Cairo (Suez)

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Egypt, exploring the wonders of Cairo and Luxor. Visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, showcasing the country’s rich history. Explore the historic Citadel, the magnificent Mohamed Ali Mosque, the Hanging Church, and St. Sergius Church and the vibrant atmosphere of Khan El Khalili market. In Luxor, marvel at the grandeur of Karnak Temple, explore the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and capture stunning photos at the Temple of Hatshepsut. This short yet immersive trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure in the land of the pharaohs.

Special Notes:

•This program begins in Alexandria where guests disembark the ship and ends in Cairo. Departure flights must be booked out of the Cairo International Airport.

•Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

•This program involves walking distances at times over uneven ground. It is not recommended for guests who require use of wheelchair, walker or cane.

•Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be sent to our local ground operators for review.

•A Visa obtained in advance of travel is required for entry to Egypt. Please see further below for more details.

DAY 1

Disembark in Alexandria and meet your guide. It’s a scenic three-hour drive to Cairo, the heart of Egypt’s rich history and culture. During the drive, your guide will provide you with important details about the upcoming days. There are restrooms on the coach, so a stop is not scheduled along the way.

Upon arrival in Cairo, you will visit the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing a vast recently opened and considered to be the world’s largest archaeological museum. Spanning approximately 500,000 square meters, it houses over 100,000 artifacts showcasing Egypt's rich history including the complete treasure collection of King Tutankhamun displayed together for the first time. GEM's galleries offer a chronological journey through 3,000 years of Egyptian history, with exhibits from the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms.

Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, grand halls featuring colossal statues, and cutting-edge displays that bring Egypt’s rich history to life. With breathtaking architecture and panoramic views of the pyramids, GEM offers an unparalleled journey into the wonders of ancient Egypt.

Following lunch at a nearby restaurant, you will then travel to the legendary Great Pyramid of Giza, the sole remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, stand as a testament to Egypt’s rich history and architectural brilliance. Built over 4,500 years ago, these majestic pyramids Cheops, Chephren and Menkaure were constructed as grand tombs for pharaohs. The largest, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, originally stood at 146 meters and remains an engineering marvel.

Southeast of the Great Pyramid stands the Sphinx Guarding the pyramids, a mysterious limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, believed to represent King Khafre. The Sphinx, shrouded in legend, symbolizes strength and wisdom and continues to captivate visitors with its enigmatic presence.

Note: interior visits are not included however ample time is allotted for photos.

Finally, transfer to your hotel for check in and dinner

DAY 2

Start your day with a wake-up call, followed by breakfast before heading to Cairo Airport, where you will board a short one-hour flight to Luxor—the world’s greatest open-air museum. Note: depending on group size the flight will either be chartered or scheduled flight.

Upon arrival, your adventure begins with a visit to the magnificent temple of Karnak the most important sanctuary of ancient Egypt, and the heart of the cult of the god Amon. Each pharaoh added his own contribution to the temple over the ensuing 2,000 years.

The Ptolemies erected the massive first pylon you will see. Past the second pylon, which is guarded by a pair of huge statues of Ramses II, you will find the great hypo-style hall, the largest hall of any temple in the world. It spans 50,000 square feet and contains 134 enormous columns. You may notice that some of the columns still have traces of the brilliant paint that originally covered them. The third pylon leads to the center court, and past the fourth pylon is the 97-foot-high obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut, carved from a solid piece of pink granite.

As you pass through successive pylons and courts, you will journey back in time until you reach the oldest part of the temple, built by the pharaohs of the middle kingdom around 2000 B.C. At the south end of the temple, you will find the sacred lake where ceremonial boats took part in the worship of Amon.

After exploring this awe-inspiring site, enjoy lunch at a deluxe restaurant, offering a moment to relax before continuing your journey.

Next, step into history as you explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, More than 60 tombs of pharaohs and noblemen have been excavated in this valley. The kings’ formal names and titles are inscribed in their tombs, along with their images and statues. Between the 18th and 20th dynasties, the kings abandoned the Memphis area and built their tombs in Thebes.

One of the highlights of the Valley of the Kings visit will be the visit of King Tutankhamun's tomb where his mummy still rests, and if time permits, you may be able to have a look into one or two other tombs in the area.

Continuing, enjoy a photo stop at the Hatshepsut Temple, whose unique design features a series of grand terraces extending up a cliff with rows of square granite columns blending in with the mountainside.

Next, a photo stop will be made at the Colossi of Memnon. This structure was originally built as a mortuary temple in Thebes and guarded by two gigantic statues on the outer gates. All that remains today are the 75-foot-high, 1,000-ton statues of Amenhotep III. Though damaged by nature and ancient tourists, the statues are still impressive, nonetheless.

As the day winds down, return to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where a delightful dinner will be served, allowing you to unwind after a day of exploration.

DAY 3

Following breakfast, start your day with a visit to the old part of Cairo city were the most treasured historical and cultural landmarks are.

Your first stop is the Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s oldest and most famous Coptic churches. Built above the gates of the Roman Fortress of Babylon, it appears to be "hanging" over the passage below. Dating back to the 3rd century, this sacred site features beautiful wooden ceilings resembling Noah’s Ark, stunning icons, and intricate Coptic architecture, offering a deep connection to Egypt’s Christian heritage.

Next, visit the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, also known as Abu Serga, a revered site in Coptic tradition. This ancient church is believed to be built over a cave where the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus—found refuge during their flight into Egypt. With its stunning basilica-style architecture and peaceful ambiance, this site provides a profound spiritual experience.

Continue to Citadel of Salah El-Din, a majestic medieval fortress that once served as the heart of Cairo’s defense. Built in the 12th century by Sultan Salah El-Din (Saladin) to protect against Crusader invasions, the citadel offers panoramic views of Cairo’s skyline. Within its walls, you’ll discover various historical structures, including palaces and museums, showcasing Egypt’s military and political history.

Within the citadel, explore the stunning Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque due to its gleaming white walls. Built in the Ottoman style, this grand mosque, completed in 1848, was inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Its massive domes, elegant minarets, and beautifully decorated interior make it one of Cairo’s most iconic landmarks. The mosque is also the final resting place of Mohamed Ali Pasha, the founder of modern Egypt.

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a delicious lunch of authentic Egyptian cuisine and unwind before continuing on.

Step into the vibrant and historic Khan El Khalili Market, Cairo’s most famous bazaar, dating back to the 14th century. Wander through its narrow alleyways filled with colorful shops selling handcrafted jewelry, spices, perfumes, souvenirs, and traditional textiles. Engage with local artisans, sip on Egyptian tea at a historic café, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this centuries-old marketplace.

Conclude your journey with a stroll along Al-Muizz Street, one of the oldest streets in Cairo, showcasing the city’s rich Islamic heritage. Lined with stunning medieval mosques, madrasas (schools), and palaces, this historic street offers a glimpse into Cairo’s glorious past.

Finally, it will be time to return to your hotel. The evening is at leisure and dinner is on your own.

DAY 4

Following breakfast at the hotel, settle any incidentals and check out. Your transfer to the Cairo International Airport (CAI) will be based on your flight time. Pick up time from the hotel will be 3 hours before flight time

Check out time at the hotel is at 12:00pm. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at Reception until your transfer.

Land Program Details 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. Direct flights are never guaranteed.

•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing.

•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.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.

DAY 1

7:00am Disembark the ship in Alexandria port, locate luggage and meet your guide

7:30am Drive to Cairo

10:30am Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum

1:00pm Proceed for lunch

1:15pm Lunch at deluxe restaurant

2:15pm Proceed to the Pyramids

2:30pm Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

4:30pm Drive to your hotel

5:15pm Check in

7:30pm Dinner at your hotel

Overnight at the Four Seasons First Residence or similar hotel

DAY 2 – timing subject to change based on flight details

5:00am Breakfast at the hotel

6:00am Drive to Cairo airport

6:45am Arrive Cairo airport

8:00am Fly to Luxor (flight details TBA and subject to change)

9:00am Arrive Luxor airport

9:30am Proceed to Karnak temple

10:00am Visit Karnak temple

11:30am Proceed for lunch

11:45am Lunch at deluxe hotel

1:45pm Proceed to the west bank

1:30pm Visit the Valley of the Kings including King Tutankhamen tomb

3:00pm Proceed to Hatshepsut temple

3:15pm Photos stop at the temple

3:25pm Proceed to the Colossi of Memnon

3:30pm Photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon

3:40pm Drive to Luxor airport

4:30pm Arrive Luxor airport

5:30pm Fly to Cairo (flight details TBA and subject to change)

6:30pm Arrive Cairo airport

7:00pm Drive to your hotel

8:00pm Arrive your hotel

Dinner at your hotel

Overnight at the Four Seasons First Residence or similar hotel

DAY 3

AM Morning breakfast at your hotel

10:00am Proceed to old Cairo

10:30am Visit the Hanging church and St Serguis church

11:30am Proceed to the Citadel

12:00pm Visit the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque

1:00pm Proceed to Khan El Khalili

1:30pm Lunch at Khan El Khalili market

2:30pm Explore Khan El Khalili market and Muiz Islamic Street

3:30pm Return to your hotel

4:00pm Arrive your hotel

Dinner on your own

Overnight at the Four Seasons First Residence or similar hotel

DAY 4

AM Breakfast at the hotel

12:00pm Hotel check out time

TBA Transfer to the Cairo International Airport in accordance with your flight details

Departure from hotel will be 3 hours prior flight time

Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights

Extra Nights:

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.

•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change).

•Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.

Transfers:

•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.

•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.

What to bring:

Comfortable, light loose clothing, good walking shoes, camera, hat, sunscreen and chargers

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1.Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) - Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry a POC. Further paperwork may be required by the airline. Please advise RSSC of the specifics at least 95 days before sailing.

2.CPAP Machine NOT being used in flight – please advise RSSC at least 95 days before the program starts if you will bring a CPAP on the internal flight(s) used in this land program. Please supply the make, model and battery type.

3. CPAP Machine to be used during flight – same as above + a doctor’s note is required mentioning the need to use the machine during flight.

*Guests are required to bring with them any details from the manufacturer regarding the CPAP specifications. While most modern CPAP machines are FAA-approved for in-flight use, having a copy of your manufacturer’s FAA-approval status will help to quickly clear any confusion that may arise.

* Failure to provide the above details in a timely manner may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator will be responsible for.

*Some hotels do not provide distilled water. While we can certainly request this for you, we cannot guarantee that it will be available. If received in a timely manner, requests will be sent on the final manifest that our ground operators and hotels receive. We highly recommend packing your own supply especially on programs that travel to more remote locations in order to avoid not having it. Please keep in mind the rule for liquids in carry-on bags. Many hotels will charge for distilled water. If there is a fee, this will be added to your hotel incidental account to be paid at check-out. Fees will vary from hotel to hotel.

Local Currency:

Egyptian Pound but USD are widely accepted

Electricity

220- 240 V

Adaptors are not available therefore we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.

A Visa is required to enter Egypt prior to the start of this program.

Please check with your local Egyptian Embassy for further or updated information prior to travel regarding your nationality. You can also check with the RSSC Visa team regarding necessary documents for the ship’s arrival into Egypt.

VERY IMPORTANT

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.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

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.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements

Aircraft type (subject to change):

Dash 8 – 50 seats

Hotel address:

Four Seasons First Residence

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

Phone: 02 35671600

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•3 nights at The Four Seasons First Residence or similar hotel - run of house room

•3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and two dinners

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

•Entrance fees at all mentioned sites

•Private English-speaking guide

•Economy class roundtrip charter or scheduled flights between Cairo and Luxor – direct flights not guaranteed

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any meals or drinks not listed above

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Personal expenses

•Hotel incidentals including laundry, room service and mini bar

•Egyptian entry Visa

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. Land 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. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.