Itinerary

Days 1 and 2 – Depart home / Arrive Cairo

Welcome to Egypt and 7,000 years of history! Ancient archaeological sites and breathtaking temples and monuments bring this fascinating civilization to life, while the traditional hospitality of its people will make you and your family feel warmly welcomed.

Days 3 and 4 – Cairo

Bustling Cairo is both Egypt’s capital city and its cultural heart. Back-dropped by the ancient Pyramids of Giza this progressive city comfortably rubs shoulders with its past civilizations. As we explore multi-faceted Cairo, you’ll have the chance to experience the best of both worlds.

Explore ancient Memphis and Sakkhara Once the country’s capital, Memphis was the home of Egypt’s first dynasty. At nearby Sakkhara, the city’s ancient cemetery, you’ll visit the Step Pyramid—the oldest of Egypt’s 97 pyramids. arrow Meet your pen pal/Friends Across Borders At a local carpet-making school, children who exchanged letters with a local student before leaving on their adventure will have the chance to personally meet their pen pals, play games, and discover the fun of making a new friend from a different culture. arrow Enjoy dinner with a local family This evening join a local family at their home for a traditional dinner—a delightful opportunity to learn about local customs, savor new flavors, and understand what “family” means in Cairo, Egypt. arrow Experience the Pyramids of Giza Explore these amazing monuments and marvel at their staying power. The 450-foot-high Great Pyramid—the only remaining “wonder” of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—was built nearly 4,000 years ago. If you dare, take the opportunity to crawl into the pyramid itself and discover its secret passageways. arrow Ride a camel A trip highlight for everyone, a camel ride in the shadow of the pyramids is the perfect photo opportunity. Nearby, the mysterious Sphinx has kept watch over the desert for almost 4,500 years. arrow Explore the Egyptian Museum More than 120,000 objects make this the world’s greatest collection of Egyptian antiquities. The Royal Mummy Room— home to the golden treasures from King Tutankhamen’s tomb—is a unanimous favorite! arrow Fly to Sharm El Sheikh This evening an hour-long flight whisks you to the lovely resort of Sharm el Sheikh for a relaxing two-day stay on the shores of the Red Sea. Upon arrival transfer to your comfortable hotel for check-in.

Days 5 and 6 – Sharm el Sheikh

Situated at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and bordered both by desert and white sand beaches, Sharm el Sheikh offers a relaxing (this is after all a vacation!), family-friendly atmosphere with activities sure to please everyone.

Snorkel, Swim, Relax Warm waters are calling... With colorful reefs teeming with fish, a snorkel adventure is mighty tempting. Or simply appreciate the gorgeous Egypt weather as you relax poolside. arrow Day at leisure Discover the charms of Sharm! Enjoy the amenities of your hotel or walk the waterfront promenade along Na’ama Bay, indulging in some resort shopping and fun local entertainment. arrow Climb Mount Sinai for sunrise For those who love a challenging adventure, we steal away for a three-hour climb to the summit of Mount Sinai—by camelback and on foot—arriving in time to watch the sun light up the desert below. arrow Visit St. Catherine’s Monastery As you return to earth, and the base of Mt. Sinai, you’ll visit the spectacular Byzantine-style Saint Catherine’s Monastery. The church was built around what is thought to be the Burning Bush of Moses. Remarkably, you can still view the healthy, ever-thriving plant.

Days 7 and 8 – Luxor

The former great city of Thebes, Luxor is home to Egypt’s best-preserved and largest temple complexes.

Fly to Luxor A 45-minute flight brings us to Luxor, home to some of Egypt’s most impressive monuments. arrow Explore the Valley of the Kings Journey into the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings, where royal tombs have been chiseled deep into vertical walls of solid rock. So far, 63 tombs have been excavated here, including King Tut’s. arrow The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Nearby lies the magnificent temple of Egypt’s longest-ruling female pharaoh. Its remarkably preserved chambers are literally covered with brilliantly colored pictographs and hieroglyphs, inviting all kinds of fanciful interpretation from the kids. In an amazing discovery, the mummy of Queen Hatshepsut was unearthed nearby in June of 2007! arrow Discover the Temple of Luxor A horse-drawn carriage ride brings you to the gates of this stunning complex. Its centerpiece is the long avenue lined with sphinxes and giant statues of the pharaoh Ramesses II. arrow The Temple of Karnak As you wander in awe through this sprawling monument, just think—you’re following in the footsteps of 4,000 years of pilgrims! In the Great Hall, the 134 massive and intricately carved columns feel like a forest of stone. arrow Sail by felucca along the Nile Travel the Nile as Egyptians have for centuries—aboard a traditional wooden sailing boat. Have your cameras at the ready for sunset over the monuments and timeless scenes along the riverbanks.

Day 9 – Cairo

We return to Cairo for our last full day in Egypt, taking a look at another side of this exciting, multi-faceted city.

The Citadel and Mosque of Mohammed Ali One of Cairo’s most visible landmarks, the medieval, moat-rimmed Citadel was built in 810 A.D. Right on top of it stands Mohammed Ali’s mosque, famous for its soaring minarets and brilliantly colored interior. arrow Treasure-hunting at the Khan al Khalili Bazaar No visit to Egypt would be complete without a chance to experience an authentic bazaar. Venture down the narrow passageways of Khan al Khalili Bazaar, a feast of colorful sights and sounds. Don’t be timid about bargaining for that special eye-catching treasure! arrow Farewell lunch We’ll enjoy a leisurely farewell lunch at Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, located in the heart of the Bazaar. arrow A relaxing afternoon Enjoy some family time this afternoon to relax at your hotel or swim in the pool.

Day 10 – Depart Cairo / Arrive home

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