The wonders of Egypt and Dubai with Nile cruise – 13 Days 12 Nights

Breakfast at the hotel and tour in Cairo:  Departure for the visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza: Keops (the first and great Pyramid of King Jufu), Kefren (the second Pyramid attributed to King Jafraa, son of King Jufu), and Micerinos (the third and smallest Pyramid of King Micerinos, son of King Jafraa and grandson of King Jufu); the Sphinx (with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh), and the Valley Temple.  Optionally, with an additional cost, we can visit Memphis and Sakkara, taking us back almost 5,000 years in history to visit the Sakkara complex, the oldest necropolis in Egypt, where we can see the Step Pyramid of Zoser, the first pyramid in history, and also the Tombs of the Nobles.  Lunch at a local restaurant. Possibility of visiting a papyrus factory on the way. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.  Optional evening activity: Light and Sound Show. 

Breakfast at the hotel. A free day with the possibility of doing a full-day tour of Cairo. Departure for a full-day tour including visits and lunch in Cairo.  Breakfast at the hotel. Pick-up at the scheduled time by our representative. Transfer in a private air-conditioned vehicle to visit the Egyptian Museum, which contains the largest collection of monuments from the pharaonic era of Ancient Egypt, including a room with the treasures of the young king Tutankhamun.  We will also visit the Citadel of Saladin, built by Salah El Din on the heights of Mokattam Mountain in 1138 B.C. to defend Cairo from the Crusades; the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, designed by the architect Yousif Boushnaq, a Turk who came from Istanbul to build this mosque for King Mohamed Ali, who ruled Egypt for more than 45 years (1805–1849).  Lunch at a local restaurant during the visit.  Also included is a visit to Old Cairo, which gathers the Hanging Church, the Church of Saint Barbara, the Church of Saint Sergius, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.  We will end the visit at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the most famous and oldest bazaars in the Middle East. Return to the hotel. 

At the scheduled time, transfer to Cairo Airport to take a domestic flight to Luxor. Arrival and assistance by our representative in Luxor. Transfer in a private air-conditioned vehicle to the cruise.  TOUR IN LUXOR: Visit to the Temple of Luxor, which was built during the New Kingdom. It was connected to the Temple of Karnak by an avenue (dromos) flanked by sphinxes. It was mainly built by two pharaohs: Amenhotep III (who built the inner area) and Ramses II, who completed the temple. Visit to the Temple of Karnak, which, in Ancient Egypt—especially during the New Kingdom—was the most influential religious center. The main temple was dedicated to the worship of the god Amun, although, as in other Egyptian temples, other deities were also venerated.  Overnight on board. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Breakfast on board. TOUR IN LUXOR: Visit to the Valley of the Kings, which, during the New Kingdom, was the burial place of pharaohs in underground tombs. Here were buried the kings of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties, as well as some queens, princes, nobles, and even animals. Visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut, the unique temple of Queen Hatshepsut (18th dynasty), considered the most valuable and prestigious monument built in the valley and the only one of its kind in all of Egypt. Visit to the Colossi of Memnon.  Lunch on board. Navigation to Edfu. Dinner and overnight on board. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Breakfast on board. We are in Edfu. Transfer by carriage to visit the Temple of Horus, dedicated to Horus. It is the best-preserved temple in Egypt and was called Mesen, "The Place of the Harpoon", "The House of Ra".  Navigation continues to Kom Ombo. Lunch on board. Visit to the Temple of Sobek, an unusual building, completely symmetrical, with two entrances, two hypostyle halls, and two sanctuaries. This is because it is dedicated to two gods: the left side to the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder or the Great), and the right side to Sobek, a local deity with a crocodile head.  Navigation continues to Aswan. Dinner and overnight on board. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Breakfast on board. In the morning, we take an OPTIONAL excursion, with additional cost, to the two Wonders of Abu Simbel of Ramses II, by road or air depending on the chosen category.  Dinner and overnight on board. Included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

TOUR IN ASWAN: Visit to the Temple of Philae, which has great importance for Egyptians, as according to legend, when King Osiris was killed by his brother who scattered his body throughout the country, his wife Isis collected the parts and took refuge on the Island of Philae to reconstruct him.  Felucca ride on the legendary Nile for a panoramic view of the Botanical Garden, Elephantine Island, and the Mausoleum of Aga Khan.  Transfer to Aswan Airport to take the flight to Cairo. Arrival and assistance by our representative at Cairo Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. 

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Dubai.  Reception and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning. In the afternoon, our most popular excursion begins. The Land Cruisers (6 people per vehicle) will pick you up for an exciting ride through the fantastic high dunes. You’ll be able to take unique photos of the Arabian sunset.  Once the sun has set behind the golden sand dunes, we head to our Desert Camp. The aroma of freshly grilled kebabs and lamb, the bonfires, the scent of traditional water pipes, and the relaxing sounds of Arabic music invite you to an unforgettable evening.  After recharging with a sumptuous dinner, a belly dancer will demonstrate the ancient art of belly dancing. Henna painting is also available, as well as water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay. 

Breakfast. 2-hour drive from Dubai, passing Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made port in the world, until reaching the capital of the Emirates.  Photo stop at Jazirra Residence, former residence of Sheikh Zayed. Admire the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the 3rd largest mosque in the world, as well as the tomb of Sheikh Zayed, the former president of the Emirates and father of the nation.  Continue to Al Maqta Bridge, passing through one of Abu Dhabi’s wealthiest areas, the Ministers’ Area. Arrival at Corniche Street, often compared to Manhattan. Photo stop at Emirates Palace Hotel, which has its own helipad and marina, known as one of the most luxurious constructions.  Continue to Al Bateen Area, home to the royal family palaces. Return to Dubai. Overnight stay. 

Breakfast and half-day tour of the most modern part of the city, beginning with Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a modern market with a traditional look to buy souvenirs and enjoy unique views of the Burj Al Arab.  Transfer to the Palm Jumeirah Island to see the Atlantis The Palm Hotel and its impressive surroundings. Then, we visit the Dubai Marina, the largest coastal development of its kind, and see models of these astonishing projects, allowing us to better understand the exciting future of commerce and business in the Emirate.  Lastly, we visit the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world, where you can admire the Burj Khalifa (entry NOT included), the tallest building in the world.  Optional: Stay at Dubai Mall to enjoy the dancing fountains, aquarium, ice rink, and over 1,000 stores. Return to the hotel on your own. 

Breakfast and, at the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your return flight.  END OF SERVICES