Absolute Egypt

Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Cairo, named Al-Qahirah in Arabic, is not only one of Africas largest cities (with a population of 17 million) but the political and cultural center of the Arab World. The citys old quarters retain their ancient charm with many streets still relevant to descriptions given to them by medieval chroniclers. Modern Cairos architecture is distinguished by Ottoman and later European influences, particularly in commercial architecture as the citys population boomed during the 19th century.  




Overnight in Cairo

Spend the day at the Giza Plateau home of Egypts signature attractions: The Great Pyramids, proclaimed by the Greeks to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. A single pyramid is built from 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 which so many writers and artists have sought to convey over the centuries. This morning, see the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the timeless Great Sphinx of Giza, dating from the time of Chephren (2620 BC). Sculpted from natural yellowish limestone and standing 65 feet high and 187 feet long, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lions body.  




Overnight in Cairo

This morning, you will visit the world-renowned Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Accompanied by your certified Egyptologist, you will stroll through the halls highlighting each historical period of this historic land. Admire the worlds greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including a visit to the Mummy Room, where more than 20 pharaohs lie in state. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure on your own in Cairo or perhaps enjoy an optional tour.




Overnight in Cairo

This morning you will be transferred back to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival in Aswan, you will be met and escorted to embark on the Nile cruise ship, your floating hotel for the next few days. After lunch, enjoy a tour visiting the High Dam. Just north of the border between Egypt and Sudan lies Aswan High Dam, a huge rock-filled dam that captures the longest river in the world, 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. From there you will visit the Unfinished Obelisk, located in the Northern Quarry, which a crack was discovered as it was being carved from rock. This obelisk would have been the largest ever erected if it had not cracked before it was fully quarried. Tools left by builders have given archaeologists insight into how this work was performed. You will also enjoy a short trip on a motorboat to Philae Temple, which will take you to a magnificent view 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.




Overnight on board

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning as you cruise to Kom Ombo. Enjoy a short walk to the twin Temples of Sobek and Horus. One is dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek, and the other to the falcon god, Horus the Elder. There are clear depictions of ancient medical instruments on one wall. Kom Ombo's Greco-Roman style Temple of Sobek built for the Crocodile God stands serenely on a hilltop; the site offers a breathtaking view of the Nile. In ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank near here, and hundreds of mummified crocodiles were found in the area. From there you will sail to Edfu.




Overnight on board

Disembark at Edfu and visit the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temples. Karnak was erected in 1928 BC as a small shrine dedicated to Amun, the god of Thebes. The Temple consists of 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 with enormous brick walls, with the temple of Amun at the center. Karnak is the largest temple in Egypt and one of the oldest temple compounds on earth. Many festivals were celebrated in Thebes. The Temple of Luxor was the center of the most important one, 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 Luxor Temple.




Overnight on board

Today you will cross the newly constructed Luxor Bridge to visit the Valley of the Kings, which includes a visit to the three-royal tomb based on the availability of the day. The Valley of the Kings is home to many pharaonic tombs of the New Kingdom. Each king's formal name and title are inscribed in his tomb, which is also adorned with images and statues. Most of the tombs were cut into limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber, and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. From there you will 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 sacreds. The female pharaoh chose to build her temple in a valley sacred to the Theban Goddess of the west, on a direct axis with the Karnak Temple of Amun on the East Bank. After the visit, you will be transferred to Hurghada by road (approx. 3 hrs. drive), a beach resort town stretching roughly 40km along Egypts Red Sea Coast. This magical destination is renowned for scuba diving. Upon arrival in Hurghada, you will be escorted to the hotel for check-in.




Overnight in Hurghada

Spend your day at leisure by the Red Sea (no services provided). The Red Sea offers so many activities to choose from, including sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and desert safaris. You may also visit Hurghada city, situated along the Red Sea. This is one of Egypts most popular tourist destinations! There are many local shops in the main area — you may buy jewelry carved from silver, coral, and other precious stones. There are also several perfume shops you can visit. Choose to discover the Museum of Papyrus, where you may buy authentic papyrus. 




Overnight in Hurghada

Spend your day at leisure by the Red Sea (no services provided). The Red Sea offers so many activities to choose from, including sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and desert safaris. You may also visit Hurghada city, situated along the Red Sea. This is one of Egypts most popular tourist destinations! There are many local shops in the main area — you may buy jewelry carved from silver, coral, and other precious stones. There are also several perfume shops you can visit. Choose to discover the Museum of Papyrus, where you may buy authentic papyrus. 




Overnight in Hurghada

Today, you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy an evening at leisure or perhaps visit the souk (not included, at your own expense) to bargain your purchases at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where you may find spices, perfumes, handicrafts, jewelry and much more.




Overnight in Cairo

After breakfast, enjoy your day at leisure or perhaps join our optional tours.




Overnight in Cairo

Today, you will be transferred back to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight.