Ultimate Egypt: Pharaohs, Pyramids and a Nile Cruise

Fly south to Luxor, formerly known as Thebes, where you visit the Temple of Karnak, a vast complex of monumental columns, temples and statues devoted to Amun-Ra and other ancient Egyptian deities that surpasses Angkor Wat in size. Then board Sun Boat III, your luxurious home on the Nile for the next seven nights, in time for lunch. Afterward, explore the Temple of Luxor. This evening, gather for a complimentary cocktail and canapés, followed by dinner

On the Nile’s West Bank, continue to encounter ancient Egypt, starting at the fabled Colossi of Memnon, two enormous, seated statues of Amenhotep III. Next comes the terraced funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female pharaoh, and the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs. Enter the iconic tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut) before visiting the former home of Howard Carter, the legendary archaeologist who found it. Gain entry to the tomb of Ramses VI as well as the lesser-visited, well-preserved tomb of Seti I, father of Ramses II. Later today, explore the Luxor Museum, browsing its fascinating collections.

Rise early for an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over the Nile and the temples that line its shores. Afterward, go off the beaten path to one of Luxor’s less-visited sites, Medinet Habu, built by 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. Note that this visit is subject to availability based on the school calendar. Back on board, cruise toward Esna, cocktail in hand.

Explore the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna with your Egyptologist guide and then cruise to Edfu, where you visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship and healing.

Relax on board this morning. Learn to prepare local dishes during a culinary experience led by your onboard chef. Disembark in Kom Ombo for a walking visit to this lovely Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god). Join the party tonight, wearing traditional Egyptian galabeyas and savoring 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” and then boat to the island of Agilika to admire the exquisite Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Visit the Nubian Museum before returning to your riverboat. Sail by felucca (traditional sailing vessel), weather permitting, around Elephantine Island and view the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum. After lunch, relax on board or explore a local Aswan spice market.

Disembark Sun Boat III and return to Cairo in time for lunch. View the Royal Mummies and countless other artifacts as you tour the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. This evening affords you time on your own.