Pharaohs & Pyramids

Arrive in Cairo, Egypt’s ”Mother of All Cities,” an age-old crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, where you are met and privately transferred to your riverside hotel.

Set out for the Giza Plateau on a full-day excursion. Observe the great pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure as well as other historical sites. Enter the Great Pyramid of Cheops — oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — stepping back in time some 4,000 years. Ride Like a Local on a camel, and then enjoy special private access to the nearby Great Sphinx, and seize the rare opportunity to lay your hands on its massive paws. After lunch, return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner.

Explore the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (or the Grand Egyptian Museum, upon its opening), home to over 120,000 relics, some dating back to 4000 BC. Then, transfer to the Nile River, where you board a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing vessel. Enjoy lunch on board, followed by an afternoon at leisure. This evening, stroll through the Khan El-Khalili bazaar. Founded as a watering stop for caravans in the 14th century, its stalls still brim with brassware, gold, silver, leather, perfume and antiques. After dinner, return to your hotel.

Fly south to Luxor, formerly known as Thebes. Upon arrival, board ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat III,’ your luxurious home on the Nile for the next seven nights. This afternoon, visit the Temple of Luxor, built by Amenhotep III (1405–1367 BC), and the Temple of Karnak, featuring 134 great columns that once supported an enormous roof. Also view the superb statues of Ramses II and Tutankhamen, and the fine Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis I.

Today, visit the West Bank, starting at the fabled Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues of Amenhotep III. Proceed to the terraced funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female pharaoh, and continue to the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs. See the iconic tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut), before visiting the former home of the legendary archaeologist who found it, Howard Carter, to see the original tools he used for the excavation. Gain entry to the lesser-visited, well-preserved tomb of Seti I, father of Ramses II. Then, in the Valley of the Queens, explore the tomb of Queen Nefertari, said to be the finest tomb in Egypt. After lunch back aboard ship, explore the Luxor Museum, browsing its fascinating collections. This evening, gather for complimentary cocktails and canapés followed by dinner.

Rise early this morning for an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over the Nile and the temples that line its shores. Afterward, go off the beaten path to some of Luxor’s lesser known sites, such as Dra Abu Naga and the magnificent Medinet Habu, built by the Ramses III. Make a special stop at Funtasia Children’s School, supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, to learn how the school helps strengthen confidence, collaboration and communication among its students. Return to ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat III’ for a Scenic Sundowner.

This morning at Esna, explore the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum with your Egyptologist guide. Its Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Then, board your river ship and cruise upstream to Edfu, where you visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus (the falcon god).

Enjoy a leisurely day on board ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat III’ as you cruise toward Kom Ombo. This afternoon, learn to prepare local dishes on an authentic Chef ’s Table experience with your onboard chef. Tonight, visit the lovely Greco-Roman temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god). For dinner, join in a costume party, with a chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian galabeyyas. Sit down to a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by Arabic music and dancing.

Disembark in Aswan to visit the granite quarries that supplied stone for many of Egypt’s pyramids and temples. View the 1,200-ton ‘Unfinished Obelisk,’ which exemplifies the technique used to create such enormous monoliths. Then, boat to the island of Agilika, to view the exquisite Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Later this afternoon, sail by felucca, (weather permitting) around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands, and view the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum, which overlooks the river. Proceed to the Nubian Museum to view artifacts and culture of the “Land of Gold,” as ancient Nubia was known. Visit a local spice market before returning to your ship.

Fly to Abu Simbel, site of the magnificent temple of Ramses II and marvel at the four enormous statues of the pharaoh that grace its façade, each over 60 feet high. Amazingly, the site was raised up the hillside to avoid floodwaters caused by the Aswan High Dam project. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before boarding your privately chartered aircraft back to Aswan, to return to your ship. Tonight, gather for a gala dinner.

Return to Cairo and spend the afternoon discovering its Islamic heritage. View the Sultan Hassan Mosque, completed in 1363, with its soaring architecture and rich decoration. Transfer to Souk El-Selah, walking Saliba Street, viewing mosques, qur’anic schools, and the hammam. This evening, dine at a local restaurant.

Today, venture just outside the city to Memphis, and explore this capital of the ancient kingdom, viewing the Alabaster Sphinx and the beautifully carved statue of Ramses II. Drive to nearby Sakkara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis, site of the famous Step Pyramid. Built by Zoser I in 2700 BC, it is the world’s oldest stone structure. Enjoy a special, private opening of the 4,400-year-old tomb of Wahtye. Unearthed in 2018, it is considered one of the biggest discoveries of the decade, completely untouched and filled with painted hieroglyphics, sculptures, and inscriptions. Also visit the Mereruka Tomb, one of the most exquisitely decorated tombs of the Old Kingdom. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and its Gallery of Royal Mummies. Tonight, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart.