Des pyramides aux gratte-ciel

Touch down in Cairo and transfer to the hotel. Once you've settled in, the remainder of the day is free at your leisure to get to know the sights and sounds of Cairo, in the shadow of the Great Pyramids! Go shopping at the local souk or sample the national cuisine. Overnight stay in Cairo.

Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip!

Full-board on board. Today, if you're an early riser, you have the chance to enjoy an optional excursion to Abu Simbel*, home to many rock-carved temples. Afterwards, we recommend to take the chance to book an optional visit to the Island of Philae**. A river island in the Nile where the ancient temple of the goddess Isis is located. Afterwards, navigate northwards towards Kom Ombo. Upon arrival explore the twin Temples of Haroeris and Sobek and see the amazing Nilometer, used to measure the rising and falling levels of the Nile, an important life source in Egypt. Later, visit a unique Crocodile Mummy museum, home to a number of mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship and enjoy relaxing on board. Dinner and overnight on board.

*Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel: Visit these amazing temples, carved on the western cliff of the desert by Ramses II in the Xl century BC. See the iconic 20-metre high statues, dedicated to the god Amon Ra, and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor.

Please note: If you take the optional excursion to Abu Simbel, you will depart from the ship at approximately 3 a.m. to make the most of the coolest and quietest part of the day. This way, you can fully experience Abu Simbel without the crowds and avoid sightseeing in high temperatures.

** Optional Island of Philae Excursion: Discover the historic island of Philae, in the reservoir of the Old Aswan Dam. It is home to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Isis and offers a fascinating insight into life and beliefs in Ancient Egypt.

Breakfast on board. Continue your discovery of the ancient city of Thebes today as you head to the world-famous Valley of the Kings, where the tomb of Tutankhamon was discovered, revealing the riches of the ancient pharaohs. It is here that the most powerful and influential kings of Ancient Egypt were buried. After exploring the site, continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an imposing terraced structure, located below towering cliffs. Bid farewell to this world of ancient kings and queens as you cross the river into modern-day Luxor. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend an optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show.* Overnight stay in Luxor.

*Optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show: Visit the largest open-air museum in Egypt, the Karnak Temple in Luxor. Discover the secrets behind the temple's ancient name, Thebes, and explore its significant monuments.  As you wander through the ruins of this once great complex, you will be guided by the voices of the pharaohs who built this site to honor their god Amon. Watch as the temples and statues come to life with the clever use of special effects , relive the times of the ancient pharaohs with their customs and rituals as they recount the dramatic history of ancient Thebes.

Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip!

Important: The order of the optional excursions may vary depending on your departure day.

Please note: The excursion to the Valley of the Kings includes visits to three tombs. Entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun is not included but, if you are interested in visiting, you can buy a ticket to see this tomb at the site during your visit.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early in the morning to visit the Karnak Temple Complex, home to a vast array of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other ancient buildings. Explore the ruins as you soak up the unique atmosphere and let your imagination run wild as you learn about life in Ancient Egypt. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Cairo. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional excursion to the Saladin Citadel.* If you wish to dive even deeper into the fascinating Egyptian culture, don't miss our optional visit to the spectacular new Grand Egyptian Museum.* An unforgettable experience that will connect you with the treasures of an ancient civilization.** Overnight stay in Cairo.

*Optional Excursion to Saladin Citadel: Visit the Alabaster Mosque and medieval fortification of Saladin Citadel, perched atop a hill in central Cairo and dating back to the 12th-century. Learn about the importance of the site to Egypt's Islamic heritage before walking through the Coptic Neighborhood, home to various churches.

**Optional Visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum: Discover the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which houses over 50,000 artifacts spanning 7,000 years of history. With breathtaking views of the Pyramids, it features highlights such as the Hanging Obelisk and the impressive Grand Gallery, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Please note: these activities overlap. If you book the activity packages or the Saladin Citadel visit, you won't be able to book the New Grand Egyptian Museum. In the same way, if you book the New Grand Egyptian Museum, you won't be able to book the activity packages or the Saladin Citadel visit.

Breakfast at the hotel*. It's time to continue your journey as you transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Dubai. Arrive in Dubai and transfer to the hotel.** The remainder of the day is free to discover this modern Emirati metropolis at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and a symbol of the city of 828 meters and 160 floors. Since its inauguration in 2010, it offers the best views of the desert and the city. Underneath is the largest shopping centre in the world, the Dubai Mall where 1200 stores of all kinds are located. A shopping paradise! Overnight stay in Dubai.

*Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning at your leisure, exploring the old town or sunning yourself on Dubai's idyllic beaches. We recommend an optional excursion to explore the older parts of the city*. At dusk, take an exciting 4x4 excursion to the desert. Pass through camel farms and spectacular desert landscapes, as the sand dunes are illuminated at sunset until arriving at a traditional camp. Here, enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner under the stars with traditional entertainment including belly dancing. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Dubai.

*Optional Half-Day Classic Dubai Tour: Visit the Bastakia neighbourhood, home to old merchant houses and cafes, and learn about Dubai's history with included entrance to the Dubai Museum. Take a traditional river taxi, known as an 'Abra' across Dubai Creek to the aromatic souks of Old Dubai, filled with stalls selling exotic spices and golden wares. 

Please note: this optional excursion operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday only.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying a shopping spree in Dubai's fabulous malls or relaxing at your leisure on the beach. We recommend an optional tour of the city's modern attractions*. Overnight stay in Dubai. 

*Optional Half-Day Modern Dubai Tour: Visit the most emblematic sights in the city starting at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional arabian bazaar and popular marketplace where you can find typical hand-made crafts. Next, travel to the man-made palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah to see the amazing Atlantis Hotel before heading back to the city on the monorail. Afterwards, explore glittering Dubai Marina, a man-made canal city and one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Dubai and end the trip in the Burj Khalifa area (entrance not included) and back to the hotel. 

Please note: this optional excursion operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday only. You will have the option to be dropped off at the Dubai Mall for some shopping and return to the hotel on your own. 

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time**, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip***.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**You will have the option to add late check-out on departure in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your booking now, as they are subject to availability.

***Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US the following day.