Cairo & Alexandria Escape

Welcome to Cairo. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Secrets of the Sphinx Your Egyptian discovery starts in the vibrant city of Cairo, located on the River Nile, with a guided sightseeing tour that features a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Later, a short drive to Giza is the start of an iconic visit to see some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world - the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & MYSTERY Get up close and personal with The Pyramids of Giza - one of the World’s Seven Wonders. Ponder the enigmatic secrets of the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Marvel at the massive monument of Cheops, the most colossal pyramid ever built with an original height of 496 feet.

The Mediterranean Pearl Today, depart Cairo and head to the desert. En route stop at [LOCAL FAVORITE] the oasis of Wadi El Natrun and visit a Coptic Monastery. Continue to the charismatic city of Alexandria, located on the Mediterranean coast, and boasting the oldest tram system in Africa. Enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace. (B) 137 mi / 220 km LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITIONS In Arabic, Wadi El Natrum means “Valley of Nitrates,” due to the presence of eight different lakes containing nitrates in the surrounding area. In Coptic, the region is also known as Shi-Hyt, which can be translated as “balance of the heart” or “measure of hearts.” The monasteries of Wadi el-Natrun are the source of indispensable data for the study of the Coptic heritage, and especially for Coptic literature, art, and architecture.

Royal Majesty of the Montazah Gardens This morning, discover the fascinating city of Alexandria with a guided sightseeing tour that includes the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, that commemorates the ancient Library of Alexandria, and the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel. Visit the Montazah Gardens that were once frequented by Egypt’s royal family. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & CULTURE Originally founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was once one of the wealthiest cities in the world and the Montazah Palace gardens are a true testimony of this wealth. Designed to be a place of relaxation and recreation for the Khedive and his guests, they are filled with flowers, trees, and shrubs.

A Drive Through the Red Land Enjoy a scenic drive back to Cairo through the El Beheira desert. Enjoy some free time in Cairo before joining your travel companions for a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D) 155 mi / 250 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDER In ancient times, the Egyptians called the desert the "red land", distinguishing it from the flood plain around the Nile River, called the "black land". These colors reflect the fact that the desert sands have a reddish hue and the land around the Nile turned black when the annual flood waters receded. Over thousands of years, the Nile River evolved into its present shape, surrounded by the Eastern and Western deserts.

Safe Travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)