Iconic Egypt & Morocco

Meet us in Cairo, Egypt.

Check in to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note: Hotel information will be confirmed in your travel documents sent 4-6 weeks prior to travel.

Overnight: Hotel Baron or similar, Cairo

Meals included: None

After breakfast, join your Egyptologist guide for a visit to the enigmatic Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza.

At 138 metres high and 230 metres wide at its base, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is the only survivor of the Seven Great Wonders of the ancient world. It is a breathtaking structure built from enormous stone blocks with a white limestone covering. Along with the smaller pyramids, the sight of these huge structures is unforgettable.

Next, visit the pyramid of Chephren. The best preserved of the three main Giza Pyramids, the top part still retains the original facing of smoothly-finished stone, giving an idea of how the pyramids would originally have appeared. Beside the Pyramid of Chephren, you will see the Great Sphinx, carved out of a natural rocky outcrop. The lion's body stretches 45 metres. Afterwards continue to the pyramid of Mycerinus, the smallest of the three pyramids and partly dressed with pink granite slabs.

Following the tour of the pyramids, you will visit Memphis, one of the most important cities in Egypt. From the 3rd millennium BC, this 'City of the Dead’ was the capital of ancient Egypt when King Menes unified upper and lower Egypt. Then continue visiting the Pyramids of King Zoser in Saqqara (or Sakkara). It was the first real pyramid to be constructed in ancient Egypt; it is the most ancient surviving monument and the oldest stone building in history.

In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the famous Egyptian Museum in Cairo. It's the richest museum of Egyptian antiquities in the whole world, it contains pharaonic treasures from over 5,000 years ago. The building is rectangular with a large rotunda on the ground floor containing massive exhibits including colossal statues of Ramses II and the gold and alabaster trappings from the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Overnight: Hotel Baron or similar, Cairo

Meals included: Breakfast

Today your tour guide will meet you at the hotel to escort you for a tour from Cairo to Alexandria.

Explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an historical archaeological site located in Alexandria, and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, also known as the hill of treasure, regarded as a huge necropolis and royal cemetery that dates back to the second century AD. Discover the Pompey Pillar, one of the remains of Roman antiquities that still exist today in the city of Alexandria in Egypt, and is one of the oldest and highest memorial columns in the world.

Stop at the Library of Alexandria, considered one of the most important modern archaeological sites in Egypt. It contains several important museums that convey the entire history and heritage of Alexandria (entry not included). Visit Qaitbay Citadel, an ancient fortress which was built by Sultan Qaitbay to protect Alexandria from the attacks of the Ottoman fleet. The Ottomans succeeded in controlling Egypt, and the castle is today a popular tourist attraction.

Afterwards, return back to Cairo and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today, you'll travel approximately 220 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Baron or similar, Cairo

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning check out and be transferred to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor.

Upon arrival visit the Luxor Temple and the biggest temple in the world Karnak Temple, dedicated to the worship of Almighty God of the New Empire "God Amun". Afterwards, transfer to the ship to begin the four night premium cruise along the beautiful Nile River. Enjoy lunch onboard and spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening enjoy the Cruise swimming pool and the sunset or have a walk in Luxor City.

Optional Upgrade: 5-Star Dahabiya Sailboat Upgrade
Upgrade to a 5-star Dahabiya Sailboat for a classic and traditional cruising experience on the Nile River. Enjoy the chance to walk around riverside villages, visit local markets and explore ancient monuments along the Nile. Explore smaller sites and islands that others don’t see with an Egyptologist guide. Onboard you'll also delight in chef-prepared meals with Egyptian and Mediterranean-inspired flavours. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: MS Renaissance or Nile Ruby ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, be transferred to the West Bank of Luxor to tour the Valley of the Kings, known as the ‘Gateway to the Afterlife’.

The ancient Egyptians built impressive tombs for their pharaohs, of which the most famous can be found in the Valley of the Kings. Rising out of the desert plain in a series of terraces, you will also see the Temple of Hatshepsut - often referred to as the Pharaoh Queen. On the way back to the river Nile, the road passes by the famed Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Afterwards return back to the ship and sail to Edfu, sailing past the Esna Lock.

Enjoy the beautiful landscapes as you relax onboard, cruising the Nile.

Overnight: MS Renaissance or Nile Ruby ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today, join the tour guide for a visit to the extraordinary Temple of Horus at Edfu, travelling by horse carriage.

The Temple of Horus was the 'home' and cultural centre of the falcon god Horus of Behdet (the ancient name for Edfu). Once back onboard, your ship sails to Kom Ombo. After lunch, visit the Temples of the Gods Sobek and Haroeris dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek, and the falcon-headed god Horus.

Returning to the cruise, you'll sail on to Aswan.

Overnight: MS Renaissance or Nile Ruby ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast relax onboard or join a must-see optional tour to Abu Simbel (2.5-3 hours each way). Once back on board, enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the "Aswan High Dam”, an embankment dam built across the Nile in Aswan, between 1960 and 1970. Later, visit the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the worship of the Goddess of Love, the Goddess Isis. Take a short motorboat ride to visit the majestic Philae Temple on Philae Island. Philae Island is a rocky island in the middle of the River Nile and the Temple was an ancient pilgrimage centre for the cult of Isis. This sacred site was revered from the Pharaonic era up to the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Afterwards (weather permitting) enjoy a sailing cruise around Elephantine Island aboard a traditional wooden Felucca sailing boat. Then return to the ship to enjoy a traditional dinner.

Optional activity: Abu Simbel
Early this morning, travel by coach from Aswan to the impressive Abu Simbel temples. Carved into the mountainside, here, travellers may recognise the four colossus statues of Ramses II guarding the Great Temple. The site is renowned for its historical significance and remarkable relocation in the 1960s when it was saved from the rising waters of the Nile thanks to an international campaign launched by UNESCO. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: MS Renaissance or Nile Ruby ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning disembark and you'll be transferred to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo.

Upon arrival, after being transferred to your hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in the Egyptian capital city or you may choose to visit the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum (additional fees apply). This mega city's constant buzz and noise is a product of its 22 or so million inhabitants. Tap into the energy of the place Egyptians call Umm Ad Dunya – the Mother of the World.

Optional Activity: Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum complex in the world that hosts more than 100,000 artefacts. For the first time ever, King Tutankhamun's entire treasure collection is on display alongside artefacts from pre-historic times through Egypt’s many thousands of years. Return transfers, entry ticket and guide included. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Baron Hotel or similar, Cairo

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a last breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Morocco.

Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your tour leader at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Rabat (approximately 1-hour journey).

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Onomo Hotel Rabat Terminus or similar, Rabat

Meals included: Breakfast

Rise and shine! You'll begin your Morocco adventures in Rabat, where you'll discover the royal palace, tour through the old town and visit the Hassan Tower - the magnificent mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah of the Oudaias; its dreamlike Andalusian Garden is just a taste of the splendour that awaits you.

You'll then travel approximately 150 kilometres to Meknes, one of Morocco's imperial cities. It's a stunning location, unsurpassed in its splendour, from the city gate of Bab Man-sour to the royal palace, it truly is a feast for the eyes.

Afterward, visit the ancient site of Volubilis, wandering through the Arch of Caracalla, the Capitol, the Basilica, the Temple of Jupiter, and the fantastic mosaics.

End your day in Fes after a day travelling approximately 60 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Les Merinides, or similar, Fes

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today enjoy a guided tour of Fes, the intellectual and religious heart of Morocco.

This is a city steeped in fascinating history. Wander the alleys of the souk and you'll see local artisans tanning, dyeing, forging and engraving using traditional methods. An intoxicating blend of aromas vie for your attention, with mysterious spices piled high in decorative cones and wildflowers emitting a sweet fragrance.

Your guide will teach you about the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter, the Koranic School Bou Inania and the main mosque, El Karaouine.

Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Les Merinides, or similar, Fes

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After a delicious breakfast drive toward the dramatic landscapes of the Middle Atlas, where snow-capped peaks greet you all year round and the roses bloom in the cool valleys.

Look out for macaque monkeys in the thick cedar forests as you journey onwards to exotic Marrakech.

An unbelievable number of superlatives and world culture sensations awaits us in Marrakech. When the drums sound, it is time for Aladdin’s fairground: Djemaa El Fna!

Today, you'll travel approximately 500 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Essaadi, or similar, Marrakech

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech.

Founded in 1062, this prosperous city made a fitting capital for an empire which stretched from Algiers to the Atlantic and from the Mediterranean to Senegal. Most of the city’s unmissable sights are to be found within the city walls, where mud brick homes nestle alongside classic French colonial buildings.

Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the sumptuous Bahia Palace, Saadian tombs and the Merdersa Ben Youssef, a jewel of Moroccan architecture. In the afternoon uncover one of Marrakech’s most splendid gardens, which painter Jacques Majorelle laid out in 1931, complete with exotic plants, bougainvillea, cacti and ornate fountains. He painted the walls of his art deco villa a vibrant ultramarine to match the Marrakech skies. The property now belongs to the estate of the late Yves Saint Laurent and houses a museum of Islamic art.

End the day in Marrakech's old medina. Take a walk through the artisan souks, watching craftsman work as they have done for hundreds of years, before finishing in the bustling Jemaa El Fna Square where you will have time to explore at leisure.

This evening, you can join an optional traditional Moroccan dinner and show.

Optional activity: Moroccan dinner and show
See important information for pricing.

Overnight: Hotel Essaadi, or similar, Marrakech

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you'll head to the picturesque port city of Essaouira, on the Atlantic coast. En route, visit the Argan Oil cooperative to see the local women extract the nurient-rich oils that are a popular hair treatment.

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Essaouira was once known as Mogador by European sailors and traders, which means “small fortress”. Visit the charming artist colony that boasts lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, art galleries, and mouthwatering seafood. Take a stroll along the town’s sunlit pedestrian main square, Place Prince Moulay el Hassan and the Skala du Port, offering breathtaking views of the Portuguese ramparts.

Visit the medina, a prime example of a late-18th century fortified town. Stop by the fish market, see Orson Welles Square, visit the jewelry market and the Thuya wood cooperative. Thuya is a wood that is indigenous to Essaouira and is unique for its earthy, menthol, and woody smell.

In the late afternoon return to Marrakech and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Today, you'll travel approximately 180 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Essaadi, or similar, Marrakech

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca (approximately 240 kilometres), Morocco's economic capital.

Visit the beautiful Ain Diab Corniche, the fashionable stretch of coastline lined with restaurants and swimming pools, then visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Morocco and the third largest mosque in the world.

It stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic, and the swirling waters can be seen through a gigantic glass floor.

Overnight: Hotel Odyssee Center, or similar, Casablanca

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and make your own onward travel arrangements from Casablanca, Morocco.

Meals included: Breakfast