10-Nights Egypt: Ancient Wonders of the Legendary Nile - Signature Land

National Geographic Expeditions

Trace the history of one of the world’s most ancient and greatest civilizations, from the oldest standing pyramid at Saqqarah, to the grand tombs and temples of Luxor, and the Coptic churches, Islamic mosques, and bustling souks of Cairo. Stand in the shadows of the great Pyramids of Giza and gaze into the eyes of the Great Sphinx; then puzzle over colorful hieroglyphs in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, where Egypt’s great pharaohs constructed elaborate tombs among the desolate desert landscape. Travel in the style of the ancient pharaohs along the storied Nile River—the lifeblood of Egypt—and soak in the riverbank scenery of lively villages, lush date palms, and striking remnants of Egypt’s multilayered history.

Vacation Inclusions

• Transfers upon arrival and departure
• Transportation provided on-trip
• Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
• All gratuities except the Expedition Leader

Featured Destinations

Kom Ombo Kom Ombo In Kom Ombo tourists can visit the roofless Temple of Kom Ombo which was built for the falcon and crocodile gods. The Temple of Sobek is another attraction in Kom Ombo where a mummified crocodile can be seen!
Jabal as Silsilah
Abu Simbel Abu Simbel Abu Simbel is a set of two temples near the border of Egypt with Sudan. It was constructed for the pharaoh Ramesses II who reigned for 67 years during the 13th century BC (19th Dynasty). The temples were cut from the rock and shifted to higher ground in the 1960s as the waters of Lake Nasser began to rise following completion of the Aswan High Dam. The Great Temple is dedicated to Ramesses II and a statue of him is seated with three other gods within the innermost part of the rock-cut temple (the sanctuary). The temple's facade is dominated by four enormous seated statues of the Pharaoh (each over 20 metres or 67 feet high), although one has been damaged since ancient times. The Small Temple was probably completed ahead of the Great Temple and is dedicated to Ramesses' favourite wife, Nefertari. At the entrance stand six 10-metre-high (33 feet) rock-cut statues - two of Ramesses and one of Nefertari on either side of the doorway.	Destination Guide
Aswan Aswan Aswan is Egypt's sunniest southern city and has a distinctively African atmosphere. The pace of life here in the most beautiful setting on the Nile is slow and relaxing. It is a favorite winter resort spot for Europeans, Middle Easterns and Africans alike - it's a perfect place to get away from it all. Strolling up and down the Corniche, one can watch sailboats glide by. Savor the flavor of locally caught fish while listening to Nubian music or wander in the bazaar and get lost in the sights and sounds of this mystical place. Visit the Aga Khan Mausoleum, the Monastery at Qubbat al-Hawa, the Unfinished Obelisk, The Tombs of the Nobles, Qubbat al-Hawa, the Monastery at Aswan , or the St. Simeon monastery (Anba Hatre), uninhabited and just outside of Aswan.	Destination Guide
Edfu Edfu Edfu(Idfu) was the Greek city of Apollinopolis Magna located about 33 miles south of Isna and 65 miles north of Aswan. The city is a religious and commercial center that produces sugar and pottery. The Temple of Horus, a preserved cult temple, is located in Edfu.
Nile River Cruising
Luxor Luxor Aside from visiting the pyramids near Cairo, Luxor and Al Karnak are places not to be missed when in search of ancient Egyptian monuments and artifacts. Luxor is on the southern part of ancient Thebes, Al Karnak on the north. Between the two, visitors can lose themselves for days in the hundreds of temples, chapels, tombs and gardens in the area. Too extensive to list all of them, a few of the tombs not to be missed are the tombs of Nefertari, Amenhotep II & III, several Ramesses and Tutankhamen.	Destination Guide
Cairo Cairo Cairo and the ancient monuments of the Egyptian empire have fascinated visitors throughout the centuries. The mystifying Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza, over four thousand years old, stand majestically on the outskirts of the city at the edge of the desert. Cairo's Museum of Antiquities holds one of the finest collections of artifacts in the world, including the astounding treasures of King Tutankhamen's tomb.	Destination Guide

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