Classica Egypt

Day 1: Cairo:

Welcome to Egypt, where you'll see the great wonders of the ancient world! A true crossroad of many ancient civilizations, Egypt is known today around the world as the land of the pyramids, and the cultural center of the Islamic world. On this journey you will explore Egypt's ancient temples, from the mysterious Sphinx to the inspiring Temple of Abu Simbel.

Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met by your Tour Host who will assist you in obtaining your Visa. Transfer your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure in Cairo.

Named the "Mother of the World", Cairo is a great city by its 25 million inhabitants and contrasts: ancient and modern and is located in Lower Egypt at the southern tip of the Nile Delta. Dinner is on your own.

Cairo:

After Breakfast, Step back in time to the days of ancient Egypt on a private tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx. where your qualified Egyptologist guide will provide a fascinating introduction to each of the three pyramids: Cheops, Kefren and Menkaure.

After visiting the pyramids, you'll continue across the plateau for a photo opportunity of the three pyramids rising from the sands, with the Cairo skyline in the background. After that you will be standing at the feet of the Sphinx, for thousands of years the enigmatic symbol of Egypt.

Your next stop is Sakkara, home of Egypt's oldest pyramid, built in 2650 B.C.Your final stop is Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. Here you will see artifacts from many of the great rulers of Egypt, including the fallen statue of Ramses II. You will also have the chance to visit a Papyrus Institute to see how the famous artwork is made.

Cairo/Luxor:

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor. You will start your tour by visiting one of the highlights of any Egyptian tour, the Valley of the Kings, here we visit the Tomb of Seti, that of Ramses VI. We continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut to see the bas-reliefs, which illustrate her expedition to the land of Punt. Proceeding to the Valley of the Queens, the tombs here are cut less deeply into the rock, with vividly colored wall-painting depicting everyday life rather than the life-after-death that we see in the Kings’ tombs.

Afternoon, we cross to the other side of the Nile visiting Karnak Temple the most celebrated temple in Egypt, by means of a small avenue of sphinxes. Here we shall view the Great Court, the magnificent Hypostyle Hall, Queen Hatshepsut’s granite obelisks and the Sacred Lake guarded by a giant granite scarab. Three kilometers south, we visit the Temple of Luxor built by Amenophis III and his magnificent colonnade with its 14 papyrus headed columns, some fifty feet in height. Dinner and overnight on board

Luxor/Esna:

Early morning. Sailing to Esna. Lunch on board, then sailing to Edfu. PM. Captain's Cocktail. Dinner and

overnight on board.

Edfu/Kom Ombo:

After breakfast, an interesting journey along the Nile to visit the Temple of Edfu, an outstanding example of the true layout of on Egyptian temple, Continuing to Kom Ombo and visit one of Egypt’s most pleasing temples, dedicated to two God, Haroeris and Sobek. Sail to Aswan. At the evening, Oriental Galabia party. Dinner & overnight on board.

Aswan:

Early morning, take a short boat ride to the Temple of Isis in Aswan, one of the finest Ptolemaic temples recently dismantled from the submerged Island of Philae and reconstructed on a nearby island Visiting the high dam and the unfinished obelisk. Dinner & overnight on board.

Aswan/Cairo:

Breakfast. Disembarkation and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Transfer to your hotel in Cairo for overnight. Time at leisure to wonder around and explore this city rich in history.

Cairo:

This morning visits the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the second most frequently visited and certainly one of the most important attractions in Cairo. You will find the fabulous collection of King Tutankhamen and monuments from all periods of Egyptian history, from the pre historic era to the Greco-Roman period.

Cairo:

Departure: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight.