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 Cairo and ends in Alexandria where guests will board the ship. Arrival flights must be booked into 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.

•Please see further below for VISA requirements – a Visa is required for entry to Egypt.

DAY 1

Upon arrival at Cairo’s International Airport (CAI), you will be met before passport control where our airport rep will be holding a Regent sign and will assist you through airport formalities up to your vehicle.

Note: A VISA on arrival will be arranged for guests whose nationalities are on the approved list. All other guests will need to arrange a Visa in advance of travel. See further below for details.

Once you arrive at your hotel, a local representative will be waiting to assist you with the check in process and to provide you with necessary information about your trip, breakfast location and to reconfirm pick up time and location on the second day.

Check in time is at 2:00pm. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee room availability upon arrival or you may choose to store luggage at Reception and begin to enjoy the facilities of the hotel.

Your hotel is located by the Nile and connected to First Mall shopping center.

DAY 2

Following breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and start your day with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, 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 today 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.

Return to your hotel for dinner.

DAY 3

Start your day with a wake-up call, followed by a delightful breakfast before heading to the 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 a flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where dinner will be served, allowing you to unwind after a superb day of exploration.

DAY 4

Following breakfast at the hotel, settle any incidentals and check out before meeting your guide. 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 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.

Continue to 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.

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.

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a lunch of authentic Egyptian dishes before the 3 hour drive to Alexandria where your ship is awaits. There are restrooms on the coach and as such stops are not scheduled.

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. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further 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.

•Guests who do not arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program without notice will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm. Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

Arrive at Cairo International airport

Meet and assist before passport control

Assistance through airport formalities

Transfer to your hotel

3:00pm Official check in time at the hotel

Our hotel rep will be waiting for you to assist you during check in and provide you with important details regarding your trip

Remainder of the day at leisure

Meals are on your own

Overnight at the Four Seasons First Residence or similar hotel

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

From 8:00am Breakfast at the hotel

9:45am Meet your guide at hotel reception

10:00am Drive to the Grand Egyptian Museum

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 back to your hotel

5:15pm Arrive your hotel

7:30pm Dinner at your hotel

Overnight at the Four Seasons First Residence hotel or similar hotel

DAY 3 – timing subject to change based on flight details

From 5:00am Breakfast at the hotel

6:00am Drive to the Cairo airport

6:45am Arrive at the 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 hotel or similar hotel

DAY 4

AM Morning breakfast at your hotel

7:30am Proceed to the Citadel

8:00am Visit the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque

9:00am Proceed to old Cairo –

9:30am Visit the Hanging church and St Serguis church

10:30am Proceed to Khan El Khalili

11:00am Explore Khan El Khalili market and Muiz Islamic Street

12:00pm Lunch at Khan El Khalili market

1:00pm Drive to Alexandria

4:30pm Arrive Alexandria port

What to bring:

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

Local Currency:

Egyptian Pound but USD are widely accepted

Electricity

220- 240 V - Adaptors are not available therefore we recommend you bring 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.

Included in the cost of the program is a Visa on entry (at the Cairo Airport) for guests who are from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK. There are approximately 106 countries on the list that are able to apply upon arrival. 84 countries are not eligible to be granted a visa on arrival.

All guests should check with their local Egyptian Embassy for further or updated information prior to travel regarding your nationality as details can change at any time. If your country is not on the included list, visas must be obtained PRIOR TO arrival in Cairo.

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 addresses:

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

•English-speaking guide

•Economy class roundtrip charter or scheduled flights between Cairo and Luxor. Direct flights not guaranteed.

•Visa for guests from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK provided these nationalities remain on the approved list for Visa’s on Arrival

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival 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

•Visa for any guests not on the approved Visa on Arrival list

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.