I have had many suggestions for this "bucket list" trip, so here it is. I studied Egyptology in college, so I can hardly wait!
Treasures of Egypt January 12-23, 2023 • 12 Days https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1107489
Cairo, Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor, Temple of Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Deluxe 4-Night Nile River Cruise, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Philae Temple Sound & Light Show, Historic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Giza, Pyramids, Sphinx, Choice on Tour
[Yes, the dates have changed! We decided the weather would be too hot for an April 20 - May 1 trip. Instead, January!)
Day 1 January 12, 2023: Overnight Flight
Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend, and lore as you walk amongst Egypt’s timeless wonders.
Day 2 January 13, 2023: Cairo, Egypt - Tour Begins
Begin your journey in Cairo, an ancient city with an intriguing past.
Day 3 January 14, 2023: Cairo - Grand Egyptian Museum - Cairo Get an intriguing glimpse into ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties before exploring the remarkable collections of the Grand Egyptian Museum.* See the statues, reliefs, sarcophagi, and treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner overlooking the banks of the Nile.
Day 4. January 15, 2023: Cairo - Optional Excursion The day is yours to experience the energy of Cairo’s buzzing streets. Wander a maze of stalls at the market, relax at a local café, or maybe even spend time in one of the city’s many museums. Perhaps you will join a full-day exploration of Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city; you’ll discover the city’s Hellenic roots and Greco-Roman architecture, set in unique harmony with ultramodern facades like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Or you may choose to join a local guide for a tour of Sakkara and Djoser’s Step Pyramid.
Day 5 January 16, 2023: Cairo - Luxor - Karnak Temple - Board Cruise Ship
Early this morning, fly to Luxor, site of Ancient Thebes (UNESCO) and home to the expansive Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions. This afternoon, board your cruise ship for a leisurely voyage on the Nile River. Relax aboard, taking in the views from the sundeck or perhaps joining an informative talk covering Egypt from past to present. Tonight you might opt to join an evening visit to Luxor temple, all lit up and boasting fascinating plays of light and shadow, ending your evening at a local café for a taste of mint tea.
Day 6 January 17, 2023: Luxor - Valley of the Kings - Luxor - Esna - Edfu
Start the morning by venturing thousands of years into the past. Cross over to the West Bank of the Nile for a day in ancient Thebes. Explore the Valley of the Kings, including the world-renowned tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for lunch. Relax as you continue down the Nile towards Esna on your way to Edfu. Join a culinary demonstration and learn about the staples of Egyptian cuisine from your chef. This evening, dress up and join the fun during a traditional galabeya party.
Day 7 January 18, 2023: Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan
Step into another world at the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Peruse the endless carvings of scenes depicting the power and grandeur of the pharaohs. After lunch, set sail for Kom Ombo and continue to Aswan, the Nubian City. Following dinner, enjoy a folklore show featuring a belly dancing performance.
Day 8 January 19, 2023: Aswan Learn about Aswan’s ancient trade of granite extraction and carving techniques during a visit to an unfinished obelisk. Board a felucca (wooden sailboat) and sail to the lush oasis of Kitchener Island where you embark on a short stroll through the botanical gardens. The afternoon is yours.
Day 9 January 20, 2023: Aswan - Disembark Cruise Ship - Philae Temple
Disembark the ship this morning in Aswan. Consider an optional tour to Abu Simbel** and see the extraordinary temples of Ramses II relocated here during the construction of the High Dam. At dusk, board a motorboat to discover the Philae Temple (UNESCO), an architectural wonder. As the stars dance in the sky, gaze in awe at the temple during a Sound and Light Show.
Day 10 January 21, 2023: Aswan - Cairo - Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Early this morning, return to Cairo. Walk along el-Moez Street, admiring the elegant Islamic architecture of Historic Cairo (UNESCO). Enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous souk of Khan el Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more.
Day 11 January 22, 2023: Cairo - Giza - Cairo
Fulfill a lifelong dream and head to nearby Giza (UNESCO). Embark on an in-depth visit to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the iconic Great Sphinx, one of the world’s oldest and largest monuments. Then, it’s your choice! Meet with a local archeologist to learn about the most recent findings in Egyptology and how they influence the active digs on the Giza plateau -OR- channel your inner explorer and venture inside the largest Pyramid of Giza via the Robber’s Tunnel, winding through the inner chamber***. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner.
Day 12 January 23, 2023: Cairo - Tour Ends Your epic adventure comes to a close today. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land.
4 Day 3-Night Jordan: Petra & the Dead Sea Post Tour Extension Day 13 Fly to Amman,* the capital of Jordan. Travel to Madaba, the “City of Mosaics.” Visit the church of St. George to see the famous 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the region, one of the oldest in existence, and the museum where many other spectacular mosaic examples are on display. You will also visit Mt. Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land – present day Israel – and is believed to be laid to rest. Continue to the ancient city of Petra for a 2-night stay. This evening, experience the flavors of the region during dinner at a local restaurant. Day 14 Petra Enjoy a full day tour of the remarkable stone-carved city of Petra (UNESCO), one of the new Wonders of the World. A treasure of the ancient world, Petra was “hidden” behind rugged mountains prior to its discovery in 1812 after being lost for over 500 years. Explore this breathtaking city, carved from sandstone by the Nabataeans, with an expert guide and learn about the importance of Petra to the ancient trade routes, the history of its prominence and decline, its rediscovery, and efforts at preservation.
