DAY 1 - MON - DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Cairo.

DAY 2 - TUE - ARRIVE CAIRO
Welcome to Egypt - part of the Holyland, furnished with ancient temples and tombs, and lavish backdrop for many of history's most enthralling tales. On arrival in Cairo, you will be met and transferred to one of the best hotels in Cairo, where your room will overlook the River Nile.

Hotel: Conrad.

DAY 3 - WED - CAIRO SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast and a detailed pre-tour briefing with your Tour Director, there is no better introduction to Egypt than a visit to the Egyptian Museum! There are mind boggling exhibits from all periods of Egyptian history, but it's the treasures recovered from Tutankhamun's tomb that will take your breath away. Then time to visit the famous Khan El Khalili bazaars to try your bargaining skills. This evening attend a magical Sound & Light Show at the world famous Pyramids, which literally illuminates the ancient history of Giza! (BB)

DAY 4 - THU - CAIRO - ASWAN
A morning flight across the Egyptian desert takes you to the exotic city of Aswan. There is the option of joining an excursion by air to Abu Simbel to view the fabulous temples carved out of the cliff side by Rameses II and later transported, in an amazing feat of modern engineering, out of the rising waters of Lake Nasser (see page 158 for details). Later, take a ride in a local sailing boat, a felucca, around Kitchener Island, to see Aswan's Botanical Gardens. Stay on the banks of the Nile in one of Egypt's most elegant hotels, built in the 19th century by Thomas Cook. As night falls, you are treated to high tea on the terrace of your hotel while enjoying the glowing sunset.

Hotel: Old Cataract. (BB)

DAY 5 - FRI - ASWAN - CRUISING
Visit the Aswan High Dam and the granite quarries where many of Ancient Egypt's obelisks were made. See the unfinished obelisk still attached to the granite bedrock, commissioned by Hatshepsut but abandoned due to a large fault line. Take a motorboat across the Nile to the extraordinarily preserved temple complex of Isis on the island of Philae before boarding one of the most stylish and spacious boats in Egypt for your all-inclusive cruise. Set sail for Kom Ombo to see the riverside temple, uniquely dedicated to both the crocodile god, Sobek, and the falcon-headed Horus. Continue cruising and dock overnight at Edfu.
Ship: MS Tower Prestige. (BB,L,D)

DAY 6 - SAT - CRUISING
This morning you visit the well preserved temple of Horus at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God. Sit back and relax with a cold soft drink, local beer, glass of wine or bottle of water - all included on the cruise. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery as you float downstream to Luxor. On arrival, take a horse & carriage ride to visit the beautiful temple of Luxor. In the evening, don traditional attire for a fun-filled Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party. (BB,L,HD)

DAY 7 - SUN - CRUISING
Cross the Nile by air-conditioned coach to the West Bank to see the huge Colossi of Memnon, and visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, blending into the cliff face above. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where the archeologist Carter unearthed Tutankhamen's secret tomb. Return to Luxor to visit the immense Karnak temple, dedicated to the sun god Amon. Wander amid the avenues of sphinxes and halls of gigantic columns - an unforgettable journey into the world of Ancient Egypt.

DAY 8 - MON - LUXOR AT LEISURE
Disembark your cruise boat this morning and check into your famous hotel. Originally built in 1886 to attract the nobility of Europe, it has been home to Howard Carter, Jane Fonda, King Farouk as well as many other crown princes and princesses. Spend the afternoon at leisure. A visit to the Luxor Museum is just one suggestion.

Hotel: Old Winter Palace. (BB)

DAY 9 - TUE - LUXOR - CAIRO
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo where you are at leisure. Perhaps take an optional excursion to visit the Coptic Museums and hanging church?

Hotel: Conrad. (BB)

DAY 10 - WED - CAIRO SIGHTSEEING
Your tour comes to an exciting climax today with a tour of the riches of Giza. First drive to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser; the oldest pyramid in the world, it dates from 2700 BC. Now enjoy a guided tour of Giza where you see the enigmatic Sphinx and the magnificent Pyramids with a highlight visit inside one of these extraordinary creations! (BB)

DAY 11 - THU - RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Cairo Airport. (BB)