A Nile Cruise for the Holiday Season

Arrive in Cairo, age-old crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe. Building on a rich architectural tradition, Cairo’s skyline has earned it the nickname “the city of a thousand minarets.”

Today, roam the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren as well as the Great Pyramid, oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Take the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them. Afterward, view the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries.

This morning, your expert A&K Egyptologist guides you through the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, a showcase of 15,000 artifacts dating back millennia, including the treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb. After lunch, wander the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar’s labyrinth of narrow streets to discover workshops and stalls selling all manner of woodwork, glassware, leather goods, perfumes, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities.

Fly by exclusive charter to Abu Simbel, where you discover the commanding twin temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari. Dominated by four 70-foot-tall statues, this entire site was disassembled and moved here to save it from the floodwaters. Fly to Aswan where you step aboard your elegant river cruiser, Sun Boat III.

Begin with a boat ride to the Temple of Philae. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this sacred island complex reflects a fusion Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences. Then, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, a site illustrating the great skill of ancient Egypt’s stonemasons. Next, sail the Aswan Islands aboard a felucca (traditional sailboat), just as Egyptians have since the dawn of antiquity. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on board before disembarking in Kom Ombo to visit a Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god). Later, sip a cocktail on deck before sitting down for a Christmas Eve dinner.

Today, disembark at Edfu to walk in the footsteps of priests and pharaohs at the Temple of Horus, a remarkably preserved structure lined with colorful hieroglyphs. Back on board your river cruiser, the executive chef hosts a cooking demonstration showcasing local dishes. Enjoy a sumptuous Christmas lunch before cruising onward to explore the Temple of Luxor in its namesake city, formerly known as Thebes. Continue the festivities tonight, wearing traditional Egyptian galabeyas and savoring a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by Arabic music and dancing.

On the Nile’s West Bank, see the monumental Colossi of Memnon and terraced funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh. Continue to the Valley of the Kings, where you delve into the tomb of Tutankhamun to see the boy king’s mummy still in repose. Next, gain entry to the lesser-visited, well-preserved tomb of Seti I, father of Ramses II. Continuing to the Valley of the Queens, explore the tomb of Queen Nefertari, a site widely regarded as the finest ancient tomb yet unearthed. Then, walk amid the ancient Temple of Karnak’s 134 great columns and try to imagine the enormous roof they once supported. Toast to your adventure this evening at a lavish farewell dinner onboard.

Today, bid farewell to Sun Boat III and fly to Cairo, where you visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Overlooking Ain El-Seera Lake, this museum houses the iconic Gallery of Royal Mummies, an exhibit displaying the mummies of the ancient kings and queens of Egypt.

In the legendary Old Kingdom city of Memphis, visit Sakkara, a necropolis housing hundreds of tombs and 14 pyramids, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Here, beautiful tomb art affords rare insight into the lives of ancient Egyptians. Then gain special access to the recently discovered Wahtye’s Tomb with an expert from Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities. Explore the tomb’s precious unearthed finds, which had remained untouched for some 4,400 years. Toast your holiday adventure at a farewell lunch with your fellow guests.