12 Days Cairo, Lake Nasser & Nile Cruise Tour Luxury Tour Exploring Ancient Egypt.

Today start your epic day by visiting the Giza Plateau, the site of the Great Pyramids of Giza Cheops Mycerinus and Chephren Built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC), it is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Revel in the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them (Extra ticket) then view the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries. After that have your lunch at a local restaurant then Visit Sakkara, located only 27 km southwest away from Cairo. Visit the Step Pyramid at Sakkara (Built for king Zoser), it is considered an important part in the process of the pyramid evolution, which were made from the simple mastaba to its widely known form the Pyramidal shape, this pyramid is considered the first stone construction ever built by the genius Vizir Imhotep. After that Visit Memphis City, the ancient capital of Egypt, where the colossal statue of Ramses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx are. This city dates back to 3100 B.C. see the great statue of King Ramses II the biggest man-made statue made for a king and also visit the Alabaster Statue of Queen Hatshepsut, after that back to your hotel. Overnight at Cairo.

A new day for your tour in Egypt visits the most interesting Egyptian Museum, which features artifacts from the Pharaonic period. The museum displays a rare collection of 5000 years of art which is considered the largest and most precious collection of Egyptian art in the world. Over 120,000 overwhelming artifacts are presented, including gold and jewelry which were enclosed in his tomb for over 3,500 years before it was discovered in the 1920s when his tomb was excavated. After your tour at the Museum, you have your lunch then move to the Coptic Cairo, or as Egyptian call it (Old Cairo) contained within the boundaries of the Roman fortress of Babylon where the Copts built their churches for protection. For three hundred years, from the conversion of Emperor Constantine until the arrival of Islam, Egypt was a Christian nation, and the Coptic church is one of the oldest communions as well as the church that really pioneered austere monasticism in the remote desert. There are still tens of thousands of Copts in Egypt, many of whom live in Old Cairo. Their most famous church is that of El Muallaqa, the Hanging Church, built over one of the gateways into the old fortress, its nave suspended above the passageway. Also in Old Cairo the saints Sergius church, that have The Crypt where the Holy Family took shelter during their flee to Egypt, also there is the synagogue of Ben Ezra. (Under restoration) Once home to many Jewish families, few now remain scattered throughout Cairo. There has been a religious building on this site (initially a church, then a synagogue) since at least the 4th century, and the present synagogue houses a Torah on gazelle skin that dates to the 5th century BC. This whole area is a world-famous destination for Pilgrims, End your day by visiting the old Bazaar of Cairo, Khan el-Khalili is a major souk in the historic center of Islamic Cairo. The bazaar district is one of Cairo's main attractions for tourists and Egyptians alike, enjoy, and after that back to your hotel.

This morning take a short domestic flight to Abu Simbel, possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, built to revere the mighty King Ramses II. Here, you'll board your 5-star cruiser and have lunch on board before embarking on a guided tour of the powerful temples of Abu Simbel. Afternoon tea is served back on the sundeck watching the sunset before watching an Abu Simbel Sound & Light show this evening. Overnight in Aswan.

A modern feat of engineering, the High Dam contains 18 times the amount of material used in the construction of Cheops, the largest pyramid at Giza. The by-product of this awesome construction is Lake Nasser – the world’s largest artificial lake. This morning set sail on Lake Nasser. The first of many hidden gems you'll see is Kasr Ibrim, an ancient Nubian citadel. Information about the site is provided from the ship’s sundeck as entrance to the site is not permitted. En route to Wadi El Seboua, explore the Temple of Amada, the oldest of Lake Nasser's monuments and home to some of the finest and most vibrant reliefs. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, you might wish to enjoy a cocktail or listen to the live music performances in the lounge bar onboard.

This morning explore the temple of Wadi El Seboua, which was dedicated by Ramses II to the two Gods Amon Ra and Ra Harmakis. The temple features a sphinx-lined avenue and was once converted to a church by early Christians. Returning to your ship, relax as you glide through the water, crossing the Tropic of Cancer, bound for the Nubian city of Aswan.

Lake Nasser – Aswan. Early this morning stop to visit the Temple of Kalabsha. Originally built in 30 BC and dedicated to the Nubian sun god Mandulis, it was moved in 1970 to its current location due to rising water levels. Reaching Aswan, disembark and later today enjoy a trip to the mighty High Dam and Philae Temple. Philae was originally the site of an ancient temple complex that had to be dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island, after flooding caused by the High Dam project. Overnight in Aswan on your Nile Cruise.

From Aswan to Luxor. Travel north to Luxor today, stopping en route to visit the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-headed god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus.

Start day 8 with a visit to Karnak Temple, a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods. Our next stop is Luxor Temple – built by Pharaoh Amenophis III.

On day 9 tour the famous Valley of the Kings, where you can explore the myriad of tombs. Then visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, often considered one of the impressive architectural achievements of the ancient world. End your touring today with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two huge statues of Amenhotep II. Overnight in Luxor Hotel

From Luxor to Cairo. Fy back to Cairo today. You'll have some free time for a spot of last-minute souvenir shopping or perhaps consider a city tour of old Islamic Cairo.

Depart very early in the morning for return flights. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future.