Pharaohs & Pyramids 2025
13
4
34
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Recognized as the region’s finest journeys year after year, A&K’s Egypt adventures take you places others cannot in a seamlessly elevated style you won’t find anywhere else. Experience this difference firsthand as you cruise the Nile on an A&K-exclusive charter of Sun Boat III, an A&K Sanctuary, delving deeply into Egypt’s ancient wonders. Between destinations, fly aboard aircraft chartered exclusively for A&K guests.
Cruise the Nile for seven nights aboard an exclusive charter of Sun Boat III, an A&K Sanctuary, visiting less-frequented sites, tombs and temples along the way
Fly between destinations aboard aircraft chartered exclusively for A&K guests
Venture inside an ancient pyramid on the Giza Plateau
Gain insider access to a restricted area at the massive paws of the Great Sphinx
An early morning balloon flight over the Nile showcases the monuments of ancient Thebes at sunrise
Descend into the tomb of Tutankhamun and visit famed archaeologist Howard Carter’s home
In Sakkara, a private opening arranged by A&K affords access to the recently discovered Wahtye’s Tomb
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in Cairo, Egypt's "Mother of All Cities,” an age-old crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, where you are met and privately transferred to your riverside hotel.
Day 2 | Cairo - Immersed in Antiquities
Explore the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to over 120,000 relics, some dating back to 4000 BC including the treasures from King Tut's tomb. After lunch, accompany your A&K Egyptologist for the unveiling of 12 never-before-seen main galleries at the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, part of a soft opening that showcases 15,000 artifacts spanning Egypt's history. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity puts you up close with items, from the stone tools and pottery of the earliest human settlements along the Nile to the artifacts of the Graeco-Roman era, that reflect the evolution of one of the world's most remarkable civilizations. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 | Cairo - The Great Pyramid and Paws of the Sphinx
Set out for the Giza Plateau on a full-day excursion. Observe the great pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure as well as other historical sites. Enter the Great Pyramid of Cheops — oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — stepping back in time some 4,000 years. Then, enjoy special private access to the nearby Great Sphinx, seizing the rare opportunity to lay your hands on its massive paws.
Day 4 | Luxor - Two of Egypt's Finest Temples
Fly south to Luxor, formerly known as Thebes. Upon arrival, visit the Temple of Karnak, featuring 134 great columns that once supported an enormous roof. Board Sun Boat III, an A&K Sanctuary, your luxurious home on the Nile for the next seven nights, in time for lunch. This afternoon, explore the Temple of Luxor, built by Amenhotep III (1405-1367 BC). This evening, gather for a complimentary cocktail and canapés, followed by dinner.
Day 5 | Cruising the Nile - The Discovery of Tutankhamun
Visit the Nile's West Bank, starting at the fabled Colossi of Memnon, two enormous seated statues of Amenhotep III. Proceed to the terraced funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh, and continue to the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs. See the iconic tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut), before visiting the former home of the legendary archaeologist who found it, Howard Carter, to see the original tools he used for the excavation. Gain entry to the lesser-visited, well-preserved tomb of Seti I, father of Ramses II. Then, in the Valley of the Queens, explore the tomb of Queen Nefertari, said to be the finest tomb in Egypt. After lunch back aboard ship, relax on board or explore the Luxor Museum, browsing its fascinating collections.
Day 6 | Cruising the Nile - Grandeur by Hot Air Balloon
Rise early this morning for an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over the Nile and the temples that line its shores. Afterward, go off the beaten path to one of Luxor's less-visited sites, Medinet Habu, built by Ramses III. Return to Sun Boat III, an A&K Sanctuary and partake in a Scenic Sundowner as you cruise toward Esna.
Day 7 | Cruising the Nile - Remnants of Greece and Rome
This morning at Esna, explore the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum with your Egyptologist guide. Its Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Then, board your river ship and cruise to Edfu, where you visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus (the falcon god).
Day 8 | Cruising the Nile - Temple of the Sun
Relax on board as the morning unfolds. This afternoon, learn to prepare local dishes during a Chef's Table experience with an onboard chef as you cruise to Kom Ombo. Disembark for a walking visit to this lovely Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), whom some ancient Egyptians considered the creator of the world. View the mummified remains of several crocodiles that once basked along the ancient Nile shore, just as their descendants do today. Join the party tonight, dressing up in traditional Egyptian galabeyyas and savoring a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by Arabic music and dancing.
Day 9 | Cruising the Nile - Island Temple of Isis
Disembark in Aswan to visit the granite quarries that supplied stone for many of Egypt's pyramids and temples. View the 1,200-ton "Unfinished Obelisk,” which exemplifies the technique used to create such enormous monoliths. Then, boat to the island of Agilika to view the exquisite Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Sail by felucca (traditional sailing vessel), weather permitting, around Elephantine Island and view the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum, which overlooks the river. After lunch, relax on board or explore a local Aswan spice market.
Day 10 | Abu Simbel - Massive Tribute to Ramses II
Fly to Abu Simbel, site of the magnificent temple of Ramses II, and marvel at the four enormous statues of the pharaoh that grace its façade, each over 60 feet high. Amazingly, the site was raised up the hillside to avoid floodwaters caused by the Aswan High Dam project. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before flying back to Aswan, to return to your ship.
Day 11 | Aswan/Cairo - Design Your Day
Disembark Sun Boat III, an A&K Sanctuary and return to Cairo in time for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
- Discover Coptic Cairo, visiting a church built where the Holy Family stayed and other Christian sites.
- Tour Islamic Cairo, including the lively Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
- View the Royal Mummies, and countless other artifacts as you tour the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Day 12 | Cairo - Private Opening of Wahtye's Tomb
Today, venture just outside the city to Sakkara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis, site of the famous Step Pyramid. Built by Zoser I in 2700 BC, it is the world's oldest stone structure. Enjoy a special private opening of the 4,400-year-old tomb of Wahtye. Unearthed in 2018, it is considered one of the biggest discoveries of the decade, completely untouched and filled with painted hieroglyphics, sculptures and inscriptions. Also visit the Mereruka Tomb, one of the most exquisitely decorated tombs of the Old Kingdom. Tonight, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner.
Day 13 | Depart Cairo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart.
Extensions
Jordan Pre-Tour Extension (Pharaohs & Pyramids)
Discover Jordan's historical and architectural marvels, from Amman to Jerash and Mount Nebo to Petra.
Interested in a similar itinerary but want to Travel Privately?
Our Travel Experts are here to craft your perfect tailormade holiday.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Arrive in Cairo, Egypt's "Mother of All Cities,” an age-old crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, where you are met and privately transferred to your riverside hotel.
Itinerary:
Extensions
Jordan Pre-Tour Extension (Pharaohs & Pyramids)
Discover Jordan's historical and architectural marvels, from Amman to Jerash and Mount Nebo to Petra.
Interested in a similar itinerary but want to Travel Privately?
Our Travel Experts are here to craft your perfect tailormade holiday.
Hand Selected for an Unmatched Experience
Sun Boat III, an A&K Sanctuary
Award-winning Sun Boat III cruses the Nile River in style, pampering guests with elegant common spaces and 18 luxurious, air-conditioned cabins. The Art Deco-inspired design of the vessel’s lounges, pool deck and cabins garnered praise from Architectural Digest, the publication dubbing it the “Jewel of the Nile.” The vessel also offers Wi-Fi service (in common areas), hair dryers and laundry service. English is the official language on board. Meals are prepared fresh daily by professional onboard chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
Inclusions & Offers
Save 50% on the single supplement on select departures.
Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
English-Speaking Resident Tour Director® and Local Guides
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service
Internet Access
Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
24/7 A&K On-Call Support
Internal Air Included (Economy Class, $2,500 value) Cairo/Luxor; Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan/Cairo
Dates & Prices
Choose a date to view available Suites
Includes extended walks over sand and uneven terrain
Minimum age is 10 years old
Welcome briefing at 8:00 a.m. on Day 2
Farewell Dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 12
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adventures
13 Days
|
from $17,495
|
34 guests
