Egypt is the gift of the Nile, according to the Greek historian Herodotus. The great city of Cairo, the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, the unearthed secrets of desert sands-all are set on or near the banks of the nurturing Nile. Cruise the river in luxury, and sail across Lake Nasser to the monumental statues of Rameses II and Nefertari at Abu Simbel. Touch the pyramids and see the eternal Sphinx, walk through ancient temples and meet the friendly people of today's Egypt on this fabulous 12-day cruisetour.
Day 1Cairo
Arrive in Egypt, "the gift of the Nile" as described by the Greek historian Herodotus, then transfer to the superior first class Cairo InterContinental Semiramis (or similar) on the banks of the Nile for a 3-night stay.*
Day 2Cairo & Giza
This morning we take an excursion to the necropolis at Sakkara to see the world's oldest step pyramid. Continue to the Giza plateau to behold the only Wonder of the Ancient World still standing: the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Kephren and Mykerinus. Nearby, see the Great Sphinx, forever facing due east. Experience the "ships of the desert" with a brief camel ride. Return to your hotel for dinner and a free evening to relax or explore on your own. (B, L, D)
Day 3Cairo
Today you see some of the sights of Cairo. A city tour takes you to landmarks like the iconic Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Lunch is on your own at or near your hotel. This afternoon, tour Cairo's Museum of Egyptian Antiquities to admire its huge collection of artifacts and visit the famous gallery displaying the riches of King Tutankhamen. Dine on your own in Cairo, or take an optional visit to Khan el-Khalili, a colorful outdoor souk (bazaar)-shop for traditional Egyptian goods and have dinner there. (B)
Day 4Cairo & Luxor
This morning fly to Luxor, the city once known as Thebes. Proceed to your hotel for lunch, then visit the glorious Temples of Karnak and Luxor, where history is brought to life by our expert Egyptologist. You have one night at the superior first class Luxor Sonesta (or similar); enjoy some time on your own this evening or you may choose to attend a fun and informative sound and light show at Karnak Temple. (B, L)
Day 5Luxor
Relax over breakfast, or (weather permitting) take an optional early-morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor's temples and monuments. This morning's excursion takes you to the sprawling Dendera Temple complex; walk through the stone entryway to view the columns and hieroglyphics of well-preserved structures such as Hathor Temple. Embark your Nile cruise ship and enjoy a welcome lunch on board. This afternoon we spend some time at the small, beautifully planned Luxor Museum, where you see magnificent antiquities unearthed in the area-including the royal mummies of Ahmose I and Rameses I. Return aboard for dinner and enjoy the evening in Luxor. (B, L, D)
Day 6Luxor
On your final morning in Luxor, visit the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Hatshepsut-one of Egypt's most successful pharaohs and one of her few female rulers-on the Nile's west bank, opposite the city of Luxor. Also see Medinet Habu, the Mortuary Temple of Rameses III-walk through its monumental peristyle hall decorated with complex hieroglyphics. You also encounter the extraordinary Colossi of Memnon, two very large statues depicting Amenhotep III, circa the 14th century B.C. Return aboard and have lunch as we set sail for Edfu; enjoy scenic cruising along the Nile this afternoon. (B, L, D)
Day 7Edfu, Kom Ombo & Aswan
This morning, visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty to honor the falcon-headed god. Have lunch on board while sailing toward Kom Ombo. There, you take a guided tour of the unusual double temple dedicated to both Horus and the crocodile god Sobek, a fertility deity thought to have created the world. Return to your ship and continue cruising up the Nile. We arrive at Aswan during dinner; this evening, attend a Nubian party featuring the evocative traditional music of the region. (B, L, D)
Day 8Aswan
After a final breakfast aboard, disembark your Nile ship at Aswan and transfer to Lake Nasser to embark your second ship. Tour the Aswan High Dam, completed in the 1960s, and the Temple of Kalabsha, which honors the androgynous Nubian sky and sun god Mandulis. Then take a scenic ride on a felucca-a traditional Egyptian wooden sailboat-on the Nile, and visit Philae, a small island used as a priestly retreat. Walk through the Temple of Isis, one of the Nubian monuments that comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Return aboard for lunch and sail along the Lake Nasser shoreline to Wadi el Seboua. Enjoy dinner and a welcome cocktail. (B, L, D)
Day 9Wadi el Seboua & Amada
This morning, walk through the "Valley of the Lions"-a striking avenue lined with sphinxes. Then, tour the temple of Dakka, dedicated to the ibis-headed Thoth, and the nearby Greco-Roman temple of Meharakka. Lunch aboard as you cruise across Lake Nasser to Amada. This afternoon, tour the small but interesting Nubian Amada Temple-oldest of the Lake Nasser temples, it houses a collection of brightly painted historical carvings. Dine aboard. This evening, attend a Nubian show featuring traditional music, dance and costumes. (B, L, D)
Day 10Kasr Ibrim & Abu Simbel
This morning, we sail past the iconic Kasr Ibrim Fortress. Learn the story of the last Nubian monument remaining in its original location, and see it from the ship's sun deck. Later, like a mirage shimmering in the noonday sun, Abu Simbel fills the horizon as you slowly approach. These magnificent temples, renowned for their four giant seated figures, were built in the 13th century B.C. by Rameses II and are thought to depict him and his queen, Nefertari. The colossal structures were dismantled and moved to this new location during construction of the Aswan High Dam that created Lake Nasser-a major engineering feat in and of itself. After a guided tour, return aboard for dinner. Tonight, relax on your ship or enjoy an optional sound and light show at Abu Simbel. (B, L, D)
Day 11Abu Simbel & Cairo
After a final breakfast aboard, disembark and head to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Check in to the superior first class CityStars Cairo Hotel (or similar) for 1 night, then enjoy a buffet lunch and a free final afternoon in Cairo. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure, or attend an optional sound and light show at the pyramids. (B, L, D)
Day 12Cairo
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your flight home.* Or, extend your journey for 4 nights in Jordan-see the lost city of Petra, the Dead Sea and the capital of Amman. (B)
The following meals are included: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
For more information call Toll Free: (877) 394-8130 and mention offer: #1092 OR, click a button below for quick, convenient online assistance.
The Prince Abbas, a five-star deluxe cruise ship sailing Egypt's Lake Nasser, is an extremely stylish and comfortable ship. Prince Abbas was built in 1998 and renovated in 2007. She carries 130 guests across Lake Nasser in spacious outside suites and staterooms, all with great views of the lake.
The ship features two lovely lounges, restaurant, library, gym, and a two-tiered sun deck with a plunge pool and whirlpool, Internet caf and onboard boutique.
Prince Abbas is operated by Vikings Swiss travel partner, leading hotel operator Mvenpick.
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information from our Viking River Cruise Specialists.
NOTE: Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes and government fees are additional.
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Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
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indicates reduced pricing that may be time sensitive with limited availability.
Not all special offers available in all Categories/Prices. Pricing in US Dollars unless otherwise specified. Availability and pricing is not guaranteed until booking and deposit received.
