Alexandria & Ancient Egypt (Scenic Club Exclusive)

Please Note: This trip is only available to Scenic Club members.

Your journey into wonder begins in the historic city of Cairo, the heart of Egypt. With bustling streets filled with vibrant culture and rich history, it's home to iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Unwind in the luxurious comfort of your hotel, offering stunning views of the Nile River and exceptional amenities during an overnight stay.

Exclusive to Scenic Club: Meet your fellow travellers and your tour director during a welcome reception.

This morning, board the air-conditioned express train and journey to the legendary Mediterranean city of Alexandria, once home to Egypt’s last pharaoh, Queen Cleopatra. Explore the fascinating Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the world’s largest Roman cemetery, featuring three levels carved into solid rock. Visit the stunning Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a major library and cultural centre paying homage to the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was lost to history.

Check in to your luxurious hotel for a two-night stay. In the evening, join your Tour Director for a delightful welcome dinner, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey. (B/D)

Your exploration of Alexandria continues with a visit the Citadel of Qaitbay which has played an important role in the defence of the city throughout the ages.

Exclusive to Scenic Club: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with some of the best harbour views of Alexandria.

Continue your journey with a visit to the Greco-Roman Museum, founded in 1892, which boasts an impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the region. (B/L)

Explore the historic battleground of El Alamein, the site of one of World War II’s defining battles. Visit the El Alamein War Museum, which houses extensive exhibits on the battle, and pay your respects at the Commonwealth Cemetery, a solemn tribute to the soldiers who fought there. Continue to Giza and enjoy a two-night Special Stay, offering stunning views of the Pyramids of Giza.

Sunset Drinks: Enjoy drinks and canapés as the sun sets over the magnificent pyramids. (B/L/D)

Be awed by the pyramids of Giza, a World Heritage-listed site and the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, standing for over 4,500 years. Marvel at the Great Sphinx, an iconic limestone statue with a lion's body and a pharaoh's head, standing 20 metres.

Spend an afternoon of historical discoveries at the Grand Egyptian Museum, where you can admire an extensive collection of artifacts, including treasures recovered from Tutankhamun's tomb, which is over 3,300 years old. Gaze in wonder at the Solar Boat, a meticulously restored cedar wood barge dating back to 2500 BC, found buried near the Great Pyramid of Khufu. This ancient vessel was intended to transport the pharaoh's spirit to the afterlife, adding a fascinating dimension to your exploration of ancient Egyptian history. (B/L)

Fly to Luxor and check into the Sonesta St. George Hotel for a two-night stay. Explore the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious sites in the world, spanning over 200 acres. Marvel at the enormity of the Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 towering columns, each intricately engraved with hieroglyphs, depicting the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian mythology and history. The most spectacular of the temples at Karnak is the Temple of Amun. This is entered via the Avenue of the Sphinxes that once stretched the two miles from Karnak to Luxor Temple.

Exclusive to Scenic Club: After the sun sets enjoy an exclusive outdoor dinner at the iconic Luxor Temple. At night the temple Is lit up, creating a stunning spectacle as shadow and light play off the reliefs and colonnades. (B/D)

In the morning, explore the Valley of the Nobles, a site with hundreds of rock-cut tombs belonging to ancient Egyptian nobility. These tombs, richly adorned with vibrant frescoes, provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily activities and cultural practices of their inhabitants. That's because the detailed wall paintings in each tomb showcase the artistic mastery of the time while also offering valuable insights into the social and economic structures of ancient Egypt, depicting scenes of agriculture, trade, and festivities that animated their world. (B/L)

Board the elegant Sanctuary Sun Boat III and settle into your suite.

Exclusive to Scenic Club: Join Dr. Bahaa Gaber for a lecture about the new discoveries on the West Bank.

As you cross to the West Bank of the Nile, prepare to be amazed by the well-preserved, vibrant hieroglyphics that decorate the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Exclusive to Scenic Club: During your exploration of the Valley of the Kings, visit the tomb of Seti I, one of the longest, deepest, and most beautifully decorated tombs.

You'll also have the chance to visit the former residence of Howard Carter, the British archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Later, admire Queen Hatshepsut’s impressive monument. (B/L/D)

Unwind on board your cruise and observe the vibrant daily life along the mighty Nile as you journey towards Dendera. There, visit the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt, renowned for its magnificent capitals and the Dendera Zodiac ceiling relief. This temple dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, showcases exquisite architecture and intricate carvings that reveal the sophistication of ancient Egyptian religious practices.

After exploring Dendera, return to Luxor to visit the majestic Luxor Temple. Situated in the heart of ancient Thebes, Luxor Temple is a grandiose testament to Egyptian civilisation's architectural prowess, featuring colossal statues of Ramesses II and amenities originally built by Amenhotep III, which illuminate the religious and political significance of the temple throughout history. (B/L/D)

Trace the path once taken by ancient pharaohs' processions as you cruise south along the Nile. Admire the rural villages and majestic temples that dot the riverbanks. Explore the Esna Temple, one of ancient Egypt’s holiest sites, revered for its beautifully preserved hypostyle hall and intricate carvings dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed god of the river. Later, sail to the striking Kom Ombo Temple, strategically located on the East Bank. This unique double temple is dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God, and Horus the Elder, reflecting the duality of ancient Egyptian theology.

As the sun sets, the on board atmosphere livens with a colourful Galabeyya party. Enjoy an evening of Egyptian delicacies, vibrant music, and dancing, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region. (B/L/D)

Cruise south to Aswan, the picturesque city and cultural heart of the Nubian community. Explore the Temple of Isis at Philae, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis that exemplifies the fusion of three great civilisations: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. After your visit, relax with a leisurely felucca sail on the Nile, experiencing traditional Egyptian boating.

In the evening, enjoy a vibrant display of Nubian dance performance, celebrating the region's rich culture. Conclude your day with a farewell Gala Dinner alongside the captain and crew, a memorable end to your Nile cruise. (B/L/D)

Aswan, nestled at the southern tip of Egypt along the Nile, is celebrated for its serene beauty and rich archaeological sites. This city is a cultural gateway, enriched by Nubian heritage and landmarks like the Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam, which have reshaped Egypt's landscape.

Enjoy your Special Stay at your luxurious hotel, where figures like Princess Diana and Winston Churchill have stayed. Savour pre-dinner drinks at The Terrace before dining at the acclaimed 1902 restaurant.

Freechoice: Choose from a range of activities:

• Nubian Museum: Explore the Nubian Museum, showcasing the deep history and artifacts of Nubian culture dating back to 2000 BC.
• Visit a Nubian Village: Experience the heritage of the Nubians with a guided tour through a village, including a visit to a local home to see life along the Nile firsthand.
• Kalabsha Temple: Discover Kalabsha Temple on Lake Nasser's shores, admiring its grand architecture and detailed reliefs. (B/D)

Fly to Abu Simbel to witness one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sites: The massive World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. These architectural wonders were meticulously relocated in the 1960s to save them from submersion by Lake Nasser, created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temples are celebrated for their colossal statues and intricate carvings that glorify Ramses' reign and honour Nefertari, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Exclusive to Scenic Club: In the afternoon high tea Is served on the shaded hotel terrace with views of the Nile, Khnum Temple and Elephantine Island. (B/L)

Fly to the vibrant city of Cairo for a two-night stay at your elegant hotel, perfectly situated to explore the city's rich history. Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, a premier cultural institution showcasing extensive collections from Egypt's diverse eras. The highlight is the Royal Mummies’ Hall, where you can marvel at the preserved remains of ancient Egypt’s pharaohs, offering a unique window into the medical, artistic, and ceremonial practices of the ancient civilisation.

Exclusive to Scenic Club: On a guided tour discover the scientific research laboratories of the museum. The laboratories range from Ancient DNA to X-Ray and Bioarcheology, combining cutting-edge technology with historical context to shed light on the past. (B)

Enjoy one more full day in Cairo. Choose from varied Scenic Freechoice experience to tailor your day to your tastes and pace.

Freechoice:

• Coptic Cairo: Find yourself winding through the streets of Old Cairo. Visit Cairo’s Coptic Museum containing one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian Christian artifacts. Continue to the Hanging Church and a chance to visit Ben Ezra Synagogue.
• Historic Cairo: Explore medieval Cairo’s Sultan Hassan Mosque, learn about Arabic calligraphy, and see community projects at Souq al-Silah and Bayt Yakan.
• Roda Island: Discover Roda Island with stops at a 9th-century Nilometer and the Manial Palace Museum, highlighting Prince Muhammad Ali's era. (B/D)

Bid farewell to your Tour Director and new friends as you are transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward journey, taking cherished memories with you.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)