Pharaohs & Pyramids

Overview

Uncover the ancient secrets of Egypt long buried in desert sands while experiencing the welcoming culture of today. See the pyramids from astride a majestic camel. Wander among 140 soaring pillars in Karnak Temple. Explore Dendera, one of Egypt’s best-preserved and less-frequented temples. Feel the Nile breeze on your cheeks as you skim its waters by traditional felucca. Delight in the fragrances of Aswans spice market. Join Viking and our expert Egyptologists on a 12-day Nile cruisetour into the heart of Egypt.

Day 1 – Cairo, Egypt

Arrive in Cairo, Egypts exhilarating capital. This pulsating, historic city was made prosperous over millennia as a stopover for Sahara caravans on trade routes to Byzantium. You will transfer to the First-Class Ritz Carlton Nile (or similar) for a 3-night stay.

Day 2 – Cairo, Egypt

This morning we take an excursion to the necropolis at Sakkara to see the worlds oldest step pyramid. After a typical Egyptian lunch, continue to the Giza Plateau to behold the only Wonder of the Ancient World still standing: the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. There, you can experience them as the ancients didfrom astride the ships of the desertduring a brief camel ride. Nearby, see the Great Sphinx, forever facing due east. Return to your hotel for dinner and a free evening to relax or explore on your own.

Day 3 – Cairo, Egypt

Today the fascinating sights of Cairo unfold before you. This morning, tour the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities and admire its huge collection of artifacts, then visit the famous gallery displaying the riches of King Tutankhamen. Later, marvel at the sprawling Citadel of the Mountain and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. After lunch on your own at or near your hotel, take free time in the afternoon to follow your own interests. Later, you might join an optional visit to Khan el-Khalili, Cairos most famous outdoor souk (bazaar). After an orientation from your guide, you can shop for all manner of Egyptian goods, from carpets to brassware to spices, and admire the Al-Aqmar Mosque. Conclude your outing with a traditional Egyptian dinner in Al-Azhar Park.

Day 4 – Luxor, Egypt

The sun is beaming down on these ancient ruins in Cairo above

Early this morning, fly to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes beautifully set on the Nile River, where history will be brought to life by your expert Egyptologist. At the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, long buried beneath desert sands, walk among monumental peristyles and obelisks and learn how ancient hieroglyphics hint at the beliefs and lifestyle of ancient Egyptians. Proceed to your Nile cruise ship for check-in and a welcome lunch. Join an optional excursion to the Luxor Library and Heritage Center, where the citys past is preserved and shared in engaging exhibits. Enjoy an onboard dinner.

Day 5 – Luxor, Egypt

Relax over breakfast, or (weather permitting) join an optional early-morning hot air balloon ride over Luxors temples and monuments. Youll marvel at breathtaking views of an ancient city, the surrounding desert sands and the magnificent Nile. Later, head to the Niles west bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where ancient pharaohs were entombed deep in the hillsides, and the Valley of the Queens, resting place of pharaohs wives. Here you will enjoy Privileged Access to the tomb of Queen Nefertari, an exquisitely preserved tomb only a few visitors get to see. Among the sites youll visit are the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypts few female rulers and most successful pharaohs. Return to your ship as we set sail for Qena; lunch and dinner are served on board as we cruise along the spectacular Nile.

Day 6 – Qena, Egypt

This mornings excursion takes you to the sprawling complex of Dendera. Remarkably, its fascinating Temple of Hathor was not built by the ancient Egyptians, but by Ptolemies and Romans in classic Egyptian style. During your tour, you will walk through its towering stone gate to view the columns and hieroglyphics of some of Egypts best preserved structures. After a guided visit and time to explore on your own, you will return to your ship.

Day 7 – Esna, Egypt

Disembark at Esna today to explore the red sandstone Temple of Khnum. In the 1st-century Hypostyle Hall, admire its 24 columns, six across and four deep, each topped by a differently designed, intricately carved floral capital. As you explore, be sure to examine the hieroglyphics depicting Roman emperors making offerings to the gods. After a guided tour, you will have time to take in more of this fascinating site on your own.

Day 8 – Aswan, Egypt

Awake in Aswan this morning, Egypts bustling market city. You will have the morning to explore on your own, or join an optional excursion to Abu Simbel to admire the Great Temple of Ramses II, Egypts longest ruling pharaoh. It is dominated by four colossal statues, sixty feet high and directly facing the rising sun. The statues are all of Ramses, with his queen and daughters at his feet. Moved from its original location near Aswan to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, it was built as a tribute to the deities and Ramses IIs favorite wife, Nefertari. This afternoon, take a scenic Nile cruise on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian wooden sailboat, and visit the local spice market. Enjoy an on-board dinner and spend the night in Aswan.

Day 9 – Aswan, Egypt

Awake in Aswan this morning, Egypts bustling market city. You will have the morning to explore on your own, or join an optional excursion to Abu Simbel to admire the Great Temple of Ramses II, Egypts longest ruling pharaoh. It is dominated by four colossal statues, sixty feet high and directly facing the rising sun. The statues are all of Ramses, with his queen and daughters at his feet. Moved from its original location near Aswan to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, it was built as a tribute to the deities and Ramses IIs favorite wife, Nefertari. This afternoon, take a scenic Nile cruise on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian wooden sailboat, and visit the local spice market. Enjoy an on-board dinner and spend the night in Aswan.

Day 10 – Edfu, Egypt

This morning, ride in a horse-drawn calche, or carriage, to the Temple of Horus. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god of light, it was built in Edfu during the Ptolemaic Dynasty. This is another of Egypts best preserved temples, fronted by a massive wall whose entrance is flanked by two falcon statues. Enjoy more Nile cruising today, marveling at the lush green riverbanks backed by hills of desert sands. Arrive back in Luxor later, and join an optional sound and light show at the Temple of Luxor this evening.

Day 11 – Luxor, Egypt

After a leisurely onboard breakfast, disembark and head to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Check in to the First-Class Cairo City Stars Hotel (or similar) for 1 night, then enjoy free time. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Day 12 – Cairo, Egypt

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or, extend your journey for 4 nights in Jordan to see the lost city of Petra, or visit Israel, where three of the worlds major religions converge with grace and beauty