Mystical Egypt

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted by our airport representative, assisted with immigration and customs formalities, then proceed to the Old City for sightseeing

Wander the labyrinthine lanes of Old Cairo, where Christian, Islamic, and Jewish heritage intertwines. Visits to Al Azhar Mosque, Al Husseini Mosque, Al Hakim Mosque and other Mosques in the historic Dar al Ahmar district followed by visit to Al Azhar Park and Khan Khalili Bazaar. Visits to Citadel Coptic Cathedral & Ben Erza Synagogue will only be if time permits

Al-Hussein Mosque also known as the Mosque of Al-Imam al-Husayn is a mosque and Mausoleum of Husayn ibn Ali, originally built in 1154, and then later reconstructed in 1874. Al Hussein Mosque is perhaps best known for the fact that it is home to the world’s oldest complete manuscript of the Quran. It is also believed to house the head of Hussein, the grandson of the prophet Muhammad who was killed by the Umayyads in Iraq in 680.

Al-Azhar Mosque, known in Egypt simply as al-Azhar, is a mosque in Cairo, Egypt in the historic Islamic core of the city. Commissioned as the new capital of the Fatimid Caliphate in 970, it was the first mosque established in a city at the command of Caliph Al Muizz that eventually earned the nickname “the City of a Thousand Minarets”. 

Al-Hakim Mosque, also known as al-Anwar, is a historic mosque in Cairo, Egypt. It is named after Al-Ḥākim bi-Amr Allāh, the 6th Fatimid caliph and 16th Ismāʿīlī Imam. Construction of the mosque was originally started by Caliph Al-ʿAziz, the son of al-Muʿizz and the father of Al-Ḥākim, in 990 CE. The mosque is located at the end of Al-Muizz Street in al-Gamaliya district, near Bab al-Futuh, A 10-15 minute walk from Khan Khalili Market

We will pass by Al-Azhar University, built by the Fatimid Caliph al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah through his commander Jawhar al-Siqilli. It was founded in 970 CE as a mosque to serve as the central grand-mosque for the new city of Cairo. It has an impressive history and is Egypt’s oldest degree-granting university. 

Al-Azhar Park’s history is a remarkable transformation from a 500-year-old garbage dump in Medieval Cairo into a beautiful public green space, conceived in the 1980s and opened in 2005 by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, offering residents stunning views of the Citadel along with fountains and palm trees, a vital urban oasis amidst historic Islamic architecture, symbolizing renewal and care for the city’s heritage.                        

                                  Lunch at Al Azhar Park

        Thereafter, visit to the famous Egyptian Bazaar, Khan El Khalili 

Cairo is home to the Khan El-Khalili Market, which is one of the oldest markets in the world. Here you can find everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and charming souvenirs like papyrus scrolls, crafted lanterns and perfumed oils

Evening 

 Visit to El Sheikh Zayed Urban City to enjoy free time at the openair mall

                                        Overnight Cairo 

Highlights

This morning post breakfast, you will be met by an Egyptologist at your Hotel for a guided tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, the Sphinx as well as the New Egyptian Museum

  A quick visit to Papyrus Institute or a perfume shop can be arranged 

Cairo is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It’s a city that is home to some of the world’s most stunning ancient wonders. For anyone visiting Egypt, Cairo is the place to start your journey. The city is home to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World. These pyramids are over 4,500 years old and are a testament to the incredible achievements of the ancient Egyptians. You can also visit the Sphinx, which is located near the pyramids. The Sphinx is a magnificent statue of a mythical creature with a human head and a lion’s body. The Great Sphinx is believed to have been built around 2500 BC and is one of the most iconic symbols of Egypt. In Cairo, you can also visit the Egyptian Museum, which houses an incredible collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Egyptian history and has been called one of the greatest museums in the world. Cairo is a city that is rich in history, culture, and beauty. It’s a great starting point for anyone who wants to explore the wonders of Egypt.

Evening –        Enjoy Dinner & Show on a Cruise        

                                Overnight Cairo

Highlights

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC as a strategic port city to link Greece with the Nile Valley. Under the Ptolemaic dynasty, it became a major center of Hellenistic culture, commerce, and learning, home to famous landmarks like the Lighthouse and the Library of Alexandria. After being annexed by the Romans, it remained a vital city until its capture by Arab forces in 642 CE

                                           Highlights

      Library of Alexandria , Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay,  Corniche 

The name “Library of Alexandria” refers to two distinct places: the ancient, legendary library that was a center of learning in the ancient world and the modern day Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a contemporary library and cultural center built to commemorate the original. The ancient library, founded around the 3rd century BC, housed a massive collection of papyrus scrolls but was gradually destroyed over centuries by fires, neglect, and conflict. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, opened in 2002, is located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and is a tribute to its predecessor.

The Citadel of Qaitbay is a 15th-century defensive fortress in Alexandria, Egypt, built between 1477 and 1479 by the Mamluk Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay. It was constructed on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, using stones from the lighthouse, and served as a strategic military stronghold to defend Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Today, it is a historic landmark and a popular tourist attraction that houses a small naval museum.  

The Alexandria Corniche is a 10-mile-long waterfront promenade in Alexandria, Egypt, running along the Mediterranean coast. It features a scenic, bustling roadway for cars and a parallel pedestrian walkway for strolling, driving, or running, The Corniche is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy views, street food, and activities. 

              We will enjoy a Boat Ride followed by a Seafood Lunch

                                         Overnight Cairo

Highlights

Check out of Hotel in Cairo 

         Transfer to airport to board flight from Cairo to Aswan 

Upon arrival to Aswan, take a felucca sailing boat ride to visit the AgaKhan Mausoleum and witness the beauty of Aswan. Both the Late Agakhans are buried here in this magnificent Mausoleum, modeled on the Fatimid Tombs

            Check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Throughout the ages, Aswan has served as the gateway to Africa, a hub of trade and commerce due to its strategic location. As a result, this city has been fiercely contested by various empires and cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, and the Copts. In Ancient Egypt’s 18th dynasty, Aswan reigned as the country’s capital, with the remains of many pharaohs entombed within its borders. During the Greco-Roman era, Aswan was referred to as Syene, a renowned center for astronomy positioned on the Tropic of Cancer. The Ottoman period brought Turkish rule and a distinct influence on Aswan’s architecture. This city has also played a crucial role in the trade of precious commodities such as gold, ivory, and spices. In modern times, Aswan continues to thrive, serving as a vital hub for tourism, agriculture, and industry. Despite the ever-changing landscape, Aswan remains an integral part of Egypt’s rich heritage and culture.

Highlights

Aswan

• Check in to the cruise ship and have lunch on board.
• Afternoon tours include the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, & Philae Temple 
• Dinner and overnight stay in Aswan. 

Optional excursion to Abu Simbel. At the break of dawn, you will be transferred to Abu Simbel by road from Aswan. Immerse yourself in the enigmatic complexity of these temples as your guide delves into their history, construction, and relocation. Following the explanation, take some time to wander through the temples at your leisure. Afterwards, you will be transported back to Aswan for lunch on the cruise. 

There will be an opportunity for an Optional excursion to visit the Nubian Village by motor boat after lunch, situated on the western bank of the River Nile. The city of Aswan has a vibrant community of Nubians, who have distinct aspects of culture and lifestyle. By immersing ourselves in one of their humble abodes for a refreshing cup of tea, we can gain intimate insight into their way of life and delve into their rich traditions, language, and history.

Highlights

• Breakfast on board.
• Sail to Kom Ombo and visit the double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder.
• Continue sailing to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus.
• Lunch and dinner are served on board as you sail to Luxor
• Evening – Enjoy a  Galabiya  Party on board

Highlights

• Breakfast on board.
• Enjoy free time on the ship while sailing to Luxor.
• Upon arrival in Luxor, visit the East Bank to explore the massive Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple.
• Dinner and overnight stay on the ship in Luxor. 
• Evening – Enjoy a Horse Carriage ride to the city by night
  
  

Luxor – Exploring the Valley of the Kings and temples of Karnak 

No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to Luxor. Luxor is home to some of the world’s most impressive temples and tombs, and the Valley of the Kings is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Egypt. The Valley of the Kings and Queens is a vast network of tombs that were constructed for the pharaohs and their queens. These tombs are intricately decorated with hieroglyphics, paintings, and sculptures that depict the life of the pharaohs and their journey into the afterlife. When visiting the Valley of the Kings, it is essential to have a guide

Highlights

At dawn break there will be a chance for an Optional tour to fly in a Hot Air Balloon over the West Bank of Luxor, considered the biggest open air archaeological site of the world.

• Breakfast on board.
• Disembark after breakfast.
• Tour the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
• Transfer to Hurghada after deboarding Cruise

              Hurghada – The Capital of the Red Sea

An alluring tourist hotspot, Hurghada City beckons with its breathtaking beaches, crystalline waters, and thriving coral reefs. Its rich past traces back to ancient times, where it served as a pivotal trading hub for centuries. In the present day, it boasts opulent resorts and lavish hotels, attracting globetrotters from around the globe. This vibrant city offers a multitude of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and parasailing. As visitors explore, they can also discover historical gems like the Hurghada Grand Mosque, Church of St. Mary, and remnants of the Roman town Mons Claudianus. From its natural wonders to cultural significance and modern luxuries, Hurghada City shines as a dazzling gem, a must-visit for those in pursuit of the ultimate beach holiday. 

Highlights

Free day by the beach and to enjoy your hotel facilities

            Evening – Visit to Hurghada Marina Boulevard

Hurghada Marina Boulevard is a popular, lively waterfront area in Hurghada, Egypt, known for its restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering a vibrant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. It is a major tourist spot in the city center, perfect for dining, relaxing, and experiencing the city’s nightlife, with options ranging from quiet beachfront bars to bustling clubs. 

Highlights

Free day by the beach and to enjoy your hotel facilities. 

 Optional excursion to Orange bay by cruise could be arranged.

Orange Bay Hurghada, known as the “Egyptian Maldives,” offers white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and a tropical island experience.

Highlights

Post breakfast head to Hurghada airport to board flight to Cairo

Highlights