Evening: Depart North America on overnight flights to Cairo.

Dinner: Dinner on your own.

Evening: Arrival to Cairo International Airport and transfer to the hotel.

Lodging: Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Discovering the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Solar Boat Museum and the Sphinx. Led by your Egyptologist, explore the most renowned sites of Egypt with a great opportunity to see the sites up from a great panoramic view point and experience a unique short camel ride. The pyramids of Giza are perhaps the only true rival to the Great Sphinx when one thinks of ancient Egypt and its architecture. The Valley of Giza-- with its wonderful monuments-- is truly a marvel of architectural prowess. The three largest pyramids located in the valley consist of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Kafhre and the Pyramid of Menkaura. Each Pyramid is a tomb dedicated to a different king of Egypt. Solar boat museum: The significance of the buried boat is still debated. The Pyramid Texts clearly state that at the end of the pharaoh's life on Earth, his soul ascends to the heavens in the solar barque to join his father Re. The arguments are about whether this boat was purely symbolic - part of the burial goods - or whether it was actually used in the funeral procession to transport the body of the king by river to his pyramid complex. While some scholars claim that there is evidence that the boat has been in water, Zahi Hawass points out that shavings of cedar and acacia found in the pit during excavation, indicate that it was probably built close to where it was buried. While the boat is of the right dimensions to be suitable as a river craft, no mast was found with the components. Then descend the plateau to view the Great Sphinx and marvel the presence of the guardian of the necropolis. An imaginary creature that shows the strength of the lion and the intelligence of the human, carved out of one big knoll of rock more than 4600 years ago. The Great Sphinx has also been known for a long time under the name “Father of Fear”. A wise man once said: “Everything fears time, yet time fears the Pyramids”.

Lunch: Lunch at the hotel or a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Free time to explore on your own. Presentation - Egyptology Explained, led by a scholar from Cairo University Giza, deepen your understanding of Ancient Egypt; enjoy a presentation that investigates the ancient Egyptian culture, the people, language, literature, history, religion, art and architecture.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Before dinner, enjoy a once in a lifetime experience as you end your first day in Egypt with a spectacular Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.

Lodging: Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discovering Dahsur & Memphis / Pyramids of Zoser and Titi / Presentation Islam Today

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Explore Dahshur, a necropolis of the Old Kingdom, housing some of the oldest pyramids built by and for the 4th dynasty pharaoh, Sneferu, around 2600 BC. This site best demonstrates how a strong willed king was able to build the first true pyramid, changing its design from the "step" pyramid. Led by you Egyptologist drive north of Dahshur to Saqqara where you will visit the Imhotep Museum. The Museum was opened in 2006, and displays finds from the site, in commemoration of the ancient Egyptian architect Imhotep. The head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Zahi Hawass said: "I felt that we should call it the Imhotep Museum in tribute to the first architect to use stone rather than perishable materials for construction on a large scale. This man was second only to the King and in the late period was worshipped as a god." The Museum also has a hall dedicated to a man, an important Egyptologist who excavated the Djoser complex all his life: the French Egyptologist Jean-Philippe Lauer. The Museum has five large halls in which one admires masterpieces from Saqqara such as a Greco-Roman mummy discovered by Zahi Hawass during his excavations at Teti's pyramid complex. Explore the Step Pyramid Complex of King Djoser (Zoser), which is considered the oldest stone structure on earth, built more than 4700 years ago. It was built for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser by his vizier Imhotep. The Pyramid of Teti is also located in the Necropolis of Saqqara. Its original height was about 52.5 m. It was poor in its architectural design, but inside it are some Pyramid Texts, inscribed all around the walls of the Burial Chamber and the inner corridors. End the morning exploring a mastaba tomb, which is a great source of information concerning the daily life of the ancient Egyptians. A mastaba is a superstructure of a tomb that was built in the form of a huge bench above ground to house the funeral belongings of the deceased.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Time to rest and relax. Then enjoy a presentation at your hotel by a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars who will speak about Islam in the world today.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Alexandria, Egypt / Amba Bishoi Monastery / The Great Alexandria Library

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: En Route to Alexandria today drive along the desert road to discover Anba Bishoi Monastery located 100 km to the northwest of Cairo. This location was important to the ancient Egyptian since it was from here they extracted the Natrun salt. Following his enthronement in November of 1971, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III selected this monastery as his pontifical residence, for this reason, it is therefore the destination of many Copts who visit Wadi Naturn. One of the most important monasteries today in Wadi El- Natroun is Dier Anba Bishoi ( Bischoi) it was named after the patron St. Bishoi who immigrated to the site and lived in solitude. The monastery was restored several times after it has been destroyed at the hands of the barbers. It has 5 churches the main one is the St Bishoi church which goes as early to the 9th century Ad. This church today is only used during the Summertime. To the east of this church lies another one known as the church of Al- Adra (the virgin), it is only used during the winter months. The monastery contains the remains of St. Bishoi, and Ephraim the Assyrian, and Paul of Tomah.There is also a bakery and a millhouse in the northeastern corner of the monastery. The latter is the most complete example of its kind in the Wadi Natrun. Also located on the grounds of the monastery is the Well of the Martyrs, which has been used ever since the time of Anba Bishoi. It is said that the Berbers washed the blood from their swords here after having killed the 49 Martyrs. Monks at the monastery also say that the Martyrs were thrown in the well prior to being interned at the nearby St. Marcarius Monastery. It is twelve meters deep and continues to produce fresh water, which is regarded as miraculous.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Alexandria.

Afternoon: Uncovering Alexandria, this afternoon enjoy a brief panoramic discovery of this Ancient city. The Eastern Harbor of Alexandria has been a crossroads of culture and continents for 2,300 years. This is where the Pharos lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, guided people from all nations safely into port; where Queen Cleopatra first laid eyes on Julius Caesar. Then visit the Library of Alexandria: In 2002, Alexandria recaptured the spirit of its richest legacy—the Great Library of Alexandria—by opening the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The New Library shares the same universal goals as the ancient one built by Alexander the Great. It is a focal point for research, the advancement of knowledge and the open exchange of ideas. Then check into the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Sofitel Cecil Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Exploring Alexandria - led by your Egyptologist continue discovering the great historic sites of Alexandria. This morning, start with the Catacombs then; explore the Roman theatre and the National Museum. Catacoms of Kom es-Shouqafa: These tombs were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine emperors (2nd century A.D.) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion. As a privately financed project, it is an engineering feat of some magnitude. These tombs represent the last existing major construction for the sake of the old Egyptian religion. Though the funerary motifs are pure ancient Egyptian, the architects and artists were schooled in the Greco-Roman style. Applied to the themes of Ancient Egyptian religion, it has resulted in an amazing integrated art, quite unlike anything else in the world. Explore the well-preserved Roman theatre with galleries, sections of mosaic-flooring, and marble seats for up to 800 spectators. The Alexandria National Museum has grown in importance these days, and is now considered one of Egypt's finest museums. It was inaugurated by President Hosni Mubarak on December 31st, 2003, and is one more addition to the reasons one should visit this grand old city. The national museum is located in a restored palace and contains about 1,800 artifacts that narrate the history of Alexandria throughout the ages, including the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras. There are even some more modern pieces, including 19th century glassware, silverware, chinaware and precious jewels, which provide a sense of the richness of the court of Mohammed Ali and his descendants. Mummies are shown in a special underground chamber (basement). Also, some of the items found during the archaeological underwater excavations in Alexandria are now on the same floor as the Greco-Roman artifacts.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue exploring Alexandria, then end the day at Montazah Gardens. This 115 acre complex is surrounded by great walls from the south, east and west, and with the beach on its north side. This area used to belong to the Mohamed Ali family, that ruled Egypt from the mid 19th century until 1952. The construction was started in 1892 by King Abbas II, who built a large palace inside the complex called the Salamlek. In 1932, King Fuad built a larger palace and called it the Haramlik. His son, King Farouk, built a bridge to the sea to act as a water front. At the hotel enjoy a presentation -The Underwater City of Cleopatra led by Leading Professor/Lecturer, learn about the archeological work being done to re-discover the destroyed Light house.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Sofitel Cecil Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Train to Cairo / Cairo's Egyptian Museum / Presentation Understanding the Egyptian Family

Breakfast: Boxed breakfast from the hotel.

Morning: Take the train to Cairo. Have a unique experience as you enjoy one of the earlier methods of tranportation that allowed for expension of travel in North Africa and enjoy the sites of Egypt while you relax.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Cairo.

Afternoon: Have the afternoon to explore the Egyptian Museum including the mummy room after an introduction by an Egyptologist. Then check into the hotel. Learn about Egyptian social life led by a lecturer from a local university at the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Sofitel El Gezirah Cairo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Discover Historic Cairo - led by your Egyptologist explore Ibn Toulum Mosque, El Moez Street and Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch discover the Hanging church, St Serguis church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. These illustrate the intricate relation between religions. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Cairo. Some suggested activities will be provided by your Group Leader.

Dinner: Dinner on your own.

Lodging: Sofitel El Gezirah Cairo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Fly to Luxor / Karnak and Luxor Temples / Presentation the OPET Festival and Restoration in Luxor

Breakfast: Boxed breakfast from the hotel.

Morning: Early transfer to the Cairo Airport for flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, coach to the Karnak & Luxor temples where you will spend the morning exploring these temples with your Egyptologist. The temple of Luxor, known in the Egyptian language as ipet resyt, or “the southern harem”, was built by King Amenhotep III who reigned 1390-53 BC and dedicated it to Amon-Re, king of the gods, his consort Mut, and their son Khons. Although badly ruined, no site in Egypt is more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest temple complex ever built by man, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders. The Temple of Karnak is actually three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples. Afterwards, board the boat for lunch and check in.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Presentation - The Opet Festival and the ongoing Restoration Work of Luxor led by a professor from the Luxor University at New Luxor Library.

Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Lodging: ms Concerto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Presentation - The Ongoing New Discoveries and Digs in Egypt led by University Professor at Habu Temple (This presentation my be altered in May, June, July and September). Then, explore the Sites of Luxor - led by your Egyptologist discover the West bank Valley of the Kings, King Tut Tomb, Hatshepsut and Memnon. Since the end of the eighteenth century, significant archaeological investigation has taken place at the Thebean necropolis. Between the 16th and 11th centuries BCE, a plethora of tombs were constructed for ancient Egypt’s nobility. Recent excavations, under the direction of the Theban Mapping Project, have unearthed additional tombs as well as providing a more meticulous and cautious approach towards excavation.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon enjoying the sites of Egypt as you sail up the Nile to Edfu. Cocktail Hour - Join the Ships Manager and your Group Leader for pre dinner drinks and meet the staff on board.

Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Lodging: ms Concerto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Led by your Egyptologist explore Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples. The Horus Temple at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God Horus, is one of the largest in Egypt. Dedicated to the Gods: Sobek and Haeroris, Kom Ombo was built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty in the Second Century BCE. Several hundred crocodile mummies were uncovered during initial excavations.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon enjoying the sites of Egypt as you sail up the Nile to Aswan.

Dinner: Dinner onboard.

Lodging: ms Concerto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Led by your Egyptologist spend the morning exploring the sites of Aswan; visit Philae, High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Completed in 1970, the dam has proved both beneficial and detrimental to Egypt. While the dam’s construction has been integral in generating electricity, erosion, poor silt deposition, and a slew of other environmental problems have developed.

Lunch: Lunch onboard.

Afternoon: Spend part of the afternoon enjoying a uniquely Egyptian sailing experience on the Nile on a Felucca. Feluccas are sail boats that have been used on the Nile since antiquity made to a traditional design with broad canvas sails. Essentially, the craft is reliant on wind-power with no motor, and are dependent upon the wind factor to propel forth.

Dinner: Farewell dinner onboard.

Lodging: ms Concerto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.

Morning: Journey through the Great Western desert to Abu Simbel, upon arrival, led by our Egyptologist spend the morning exploring the temples in Abu Simbel, ending your study of Ancient Egypt. Explore Ramses II & Queen Nefertari Temples. Located in upper Egypt, on the west bank of the Nassar River, Abu Simbel is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Nubian Monuments”. In a massive relocation project aimed at protecting the site from the Nile’s rising waters (as a consequence of the Aswan Dam), both temples were dissected into huge blocks, dismantled and then reassembled 60 meters higher and some 200 meters further away from the river. The twin temples remain a lasting monument to Pharaoh Ramesses II and his Queen Nefertari.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Abu Simbel.

Afternoon: Fly to Cairo via Aswan (or Continue on to the Extension Cruise on Lake Nasser), upon arrival in Cairo, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Boxed breakfast from the hotel.

Morning: Early morning transfer to the Cairo International Airport for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast