AFRICA
Egypt: Cairo and the Temples of the Nile 10 days from $6,540
Travel back in time thousands of years among the treasures of ancient Egypt, exploring temples, tombs, and the mighty Pyramids of Giza on a journey that includes a four-night Nile River cruise. WHERE TO STAY Marriott Mena House With a prime location in the shadow the Great Pyramids, this historic property is now a modern complex with pool and gardens. M.S. Oberoi Philae Styled to resemble a vintage paddle steamer, this upscale Nile River cruise boat has been completely refitted and accommodates 42 guests. Sofitel Legend The Old Cataract Historic property, overlooking the Nile in Aswan, that blends Victorian architecture with Egyptian character.
HIGHLIGHTS �
Join a private guide on an excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara, and Dahshur.
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Venture into the Temple of Karnak and the tombs of the Valley of the Kings.
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Enjoy a four-night Nile cruise, stopping at the temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
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Encounter the colossal statues and temples of Abu Simbel with a private guide.
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Day 1 – Cairo and Giza, Egypt Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be escorted to your historic hotel in Giza. Enjoy the rest of the day to relax and take in views of the legendary Pyramids of Giza. Day 2 – Dahshur, Sakkara, and Giza Spend your day south of Cairo, discovering pyramids of many shapes and sizes with your private guide. You’ll have the opportunity to enter several of them to see the burial chambers within. Visit the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur and the stepped pyramid of Sakkara (Egypt’s oldest), then explore the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the remarkable solar boat of Khufu. Day 3 – Cairo Delve into bustling Cairo with a private guide. See the treasures of the Egyptian Museum and explore the medieval Citadel and Coptic Cairo.
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Day 4 – Luxor and Nile River Cruise Fly to Luxor, the starting point for your Nile cruise. Take a guided tour of the spectacular temples of Karnak and Luxor before boarding the M.S. Oberoi Philae this afternoon. Day 5 – Luxor’s West Bank In the Valley of the Kings, descend into tombs covered with intricate hieroglyphics. Continue to the Valley of the Queens to see the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Set sail after lunch, enjoying views of life on the banks of the Nile. Day 6 – Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan Explore the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu, then sail on to Kom Ombo, home to an unusual double temple. Continue south to Aswan for the night. Days 7 & 8 – Aswan Visit Aswan High Dam and take a local boat to the Temple of Philae. Disembark your riverboat the next morning and enjoy the day to discover the area on your own. We suggest a visit to the Nubian Museum, or a stroll in the botanical gardens of Kitchener Island. Day 9 – Abu Simbel Set off on a full-day excursion to extraordinary Abu Simbel, known for the four colossi that guard the site. Venture into the two temples here with your private guide, and examine the elaborate carvings and statues that line the interior. Return to Aswan for your final night. Day 10 – Cairo and return home Fly to Cairo and continue on your flight home.
