Egypt & the Nile: In Search of Ancient Treasures - Sun Boat IV
Explore the wonders of Egypt with world-class guiding aboard this award-winning luxury Nile cruiser.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.7*
ECO SCORE
18
PASSENGERS
10
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Egypt: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
Bask in the timeless majesty of ancient Egypt on an immersive journey through the land of the pharaohs, exploring its quintessential archaeological treasures with an expert Egyptologist aboard the stylish ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV.’ Embark on a four-night Nile river cruise, gliding in comfort through stirring desert landscapes and going ashore to discover ancient Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sites. Venture inside one of the pyramids, go riding camel back and view the enigmatic Great Sphinx on the Giza Plateau. Descend into the tomb of King Tut and the colorful tomb of Seti I, father of legendary Ramses II, in the Valley of the Kings, and glory in the fascinating window into antiquity only Egypt offers.
- • Marvel at the colossal statues and towering colonnade of the sprawling Temple of Luxor.
• Journey to Abu Simbel to see the imposing twin temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.
• Ride Like a Local around the Aswan Islands in a felucca, while enjoying a refreshing Scenic Sundowner.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Local Community
Funds healthcare projects in local communities
Education
Provides schooling opportunities for local children
Conservation
Supports habitat conservation efforts across the globe
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in Cairo, where you are met by your A&K representative and transferred to your historic hotel featuring views of the pyramids from your private balcony.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House Hotel
Day 2 - Cairo: Ancient Treasures
This morning, join your expert A&K Egyptologist for an exploration of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (or the Grand Egyptian Museum, upon its opening), to view its huge collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Tonight, gather with your fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House Hotel
Day 3 - Giza: The Pyramids & Sphinx
Today, roam the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren as well as the Great Pyramid. Built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC), it is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Revel in the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them. Ride a camel across the sands of Giza, and then view the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House Hotel
Day 4 - Temple of Luxor & Valley of the Kings
Fly to Luxor, site of the ancient city of Thebes. Begin your full day of exploring by visiting the striking Temple of Luxor. View the three large statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple pylons; the Courtyard of Ramses II; and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 50-foot-high columns. Walk in their shadows as visitors have done since antiquity and ponder the astonishing feats of engineering it took to create them.
Then, step aboard ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ an elegant river cruiser renowned for the warmth and attentiveness of its service staff. Enjoy lunch on board before disembarking to explore the west bank of the Nile river and the Necropolis of Thebes, and view the Colossi of Memnon.
Next, arrive at the architecturally stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh and regarded today as one of its most successful. Continue to the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a period of 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, tombs were built along this valley for pharaohs and nobles, including that of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamun — found in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter — to discover the secrets of this storied chamber. Next, descend into the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the valley.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
Day 5 - Cruising the Nile: Luxor to Esna
Journey once more to the east bank of the Nile, this time visiting the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, strolling among its expertly aligned columns, which soar to 80 feet high. This afternoon, cruise to Esna and visit the Temple of Khnum to marvel at its superb art and hieroglyphics.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
Day 6 - Cruising the Nile: Temple of Horus & Kom Ombo
Today, view the Temple of Horus, falcon-headed god of the sky. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, this amazingly well-preserved and colorful structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like. Back on board, learn to prepare local dishes on an authentic Chef’s Table experience — a cooking lesson with an onboard chef. Disembark at Kom Ombo (hill of gold) to visit the 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.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
Day 7 - Aswan: Majestic Philae
Cruise to Aswan and ride a motorized boat to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. This sacred complex was dedicated to the goddess Isis and reflects a fusion of three great civilizations — Egyptian, Greek and Roman. The temple was dismantled and then painstakingly reassembled when the Aswan High Dam was constructed. Proceed to the granite quarries and site of the Unfinished Obelisk. Illustrating the skills of Egypt’s stonemasons, this monolith is one-third taller than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk. Later, Ride Like a Local around the Aswan Islands in a felucca, while enjoying a refreshing Scenic Sundowner.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
Day 8 - Abu Simbel: Temples of Ramses II and Nefertari
Today, bid farewell to ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ disembarking to fly to Abu Simbel and discover the commanding twin temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari. The former’s façade is dominated by four 70-foot-tall statues of the pharaoh. Perhaps even more impressive, this entire site was disassembled and moved here to save it from the floodwaters caused by the Aswan High Dam. Return to Cairo for an afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Day 9 - Cairo: Design Your Day
Drive to Sakkara, site of hundreds of tombs and 14 pyramids, including the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser. After lunch, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
• Discover Coptic Cairo, visiting a church built where the Holy Family stayed, as well as ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue.
• Tour Islamic Cairo, including a walk in El-Moaz Street, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
• Relax Aboard a Felucca, viewing Cairo from a different perspective as you sail the Nile river’s waters.
This evening, gather with your fellow guests to reflect on your journey through Egypt and along the Nile at a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Day 10 - Depart Cairo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart.
Internal Air: Economy class from $685
Cairo/Luxor; Aswan/Abu Simbel/Cairo
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 8:30 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 9.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Routes may run in reverse on select departures (Aswan/Luxor instead of Luxor/Aswan).
Please Note: Multiple groups of 18 guests and other passengers may be travelling onboard ship simultaneously.
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
Award-winning luxury Nile cruiser, offering stunning Art Deco-inspired interior, 40 air-conditioned cabins, fine dining and impeccable service. Furnished in a contemporary style with an art deco influence, the modern fittings and cutting-edge technology onboard the boutique Sanctuary Sun Boat IV are combined with sophisticated public areas with luxurious teak flooring for an elegant finish. Award-winning chefs prepare some of the best cuisine on the Nile. Each spacious ensuite room features air conditioning, a mini bar and LCD television with satellite. Two Royal and two Presidential suites offer luxury for the discerning traveler.
Harmonious colors and teak flooring are used throughout the boat which, along with modern and eye-catching furniture, makes it a luxurious floating haven. On the sun deck, teak is combined with Egyptian marble around the heated swimming pool, giving an eclectic look to this open area - the perfect place to relax.
• Capacity: 80 guests
• Cabins: 36 standard cabins, two Presidential Suites and two Royal Suites.
• Specialists: World-class Egyptologists, 1:1.3 staff to passenger ratio
ACHIEVEMENTS
Travel Weekly's "Best Tour Operator - Luxury" (17 Years)
Afar Magazine's "Best Cultural Trips" 2020
Travvy Awards "Best Escorted Tour Operator - Luxury" 2020
The atmosphere aboard this elegant vessel is among the most intimate on the Nile. With every one of your wishes, this expert crew's command, you'll be hard pressed to find her equal in service and cuisine on any other Nile river vessel.
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
If a high level of comfort and 5-star service are important to you, I highly recommend this outstanding Egypt option.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary; airport transfers to/from hotel/ship in the first/last published city regardless of day of arrival and departure (on Expedition Cruises, transfers may be shared and included on start and end dates only); services of Resident Tour Director or appropriate guide on Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions; coffee/tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local wine and beer at all designated welcome and farewell dinners and with all lunches and dinners on Connections European River Cruise Journeys; local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage per person; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide.
Luxury Small Group Journeys Additional Inclusions:
Travelling Bell Boy Service is provided; however, because of security regulations, this service may be limited at airports, rail stations and points of embarkation for cruises. Traveler’s Valet includes laundry service for eight (8) pieces per person once during journey (excludes Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions). Dry cleaning is not included. Breakfast in Bed service is included on select days up to two times per journey.
