Dubai + Egypt: Rivers in the Desert 2024 | 14 Days |

• Abu Dhabi: Travel to the UAE's capital. A city of wonders which changed its fate with oil.
  • Presidential Palace Qasr Al Watan:
    The official presidential palace of the UAE is an awe-inspiring construction of white stone. Even though it was only completed in 2017, it is already a must-see icon of the middle east.
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
    Feel quiet spirituality in the world's most luxurious mosque. Bringing together the world's top artisans and building materials, its style blends elements from mosques around the world. 
  • Browse luxuriously:
    Dubai Mall is not just a place for world-class fashion, but also a popular gathering spot for locals and home to one of the world's largest aquariums.

Explore the world-famous city grown from humble fishing village roots

• See old and new Dubai at your feet:
  Take a fun trip to the top of Dubai Frame for expansive city views. Try walking the transparent floor if you dare!
• Burj Khalifa: Ascend the world's tallest building with a high-speed elevator. From the 124th and 125th floors, marvel at the panoramic view of Dubai, witnessing the engineering marvel of modern architecture.
• The View at the Palm: Ascend the observatory for 360 degree views of the man-made wonder Palm Island and Dubai's impressive skyline
• Dubai Enjoy stunning sunset scenery aboard a private yacht in Dubai

Dubai

• Our morning is free for you to choose from the following activities (advance reservations required for paid options)
  • Helicopter tour: Fly through the city for stunning views of skyscrapers and the famous Palm Islands (400USD. 2 hours including transportation time, flight time about 30 minutes).
  • Dune-bashing: Ride dune regular car across beautiful red sands for a thrilling adventure (150USD. Approximately 4 hours including transportation time from 7:30 am).
  • Desert ATV adventure: Drive the dunes and enjoy the excitement of the Dubai desert (150USD. Approximately 4 hours including transportation time from 7:30 am).
  • Relax and enjoy the private beach facilities in our hotel
• Museum of the Future: Time travel to 2071 in a high tech showcase of future inventions and concepts
• Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: 
  One of the oldest areas in Dubai, it boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage along with modern artistic value, offering a journey through both present-day and past landscapes of Dubai.
• Sail like a local!
  Board a traditional abra water taxi to cross Dubai Creek and experience the river crossing used by locals.
• We bid farewell to Dubai as we board an evening flight to Cairo

Giza

• Stay by the Pyramids
  We've chosen the best location for you to admire the pyramids. From the Mena House Hotel, Egypt's grand icons are visible everywhere on the hotel grounds, and our specially-arranged rooms offer scienic views able to see the pyramids. Be immersed in the atmosphere of the ancients as soon as you arrive.

• Giza
  • Grand Egyptian Museum: Brand new opening! Several important Egyptian landmarks have been relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum, with specially arranged tours for visitors.
• Take a trip through time: Enjoy the magical experience of admiring the pyramids over breakfast before we embark on a fun and leisurely tour of the area. Seeing the distinctive pyramids in chronological order, from primitive to evolved, gives us the best sense of Egypt's advancement. 
  • Step Pyramid: Egypt's oldest pyramid, Djoser, is 5,000 years old and considered the prototype of all future pyramids
  • Bent Pyramid: A transitional style from step pyramids to "modern" pyramids, the Bent Pyramid also hails from the ancient kingdom. Its unique curves make it a sight to see!
  • Red Pyramid: Considered the first "perfect" pyramid and nicknamed after its distinct red limestone color

Giza

• Giza Pyramid Complex:
  Standing at the feet of these wonders is thrilling. Although they tower over us unmoving, your spirit will moved to the core. Go inside one of the great pyramids and marvel at the exquisite construction techniques of the ancients. 
• Ride camels through the desert:
  Cross breathtaking yellow sands for a memorable camel riding experience. Take an iconic photo against the backdrop of the pyramids.
• Sphinx of Giza:
  A symbol of wisdom and power for the ancient Egyptians, the Sphinx eternally faces the eastern sunrise and dutifully stands guard over the pyramids.

Cairo

• The Egyptian Museum:
  Our guide will lead you through a grand treasure trove of 5,000 years of humanity. See priceless artifacts including Tutankhamun's famous Gold Mask (The museum collection is expected to be relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. Subject to change pending official announcement from the Egyptian Government).

After breakfast, fly on to Luxor, home to some of Egypt's most impressive treasures.

• Valley of the Kings: the final resting place of more than 60 pharaohs and nobles buried during the New Kingdom era, three thousand years ago. Visit three excavation sites, including the must-see Tutankhamun Mausoleum.
  • Tutankhamun's Tomb (KV62): The most famous of all, Tutankhamun's resting place is the only one untouched by grave robbers - one of the 20th century's most important archeological finds
  • Additional tombs included based on availability on arrival. Despite their age, the interior frescoes of the tombs remain vivid with beautiful art and hieroglyphs, letting you experience the glory days of the pharaohs first-hand. 
• Honor history's most powerful female pharoah: Dedicated to the famous female pharaoh, the 3,500 year old Temple of Hatshepsut is tucked inside the base of dramatic limestone cliffs, an unforgettable landscape.

Nile River Cruise from Luxor to Aswan: Board our five day cruise for an unforgettable trip on the "mother river," Egypt's natural wonder which birthed and nurtured ancient civilization. Indulge in comfort aboard the M.S. MayFlower (launched 2019), one of the Nile's most elegant vessels.

Luxor

• Karnark:
  One of the world's largest religious complexes, Karnak is home to Egypt's tallest obelisk. The main hall features 134 massive sandstone columns and beautiful architecture: Imposing, magnificent, and unforgettable.
• Luxor Temple:
  The ruins of this graceful monument give us a wonderful glimpse at the great achievements of ancient Egypt. Tour the grounds and feel as if you are traveling back in time. 

Esna

• Esna Locks:
  Travel through the elevator system used by all ships traveling on the Nile. While waiting for the water level to adjust from the top deck, be impressed by the throwing skills of the fun and colorful Egyptian river vendors stationed on nearby locks and boats.

Edfu

• Edfu Temple:
  Ride horse-drawn carriages to the surprisingly well-preserved Temple of Horus. Taking in the view from the courtyard, it almost feels as if it were built yesterday. Myths of the Egyptian prince's revenge are etched into beautiful reliefs, retelling the story to all.

Kom Ombo

• Kom Ombo Temple:
  An unusual dual-god shrine dedicated to both crocodile and falcon gods (Sobek and Horus). The site features twin entrances, halls, and sanctuaries. 

• Stumble onto an ancient construction site:
  Discover the Unfinished Obelisk. Because the monument was abandoned partway, our visit gives us rare insight into the carving techniques used thousands of years ago.
• Nubian Museum:
  Nubians are an ancient indigenous group still thriving today. Known historically for their skill in archery and battle, learn about their customs at this museum dedicated to their art and culture. 
• Go sailboating on the Nile breeze:
  For centuries, Nubian sailors have crossed the Nile on traditional Felucca sailboats. You might wonder why anyone would give up the fast convenience of a motorboat, and once you've had a chance to peacefully sail the Nile on the breeze, you'll understand. See the sunset over the Nile as we are carried with the wind, accompanied by beautiful Nubian music and dance.

After a wonderful breakfast, disembark our cruise and continue deep into southern Egypt.

Aswan

• High Dam of Aswan:
  The Nile's regular floods brought fertile soil to Egypt, but also created instability for its residents. Learn how this massive project impacted Egypt's destiny in ways good and bad, and the incredible international efforts to save the artifacts behind it.
• Visit a rescued temple:
  Philae temple was one of the great projects rescued from submersion after the Aswan High Dam was built.  Board a short boat ride to the sacred island shrine in the middle of the Nile, dedicated to the legendary dieties Isis and Osiris.

Abu Simbel

• Spend a night here to savor the beauty of the famous Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most in-depth archeological centers. Our overnight stay allows us to take in all its wonders in-depth without rush.
• Watch a light show on the temple:
  Experience a high-tech evening sound and light show, designed to transport you back to ancient Egypt. The view of the breathtaking temples illuminated at night is magical.

Abu Simbel

• Sunrise over Lake Nasser:
  Visit the Temple of Ramses II for an unforgettable sunrise above Lake Nasser. Enjoy the morning sunlight at the temple entrance and learn about the precision and magical designs of the ancients. 
• Temple of Ramses II:
  Aside from the pyramids, the most popular attraction in all of Egypt. Constructed with four imposing statues of the Pharaoh gazing into the distance, the experience of seeing such ancient grandeur will leave a deep impression. When the Aswan Dam was being built, the 3,000-year-old complex was under threat from the rising waters of the Nile, so the entire rock-carved edifice was moved to higher ground in 1968 by a team of international engineers and archaeologists.
• Temple of Nefertari:
  A temple famous for its romantic love story. Built by Ramses II for his beloved wife, Nefertari, the inscription, "For Whom the Sun Shines," can be seen at the entryway, a tribute of his deep love.
• Return to Cairo by plane

Cairo

• Upon arrival, check in to our luxury hotel on the banks of the Nile.

• Hanging Church:
  One of Egypt's oldest churches. Known as the Hanging Church because it hangs over a passageway above The Babylonian Fort.
• Coptic Museum:
  A museum dedicated to collecting and displaying the history and religious culture of Egyptian Coptic Christians. It presents the history of Egyptian Christianity from ancient times to present day.
• Al-Azhar Mosque:
  A prestigious mosque based in Egypt for over a thousand years. Surrounded by Al-Azhar University, one of the world's oldest universities and an important center of Islamic theology.
• Khalili Market, Hariri Market:
  The most famous market in the region. Narrow alleyways display lights, hookah, papyrus, pharaoh masks, and the scent of spices. 
• After dinner, we bid farewell to Egypt. Board your flight (after 11:30P) to your next destination.