Expedition Details
Step into a world of mighty pharaohs and deities on a journey dedicated to the wonders of ancient Egypt. Explore legendary monuments from the Pyramids at Gîza to the colossal statues of Abu Simbel, and discover bustling Cairo. Then set sail on the elegant M.S. Sun Boat IV, and view the magnificent temples and traditional villages that line the banks of the Nile.
Trip Highlights
- Discover the history and mythology behind celebrated temples and monuments with our expert Egyptologist.
- Attend a private lecture by Dr. Zahi Hawass,* a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
- By special arrangement, gain access to some of Egypt's recent archaeological finds and ongoing excavations.
- Sail down the Nile on board a traditional felucca.
Itinerary - 11 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Cairo, Egypt
Depart on an overnight flight and arrive in Cairo the next evening.
Conrad Cairo Hotel
Day 3 — Cairo
Spend the morning at the Egyptian Museum. Its collection of artifacts dates back to 4000 B.C. and includes the treasures of the tomb of Tutankhamun and the Royal Mummies Room. Then discover the graceful architecture of Islamic Cairo's historic mosques. After lunch, explore the bazaar of Khan El Khalili, alive with the timeless sounds and excitement of bargaining and trade. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Conrad Cairo Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Cairo
Attend a private talk by Dr. Zahi Hawass,* a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Then visit Gîza to behold one of the world's most spectacular sights: the Pyramids. Face the imposing Sphinx, and see the reassembled funerary boat of King Cheops at the Solar Boat Museum. On a private tour of the latest discoveries, gain special access to the excavations at the workmen's tombs. Ride a camel past Gîza's ancient monuments before returning to Cairo for an evening at leisure.
Conrad Cairo Hotel (B,L)
Day 5 — Cairo
Travel to the ancient capital of Memphis to see the superb statue of Ramses II. Just outside the city, stop at the Step Pyramid built by King Djoser in 2700 B.C. and the lesser known Pyramids of Dahshûr.
Conrad Cairo Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswân
Fly to Abu Simbel to encounter the breathtaking Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses II's favorite wife, Nefertari. Afterward, transfer to the airport for the flight to Aswân, where we'll embark on the Sun Boat IV, our home for the next three nights. After lunch onboard, visit the Aswân High Dam. Later, at the "unfinished obelisk," learn about the fascinating engineering feats the ancient Egyptians accomplished to create these huge monuments.
M.S. Sun Boat IV (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Aswân/Kôm Ombo/Idfu/Luxor
Take a short motorboat ride to the island of Agilika this morning to explore the majestic Philae Temple. Cruise to Kôm Ombo and venture into the beautiful Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god. Return to the boat and journey north, admiring scenes of everyday life along the banks of the Nile River. In the afternoon, visit the evocative Temple of Horus in Idfu. Continue to Luxor and dock for the night.
M.S. Sun Boat IV (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Luxor
With its vast array of ancient temples and monuments, Luxor is often called the world's greatest open-air museum. Discover the sites of the west bank of the Nile today. Stop at the fabled Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh. At the Valley of the Kings, step from a sun-drenched landscape into the dark silence of the tombs. Following lunch, wander among the massive pillars of the Temple of Amun at Karnak, and as dusk falls, visit the Temple of Luxor. Return to the Sun Boat IV for dinner.
M.S. Sun Boat IV (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Luxor
This morning, explore the Ramesseum, Ramses II's mortuary temple. If you choose, ride a horse-drawn carriage ride to the new Luxor Museum and examine its beautifully presented artifacts. Attend a talk by the director of Luxor's antiquities about the new findings along the Nile. Weather permitting, board a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, for a sail along the Nile. Tonight, experience the mystique of Karnak at a sound-and-light show.
Sonesta St. George Hotel (B,L)
Day 10 — Luxor/Cairo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy a relaxing lunch. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore more of Cairo. Tonight, experience true Egyptian hospitality at a farewell dinner at a private Egyptian home.
Conrad Cairo Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 11 — Cairo/U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your return flight.
(B)
Optional Extension
- Petra, Jordan - Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days
Related Trip
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Akram Allam
Recognized as a leading scholar of ancient Egyptian history, "Aki" Allam has been a licensed Egyptologist for more than 15 years. Born in Cairo, he received a university degree with a specialty in ancient Egyptian history. Aki is an entertaining and enthusiastic teacher who has guided National Geographic travelers through Egypt for many years and enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge of and insights on his native land.
Akram will join the following departures:
Oct 04 - 14, 2009 • Oct 18 - 28, 2009Nov 29 - Dec 09, 2009 • Dec 06 - 16, 2009
Dec 27, 2009 - Jan 06, 2010 • More »
Expedition Dates 
* In the event that Dr. Hawass is unavailable, one of his colleagues will join us for a special talk.
Expedition Costs
All flights within Egypt are included in the expedition cost. International airfare is not included. Round-trip economy airfare between New York and Cairo is $1,100 (subject to change).
New Lower Price
Expedition cost reflects a savings of $500 per person.
