Alexandria

Indulge your senses with some of ancient history’s most renowned relics during this scenic and memorable tour of Cairo. Your adventure includes all the main attractions in the city including the Grand Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, and some of the famous churches of Egypt.

Please Note:

This program includes prolonged activity, negotiating a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who utilize a wheelchair or who have mobility concerns.

DAY 1

Upon disembarking the ship at Alexandria, meet you guide and set off for the 3-3.5 hour drive to Cairo. Restrooms are available on the coach, so a comfort stop is not planned.

Upon arrival in Cairo start off with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, considered the largest archeological museum in Africa and the Middle East. Here, the most important pieces of Egypt’s ancient history are on display. One of the highlights of your visit will be the King Tutankhamen exhibition hall where the full collection of the Boy King are displayed in one place.

Following lunch, pay a visit to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, considered to be the last remnants of the ancient world wonders. During your visit here, marvel at the sheer size of these monumental structures and the magnitude of the labor required in their construction.

Renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramid of Cheops is comprised of 2.3-million stone blocks, each weighing 2.5 tons. Exactly how the ancient Egyptians were able to construct these architectural wonders remains a mystery to this day. The inscrutable Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the face of a man, was carved from a single block of stone. This massive, 72-foot-high, 164-foot-long feline structure faces east, greeting the rising sun each day. Your tour of the Pyramids area also includes outside visits to the Cheops and Chephren Pyramids, and panoramic views and photo opportunities of the three Pyramids and the Sphinx. Note: entry into the pyramids is not included.

Later in the day, transfer to the Four Seasons First Residence (or similar) for check in.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Khan El Khalili market and then explore the market and Muiz Islamic Street.

Built in 1382 by the Emir Djaharks el-Khalili in the heart of the Fatimid City, the Khan El Khalili market was considered to be the major center of trade in old times and has remained relatively unchanged since the 14th century. This is considered one of the largest souks in the world and may seem familiar as it has influenced countless espionage books, movies and TV shows. It has the greatest variety of artistic goods for sale in Cairo.

During some free time here, enjoy exploring the fascinating maze of alleyways and workshops, where you can observe artisans at work or try your skills at bartering and perhaps pick up a memento or two of your Egyptian journey.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, settle any incidentals and check-out before departing for the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, the most popular Islamic Mosque in Egypt.

It is also referred to as the Alabaster Mosque due to the extensive use of alabaster stone on some of the exterior walls and other surfaces. The mosque, the largest such structure built during the first half of the 19th century, is more impressive at a distance than close up. Though its artistic merit is questionable, the mosque is an unparalleled contribution to the Cairo skyline. Situated on the summit of the Citadel high atop the Citadel grounds, its great dome and towering minarets are the first features that catch your eye at the fortress.

Next visit the unique Hanging Church, also known also as Al-Muallaqa Church. It is one of the oldest and most interesting Christian places of worship in Egypt.

The building rises atop one of the old Roman fortress gatehouses, with its nave suspended over the passage, hence the name “Hanging Church.” Next to it, St. Sergius Church, is built upon an ancient Roman fort. This church has acquired a special religious status among Coptic churches as it is associated with the Holy Family's journey through Egypt.

Like various other early Christian churches, St. Sergius Church and its underground cave is designed in the basilica layout, and thus together consist of three parts: the narthex, nave, and sanctuary (the cave being below the sanctuary). The church is characterized by its unique architectural and artistic elements that reflect the spirit of Coptic church architecture in Egypt.

Continuing, visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue. Set in a shady garden, this synagogue was built on the site of a 4th-century Christian church and is amongst Egypt’s oldest synagogues.

All too soon, it’s time to return to Alexandria. Settle in for the 3.5 hour drive back to the port where you will re-board the ship. Restrooms are available on the coach, so a comfort stop is not planned.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1

7:45am Disembark the ship in Alexandria, meet your guide

Proceed to the port terminal for security screening

8:00am Depart for the drive to Cairo. The drive is approximately 3-3.5 hours

Restrooms are available on the coach

11:00pm Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum

1:00pm Proceed for lunch

1:15pm Lunch at deluxe restaurant

2:15pm Proceed to the Pyramids of Giza

2:30pm Visit the Pyramids and the Sphinx

Note: inside visits are not included

4:30pm Proceed to your hotel

5:00pm Check in

7:00pm Proceed to Khan El Khalili Market

7:30pm Dinner served at a restaurant in the market

8:30pm Explore Khan El Khalili and Muiz Islamic Street

9:30pm Return to your hotel

Overnight at the Four Seasons First Residence or similar hotel

Day 2

7:00am Wake up call, breakfast and check out

8:00am Proceed to the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque

8:30am Visit the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque.

9:30am Proceed to old Cairo

10:00pm Visit the Hanging church, St Sergius church and Ben Ezra Synagogue

11:00pm Drive to Alexandria, the drive is approximately 3.5 hours

Restrooms are available on the coach, no comfort stop is scheduled

2:30pm Approximate arrival in Alexandria

Expected Weather:

35 degrees C

What to Bring:

Comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, camera, hat, sunscreen

Local Currency:

Egyptian Pound but USD are widely accepted

Electricity:

220 - 240 V - Adaptors are not available at hotels, please make sure to bring your own should you require one

Luggage information:

One overnight bag per person is recommended

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Passports are required to brought with you on this trip.

An arrival quick trip visa stamp will be issued on arrival by the local authorities, no action required by guests

The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

Hotel addresses:

Four Seasons First Residence

35 Giza St, Oula, Giza District, Giza Governorate 12612

Phone: 02 35671600

Program Includes for guests

•1 night at The Four Seasons First Residence or similar hotel – Deluxe Room

•One breakfast, two lunches and one dinner

•Bottled water, tea, coffee, one soda or one bottle of beer/one glass of local wine with lunch

•Entrance fees of all mentioned sites

•Private English-speaking guide

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any meals or drinks not listed above

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Personal expenses

•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar

•Drinks with alcohol during dinner in the Khan El Khalili market area

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.