Treasures of Egypt

Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight flight to Cairo.

Upon arrival in Cairo, we will be warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel for dinner.

Cairo Marriott Hotel or similar (2 nights)

Our day begins in Islamic Cairo, where we’ll visit Saladin’s 12th-century Citadel and the impressive Alabaster Mosque. We’ll then head to the Coptic Quarter, home to the Coptic Museum, which houses Christian antiquities found in Egypt. We’ll also explore the historic Abu Serga Church and the renowned El Mouallaga (Hanging) Church. The afternoon is at leisure, followed by a Nile River cruise with dinner and live entertainment.

This afternoon, a short flight takes us to Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes, which was home to the pharaohs from the 16th to 11th centuries B.C. We’ll then board our deluxe Nile river cruise in time for lunch and relaxation on board. In the evening, we’ll visit the stunning Luxor Temple, dating back to around 1200 B.C., and stroll down the Avenue of Sphinxes, marveling at its incredible stonework.

M/S Nile Premium or similar (7 nights)

At dawn, you may opt for a hot air balloon ride over the world’s largest open-air museum. Later, we’ll explore the Valley of the Kings. Since Howard Carter uncovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb, the hidden chambers and elaborate rituals of royal burials have intrigued the world. We’ll visit several tombs, including the newly opened and beautifully decorated Tomb of Seti I. At the cliffside Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, admire its three sweeping terraces linked by ramps. Then, stand before the Colossi of Memnon, twin statues of King Amenhotep III. This afternoon, relax as we sail through the Esna Lock to Edfu.

Today we’ll ride by horse-drawn carriage to the 2,000-year-old Temple of Horus at Edfu. The second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak, it’s one of the best-preserved from the Greco-Roman era, an impressive glimpse into ancient grandeur. After a brief stop in Kom Ombo, we sail on to Aswan, the traditional homeland of the Nubians. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a festive Gallabiyah party.

Today we fly to Abu Simbel to see the awe-inspiring rock-cut temples of Ramesses II, one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs. Built to assert Egypt’s dominance at its southern border, the temples were later relocated to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Upon returning to Aswan, we’ll visit the dam before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city’s vibrant modern centre.

Board a traditional felucca to sail to El Nabatat (Kitchener) Island and stroll through its lush Botanic Gardens. In the afternoon, take a short boat ride to Agilika Island to explore the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. End the day with a visit to Aswan’s ancient quarry, where the massive 41-metre-long Unfinished Obelisk still lies embedded in the granite.

Cruise to Elephantine Island to experience Nubian culture and learn about local life, history, and traditions. After a guided walk through the community, stop at a school to join a lively class and interact with students. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to explore the well-preserved Roman-style Temple of Sobek, watched over by two black granite statues of Horus. Visit the adjacent museum featuring mummified crocodiles and artefacts dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek. The rest of the day is at leisure.

As we cruise back toward Luxor, take in the scenery along the Nile as we enjoy a fun, hands-on cooking class onboard. Spend the rest of the journey relaxing and enjoying the ship’s amenities. In the evening, experience the dramatic Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple, a walk through the illuminated site with narration about the history and legacy of ancient Egypt. Return to the ship for a final dinner onboard.

After disembarking, we go back to Egypt’s most impressive ancient site, Karnak Temple. Marvel at its vast Hypostyle Hall, Sacred Lake, Temple of Khonsu, and the Chapel of Ramesses III. After lunch, we fly back to Cairo, where our hotel for the remainder of the trip offers a prime location on the banks of the Nile. 

Cairo Marriott Hotel or similar (4 nights)

This day is dedicated to the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza. This impressive complex has captivated travellers for centuries and continues to intrigue archaeologists with its construction. Take in the views and, if you wish, enjoy an optional camel ride. Then, stand before the enigmatic Sphinx, the colossal lion-bodied, human-headed guardian of the plateau. After lunch, enjoy a tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where highlights include the Hanging Obelisk and the towering statue of Ramesses II.

We travel to Saqqara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 30 km south of Cairo. Once the vast burial ground for ancient Memphis, the area is dotted with pyramids, including the iconic Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest known stone structure, and a lesser-known sphinx. On our return to Cairo, we’ll stop at a papyrus workshop to learn about ancient Egyptian calligraphy, try our hand at hieroglyphics, and receive a certificate on papyrus.

We begin with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to over 120,000 relics, including the golden treasures of King Tutankhamun. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Al Azhar Park, a lush green space in Old Cairo offering sweeping city views and a glimpse of the historic Ayyubid Walls built by Salah El Din in the 12th century. This afternoon, walk along El Moez Street to discover medieval Islamic architecture: mosques, schools, and ancient public fountains known as Sabils. End the day exploring Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s largest market, where you can browse endless stalls and test your bargaining skills. Tonight, we gather for a farewell dinner at our hotel.

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our return flights home, bidding farewell to Egypt.