Africa | Egypt & Nile Cruise Adventure

Day 1 |  USA / Cairo, Egypt

Upon your airport arrival, receive a warm welcome and assistance from your Ahlan Service representative who will escort you to a private lounge and assist in final arrival procedures, luggage retrieval and locating your private hotel transfer. Travel to the heart of Cairo to the InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, where you will spend three indulgent nights in luxurious serenity with scenic historic city or Nile River views. Close to Egypt's coveted sights, discover nine bespoke international dining and lounge options, relaxing Semiramis Spa, indoor pool, opulent rooftop pool and casino.

Day 2 |  Cairo

This morning, head out on the guided Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramds, Sphinx & Bazaar Excursion. Your enriching day of historical adventures begins at the pyramids of Giza built by rulers Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, and experiencing the enormity of the great Sphinx who stands guard over these sacred tombs. Then, discover remarkable Pharaonic antiquities, featuring treasures of Tutankhamen, at The Egypt Museum. Continue to the cherished Citadel, an impressive medieval Islamic fortress and its alabaster-walled Mohamed Ali Mosque, with a final stop to the colorful Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

After your exciting introduction to the city today, indulge in mouthwatering cuisines from brasserie French cuisine in The Grill Restaurant & Lounge and Thai specialties in the opulent Bird Cage to authentic Italian selections in Pano Vino Terrace with serene Nile River views.

Day 3 |  Cairo

Sip a rich mochachino with a flakey Egyptian pastry before embarking on the half-day Coptic Churches & Museum Excursion. Delve into rich Coptic history as you stroll amid the ancient city with your guide, enjoying sights of the 3rd-century Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary, Church of St. Sergius and 9th-century Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the country. Then, explore the Coptic Museum filled with a priceless fusion of Pharaonic-, Greco-Roman- and Islamic-inspired artifacts, including frescoes, silver antiquities, wood works, textiles and manuscripts.

In the evening, depart on a relaxing Cairo by Night with Dinner Cruise, discovering Cairo from a whole new perspective. Celebrate the reflection of the shimmering lights along the shore as you delight in a dinner buffet of Egyptian favorites, followed by an Asian-inspired show for memorable evening.

Day 4 |  Cairo

Start your morning with a decadent international breakfast buffet with Egyptian inspired dishes and lively chefs in Night & Day before a day of leisure. Stroll to the Cairo Tower to witness panoramic views of the city. Discover the royal mummies of ancient Egypt in The National Museum of Egypt Civilization. Or, unwind in a poolside cabana along the rooftop pool, rejuvenate with a signature massage or hammam ritual at Semiramis Spa and sample exotic teas and fresh delicacies at the international Tea Garden.

Before the sun sets this evening, travel back thousands of years to the ancient lands of Giza, home to the pharaohs and their extraordinary monumental structures as the desert shines with an illuminating light show and mysterious narration from the great kings, on the extraordinary Sound & Light Performance at the Pyramids excursion.

Day 5 |  Cairo / Aswan: Mini-Package with Nile Cruise

Following checkout this morning, transfer to Cairo airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, begin your five-night Mini-Package Experience including a three-night Nile Cruise. Meet your private transfer to the remarkable Movenpick Aswan Hotel, set in the middle of the Nile River on Elephantine Island and surrounded by lavish landscape, and spend a tranquil night in pure sophistication. Delight in international buffets and authentic Egyptian cuisine with ingredients made from their onsite organic farm, relaxing bar terrace and delicious afternoon chocolate hour, plus sparkling pool and kid's pool, spa and sustainable activities.

Spend the rest of your day exploring the Philae Temple complex on the mystical island of Philae, built by the Ptolemaic dynasty. Continue to the High Dam, a rock-filled modern marvel to control Nile River waters, concluding at the 3,500 year-old Unfinished Obelisk, a monolithic red granite monument dedicated to god Amun Raa, cracked before completion and now an open-air museum. After your tour, enjoy the evening at leisure or visit an authentic Aswan souk for a favorite artisan ware.

Day 6 |  Aswan: Mini-Package with Nile Cruise

This morning, transfer to the Nile River port for your embarkation on the upscale Jaz Regent cruise ship. Once settled into your luxe stateroom, enjoy sweeping river views as you dine on lunch aboard before an opportunity to sail on a leisurely felucca boat to Aswan's Botanical Gardens.

This evening, celebrate your superb river cruise with an elevated dining experience in the main restaurant. Savor chef-prepared traditional Egyptian cuisines and delectable international buffet-style offerings. Then, watch the sun go down with a favorite nightcap and enjoy the sparkling lights along the river.

Day 7 |  Aswan / Kom Ombo: Mini-Package with Nile Cruise

Arise to a sumptuous breakfast spread, reveling in the tranquility of the Nile River views as you set sail to Kom Ombo. Immerse in the ship's luxurious amenities today including a soothing spa treatment, relaxing sunbath or dip in the pool. Later, partake in the snacks and sweet cakes of teatime before disembarking for an informative land excursion to the remarkable Sobek Temple. Be amazed at the double rock-carved complex, each temple having its own gateways, sanctuaries and etched columns, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and his enemy Horus the falcon-headed god.

As the sun goes down, make a toast at an eventful cocktail soiree in the lounge before a mouth-watering dinner. Then, don your best Egyptian-style robe for a special Galabeya party, filled with culture, color and music as you sail away to Edfu.

Day 8 |  Edfu: Mini-Package with Nile Cruise

Head to the shores early this morning to explore the well-preserved Edfu Temple. Completed in 57BC for the worship of the falcon god Horus and buried in sand until the mid-19th century, learn about the classical Greco-Roman construction, hieroglyphs and incredible wall reliefs depicting faith and lifestyle in the Hellenistic period of Egypt.

Return to the ship for a day of relaxation with a little teatime on the sundeck as you sail to Luxor. This evening, enjoy your final night cruising with a memorable celebratory dinner, followed by an exhilarating belly dance and Dervish performance for the ages.

Day 9 |  Luxor: Mini-Package with Nile Cruise

Say farewell to the captain, crew and new-found friends before disembarking in Luxor as your exciting Nile River cruise concludes after breakfast. Meet your transfer to the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa for a glorious night along the riverbanks. After check-in, journey to the Valley of the Kings where pharaohs once reigned, and home to the tomb of Tutankhamon. Continue to the architectural masterpiece of Hatshepsut Temple and the amazing 60-foot statues of Colossi of Memnon.

Your last evening in Egypt commences at the great national monument of the Karnak Temple complex, with its massive pillars and pylons, shrines, chapels and colonnades. Proceed to the sphinx-lined road to the Luxor Temple, noting the grandeur of the seated statues of Ramses II at the entrance, for an informative finale to the Land of the Pharaohs. Return to the hotels' Sunset Lounge & Terrace for a final toast and entertainment as you gaze at the epic Nile River once more.

Day 10 |  Luxor / USA

Following your delicious breakfast, bid adieu to this remarkable ancient city as you take your private transfer to the airport to Cairo and your connecting homebound flight. htaa naltaqi maratan 'ukhraa... wadaea! (until we meet again . . . goodbye!)