Ancient Egypt and Modern Dubai with Drumheller Chamber

Welcome to Cairo! Cairo, called Al-Qahirah in Arabic, with a population of 17 million, is not only Africa’s largest city but the political and cultural center of the Arab World. Cairo’s old quarters retain their ancient charm with many streets still known by descriptions given to them by medieval chroniclers. Modern Cairo’s architecture is distinguished by Ottoman and later European influences, especially in commercial architecture, particularly as the city’s population boomed during the 19th century. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Cairo

Today you will visit the Pyramids & Sphinx - reckoned by the Greeks to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  A single pyramid is built of 2,300,000 blocks, each weighing an average of two and one–half tons. In the face of such immensity, one cannot help but feel the wonder and awe that so many writers & artists have sought to convey over the centuries. The Cheops Pyramid is especially interesting since its interior burial chambers are open for inspection by the public. Not far from the Pyramids is the Great Sphinx of Giza, which dates from the time of Chephren (2620 BC). Hewn from natural yellowish limestone & standing 65 feet high & 187 feet long, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lion’s body. Afterward, return to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure or perhaps book one of the following optional tours.

Overnight in Cairo

This evening you will return to Giza for a spectacular Sound and Light Show. Nothing compares to seeing the Pyramids and the Sphinx illuminated at night. The visual effects and dramatic commentary make for a truly unforgettable evening. The show will begin with the story of the Sphinx; the vigilant guardian of the city of the Dead for five thousand years. The show depicts the story of the building of the Pyramids of Cheops, Kephren, Mykerinos and relates the history of great and famous figures of ancient Egypt such as Nefertiti, Thutmosis IV, Akhnaten and Tut Ank.

Available: Every Day

Departure Time: Approx. 6 pm - *Pick up time may vary depending on the location / pick up point

This morning visit the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world. The Egyptian Museum boasts 107 halls filled with approximately 160,000 objects covering 5,000 years of Egypt’s past. It features artifacts from the Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman periods, including the celebrated mummies of ancient Egypt’s king and Tut Ankh Amun treasures.

Explore the rich heritage of Cairo on a tour that begins with the Citadel of Salah al-Din (Saladin), a grand fortress constructed in 1176 to defend against Crusaders, which later became the seat of power for Egypt’s rulers for over 700 years and was significantly developed by Muhammad Ali Pasha in the early 19th century. Just below the Citadel stands the monumental Mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture in the Islamic world. Adjacent to it is the Mosque of Al-Rifai, constructed in two phases between 1869 and 1912, serving as a royal mausoleum for members of Egypt’s royal family, including King Farouk and the last Shah of Iran. The tour also includes a visit to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, founded in 1382 by Emir Djaharks El-Khalili in the heart of historic Fatimid Cairo, a lively market that remains a hub of commerce and culture, offering a wide array of antiques, traditional crafts, jewelry, and local eateries that reflect the vibrant spirit of the city.

Available: Every Day

This morning we are transferred back to Cairo International Airport for a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, we will be escorted to our cruise ship for our embarkation. This will be our home for the next four nights. Lunch on board and in the afternoon, we will visit Luxor and Karnak Temples. Luxor Temple was the center of the most important festival, the festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the temple served as a setting for the rituals of the festival, which was held to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with his divine office. The procession of images of the current royal family began at Karnak and ended at the Luxor temple. Karnak Temple was erected in 1928 BC as a small shrine dedicated to Amun, the god of Thebes. The Temple of Karnak comprises three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples - all constructed over 1300 years. The three main temples of Mut, Monthu, and Amun are enclosed in enormous brick walls, with the temple of Amun at the center. Karnak is now the largest and oldest temple compound on earth.

Dinner and overnight on board in Luxor.

After breakfast, cross the newly constructed Luxor Bridge to visit the Valley of the Kings, which includes the tombs of the Theban rulers, Seti I and Tutankhamen. The Valley of the Kings in Upper Egypt is home to many pharaonic tombs of the New Kingdom, including those of King Tutankhamun and Ramses the Great. Each king's formal name and the title is inscribed in his tomb, which is also adorned with his images and statues. Most of the tombs were cut into limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber, and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. Explore several amazing Royal Tombs. Then visit the Valley of the Queens which includes between 75 and 80 tombs. These tombs belong to queens of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. Among these is the famous tomb of Nefertiti, one of the five wives of Ramses II. Afterwards, tour the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th dynasty was built just north of the Middle Kingdom temple of Mentuhotep Nebhepetre, amid the bay of cliffs known as Deir El-Bahri. In ancient times the temple was called Djeser-djeseru, meaning the sacred of sacred. The female pharaoh chose to build her temple in a valley sacred to the Theban Goddess of the west, on a direct axis with Karnak Temple of Amun on the East Bank. After lunch on board, we sail to Edfu via Esna. Ancient Nubia was known to the pharaohs as the “Land of Gold,” and its wealth and lands were eventually incorporated into Egypt around 1500 BC. This afternoon, join your shipmates for afternoon tea.

Dinner and overnight on board in Edfu

Experience the magic of Luxor from the skies with an early morning hot air balloon ride over the West Bank. As the sun rises over the Nile Valley, drift peacefully above ancient temples, tombs, and villages, with breathtaking panoramic views of landmarks like the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. This unforgettable journey offers a unique perspective on the timeless beauty and grandeur of ancient Thebes. A serene and awe-inspiring adventure you won’t want to miss.

Available: Every Day

Departure Time: Approx. TBA

Enjoy breakfast on board before visiting the Temple of Edfu. This temple is not only the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt but also the second largest after Karnak. It was believed that the temple was built on the site of the great battle between Horus and Seth. Hence, the current temple was but the last in a long series of temples build on this location. We then sail to Kom Ombo and have lunch and afternoon tea on board the ship. This afternoon, disembark and enjoy a short walk to the Temples of Kom Ombo. This temple complex actually consists of two temples: the Temple of Sobek and the Temple of Haroeris. In ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank near here. The Temple has scant remains, due first to the changing Nile, then the Copts who once used it as a church, and finally by builders who used the stones for new buildings. As we sail toward Ancient Nubia, participate in an Egyptian Galabeya Party.

Overnight on board in Aswan

After breakfast, Visit the Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971); the Old Dam (completed in 1902). You will also visit the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a structure rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam's construction. The High Dam, Just north of the border between Egypt and Sudan lies the Aswan High Dam, a huge rockfill dam which captures the world's longest river, the Nile, in the world's largest artificial reservoir, Lake Nasser. The dam, known as “Sadd El-Aali” in Arabic, was completed in 1970 after 10 years of work. Later take a short trip on a motorboat to Discover the Philae Temple. The Boat ride will bring the visitor to a magnificent vista of the island, before landing at what would have been the ancient quay on the south side. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and has many legends connected to it. The most well-known legend tells the story of how Isis found the heart of Osiris here after his murder by his brother Seth.

Dinner and Overnight onboard in Aswan

Disembark the cruise after breakfast before being transferred to Aswan Airport for our flight back to Cairo where we will be met and escorted back to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or perhaps take an optional tour.

Overnight in Cairo

This morning you will transfer to Aswan Airport to board a flight to Abu Simbel. Upon arrival in Abu Simbel, you will be transferred to the temple site. Visit the Temple of Ramses and Temple of Queen Nefertari. Not only are the two temples located at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world, but their removal and reconstruction were historic events. Two of the temples, Rameses II (primarily dedicated to Re-Harakhte), and that of his wife, Nefertari (dedicated to Hathor) were originally located in Lake Nasser (280 km from Aswan) but had to be relocated due to the risk of sinking.

Available: Every Day

Departure Time: Approx. 7 am - *Pick up time may vary depending on the location / pick up point / flight time  

Today you will be transferred back to Cairo International airport for your flight to Dubai. Upon arrival in Dubai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Dubai

Available: Daily

Early evening pick up from the hotel and transfer to the creek area to enjoy a memorable evening on your own private yacht. Enjoy the panoramic views of Dubai as you sail on the creek enjoying an evening full of excitement and enjoyment. Return transfer to the hotel.

This morning enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the cosmopolitan city of Dubai. Even with all its modern buildings, Dubai has maintained its Islamic architecture through such monuments as the Jumeirah Mosque. You will have a chance to make various photo stops as the still of the moment guides you towards the oldest part of the city, Bastakia. Bastakia remains nestled within the bustling city where one can admire the serenity of the old wind-tower houses built by wealthy merchants at the beginning of the century. "Al Fahidi Fort' nearly 200 years old houses the Dubai museum and reveals the history of this city. Walk through the vibrant colors of the textile market to the 'abra' station. Then drift across the creek in 'water-taxis' to feel the warmth of the city. On the other side, we proceed across the busy alleys where the aroma of the 'spice souk' filters through the air to the dazzling glitter of the famous Gold Souk to round off the tour. At approx. 3.30 PM you will meet your safari guide and head out on a dune drive at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The mysterious desert beckons you for a magical evening out – an adventure you’ll never forget. Leaving behind the bustle of the city in the afternoon, our safari guides will transport you for a thrilling journey over rolling dunes deep into the heart of the desert. From the crest of a high dune, watch the sun cast its orange glow over the vast expanse of rippling sand all around you as it sets. Like a shimmering mirage in the distance, you will see the flickering lights of your camp where a traditional Arabian welcome awaits you. The encampment conjures up images of the Arabian nights. Relax on comfortable low cushions in Bedouin tents and quench your thirst, have your hands painted with intricate henna designs, experience a short camel ride, or just enjoy the aromatic shisha. A feast of grilled meats, fresh salads, and delectable Arab sweets is served and under a galaxy of stars, you will be entertained by the bewitching belly dancer swaying to the haunting strains of Arabian music. You won't want this enchanting evening to end.

Overnight in Dubai

Enjoy the day at leisure.

Overnight in Dubai

At Noon proceed on a full day city tour of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the residence of the Federal National Council. One of the world’s largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi, has actively attempted to diversify its economy in recent years through investments in financial services and tourism. Your journey begins in Dubai, where you will travel past the world’s largest man-made port at Jebel Ali and onward for the two–hour drive to Abu Dhabi. You will be mesmerized by the grandness of the new additions to Abu Dhabi’s skyline, as well as the majestic Grand Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world. You will then be driven through the heart of the city where you can see the famous Union Square, which houses symbolic themes inspired by the customs of the country. After a drive along the Corniche, you will visit the Heritage Village, specially designed by late HH Sheikh Zayed Ben Sultan al Nahyan, as a reminder of the past for the younger generation. You will also enjoy shopping at Abu Dhabi Marina Mall, home to a large array of luxury boutiques and souvenir stores. Come back to Dubai in time to be transferred to the international airport and catch your flight back home.

**Please note to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque you need to adhere to the following dress code:

• Men must wear long trousers and no sleeveless shirts. No tight clothing
• Women must cover their arms to the wrists with a long-sleeved shirt, cover their hair, décolleté and neck with some headscarf and long trousers covering their ankles, and nothing white. No tight clothing
   

Very early this morning depart back to Canada; arriving in Canada the same day.