Today, arrive in Cairo, a modern megalopolis with an intriguing past.

This morning, get a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties during a visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.* Be prepared for a dose of Cairo’s legendary traffic as you head to Giza. Fulfill a lifelong dream as you encounter the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and marvel at the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and gather for a welcome dinner this evening.

Depart your hotel before dawn** for your flight to Luxor. Pause for a visit to the expansive Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions. Then, board your cruise ship for your 7-night voyage on the Nile River. After lunch on board, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to get familiarized with the ship. This evening, take in the views from the sundeck before joining your fellow travelers for your first dinner aboard.

Venture thousands of years into the past. As the sun rises, cross 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. Return to the ship for a late lunch and settle in for views of the fertile banks of the Nile as you sail upstream towards Kom Ombo, where you’ll arrive tomorrow afternoon.

Linger over a relaxed breakfast and a lazy morning on board. Take in glimpses of the small farms that dot the Nile’s banks, appreciating the simple, modest livings of local farmers. In a place where daily life has changed little over the centuries, stay on the lookout for water buffaloes and other farm animals dotting the landscape. Later this morning, engage in an informative talk covering Egypt from past to present. After lunch, dock in Kom Ombo and explore its unique double temple. Return to the ship bound for Aswan, the Nubian City. This afternoon, enjoy a culinary demonstration and learn about the staples of Egyptian cuisine from your chef. Later on after dinner, dress up and join the fun during a traditional galabeya party.

Consider a full-day optional tour to Abu Simbel**** to visit the extraordinary temples of Ramses II, saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser during the construction of the High Dam. If you decide to sleep in, enjoy a day at leisure to explore Aswan. Perhaps you’ll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum or stroll along the Corniche, Aswan’s waterfront promenade.

This morning, hop on a motorboat for a ride to the sanctuary island dedicated to the goddess Isis. Philae Temple is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the building of the High Dam. Then, gain a different perspective on the epic construction of the dam during an up-close visit of the area, before returning to your ship for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you’ll wander the local stores or search for spices in the local market, before regrouping for dinner aboard.

This morning, board a felucca (wooden sailboat) for a scenic sailing. As your time in Aswan draws to a close, take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile. Your ship sets sail once again after lunch for a relaxing afternoon heading downstream towards Edfu.

Beat the heat with an early morning visit to the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Peruse the endless carvings of scenes depicting the power and grandeur of the pharaohs. Return to the ship for your last stretch of sailing, docking in Luxor mid-afternoon. Upon arrival, visit the city’s homonymous temple and walk among the mysterious human-headed sphinxes lining the ancient processional road to Karnak. After dinner on board, it’s your choice! Linger aboard the ship -OR- join your guide for some time at the local souk (market), ending at a traditional café for a taste of mint tea.

Early this morning,***** return to Cairo. Head towards the old town to enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous bazaar of Khan el-Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon, where this evening, you’ll join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Your adventure in Egypt ends today. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land.