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 to check in and enjoy dinner together.

Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino (3 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 Mouallaqa (Hanging) Church. The afternoon is at leisure, followed by a Nile River cruise with dinner and live entertainment. 

Sakkara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 30 km south of Cairo, served as the burial ground for the ancient city of Memphis, now in ruins. Today we will discover various pyramids scattered across the countryside, including the famous stepped pyramid of Djoser, the oldest known stone building, and a small sphinx. On the way back to Cairo, we will visit a papyrus workshop to learn about the pharaohs’ calligraphy where you can write your name in hieroglyphics, and receive a certificate on papyrus paper.

We will take a short morning flight 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.  

MS Concerto II or similar (7 nights) 

At dawn, you may opt for a hot air balloon ride over the world’s largest open-air museum ($125 USD per person, conditions permitting, price subject to change). 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.    

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 some time at leisure to explore the city’s vibrant modern centre.

Board a traditional felucca to sail to El Nabatat (Kitchener’s 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. 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 and teachers. Following a traditional lunch in a Nubian home, we 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 artifacts 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 day relaxing and enjoying the ship’s amenities. Once settled in Luxor, we will take a horse-drawn carriage along the Corniche to the central market. In the evening, witness a captivating Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple.
 

Explore Egypt’s most impressive ancient site, Karnak Temple, marveling at its Hypostyle Hall, Sacred Lake, Temple of Khonsu, and Chapel of Ramesses III. After lunch on board, we will fly back north to Cairo. Our hotel for the remainder of our time in Egypt is ideally located on the shores of the Nile.

Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino (3 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, opt for 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.  

This day is dedicated to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to over 120,000 relics, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Al Azhar Park, located in Old Cairo, with its lush gardens and panoramic city views. The park also features a section of the Ayyubid City Walls, built by Salah El Din between 1176 and 1183 AD. After lunch, we proceed to El Moez Street for a walk through old Cairo to discover the best Islamic medieval treasures, including traditional schools, mosques, and Sabil (ancient public drinking places for both people and horses). Afterwards, visit Cairo's largest market, the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, popular among tourists and Egyptians alike, offering an incredible variety of goods. Stroll through the narrow alleys and practice your bargaining skills. This evening, we will have a special farewell dinner at our hotel.                 
 

We transfer to the airport this morning for flights back to our homes across Canada, bidding farewell to Egypt.