DAY 1: ARRIVE CAIRO, EGYPT
Arrive in Cairo, where you are met by your A&K representative and transferred to your historic hotel ideally situated near the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World — the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Marriott Mena House Hotel
DAY 2: CAIRO | ANCIENT TREASURES
This morning, join your expert A&K Egyptologist for an exploration of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (or the Grand Egyptian Museum, upon its opening) to view its huge collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Tonight, gather with your fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Marriott Mena House Hotel | Meals: BLD
DAY 3: GIZA | THE PYRAMIDS & SPHINX
Today, roam the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren as well as the Great Pyramid, built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC). Revel in the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them. View the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries.
Marriott Mena House Hotel | Meals: BLD
DAY 4: LUXOR | TEMPLE OF LUXOR & KARNAK
Fly to Luxor, site of the ancient city of Thebes. Begin your full day of exploring by visiting the striking Temple of Luxor. View the three large statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple pylons, the Courtyard of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 15-metre-high columns. Walk in their shadows, as visitors have done since antiquity, and ponder the astonishing feats of engineering it took to create them. Then, step aboard ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ an elegant river cruiser renowned for the warmth and attentiveness of its service staff. Enjoy lunch on board before disembarking to explore the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, strolling among its expertly aligned columns, which soar 25 metres high.
‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ | Meals: BLD
DAY 5: CRUISING THE NILE | VALLEY OF THE KINGS & QUEENS
Journey to the west bank of the Nile River and the Necropolis of Thebes and view the Colossi of Memnon. Continue to the architecturally stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh and regarded today as one of its most successful. Carry on to the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a period of 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, tombs were built along this valley for pharaohs and nobles, including that of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamun — found in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter — to discover the secrets of this storied chamber. Next, descend into the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the valley. Continue to the Valley of the Queens, enjoying access to Queen Nefertari’s tomb, famous for the colourful artwork that adorns its walls. Back on board, learn to prepare local dishes during a Chef’s Table experience: a cooking lesson with an onboard chef.
‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ | Meals: BLD
