Louisville Dive Center - Iconic Egypt Land Extension

Day One Overview:

Arrive to Cairo airport. Transfer to your hotel to rest and relax before embarking on an incredible two weeks ahead.

Activity Highlights:

You have arrived in beautiful Egypt! The adventure begins...

Day Two Overview:

Meet you guide after breakfast. Enjoy a full day visit to Coptic Cairo, the Citadel, Lunch at a local restaurant and ending in a Nile dinner cruise in the city.

Activity Highlights

• Coptic Cairo - A stunning area of historical significance. A place of noteworthiness for Christian and Muslim faiths and thought to  have even been a place visited by Joseph and Mary with infant Jesus as they fled King Herod. Take in the beautiful  churches and keep an eye out for Islamic touches within the  architecture as you stroll the neighborhood.

• the Citadel - Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi first began construction of this Islamisc fortress in 1176 AD! It was not finished for almost 31 years and the Sultan did not live to see his vision to completion.This fortress has played a part and stood witness to many important events of Egyptian history. If you find the right spot you may be able to spot the pyramids from the Citadel!

Day Three Overview:

After breakfast, enjoy a full day visit to Pyramids of Giza, lunch at local restaurant, and a visit to the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum.

Activity Highlights:

• Pyramids of Giza - The Sphinx awaits you! Located in the middle of the desert, The Pyramids of Giza is a plaza of pyramids that includes the aforementioned Sphinx, pyramid of Menkaure, pyramid of Khafre, and last but not least.... the Great Pyramid. Built between 2600 - 2500 BC this is a sight that is synonymous with Egypt and is not to be missed.

• Grand Egyptian Museum - Located near the pyramid plaza is the BRAND NEW Grand Egyptian Museum. This Museum has been in development for almost 23 years when organizers requested building design submissions. Fast forward to today and you are about to walk through its doors and experience thousands of years worth of history, including many objects from the famous King Tut's tomb.

Day Four Overview:

After breakfast transfer to Cairo airport to meet your boat to Hurghada Airport

Transfer to the marina to meet the Scuba Scene an epic week of diving in the Red Sea (not included in the cost of this itinerary). Please see here for details: https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Landing/4d4a390b-fe32-40fe-bd84-728a70f3de57

Enjoy an amazing week diving with us on the Scuba Scene

Day Eleven Overview

Bid farewell to the crew on the Scuba Scene and transfer from Port Ghalib via vehicle to your Nile River Cruise. See some sights along the way. Overnight in Luxor

Activity Highlights:

• Karnak Temple - Stretch your legs after the car journey and enjoy this guided tour of Karnak Temple. Believed by some to be the second most visited historical sight in Egypt, Karnak is thought to be the most important place of worship for Pharaohs and ancient Egyptians. The largest Temple is dedicated to Amun- ra, God of the Sun. As you stroll through this massive complex, imagine how magnificent this must have looked back during Ancient Egyptian times.
  • essential oil perfumery - while at the temple also explore the essential oil perfumery. essential oils have been know to aid a variety of ailments. Stuffy nose and plugged sinuses after a long week of diving? See which essential oil may be a remedy for you.

• Embark on your Nile Cruise - Get acquainted with your ship and home for the next few days. Enjoy some lunch and  the scenery as you pass the time until your next stop... Luxor Temple

• Luxor Temple - This is a temple that is not dedicated to a  Deity. Rather, it is a temple dedicated to the living Kings. It is thought that this may have been the place where a new Pharaoh was crowned. Be sure to check out the avenue of sphinxes that run all the way to the Temple of Karnak, which you visited earlier today!
  • Shop for Cartouche Jewelry - Egyptian cartouche is an ancient name plate using ancient hieroglyphic writing. Cartouche can also be worn to bring good luck! If you're looking for a perfect and personalized souvenir from your trip... this may just be it!

• Dinner and Entertainment - Enjoy your first dinner onboard the ship while experiencing a Nubian show or belly Dancer.

Day Twelve Overview:

Optional hot air balloon ride. Breakfast. Visit of the resting place of the ancient kings (and queens) of Egypt. Be Creative.  Sail the Nile.

Activity Highlights:

• Optional hot air balloon - This one is for the early risers.... and those not afraid of heights! So far, you've seen Egypt from the ground, under the sea, so why not the air. Let this hot air balloon excursion show you Egypt from above in this not to miss experience.
• Valley of the Kings - a place of significance due to the numerous burial tombs of Kings (and Queens) of Egypt. The Valley gained notoriety when the tomb of King Tut was discovered in 1922. The Valley is one of the most archeological significant sights in the word
• Temple of Hatshepsut - an engineering marvel, this temple is dedicated to the life and rule of female Pharaoh Hatshepsut.
• Colossi of Memnon - visit the two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. The statutes have stood in this spot since 1350 BC.
• Alabastar workshop - while in the area, you will have the chance to visit an alabastar workshop. You will be able to see how alabaster is worked with. Marvel at the creations you've witnessed.
• Sail to Edfu Via Esna Lock
• Teatime - How do you take your tea?  Enjoy a cuppa during tea time. Discuss whether you take one lump of sugar or two or whether you think there are still tombs to be found within the Valley of the Kings.

Day Thirteen Overview:

Enjoy more historic sights of beautiful present and ancient Egypt. Tour the Temple of Edfu, Kom Ombo. Embark on an optional Nubain Village Tour. Enjoy dinner with Egyptian Galabeya

Activity Highlights:

• Temple of Edfu -  Also known as the Temple of Horus.
• Temple of Kom Ombo - What does a crocodile and a falcon have in common? A temple dedicated to them located in Kom Ombo. 
• Optional Tour of Nubian Villiage or Relax on Board - Visit the shops in this beautiful little village along the Nile. If you aren't in the shopping and exploring mood, enjoy the time on the shop to relax and ponder all that you have seen on this trop so far.
• Dinner and Egyptian Galabeya - Enjoy dinner and Egyptian Galabeya. Egyptian Galabeya is a typical Egyptian style of dress. The roots of this style of clothing can be traced all the way back to Ancient Eqypt. 

Day Fourteen Overview:

Your choice between an excursion to Abu Simbel or relaxing on board the ship.

Activity Highlights:

• Abu Simbel -  For an additional charge, you can elect to visit the Abu Simbel historic sight.  Carved out of the mountain side, these twin temples were first constructed in 13th Century BC. The sculptures depict Rameses II, his wife Nefertari (not to be confused with Nefertiti) and their children at their feet. Let us know if you would like to add on this option to elevate your emersion in ancient Egyptian architecture and history.

                                             ~ OR ~

• On board relaxation -  A full day of rest and relaxation on board the ship. Use this time to catch up with friends and family back home, catch up on some emails, or some zzzz's.

Day Fifteen Overview:

Disembark the cruise. Tour Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam.

Transfer to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo to begin your journey home.

Activity Highlights:

• Philae Temple - This island based temple is located near the Aswan Dam. The Philae Temple is also one of the last temples that practiced Egyptian religion, before it was converted to a Christian church in the sixth century. The temple was relocated and restored due to the flooding caused by the Aswan Dam
• Aswan High Dam - Known as one of the World's largest embankment dams. Built across the Nile River, and is used to maximaze the utility of irrigation of the land surrounding the river banks.

...the adventure has come to an end.

Travel to the airport to begin your journey home. Until next time...