Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Cairo, Egypt
Travel to the Giza Plateau, site of the Pyramids of Mycerinus, Chefren
and the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the only survivor of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World. The Sphinx stands nearby, its exact
purpose and meaning still shrouded in mystery. This evening A&K
hosts a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino (dayroom) B L D
Day 3: Cairo
Fly to Aswan and connect to Abu Simbel to visit the magnificent Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses' beloved wife Queen Nefertari. Return to Aswan and continue overland to board your five-star deluxe Nile cruiser 'Sun Boat IV,' moored in Abercrombie & Kent's private dock. The reception staff welcomes you onboard with chilled fruit juice. You have time to settle in to your cabin before having lunch on board. Then join your Egyptologist for a visit to Aswan's High Dam and the granite quarries that supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the stone used to build the pyramids and temples. View the Unfinished Obelisk that weighs 1,500 tons and is an example of the technique used by the ancient Egyptians in producing these enormous monoliths. This evening, meet your boat manager and staff over cocktails and canap?s before sitting down to a gourmet dinner.
MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D
Day 4: Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswan
Take a short boat ride to the exquisite Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika. Recently moved from the dam submerged Island of Philae, the temple was then reconstructed stone by stone on Agilika. Return to your deluxe Nile cruiser for a cooking lesson and opportunity to help your on-board chef prepare lunch. If you prefer, just relax and enjoy the passing scenery en route to Kom Ombo. Then visit the site of the Temple of Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god). Return to 'Sun Boat IV' for afternoon tea as you sail to Edfu. Later, stop at beautifully preserved Temple of Horus (the falcon-god). Attend an on-board "Egyptian Night" costume party with a chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian galabeyyas. Dinner is a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by Arabic music and dancing for everyone. As you celebrate, your cruiser continues to Abercrombie & Kent's private dock in Luxor.
MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D
Day 5: Aswan/Kom Ombo/Edfu/Esna/Luxor
Explore the West Bank of the Nile. The Necropolis of Thebes in the famous Valley of the Kings and Queens was the burial ground of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom when ancient Egypt was at its most powerful. Continue to the terraced funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh, and the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues of Amenophotep III. After lunch on board 'Sun Boat IV,' tour the East Bank, including the Temple of Luxor, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn, and the Temple of Karnak, a huge complex 2,000 years in the making. Return to your cruiser for afternoon tea. This evening, gather for a gala farewell dinner with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine. An invigorating belly dance performance and "whirling dervish" show provide entertainment.
MS 'Sun Boat IV' D
Day 6: Luxor
View Egypt's splendors in the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities,
housing the world's greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
The treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb are here, including his iconic
funeral mask, while the Mummy Room displays the preserved
remains of New Kingdom pharaohs.
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino (dayroom) B L
Day 7: Luxor/Cairo
A walking tour of Islamic Cairo takes you from one of the remaining
gates of the city, Bab El Fotouh, to Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Spend
some time browsing the stalls and bargaining for crafts, jewelry and
other souvenirs. Later, board your overnight flight to Nairobi.
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino (dayroom) B L
Day 8: Cairo/Nairobi, Kenya
Your first introduction to the magic of the bush begins with a visit
to Giraffe Center, where you join local school children in learning
about these graceful giants. Continue to the Karen Blixen house and
museum, made famous by the film Out of Africa. Afterward visit
Kazuri Beads, a workshop where jewelry is hand-fashioned entirely
by local artists.
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Day 9: Nairobi
Experience the thrill of your first bush drive in Samburu this
afternoon. With its vivid colors and contrasts between sky, bush and
sand, the park is a photographer's paradise.
Samburu Lodge B L D
Day 10: Nairobi/Samburu
During your wildlife drives today, watch for crocodile, velvet
monkey and unique northern species, including the reticulated
giraffe, Grevy's zebra and the graceful gerenuk. This afternoon, you
are guests at a local Samburu village.
Samburu Lodge B L D
Day 11: Samburu
The jewel in Africa's crown, the Masai Mara is host to the most
spectacular array of wildlife, which constantly changes as the
plains game follows ancient migration routes. Lion are found in
abundance throughout the park, as are elephant, giraffe and zebra.
You may even glimpse rhino. After a late-afternoon game drive,
return to camp for dinner.
Kichwa Tembo Camp B L D
Day 12: Samburu/Masai Mara Game Reserve
Drive with your guide across the vast plains of the Mara in search of
lion, elephant, giraffe and impala. Learn about the Maasai culture
with a visit to a Maasai village. Tonight, join your fellow travellers
for a "Farewell to Africa" dinner.
Kichwa Tembo Camp B L D
Day 13: Masai Mara Game Reserve
Fly to Nairobi today where a dayroom has been reserved for your
use before tonight's flight. The afternoon is at leisure.
Nairobi Serena Hotel (dayroom) B
Day 14: Masai Mara Game Reserve/Nairobi/USA or Canada
Connect with your homebound flight.
Day 15: USA or Canada