DAY 1: Arrival Cairo
- Ahlan wa sahlan Welcome to Cairo, Egypt&rsquos capital and the &lsquoCity of a Thousand Minarets&rsquo. After arriving at Cairo International Airport (CAI), make your own way to the five-star Fairmont Nile City on the banks of the Nile, with views of the pyramids in the distance.
- Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure before a welcome dinner with your tour group, including a complimentary glass of wine or beer.
- Meal: Dinner
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DAY 2: Cairo - Egyptian Pyramids
- Today, explore the Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World.
- Built over 4,500 years ago as tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, these massive structures required millions of blocks to complete. Nearby, visit the Sphinx, the guardian of the pyramids, and see the Dream Stele, which tells the story of a prince promised kingship if he cleared the sand from the statue.
- Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge, with views over Giza&rsquos many landmark structures. Continue to the necropolis of Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser, the world&rsquos first freestanding stone structure. Conclude the day&rsquos adventures in Memphis, Egypt&rsquos ancient capital, once a hub of trade and culture.
- Return to Cairo for an evening at leisure.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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DAY 3: Nile River Cruise - The Grand Egyptian Museum - Al Muizz Street - Khan El Khalili
- After a buffet breakfast, meet your guide for a day of discovery in Cairo.
- Begin at the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of ancient artefacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun&rsquos tomb. Learn about Egypt&rsquos history, architecture and language as you explore one of the largest museum complexes in the world.
- After lunch at Al-Azhar Park, visit Al-Muizz Street in Cairo&rsquos Old Town, lined with Islamic monuments dating back centuries. End the day at Khan el-Khalili, a bazaar dating back over 1,000 years, where you can browse countless shops.
- Return to your hotel for the evening spent as you please.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 4: Cairo - Flight to Luxor - Nile River Cruise
- Start your day with breakfast before heading to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your flight to Luxor (LXR), formerly known as Thebes. Often described as the world&rsquos largest open-air museum, Luxor is your gateway to the Nile.
- On arrival, explore the Karnak Temple Complex and the Temple of Amun-Re, connected by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Board your Nile River cruise and enjoy lunch onboard. Later, visit the well-preserved Luxor Temple, illuminated at night. End the evening relaxing in your cabin or stargazing on deck as your vessel sets sail.
- Meals: Brakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 5: Nile River Cruise
- Today, explore Luxor&rsquos West Bank and visit the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of Tutankhamun, Ramses VI and Seti I. These intricately designed burial sites have captivated archaeologists for over a century.
- Next, admire the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set low against towering cliffs, and pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, built to depict King Amenhotep III and rumoured to sing at dawn.
- Return to your cruise for lunch as you continue sailing to your next destination.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 6: Nile River Cruise -Edfu - Kom Ombo Temple - Aswan
- After breakfast, visit the Temple of Edfu &ndash Egypt&rsquos largest and best-preserved Pharaonic temple dedicated to Horus, the sun god &ndash offering a glimpse into Hellenistic Egypt.
- Next, head to the ancient agricultural settlement of Kom Ombo, where you&rsquoll find a unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Haroeris, the falcon god of the sky. Wonder at the detailed inscriptions throughout the remains before returning to your cruise to relax for the rest of the evening.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 7: Cruise - Aswan High Dam - Philae Temple
- After breakfast onboard, set out to explore Aswan, starting with the Aswan High Dam, built with UNESCO support to protect ancient monuments in danger of flooding. Visit the island of Agilika for a glimpse at historic sites that were relocated during the construction of the nearby dam.
- See the Unfinished Obelisk and learn about its abandoned fate, then wander through the Philae Temple Complex to the Temple of Isis. After lunch onboard, enjoy the afternoon at leisure or join an optional tour to explore more of the surrounding area.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 8: Nile River Cruise - Aswan - FLight to Cairo
- After breakfast, relax on deck or choose to join an optional visit to remote Abu Simbel.
- Then, take your included flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your five-star stay at the edge of the Nile. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 9: Cairo - Departure
- Bid farewell to Egypt as you check out and make your own way to Cairo International Airport (CAI).
- Meal: Breakfast
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