Signature Egypt (2009)

This morning, begin by exploring the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home of the golden treasures recovered from Tutankhamun's tomb. Later, 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 for a traditional lunch. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence B L

Explore the relics of ages past at ancient Memphis, Sakkara and the Great Pyramids of Giza where the Great Sphinx continues to guard these royal monuments. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence B L

Luxor, the ancient land of Thebes, is the launching point for your Nile cruise. Fly south to Luxor, where you are met and escorted to 'Sun Boat IV,' your luxury Nile cruiser. After settling in to your cabinet and having lunch on board, join your Egyptologist for a tour of the West Bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens and the Necropolis of Thebes, where more than 60 tombs have been discovered. Continue to the terraced funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh, and to the Colossi of Memnon, known in ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn. Return to 'Sun Boat IV' for afternoon tea. Later, meet your boat manager and staff and relax with cocktails and canap?s before a gourmet dinner. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Relax on deck and enjoy the lovely scenery en route to Qena, an area far off the beaten track. Disembark in Qena and continue overland to Denderah, where you stop to see the darkly beautiful Ptolemaic Temple of Goddess Hathor. Return to 'Sun Boat IV' for lunch and afternoon tea as you sail to Luxor. Late this afternoon, explore the sites along the Nile's East Bank, including the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak that was built over the course of 2,000 years. View the Temple of Luxor, fronted by the remaining three of six large statues of Ramses II. Nearby are the 14 papyrus-headed columns of the Colonnade of Amenophotep III that lead to the court of Amenophotep III. After dinner on board, watch an invigorating belly dance performance and a whirling dervish show. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Your morning is at leisure as you sail for Edfu. This afternoon, visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus (the falcon-god), built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III. Return to the 'Sun Boat IV' for afternoon tea. You may relax this afternoon or participate in an Egyptian cooking class hosted by your chef as you cruise to Kom Ombo. Later, visit the third century BC Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god). It stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times, sacred crocodile basked in the sun on the riverbank. Tonight's dinner on board is an "Egyptian Night" costume party. You have the opportunity to dress in a traditional galabeyya for a lavish Egyptian buffet, followed by Arabic music and dancing. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Cruise to Aswan for a visit to the world's largest rock-filled dam, the High Dam. Then go by boat to Agilika Island to view the exquisite Temple of Philae. Recently moved from the dam-submerged island of Philae, the temple was reconstructed stone by stone on Agilika. Continue to the granite quarries that supplied the hard stone used to build the pyramids and temples. See the enormous Unfinished Obelisk that represents the architectural techniques used by the ancient Egyptians. Return to 'Sun Boat IV' for lunch. Afterward, weather permitting, sail around Elephantine and Kitchener's Islands in a traditional Nile felucca (sail boat) for an opportunity to view the Aga Khan Mausoleum that rests high above the river. Return for afternoon tea and a gala farewell dinner with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine. MS 'Sun Boat IV' B L D

Explore the two magnificent temples of Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari in Abu Simbel. Fly back to Cairo with the rest of the afternoon at leisure. B L

Board your international flight. B