Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend and lore as you view the timeless wonders of Egypt on this exciting luxury tour. Discover the world of the ancient Egyptians as you visit the incomparable sites of the pharaohs – Memphis and Sakkara, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and the Karnak temples. Cruise along the legendary Nile River, pass colonnaded temples and stop at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, situated at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes. Included is a visit to Abu Simble, where Ramses “The Great” built his monumental temple.
  Join us today - this is sure to be a once in a life time journey!

Itinerary:

Day 1: New York/Cairo
Depart JFK International Airport on your non-stop flight to Cairo on Egypt Air.

Day 2: Cairo
Arrive in Cairo and proceed to the visa counter. After obtaining your visa, proceed through passport control (please be ready with USD $15.00 in cash). At the luggage pickup, you are met, assisted and taken to your awaiting bus and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at the Falfela Restaurant. Overnight Grand Hyatt Hotel (Dinner)

Day 3: Cairo/Alexandria
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for your scenic train ride through the fertile Nile Delta to Alexandria. Arrive in Alexandria and meet your guide for sightseeing. Then drive along the dramatic 15-mile Corniche, the city’s crescent shoreline. Visit the National Museum, stop at Pompey’s Pillar and the catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa. Then it’s on to the newly opened Library of Alexandria, a spectacularly designed homage to its ancient namesake. After lunch, your local guide will take you to the Montazah Palace Gardens, the summer residence of the royal family, built on a low plateau east of Alexandria and covering an area of 370 feddans (1.038 acres) containing trees, palms and flowers. Continue to the Fort of Qaitbay, erected on the northern trip of Eastern Port on the site of the ancient Pharos of Alexandria. In the afternoon transfer to the railway station for your return to Cairo by first class train. Overnight Grand Hyatt Hotel (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 4: Cairo/ Memphis & Sakkara / Giza & the Pyramids
Step back over 5,000 years in time today –to the very dawn of history-as you explore the site of the ancient Memphis, with its colossal statue of Ramses II, founded in 3100 BC as the first capital of the newly united Kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt; and the vast and astounding necropolis of Sakkara, where architecture was born. Stroll along the first large buildings in hewn stone in all history and view the centerpiece of the soaring Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Zoser, the first stone structure to appear in the world. Drive to Giza and enjoy lunch at the Sakkara Palm Club. Afterwards, see the Three Great Pyramids, the oldest surviving structures built by man and enter the smallest Pyramid. Visit the astonishing Solar Boat Museum, housing the oldest known ship in the world, uncovered after being buried for over 4,500 years. Stand in awe at the magnificent Sphinx carved out of a single piece of stone, guarding the Giza plateau. Try a camel ride before continuing to the unique Karnak Bazaar where refreshments await you and the gems will dazzle you! Overnight Grand Hyatt Hotel (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 5: Cairo – Luxor - Nile River Cruise
Your day begins with an early morning flight to Luxor to start your Nile River journey. Upon arrival, transfer to your home for the next 5 days, the Movenpick “Royal Lily” for your Nile River Cruise. After lunch, visit the Avenue of the Sphinxes and the imposing Temple of Luxor with its grand colonnades, standing alone in the heart of town. Continue to the vast Karnak Temple-Complex, built by generations of Pharaohs over a 2000-year period. Overnight in Luxor onboard the Royal Lily (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 6: Luxor - Edfu - Nile River Cruise
After breakfast, visit the Valley of the Kings containing the secretive tombs of New Kingdom Pharaohs. Visit the beautifully terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari. Pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, standing nearly 70 feet tall. The ship then sails on to Edfu. After lunch on board, the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Edfu onboard the Royal Lily (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 7: Edfu – Kom Ombo – Aswan - Nile River Cruise
In Edfu, visit the Temple of Horus, the best preserved of all large Egyptian Temples, built over 180 year period. In the afternoon arrive in Kom Ombo, a hill town overlooking the banks of the Nile. Visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Horus, the Sun God and Sobek, the Crocodile God. Sail to Aswan onboard the Royal Lily (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 8: Aswan - Nile River Cruise
Morning visit to the Aswan High Dam and unfinished Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut in the granite quarries where the stone for the ancient monuments and modern dam of Aswan were cut. Continue by motorboat to the beautiful island of Philae to see the exquisite, gleaming white Temple of Isis. After lunch, sail on a typical Egyptian “felucca” (sailboat) which glides along the Nile, passing by Lord Kitchener’s Island and the dramatic white marble Aga Khan Mausoleum. Overnight in Aswan onboard the Royal Lily (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 9: Aswan – Abu Simbel – Cairo
After disembarkation, take the short flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel, one of the most desolate spots on earth where Ramses II built his monumental temple. Return flight to Cairo. Overnight Grand Hyatt Hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 10: Cairo
After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the world-famous Egyptian Museum with its 100,000 objects covering 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian civilization. View Tutankhamun’s Treasures and the fascinating Mummy Room. Enjoy an afternoon tour to Old Cairo to visit the beautiful Coptic Church of St. Sergius where Jesus & the Holy Family stayed after having fled from Jerusalem. Continue to the restored 9th century Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest in Egypt. Proceed to the Mosque of Mohammed Ali at the 12th century Citadel of Saladin. Drive to the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where shopping is an exotic experience. Evening: Join the fantastic Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids. Overnight Grand Hyatt Hotel (Breakfast)

Day 11: Cairo/New York, USA
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your non-stop flight on Egypt Air to JFK International arriving home on the same day. (Breakfast)

*price is per person, based on double occupancy and tour operation is based on a minimum of 15assengers. Air taxes are additional $188.47 and subject to change. Final payment is due on July 11, 2011. Single Supplement is $899. A deposit of $500 per person is required to hold your reservation by check only. Balance may be paid by Master Card or Visa. Itinerary, hotels and rates are subject to change. Trip cancellation is available and is strongly recommended. Insurance must be purchased at time of deposit to ensure coverage for pre-existing conditions.