Treasures of Egypt & Tunisia

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.

* 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.

** 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.

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. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Tunisia. Transfer from Tunis airport to your hotel in Hammamet. After check-in, take some time to relax and settle in. Next, enjoy a delicious included dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Overnight stay in Hammamet.

Total transfer time: approx. 1 hour | 70 km. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for Tunis, Tunisia’s vibrant capital, where centuries of history come to life in its atmospheric Medina. Wander through lively souks filled with colourful textiles, spices and traditional crafts, taking in the sights and sounds of everyday Tunisian life.

Continue towards the coast and enjoy an included lunch before visiting Carthage, the ancient Punic and Roman capital. Discover its historic Punic ports and the impressive Baths of Antoninus, reminders of the city’s remarkable past. Later, continue to Sidi Bou Said, a dazzling white-and-blue village with Andalusian roots, where you’ll have time to stroll its charming streets and soak up its coastal charm. Included dinner and overnight stay in Hammamet.

Please note: Travellers arriving on Wednesday will enjoy these visits on Day 7.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the coast behind as you travel inland to Kairouan, considered the fourth holiest city in Islam and one of Tunisia’s most important spiritual centres.

On arrival, explore the city’s rich religious heritage with visits to the Great Mosque of Sidi Okba and the Barber’s Mausoleum. After an included lunch, enjoy free time to wander through the Medina at your own pace, where quiet lanes, traditional workshops and historic architecture reveal the timeless character of this sacred city. Included dinner and overnight stay in Kairouan.

Total transfer time: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes | 112 km.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, journey towards Sbeitla, the ancient Roman city of Sufetula and one of Tunisia’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Discover its remarkably preserved ruins, including the Capitol with its three separate temples, Roman baths, Byzantine fortresses, early Christian churches and the triumphal arch dedicated to Diocletian.

After an included lunch, continue towards Tozeur, the gateway to the Djerid region and a city shaped by desert light, palm groves and distinctive brickwork. On arrival, enjoy a stroll through the city before settling in for the evening. Included dinner and overnight stay in Tozeur.

Total transfer time: approx. 5 hours | 314 km.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free morning to relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities. For a bit of adventure, consider an optional excursion to the mountain oases of Chebica and Tamerza*, or take time to admire the otherworldly landscapes of Chott el Jerid, Tunisia’s vast salt lake. Return to the hotel in Tozeur for an included lunch.

In the afternoon, explore the Medina and market of Tozeur, soaking up the vibrant local atmosphere. Return to the hotel to enjoy an included dinner. Overnight stay in Tozeur.

*Optional Mountain Oases Excursion: Hop in a 4x4 to traverse the Gharsa salt lake, exploring the ancient ruins and lush palm groves of Chebika. From there, continue your adventure to Tamerza’s waterfall and the dramatic canyons of Mides. This excursion includes a guide and transfers. 

Note: This excursion is paid on-site. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Matmata, a unique Berber region famed for its troglodyte homes, carved directly into the earth to create cool underground living spaces around open-air courtyards. This extraordinary landscape is also known for its connection to Star Wars filming locations.

Continue to Tamezret, a picturesque Berber village, for a panoramic stop before travelling onwards to Sfax. After an included lunch, explore the city’s historic Medina and the area around Bab El Diwan, where traditional architecture and local life offer a glimpse into one of Tunisia’s most authentic urban centres. Included dinner and overnight stay in Sfax.

Total transfer time: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes | 284 km.

Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to El Jem to visit its magnificent Roman amphitheatre, one of the most impressive ancient monuments in North Africa. Continue with a visit to the Mosaic Museum, home to beautifully preserved artworks that reveal the refinement of Roman-era Tunisia.

Next, journey to Sousse for a visit to its historic Medina and Ribat, where fortified walls, narrow streets and sea-facing views reflect the city’s rich past. After an included lunch, continue to Hammamet for your final night in Tunisia. Included dinner and overnight stay in Hammamet.

Total transfer time: approx. 3 hours 15 minutes | 250 km.

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time**, transfer to the Tunis city airport for your flight back to the UK/Ireland. Arrive home with unforgettable memories of your Tunisian adventure, having discovered the rich history and breathtaking landscapes that make Tunisia so unique.

*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.

**Please note that, depending on your return flight schedule, you may not be able to fully enjoy your last night of accommodation.