Embark on a trip of a lifetime to Egypt and make your dreams to visit some of the world's most spectacular treasures come alive! On this amazing journey you'll see the famous Sphinx & Pyramids at Giza, sail down the River Nile and visit the priceless treasures along the Nile Valley and explore the pristine coast of the Red Sea. And now, this fascinating journey is offered at an unbelievable low price that includes non-stop flight to Cairo!
YOUR ITINERARY (smarTours)
Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey to exotic Egypt begins as you depart New York early this evening on your non-stop overnight flight to Cairo.
DAY 2: Arrive Cairo/Hurghada (Red Sea). Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival in Cairo Airport, you'll be met by your tour director who'll assist you in making your connection to the short onward flight to Hurghada, a prosperous resort town on the magical shores of the Red Sea. Transfer to your upscale, sea-facing resort hotel that is situated on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Abu Mahang Bay. Time to rest and unpack before the welcome dinner tonight. Fort Arabesque Resort Hotel (D)
Day 3&4: Red Sea Resort. Two full days at leisure to enjoy the splendors of the Red Sea. Your luxurious resort hotel has extensive facilities and offers amazing sea views and a gorgeous beach. You may wish to explore the fascinating wonders of the Red Sea by joining an optional submarine ride ($70) to observe the marine life including teeming schools of colorful fish, playful dolphins, and sleek sharks. You will also be able to see beautiful corals and under water gardens that the Red Sea is famous for. You can also explore the sandy beach of Sharm el Naga, famous for its glorious and easily accessible coral reef. Here, you can snorkel and explore the rich and colorful world which unfolds just a few yards off shore. Marvel at the amazing variety of fish, coral and other stunning marine life. (B,L,D daily)
Day 5: Hurghada/Luxor/Temples of Karnak and Luxor. After a sumptuous breakfast, journey by road to Luxor where you'll board your elegant Nile riverboat, your floating base for exploring the fascinating Nile River Valley. All your excursions are guided by your tour director who is an experienced Egyptologist! This afternoon, look forward to an exciting start to your sightseeing program when you visit the stunning Temples of Karnak and Luxor, the greatest cities of ancient Egypt. To walk along the Avenue of the Sphinxes and among the pillars of the colossal Temple of Amon Ra is an unforgettable experience you'll always treasure! Return to your riverboat for dinner.
MS Nile Symphony (B,L,D)
Day 6: Valley of The Kings/Valley of the Queens/Edfu. This morning visit the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of the Nile. Here, generations of Pharaohs and royalties were buried in great splendor in tombs cut into the sheer rock. Proceed to the impressive Deir El Bahari mortuary rock temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece built against the backdrop of a looming cliff face and the Colossi of Memnon, two huge seated statues of Amenhotep III guarding the valleys. After lunch onboard set sail along the Nile and marvel at the passing scenery of camels, water buffaloes and the striking desert and tall palm trees in the horizon. Continue sailing via Esna towards Edfu. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Edfu/Kom Ombo/Aswan. Disembark in Edfu and enjoy a guided visit to the Temple of Edfu, a Greek-built and beautifully preserved monument to Horus, the falcon-headed son of Osiris. It took about 200 years to complete and has helped fill in many gaps of knowledge about the Pharaonic architecture that it was inspired by. After lunch onboard, dock at Kom Ombo where in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank. A short walk brings you to the unique temple, dedicated to the falcon and crocodile gods. Before returning to the boat, stop at a local colorful market for bargains galore! Set sail toward Aswan. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Abu Simbel Optional Air Excursion/Felucca Sail. Morning at leisure in Aswan. We suggest that you take advantage of a unique opportunity to visit the fascinating sandstone temples of Abu Simbel. These Nubian Monuments consist of twin temples carved from the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. This memorable optional excursion ($249) involves a short flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel and must be reserved with your main tour arrangements prior to departing the US and pre-paid to guarantee availability. This afternoon, back in Aswan, savor the beauty of the Nile on an included sail by felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat around Elephantine Island, once the center of modern Aswan. Return to your riverboat for your farewell to the Nile Cruise dinner! (B,L,D)
Day 9: Aswan High Dam/ Temple of Philae /Cairo. After breakfast disembark your riverboat and visit Aswan's massive High Dam, which controls the Nile and is a major source of hydroelectric power in Egypt. Later, board a motor launch to the island of Agilika and visit the Temple of Isis, transplanted from the submerged island of Philae. You'll also view the ancient famous unfinished obelisk. This afternoon fly to Cairo, Egypt's bustling capital and transfer to your luxurious hotel, centrally located overlooking the Nile River and surrounded by lush gardens. Cairo Marriott Hotel & Casino (B)
Day 10: Pyramids Excursion. After breakfast embark on an included guided excursion to the most famous of all sites in Egypt; the Great Pyramids of Giza. These amazing monuments have stood for 46 centuries and are considered one of the Wonders of the World. You'll also enjoy a close up look of the enigmatic Sphinx, a feline character with the body of a lion and the face of Khufu, Cheops in Greek. It is carved from a single stone and lies just before the Pyramids. After an included lunch, the afternoon is at leisure or you may join an optional tour to Memphis and Sakkara ($59). Begin with a drive to Memphis, the oldest capital of Egypt, to see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the alabaster sphinx of King Tutmosis III. Then visit the Sakkara step pyramids, including the famous Step Pyramid of Zoser. An optional Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids ($39) is also available. (B,L)
Day 11: Cairo. This morning visit the Egyptian Museum where a local expert introduces you to, among other treasures, the priceless antiquities of King Tut's tomb. Proceed to the exotic and colorful Khan El Khalili bazaar, where bargains galore await. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace or shop for unique souvenirs. Your hotel is conveniently located within short distance of many of Cairo's attractions as well as excellent shopping and dining. Your tour director will be glad to make suggestions and recommendations. (B)
Day 12: Cairo/USA. Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive back in the U.S. later today. (B)
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Egypt Air
- Airline fuel surcharge
- All intra-Egypt flights and ground transportation by airconditioned motorcoach
- Accommodation at deluxe hotels with private bath
- Nile River cruise aboard the first class
MS Nile Symphony in outside cabin with picture window on the Main Deck
- 24 meals: 10 full buffet American breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L) and
7 dinners (D)
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking
Tour Director/Egyptologist
 About Your Riverboat Sailing under the management of Presidential Nile Cruises, one of Egypt's leading operators of Nile River boats, the MS Nile Symphony is a delightful, first class vessel offering a unique itinerary, cultural activities and nightly local entertainment. Passengers are looked after by a highly experienced, dedicated and friendly crew. The 54 comfortable cabins are all river facing with picture windows, two lower beds and a private bath with shower. Public areas include a spacious restaurant serving delicious meals, an elegant lounge, a bar and a panoramic sundeck with a pool. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout. Join us on this cruise-tour for a thoroughly enjoyable experience!   
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 Abu Simbel Optional Excursion Join us on Day 8 for an unforgettable optional half-day excursion to mystical Abu Simbel. After an early breakfast, you'll board a short flight to Abu Simbel where with a local expert you'll explore the magnificent monuments carved into solid rock 3,000 years ago. The two temples at Abu Simbel were originally built into the mountainside by Egypt's great Pharaoh Ramses II. When the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1960 created Lake Nasser and flooded the original location of the temples they were moved to their present site in an extraordinary operation to save one of the world's greatest treasures. Four colossal statues, 60 feet high, are of the pharaoh with his queen and daughters at his feet. Other imposing statues surround you as you enter the temple. And in the very depths of the temple, Ramses II sits flanked by the gods to whom the construction is dedicated. After the guided tour, enjoy some time at leisure to walk the temples' ground before returning to Aswan via a short flight. Note: This optional tour must be reserved with your main tour arrangements prior to departing the US and pre-paid to guarantee availability. 
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