Egypt: Jewels Along the Nile

• = Cruise Day Flying to Tauck’s Egypt Most international flights arrive in Egypt between 3:00 PM and 11:00 PM local time; to ease the effects of jet lag, you may want to consider traveling to Egypt a day early. Tauck can book your transatlantic flights for travel originating in the United States, and arrange accommodations in Cairo for the night before your tour begins, giving you time to rest and relax. Ask for details upon booking. 1. Arrive Cairo Tour begins: Mena House Oberoi. Warm greetings welcome you to Egypt from the moment of arrival! A transfer is included from Cairo International Airport to Mena House Oberoi. Your Cairo hotel is a sumptuous former royal hunting lodge in the shadow of the Pyramids, featuring unparalleled views of these ancient wonders. 2. Pyramids of Giza / Sphinx / Solar Boat Meet our local Egyptologist this morning before you embark on the first of many exciting personally guided excursions to Egypt’s iconic antiquities. Today’s explorations include a visit to the Solar Boat Museum to view a 4,500-year-old cedarwood boat and time at Giza, home to the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Climb atop a camel for a memorable ride* at the Pyramids! Join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight. Meals BLD 3. Ancient Memphis / Sakkara / Dahshur Journey to ancient Memphis today, the first capital of the “Old Kingdom” of Upper and Lower Egypt. Ruins here include the imposing statue of Ramesses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. Learn about the progressive development of pyramid design on visits to nearby Sakkara and the Royal Tombs of Dahshur where you will see the Step Pyramid of Djoser and explore the Teti Pyramid. As a Tauck Exclusive, you’ll be able to go inside the bench-like private tomb of one of the site’s early mastabas. Meals BL 4. Fly to Luxor / Temple of Karnak Fly aboard our charter flight to Luxor; site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, it’s truly one of the world’s most extraordinary “open-air” museums. Join our expert Egyptologist for a tour of the Temple of Karnak with its Great Hypostyle Hall. View the treasures of Upper Egypt on a guided visit to the Luxor Museum. A sunset cocktail cruise aboard a traditional felucca is followed by an à la carte dinner at a choice of restaurants in Tauck’s hotel, where your room overlooks the Nile. Meals BLD • 5. Valley of the Kings / Embark Nile Adventurer View Queen Hatshepsut’s temple as you travel to the secluded Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank this morning, site of over 60 pharaohs’ tombs. Tauck’s Egyptologist will enrich your tour of Medinet Habu and the Valley of the Queens. Settle into your cabin on the Nile Adventurer this afternoon, then join us on a private horse-drawn carriage for a visit to the temple complex at Luxor, all lit up for a memorable evening visit. Your welcome dinner aboard ship tonight features belly dancers and entertainment. Meals BLD • 6. Cruise to Esna Nile Adventurer sets off early from Luxor to spend an exciting day cruising the Nile. Glimpse life along the ancient riverbanks as the ship makes its way to Esna; there you’ll visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum, built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, private galley tour and afternoon tea aboard ship this afternoon. Join your Captain tonight at a reception that entices with Egyptian wine and local beer. Meals BLD • 7. Edfu / Egyptian Evening Spend the morning cruising along the Nile to Edfu. An afternoon excursion to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, reveals a treasure trove of mythology and history on its detailed walls. A very special evening of entertainment and dancing aboard ship is made even more memorable when you don local attire. Meals BLD • 8. Kom Ombo / Aswan / Philae Temple Walk to the Temple of Kom Ombo and its unusual double temples this morning; in spite of the ravages of time and man, its beauty remains undisturbed. Your cruise continues to Aswan, where a private motorboat ferries you to Agilka Island to see the Temple of Isis at Philae and the granite quarries used by ancient Egyptians to build their temples and pyramids. Join us for a gala Captain’s farewell dinner aboard ship, served by white-gloved waiters. Meals BLD 9. Disembark Ship / Abu Simbel / Cairo Disembark ship in Aswan before traveling to Abu Simbel. Here, in what was once the land of Nubia, you’ll be awed by the colossal Temple of Ramesses II, carved out of the solid rock face of a sandstone cliff, and the Temple of Queen Nefertari. Return to Cairo via a charter flight for a three-night stay in an ideally located, city-center hotel – stunning views of the Nile await from your room’s balcony. Meals BLD 10. Egyptian Museum / King Tut Treasures The ancient artifacts you’ll see on display at Cairo’s Egyptian Museum tell the story of nearly 5,000 years of human history in Egypt, including many of the treasures found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Tonight, enjoy a spectacular sound and light show set against the inspiring backdrop of the Pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza. Meals B 11. Exploring Cairo, Past and Present Start your day at a lecture given by a professor of modern Egyptian history, before exploring Old Cairo on a walking tour. Sights include Ben Ezra Synagogue, Roman ruins, the Coptic Christian Church of St. Sergius, 7th-century Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque and King Farouk’s tomb in the Al-Rifai Mosque. Join us for a farewell dinner tonight. Meals BLD 12. Journey Home Tour ends: Cairo. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your hotel to Cairo International Airport; allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

 

•   4-night Nile River cruise aboard the Nile Adventurer, with shore excursions to Egypts must-see sites

Day 1: Welcome to Cairo
A transfer is included from Cairo International Airport to your hotel, a sumptuous former royal hunting lodge. Your room looks out on to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Since most international flights arrive between 3:00 and 11:00 PM local time, you might want to consider traveling to Egypt a day early and arrange a pre-stay in Cairo to ease the effects of jet lag before the first day of sightseeing on your Egypt tour begins.
Overnight: Mena House Oberoi, Cairo, Egypt
Meals Included: A snack in your hotel room upon late arrival

Day 2: The Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, and a camel ride
A visit to the Pyramids is on every world-traveler's must-see list, and is an iconic image of your Egypt tour. After meeting Tauck's local Egyptologist this morning, visit the Solar Boat Museum, whose main attraction is an ancient Egyptian cedarwood boat dating back 4,500 years. At Giza, see the Sphinx guarding the plateau, as it has for the same 4,500 years. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), a crowning architectural achievement. Cap the day with a camel ride* at the Pyramids. Attend a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening.
Overnight: Mena House Oberoi, Cairo, Egypt
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Pyramids galore in Memphis, Sakkara and Dahshur
Travel to the site of ancient Egypt's first capital, Memphis, for a look at some of Egypt's oldest antiquities; you'll see the Alabaster Sphinx and an imposing statue of Ramesses II. In Sakkara, visit the Teti Pyramid, and view the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's first monumental structure built of stone. Continue off-the-beaten-path to the less-often visited necropolis at Dahshur for a look at the numerous pyramids and temples there, including a Tauck Exclusive – entry into the private tomb of one of the early mastabas at the site.
Overnight: Mena House Oberoi, Cairo, Egypt
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 4: Luxor, the Temple of Karnak and a felucca cruise
Take a private charter flight to Luxor, site of ancient Thebes, where your Egypt tour continues at the vast Temple of Karnak, built over a span of 1,300 years and one of the world’s largest temple complexes; explore it with our expert Egyptologist. Next up is a guided visit to the Luxor Museum, displaying rich archeological finds from the temples and tombs of Upper Egypt. Later, enjoy a sunset cocktail cruise on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, followed by dinner at a choice of restaurants at your hotel – where your room overlooks Egypt's timeless river!
Overnight: Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor, Egypt
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: • Valleys of the Kings & Queens, Luxor & your cruise
On a major highlight of your Egypt tour, visit the Valley of the Kings, where at least 62 ornately decorated tombs for the pharaohs were hidden. Our Egyptologist accompanies your exploration of the Valley of the Queens, revealing 80 tombs of royal family members; see Medinet Habu. Board the Nile Adventurer for the start of your 4-night cruise along the Nile. After settling into your cabin, go ashore and ride a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Luxor – noted for its avenue of sphinxes, grand colonnades, and colossal statues of Ramesses II – for a spectacular evening visit. Join us for a welcome dinner featuring belly dancers and entertainment back aboard the ship tonight.
Overnight: Aboard Nile Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: • A day on the Nile and a visit to Esna
Spend a day cruising the Nile, glimpsing life along the ancient river's banks. Arrive in Esna for visits to its Greco-Roman antiquities including the Temple of Khnum, constructed during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Back aboard ship, a cooking demonstration, private galley tour and afternoon tea await. This evening, enjoy Egyptian wine and local beer at the Captain's welcome reception aboard the Nile Adventurer.
Overnight: Aboard Nile Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: • Cruising to Edfu and celebrating Egyptian culture
Continue your Egypt tour with another day on the amazing River Nile. After a morning at leisure aboard ship, you'll travel to Edfu for visits to the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus and the ancient stone quarries nearby. Join your shipmates tonight for a special evening featuring traditional Egyptian dress, cuisine, dancing and entertainment.
Overnight: Aboard Nile Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: • Kom Ombo, Aswan and a shipboard farewell
Discoveries abound on the last day of your unforgettable Nile cruise, as your Egypt tour takes you to see the unusual double temples of Kom Ombo, then on to Aswan for a motorboat ferry ride to the Philae Temple on Agilka Island; dedicated to Isis, it was moved to its present location to save it from the rising waters caused by the building of the new Aswan Dam. You'll also see the Unfinished Obelisk, still in the quarry where its carving was begun thousands of years ago. Tonight, the Captain and crew of Nile Adventurer bid you farewell at a gala dinner served by white-gloved waiters.
Overnight: Aboard Nile Adventurer
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Across the desert to Abu Simbel and a flight to Cairo
After disembarking Nile Adventurer in Aswan, set out across a corner of the Sahara Desert for Abu Simbel, in what was once the ancient kingdom of Nubia. Marvel at the Great Temple honoring Ramesses II – carved out of a cliff, with four 67-foot-high seated statues of the pharaoh at the entrance – and the adjacent Temple of Hathor, dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertari. Fly to Cairo by private charter for a three-night stay at your hotel in the city's heart; enjoy stunning Nile views from the balcony of your room.
Overnight: Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, Egypt
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Egyptian Museum and the "Boy King's" treasures
Explore the Egyptian Museum’s world-renowned collection of antiquities, many 5,000 years old, for yet another memorable experience on Tauck's Egypt tour. Behold treasures found in the tomb of the "Boy King," Tutankhamun, including his golden funeral mask, solid gold coffin, carved throne, and jewelry. "Meet" ancient rulers, including the mighty Ramesses II, face-to-face in the Royal Mummy Room. This evening's elaborate sound and light show at the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza is a spectacular way to end an unforgettable day.
Overnight: Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, Egypt
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Discovering Old Cairo
A lecture by a professor of modern Egyptian history kicks off your day, followed by a walking tour of Old Cairo that visits the Church of St. Sergius, a 5th-century Coptic Christian Church; Ben Ezra Synagogue, built in 882; and the Amr ibn al-As Mosque, the first mosque on the continent of Africa; and the tomb of 20th-century Egyptian ruler King Farouk. Be sure to join us for a special farewell dinner tonight to share the amazing memories you've created with your fellow travelers as your extraordinary Egypt tour concludes.
Overnight: Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, Egypt
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12: Bound for home
Tour ends at Cairo. A transfer is included from the Semiramis InterContinental Cairo to Cairo International Airport; allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Don't miss our current specials: Special Air Savings - Learn More Hurry! Air Savings End March 26! Special International Air Savings – Europe Book and deposit summertime departures of the following Tauck journeys to Europe by March 26, 2010 and save $2,000 per couple off Business Class Air ($1,000 off per person) from select U.S. cities. Savings are valid for travel between June 29 and September 5, 2010, subject to availability: •Treasures of the Aegean – 14 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Wind Star / Wind Spirit •Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome – 11 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Le Ponant •Switzerland – 11 days featuring travel along Tauck’s scenic Yellow Roads •Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence & Rome – 10 days in Italy with all multiple-night stays •Paradors of Northern Spain – 14 days exploring culturally rich Iberia •The Best of Ireland – 13 days featuring iconic cultural treasures of the Emerald Isle •A Week In… Ireland – 8 days with a 2-night stay at Dromoland Castle •A Week In… Spain – 8 days from Barcelona to Andalucía, Seville and Madrid •A Week In… Scotland – 8 days with 2- and 3-night stays in Loch Lomond, Inverness & Edinburgh •Spain and Portugal – 14 days of Iberian pleasures and culinary treasures •Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley – 13 days showcasing joie de vivre •A Week In… London & Paris – 4 nights at a grand hotel in London and 3 nights in Paree •Castles & Kings: London to Paris – An 8-day family vacation alive with royal traditions Deposit must be paid at time of booking and certain restrictions apply. Valid on new bookings only and not combinable with other promotions; ask for details. Tauck Tour Deals Traveling with a group of friends or family can add to the joy of any journey. Book a group of 10 on any Tauck land journey or cruise and the 11th guest travels FREE. Book a group of 8 on any Tauck Bridges family adventure and the 9th guest travels FREE Tauck Single Specials For those seeking singles tours, we are pleased to offer special values on select departures to our guests who choose to travel solo. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are among like-minded travelers and will have all the day-to-day details handled for you! While everyone is welcome, on these select dates we offer special arrangements to those traveling solo at a reduced cost. Tauck Single Specials in North America Best of the Canadian Rockies Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island Charleston/Savannah Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia San Fransisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys Tauck Single Specials in Europe A Week in Ireland A Week in Spain Mediterranean Discovery Istanbul and the Black Sea Treasure of the Mediterranean Cruising Mediterranean Shores The Blue Danube Holland Belgium in Spring Strasbourg to Prague Serenade The Rhine and Moselle Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat Budapest to the Black Sea Classic Italy Bellissima Northern Italy Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence and Rome A Week in Paris and Provence Tauck Singles Specials in Latin America Panama Canal & Costa Rica
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/18/2010 - 3/30/2010	$5,390
4/1/2010 - 4/13/2010	$5,390
9/16/2010 - 9/28/2010	$5,390
9/30/2010 - 10/12/2010	$5,390
10/21/2010 - 11/2/2010	$5,390
11/25/2010 - 12/7/2010	$5,390
12/9/2010 - 12/21/2010	$5,390
12/23/2010 - 1/4/2011	$5,790
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Special Air Savings - Learn More

Tauck Tour Deals

Tauck Single Specials

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