster Mosque. Later, visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum. Starring among its attractions is the amazing treasure recovered from Tutankhamun's tomb.
Accommodations: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - The Great Pyramids of Giza
Gain a deeper understanding of the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World during a visit to Giza with your Egyptologist. Meet the enigmatic Sphinx, crouching at the foot of the Chephrenís Causeway and venture inside one of the magnificent Pyramids. Nearby lies Memphis, capital of the Old Kingdom, where you can see the colossal statue of Ramesses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to view the Step Pyramid of Zoser, which dates back to 2686 B.C., making it the oldest pyramid in the world. Meet the skilled artisans at a local weaving school for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Accommodations: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Depart Cairo
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.
Meals: Breakfast
