Egypt: Legacy Of The Pharaohs: Platinum Destinations(R) Exclusives

Begin your discovery of Egypt with a presentation by Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Dr. Hawass' knowledge and energetic presence are a perfect prelude to your visit to the Pyramids and Sphinx. The only remnants of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids are among the greatest of human achievements and never lose their ability to inspire and overwhelm. Continue to the fascinating Solar Boat Museum containing the reconstructed funeral barge of Cheops, considered to be the single most important archaeological find in Egypt since the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Finish your day with an exclusive private visit to the Workmen's Tombs, closed to the public. Platinum Card Member Highlights: o Presentation by Dr. Zahi Hawass o Visit to Workmen's Tombs Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence B L D

This morning explore the world-famous Egyptian Museum of Antiquities before it opens to the general public, allowing you to view its magnificent exhibits in a relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere. Then uncover the more recent past with a journey through Islamic Cairo, including the medieval citadel of Salah El Din and the Ottoman-style alabaster mosque of Mohammed Ali, with its many domes and lovely minarets and cupolas. This afternoon, wander the workshops and stalls of the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, sharpening your bargaining skills as you browse the woodcrafts, glassware, perfumes and curios. Platinum Card Member Highlight: o Private visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence B L

Fly by private charter to Egypt's ancient capital of Luxor, the launching point for your Nile cruise aboard A&K's luxury 'Sun Boat IV'. Continue to the East Bank for a guided visit to the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak, a huge complex built over centuries by generations of pharaohs. Cross to the West Bank to explore the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, the burial ground of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom when ancient Egypt was at its most powerful. A highlight of your day is a special private visit to the tomb of Seti I, normally closed to the public. This tomb is the longest and deepest in the valley and is covered with vivid paintings and reliefs. End the day's sightseeing at the terraced funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh. Platinum Card Member Highlights: o Charter flight to Luxor o Visit to tomb of Seti I, closed to the public MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Cruise to Qena to visit the beautiful Temple of the Goddess Hathor, with its massive stone roof, dark chambers, underground passages and towering columns inscribed with hieroglyphs. Return to 'Sun Boat IV' to freshen up and prepare for tonight's once-in-a-lifetime event: a black-tie dinner within the Luxor Temple itself. A traditional caleche, or horse-drawn carriage, delivers you to the temple, where a string quartet and harpist provide an elegant finishing note to an already awe-inspiring setting. Platinum Card Member Highlight: o Black-tie dinner in Luxor Temple MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Sail to Edfu, where you visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus, the falcon-god, built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III. Tonight's dinner on board is an "Egyptian Night" costume party, with a chance to don a traditional Egyptian galabeyya and sample Egyptian specialties, followed by Arabic music and dancing. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

This morning visit the Greco-Roman temple at Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god). The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where sacred crocodiles once basked on the riverbank, and mummified crocodiles are on display here. Cruise to Aswan for an afternoon of sightseeing, beginning with a short boat ride to view the exquisite Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika. Then board a felucca (traditional Egyptian sailboat) for a sail around Elephantine and Kitchener's Islands. Proceed to the Spice Market, its every shop packed with striped cotton sacks full of pungent herbs, roots and dried flowers. Platinum Card Member Highlight: o Nile cruise aboard a felucca (sailboat) MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Bid farewell to the crew of 'Sun Boat IV' and fly by private charter to Abu Simbel, where you visit the magnificent temple of Ramses II. Return to Cairo (again by private charter) and mark the end of your journey with a farewell feast hosted by an Egyptian family in their home - a perfect opportunity to toast your journey and swap stories, while experiencing Egypt's legendary hospitality. Depart for the USA the next day. Platinum Card Member Highlights: o Private charter flights to Abu Simbel and Cairo o Dinner with an Egyptian family in their home Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence B L D