Egypt

Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, joins you this morning, depending on his schedule. His status gives you the unique opportunity to visit the site of the tombs of the pyramid builders. Long thought to be slaves, the men who constructed the pyramids were actually part of a skilled work force of Egyptian citizens. After lunch, tour the pyramids, enter the temple closest to the mysterious Sphinx and visit the fascinating Solar Boat Museum. Later, take a short camel ride to view the pyramids. Gather for cocktails tonight. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence B L D

Drive through the fertile delta to Alexandria. View collections in the newly opened Alexandria National Museum that include papyrus scrolls, ancient perfume bottles, painted mummy cases and classic Greek statues. After lunch, Dr. Ismail Serageldin, the general manager of the Alexandria Library, discusses his current role with the library, which you then visit. View Pompey's Pillar, a 90-foot-high column that stands before the remains of the Temple of Serapis. Overlooking the entrance to the Eastern Harbor, the 15th-century Qait Bay Fort rests on the foundation of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. From the top of the fort, gaze at the entire coastline of Alexandria and the area of recent underwater excavations that uncovered Cleopatra's lost city and Napoleon's sunken fleet. Celebrate New Year's Eve with a festive dinner at your hotel. Day 4: B; Day 5: B, L; Day 6: B, L, D Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano B L D

Board a private charter flight to Abu Simbel to visit the world-renowned site where Ramses II ordered two sun temples carved from the limestone mountains; the four colossal statues of Ramses II that flank the temple entrance rise more than 60 feet. Continue to Aswan by charter flight, where you board A&K's 'Sun Boat IV' and meet your crew. This afternoon, join your Egyptologist to visit the Aswan High Dam, Egypt's contemporary example of building on a monumental scale. Afterward, take a motorboat ride to the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka and the nearby Granite Quarries. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Cruise to Kom Ombo to visit the temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek. Return to the ship for lunch on board. This afternoon, explore the largest and most completely preserved pharaonic temple, the Temple of Horus. Tonight is "Egyptian Night" on 'Sun Boat IV': don a traditional galabeyya (robe) for a lavish buffet dinner and costume party with entertainment. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Sail to Luxor and explore the West Bank's Valley of the Kings, a vast necropolis where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of pharaohs. You have time to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens as well as the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt's first female pharaoh. Privately visit the Nefertari tomb, long praised as the most beautifully decorated of all the tombs on the West Bank of Luxor. Pass the Colossi of Memnon and join your Egyptologist this afternoon for a tour of the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Karnak, built over hundreds of years. Tonight's farewell dinner is a formal gala with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Board a private charter flight to Cairo and spend the afternoon at leisure. Dine tonight with an Egyptian family for a unique cultural (and culinary) encounter. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza B D

Glimpse relics from the different periods of ancient Egypt during your private visit to the amazing Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Among the prized collections are the golden treasures from King Tutankhamun's tomb. Enter the Mummy Room, resting place of more than 20 ancient kings and queens. Have lunch aboard a felucca (Egyptian sailboat) as you sail down the Nile. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza B L

Board your international flight. B