Optional Extension


Nile River Cruise, Egypt – 2008

Program Cost: $2495 per person; Single Supplement: $995

One of the best ways to see the wonders of Upper Egypt is to take a Nile cruise, combining carefully planned sightseeing with a chance to relax on deck sipping a cocktail, as you watch life go by on the banks of the Nile, virtually unchanged for centuries. Egyptologist guides take guests on a fascinating journey through history, unveiling a new chapter with each tomb painting or ancient wall relief.
 

Day One – Fly to Luxor
The delegation will fly to Luxor. The Nile cruise represents much more than just a room-and-sightseeing program; it is an entire experience where the quality of service, entertainment, onboard facilities, and food and beverage are all equally vital ingredients.

Explore the Valley of the Kings and Queens today along the West Bank of Luxor—the vast city of the dead with its magnificent tombs carved into the desert rock. Continue on to see Hatshepsut Temple rising out of the desert plains; Karnak Temple along the East Bank; and Luxor Temple, dedicated to the god Amun.

Day Two – Nile River Cruise
Sail on to Esna throughout the day today. Enjoy afternoon tea onboard and a captain’s cocktail party.

Days Three and Four – Nile River Cruise
Though a series of well-planned stops along the river, the delegation—guided by an Egyptologist—will take a fascinating journey through history. Each tomb, temple, sight, painting or ancient wall relief unveils a new chapter of Egypt’s enduring story.

Explore the Edfu and Esna Temples. The Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum

at Esna is beautifully preserved and lies about nine meters below present-day street level. The Temple of Horus at Edfu is the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic temple in Egypt.

Visit Aswan High Dam, where the Nile’s flow is regulated for the whole of Egypt. The area was formerly known as Nubia, and the Nubian language is still spoken today by many Aswan residents. Few Nubian monuments are left for visitors to see, most having been flooded by the waters of Lake Nasser. Visit the Temple of Philae in Aswan, moved piece by piece to higher ground before the dam was made operational.

Aswan offers a wonderful opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and timeless ambience of Egypt. Walk through Aswan's historic Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie stayed when she wrote Death on the Nile.

Day Five – Aswan The delegation will depart the cruise in Aswan and fly back to Cairo. Overnight in Cairo tonight, with the remainder of the day free.

Day Six – Depart for the United States


To participate in the Nile River Cruise extension, complete and return the extension registration form in your Delegate Protocol no later than 90 days before departure.