Highlights Of Egypt: Journeys For Women

This afternoon, after a briefing by your Egyptologist, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Housing relics dating back to 4000 BC, the museum is a perfect introduction to the artistic and architectural styles representative of each historical period. The world-famous treasures of Tutankhamun are also housed here. Return to your hotel for a private belly-dancing lesson. This evening meet your fellow travellers and Egyptologist, Ms. Sonia El Masri, at an A&K-hosted welcome dinner. Then attend an informative lecture on "Women in Egypt" presented by Ms. Manal Saad, a licensed Egyptologist and researcher in Egypt and Middle East modern history. Mena House Oberoi B D

Travel to Memphis, the legendary city of Menes, the king who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Continue to the necropolis of Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. After lunch, 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. This is also the site of the Great Sphinx, guardian of the royal tombs dating back to the third millennium BC. Mena House Oberoi B L

Fly to Luxor, known to the ancient Egyptians as Thebes - and the launching point for the Nile cruise portion of your tour. On the East Bank, explore the amazing Temple of Karnak, created over nearly 2,000 years. Almost all of the pharaohs wished to record their names and deeds at Karnak, the seat of Amun the Imperial god. Then board your Nile cruiser for lunch. Afterward, tour the sites on the West Bank of the Nile, including the Necropolis of Thebes, the burial ground of the great pharaohs of the New Kingdom, located in the Valley of the Kings. View the terraced funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh, and the fabled Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues of Amenophotep III, known in ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn. This evening, meet your boat manager and staff over cocktails and canap?s. A gourmet dinner follows. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Cruise off the beaten track toward Qena, past some of the most beautiful scenery along the Nile. Then continue overland to Denderah to visit the Ptolemaic Temple of Goddess Hathor. This wonderfully preserved temple complex has a massive stone roof, dark chambers, underground passages and towering columns inscribed with hieroglyphs. Return to the boat for lunch as you sail to Luxor. Afterward, go back to the East Bank to see the graceful Temple of Luxor, with three remaining statues of Ramses II lining the front. Return to 'Sun Boat IV' for a gourmet dinner, followed by a belly dance performance and a whirling dervish display. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Your morning is at leisure to relax and watch the scenery as you sail toward Edfu. This afternoon, visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus (the falcon god), built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III. Return to your gracious Nile cruiser for afternoon tea and an opportunity to participate in a cooking lesson hosted by your on-board chef as you cruise to Kom Ombo. Early this evening, explore the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god). The temple, built in the third century BC, stands at a bend in the Nile where sacred crocodile once basked in the sun on the riverbank. Later, you have the chance to dress in traditional galabeyyas for an "Egyptian Night" dinner featuring Egyptian specialties followed by Arabic music and dancing. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Cruise to Aswan to visit Aswan's High Dam, where you can gaze down at the huge lake created to control the floodwaters of the Nile. From here take a short boat ride to the Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika. Recently moved from the dam-submerged Island of Philae, the temple was reconstructed stone by stone on Agilika. Stop at the granite quarries that supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples. See the enormous Unfinished Obelisk that weighs 1,500 tons and is an example of the technique used by the ancient Egyptians in producing these enormous monoliths. Return to 'Sun Boat IV' for lunch. If the weather permits, sail around Elephantine and Kitchener's Islands in a traditional felucca (a typical Egyptian sailing boat) to view the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum high above the river. Later, join an artist to learn about the delicate art of henna painting. This evening's gala farewell dinner features white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Leave 'Sun Boat IV' and fly to Abu Simbel, site of the two magnificent temples of Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari. The fa?ade of the great temple of Ramses II is dominated by four enormous statues of the Pharaoh, each over 60 feet high. Afterward return to Cairo for an afternoon at leisure, a perfect opportunity for some additional shopping or to take advantage of a complimentary spa treatment at your hotel. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence B L

Start this morning with a visit to the Citadel of Salah El-Din, a spectacular medieval fortress dating from the 12th century and one of the finest examples of Muslim military architecture. Continue to the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, a vast outdoor array of stalls selling everything from food and spices to leather goods and jewelry. Bargaining is expected, so come ready to negotiate. Later, enjoy a traditional lunch at the Arabian-style Naguib Mahfouz restaurant. Named after the Nobel-prize-winning Egyptian author, the restaurant lies in the very heart of the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar and is steeped in atmosphere and history. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence B L D

Board your international flight. B