DAY 1: Welcome to Egypt
A warm welcome to Egypt! The rich cultural and artistic heritage of Egypt will become apparent upon your arrival in Cairo. Once you have arrived and have cleared immigration, collected your luggage, and passed through customs, you will be warmly greeted by our Essential Earth Explorations host.
DAY 2: Pyramids
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE- Cairo by night food experience. This evening, join your guide for a night-time food experience in the heart of Cairo. Start from the famous Tahrir Square and sample traditional Egyptian dishes while walking in Cairo city center streets. Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: B -Evening Food Tour
DAY 3: Egyptologist- Hashem Brothers Essential Oil Farm visit
Lunch at local restaurant – Lunch will be served at Felfela, a local restaurant well known for Egyptian cuisine. This afternoon you will meet your Egyptologist for an afternoon excursion to the iconic Citadel of Saladin and the mosque of Mohamed Ali. This journey will then be followed by a visit of the Hanging Church, St. Serguis Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue, all of which provide a significant insight into Egyptian history. Dinner on your own this evening.
Meals; B, L
DAY 4: Luxor and Start of Nile cruise
Following, we will continue to the Luxor Museum featuring archaeological highlights and antiquities collections. Next up, it is time to check in on board the Farah Nile Cruise! Once boarded and settled into your room, there will be free time for leisure and exploring the boat before a 6 p.m. visit of the Luxor Temple featuring unique design and symbolism. At approximately 7:30 p.m., dinner will be served on board. Overnight onboard the Farah Nile Cruise ship in Luxor.
Meals: B, D
DAY 5: Valley of the Kings
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: BRUNCH WITH A LOCAL WOMAN TO LEARN ABOUT LIFE IN EGYPT
At 10:30 a.m., it is time for brunch with an Upper Egypt household wife to learn about authentic Egypt from a local. After brunch, you will head back to the East Bank by motorboat. Lunch will be served on board as you set sail to Edfu, a leisurely day to cruise that is approximately 9 hours. Afternoon sailing will be relaxing and educational, as you pass through the Esna lock. Overnight onboard in Edfu.
Meals: B, Brunch, L,D
DAY 6: Temple of Gebel el Silsila
Then it is time to set sail to Kom Ombo, home of a unique double temple we will explore this afternoon. Later in the day, the ship will make its way to Aswan for the evening
Meals: B,D
DAY 7: Temple of Philae- Nubian Village Necklace Making and Scarf Weaving
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: visit a Nubian village to experience necklace making and scarf weaving
The afternoon brings a scenic Felucca ride, followed by a camel ride, toward the Nubian village. Here, you will visit a Nubian house, and learn about Nubian women's trade skills in the creation of beautiful necklaces and hand-woven scarves. Afterward, return to the ship for dinner on board and overnight in Aswan.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8: Cairo
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: Once back in Cairo, explore local cuisine with an immersive cooking class in collaboration with the House of Cooking Egypt. During your class, you will learn how to prepare authentic Egyptian dishes to make when you get back home and enjoy eating what you create! A favorite activity after cooking: time for shopping.
This afternoon you will enjoy shopping at Khan El Khalili, a local market and El Moez Islamic Street. After shopping, it is time to check in at the Intercontinental City Stars, located - 10 minutes from Cairo airport. Overnight in Cairo at the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel (or similar).
Meals: B, L