DAYS 1 – 4

Upon arrival in Cairo on Day 2, settle into a Pyramid-view room at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. Explore the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, including the stupendous Tutankhamen collection and the Mummies Room. Explore the famous Khan El Khalili Souq, largely unchanged since the 14th century, and wander through small, narrow alleys lined with old shops. Visit the Citadel, Mohammed Ali Mosque and Sultan Hassan Mosque. Enjoy an authentic dinner in the home of an Egyptian family.

Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Cairo

DAYS 5 – 8

Fly to Aswan and Abu Simbel to explore a 3,300-year-old temple built by Ramesses II. Originally carved into a hillside facing the Nile, the imposing monument was famously rescued from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam. Settle into your luxurious Presidential Suite aboard the MS Sonesta St. George I for an unforgettable four-day cruise through the glories of ancient Egypt.Enjoy a boat excursion to the island temple of Philae, and take in a spectacular Sound and Light Show. In Luxor, you’ll have the chance to visit the Valley of the Kings & Queens, famous for its royal tombs. For over 500 years, the kings of the New Kingdom were buried in this valley, making it the world’s most magnificent burial ground.

Mövenpick Hotel, Aswan & MS Sonesta St. George I

DAY 9

After disembarking in Luxor, take a horse carriage ride to visit the incredible Luxor Museum. Your accommodations are in the elegant Sonesta St. George Hotel in deluxe rooms overlooking the Nile.

Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor

DAYS 10 – 12

The final stop on this magical journey, Cairo, is a fusion of old and new — where modern skyscrapers and ancient monuments stand side-by-side with features of Islamic, Christian, Coptic and Jewish cultures. Stay at the Mena House Oberoi, a historic palace resort situated in the shadows of the Great Pyramids, in a Pyramid-view room. Visit Memphis, the capital of ancient Egypt and the Necropolis of Sakkara. Admire the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Enjoy prime seating at the Pyramids Sound and Light Show, which reenacts the history and the glory of the Pharaohs.

Mena House Oberoi, Cairo

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Four Seasons Nile Plaza
Cairo, Egypt

This beacon of sophisticated hospitality rises on the legendary Corniche along the bank of the river. With commanding views of both the Nile and the Citadel, Four Seasons unites its timeless, caring, personalized attention with the dynamism of fast-forward Cairo. It is steps from Garden City's historic mansions and a short taxi ride from Cairo's attractions. The Four Seasons features an unparalleled spa, lush pool oasis, and eight eclectic choices for dining or entertainment. The guest rooms and suites are generously sized and reflect the vibrancy of contemporary Cairo, with bright interiors, natural wood finishes and chic, comfortable furnishings. All guest quarters offer panoramic views, whether across the Nile to the island of Zamalek and beyond, or towards the 12th-century Citadel. Triple-glazed windows ensure that interiors remain cool and quiet. Up-to-the-minute technology for communication and entertainment includes high-speed Internet wired and wireless access throughout. The spacious marble bathrooms incorporate Four Seasons signature features: deep soaking tub, separate glass-enclosed shower, large double vanity and, in a separate alcove, WC with telephone.

Four Season Hotel at The First Residence
Cairo, Egypt

The Four Seasons Hotel at The First Residence is a gracious sanctuary on the west bank of the Nile, with impressive views of the Great Pyramids over the old-growth canopy of Cairo's ancient Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The 269-room hotel is at the center of the prestigious new First Residence complex of apartments and shops. Dining includes Seasons, an all-day Mediterranean restaurant overlooking Cairo and the Nile, with cuisine influenced by North Africa, Lebanon, Morocco and Italy; the warm Library Bar; Lai Thai, an intimate Thai restaurant; the Tea Lounge; and a poolside Bar and Grill. There is an extensive health club and spa, plus massage, spa treatments and salon. The luxuriantly landscaped pool is a calm oasis from the city. The luxurious rooms feature down pillows and duvets, plus a CD player, hair dryer, in-room safe, refrigerated private bar, satellite TV, thick terry bathrobes, and twice-daily housekeeping service. Travcoa has reserved Pyramid-View rooms.

Mövenpick Elephante Island Hotel and Spa
Aswan, Egypt

The beautifully landscaped island on the River Nile, provides a tranquil environment, exquisite scenery, services and facilities to please even the most discerning guest. Caring is a way of life in Aswan and nowhere more so than at the Aswan Mövenpick Elephantine Island Hotel where the famous health Spa attracts almost as many visitors as the temples of ancient Nubia. The hotel air conditioned rooms feature a balcony, bathtub/shower, bidet, Cable TV, Direct Dial phone, electrical adapters, full size mirror, hair dryer, mini bar and Modem Data Port.

M/S Sonesta St. George I or II
The Nile River

The Sonesta St. George I boasts five star deluxe facilities with the service to match. This elegantly refined cruise ship is perfect for discerning travelers. See many of Egypt's ancient wonders and take the opportunity to relax and unwind in sumptuous surroundings. Sail serenely between Aswan and Luxor on the majestic River Nile as 5,000 years of history unfold before you on a magnificent journey. Amenities include direct-dial international phone, 23” LCD screen TV with 16 channels, memory stick, and live sailing channel. Sound proof and fire resistant walls, wireless internet facilities, digital safe, mini bar, hairdryer, laptops in suites, double glass panoramic French windows, and coffee and tea tray in all cabins and suites. Tech wood bathrooms are fitted with a full spa unit which includes steam bath, jacuzzi, and water massage.

Sonesta St. George Hotel
Luxor, Egypt

The contemporary and elegant St. George Hotel overlooks the Nile River. It is a modern seven-story building, featuring bay-shaped iron balconies and lower-level terraces. For your dining pleasure there are eight onsite restaurants and two bars. Facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, aerobic classes, weekly activity program, fully-equipped health and fitness center, massage, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Each of the hotels 224 luxurious guestrooms and suites feature air-conditioning, a hair dryer, safety deposit box and mini-bar.

Mena House Oberoi
Cairo, Egypt

This palatial hotel in the shadow of the Great Pyramids in Cairo has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi has played host to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. A variety of international as well as Egyptian cuisine is on offer at the excellent restaurants and bars in the hotel. This is the perfect place to begin your explorations of Cairo.

Jane Vermeulen

Jane brings a global outlook to her job, having once lived in Hong Kong where she worked for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. She has led journeys in South America, the South Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, India, Europe and the Orient.

Travel Dates: September 16, 2012, November 04, 2012

John Wootton

After years spent aboard ships and traveling in South Africa, John joined the Travcoa family. He has been leading our journeys for 30 years, in which time he has traveled on most itineraries, covering all seven continents.

Travel Dates: December 16, 2012