2021 River Cruises | Avalon Waterways® River Cruising From A Unique Point Of View

Taste of Egypt 2021

10 days from Cairo to Cairo

Get a Quote Book Online From: $4,298
Including Intra-Vacation Air & TaxesIncluding Intra-Vacation Air & Taxes(Not Including International Airfare)*

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Join us for an adventure to ancient Egypt, as well as its modern enjoyments on a Nile River cruise for the ages. Arrive in Cairo, and explore the pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. See the Ramses II statue in Memphis and King Tut’s tomb in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum. (Note: upon its opening in 2020, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza will replace Cairo’s Egyptian Museum for this itinerary.) In Old Cairo, see the Church of the Virgin Mary (also called the Hanging Church), built in the place where Mary and Jesus were said to find refuge during their flight to Egypt, and visit the Alabaster Mosque. These and more exciting discoveries are to be found as you see Egypt’s incredible monuments to pharaohs and gods of Egyptian history.

Fly to Luxor to embark on your Nile River cruise. You’ll visit the Luxor Temple, Avenue of the Sphinxes, monument of Karnak, and the Temple of Amun-Ra before enjoying an onboard welcome reception on your ship. Visit the valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, where the pristine tomb of King Tut was found with undisturbed riches and splendor. This incredible cruise on the Nile River takes you to amazing ancient sites, including the twin temples at Kom Ombo, devoted to the crocodile god Sobek-Ra and the falcon god Horus. Ponder the magnitude of the task of building the pyramids with a visit to the granite quarries—where an unfinished obelisk still remains. Visit the Temple of Isis, then take a return flight to Cairo to wander the world’s largest open-air museum, and browse the bustling maze of the endless bazaar in Cairo’s medieval alleys. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation tour in Cairo, expedition to the Egyptian pyramids, and a Nile River cruise you’ll never forget.


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Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Cairo, Egypt:Welcome to EgyptDay 2 Cairo:Guided sightseeing, visit the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, Ramses II, and Alabaster Sphinx in Memphis, and the 'Stairway to the Sky' at Sakkara; Sounds & Light Show at the pyramidsDay 3 Cairo:Visit Tutankhamun's Tomb in the Egyptian Museum; see Saladin's citadel and visit the Alabaster Mosque in Old Cairo; see the Hanging Church and Cairo's oldest synagogue in Coptic Cairo; visit the Khan el-Kahlili souk Day 4 Cairo-Luxor (Embarkation):Fly to Luxor; visit Luxor Temple, the Avenue of Sphinxes, monument of Karnak & Temple of Amun-Ra; onboard welcome receptionDay 5 Luxor-Edfu:Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens, Deir El-Bahri, and the Colossi of Memnon; galabya party on board Day 6 Edfu-Kom Ombo-Aswan:Visit the Temple of Horus; visit the twin temples at Kom Ombo; lecture on boardDay 7 Aswan:Sail by felucca to Kitchener Island; visit the Botanical GardensDay 8 Aswan (Disembarkation)-Cairo:Excursion to the High Dam; cruise to Agilika; visit Temple of Isis and ancient granite quarries; fly to Cairo Day 9 Cairo:Special tour to the world's largest open-air museum, followed by a walk in the maze of shops at the famous bazaar Day 10 Cairo:Your vacation ends this morning

Cruise YourWay

Avalon makes it easy to experience vacation your way with seamless extension options before and after your cruise. Your Way offers added nights in a selection of locales. From Budapest to Barcelona, you can spend a little or a lot more time getting to know more on shore with Your Way custom itineraries.

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

(B) = Breakfast   (L) = Lunch   (D) = Dinner

Day 1

CAIRO, EGYPT

Welcome to Cairo, “Mother of the World”

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Day 2

(B)

CAIRO

Desert Sands and Secrets of the Sphinx

Classic
This morning take a close-up look at one of the World’s Seven Wonders and guardian of the great pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built, and of course enjoy the visit to the newly discovered the Sun Boats.
Classic
Drive to Sakkara, a vast desert necropolis built for kings and nobles, and its “Stairway to the Sky,” the oldest of all pyramids. Also admire the special tomb of Mary Loca and the Step Pyramid.
Classic
Guided Excursion to the pyramids this evening features a Sound and Light Show complete with historical stories and secrets of the Sphinx.
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Day 3

(B)

CAIRO

Ancient Cairo, a Boy King, and the Christ Child

Classic
Enjoy a guided visit to the now-famous Tahrir Square and visit the Egyptian Museum. Peruse King Tutankhamun’s fabulous treasures and many other priceless artifacts of ancient Egypt.
Classic
Drive to walled city of Old Cairo, with Saladin’s 12th-century citadel, and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali.
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Drive to “Coptic Cairo” to see the Hanging Church where the Virgin Mary and Jesus sought refuge while in Egypt. Walk to see Cairo’s oldest Jewish synagogue, founded in the 9th century.

* Note: upon its opening in 2020, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza will replace Cairo’s Egyptian Museum for this itinerary.

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Day 4

(B, D)

CAIRO–LUXOR (EMBARKATION)

The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum

Fly 300 miles up the Nile Valley to Luxor to embark on your Nile River cruise.

Classic
See the stunning monuments of Luxor and Karnak, ancient cities whose combined populations swelled to more than one million. Walk among the pillars of the colossal Temple of Amun Ra and along the Avenue of the Sphinxes for an experience you will treasure for a lifetime.

Consider an Optional Guided Excursion to enjoy the sound and light show in Karnak Temple.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LUXOR
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Day 5

(B, L, D)

LUXOR–EDFU

Royal Resting Places of Kings and Queens

Classic
Venture to the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile where generations of pharaohs and nobles were entombed in cliffside crypts. See where 62 royal tombs have thus far been discovered, of which one was virtually intact—the splendid tomb of Tutankhamun discovered in 1922.
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Visit Deir El-Bahri, Queen Hatshepsut’s monumental rock temple. Stop for pictures at the two Colossi of Memnon guarding the valleys.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN EDFU
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Day 6

(B, L, D)

EDFU–KOM OMBO–ASWAN

Egyptian Gods of the River and Sky

Classic
This morning visit the Temple of Horus with its menacing black stone statue of the falcon god.
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Enjoy beautiful Kom Ombo for a short walk to its bluff-top twin temples. The right side is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek-Ra, while the left side is dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
Enjoy a leisurely sail to Aswan.
Discovery
Enjoy an exclusive lecture on this ancient civilization by your Egyptologist.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ASWAN
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Day 7

(B, L, D)

ASWAN

Temples from Above and Islands Below

This morning, consider a Guided Optional Excursion with a flight over the huge massive sandstone temples of Abu Simbel (weather permitting).

Classic
Board a Felucca (traditional wooden sailing boat) and cross the blue waters of the Nile. En route, see the ancient water measurement system, “Nilometer,” on the Nile’s Elephantine Island. Visit Kitchener Island’s lush Botanical Gardens and the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum on the left bank.

Join an Optional Excursion to the Sound and Light show in Philae Temple.

Tonight, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ASWAN
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Day 8

(B)

ASWAN (DISEMBARKATION)–CAIRO

Work in Progress and the Goddess Isis

Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Excursion at to explore the Granite Quarries that supplied ancient Egypt with its hard stones for the pyramids in Giza. See the famous unfinished obelisk, still remaining in the quarry.
Classic
Visit the gigantic Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970. Board a motor launch to the island of Agilika between the two dams. Visit the Temple Of Isis, which was dismantled from the submerged island of Philae and reassembled here.

Board your flight back to Cairo later today, and consider attending an Optional Dinner Cruise on the Nile to celebrate your Egyptian adventure.

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Day 9

(B)

CAIRO

Amazing Palaces and Marketplace Mazes

Classic
Enjoy a special tour of the world’s widest open-air museum to admire palaces and mosques. Browse the maze of shops in the vast labyrinths of the Khan al Khali Souk bazaar and Medieval alleyways.
Classic
Take in a full panoramic view of Cairo from the Nile River—on board a traditional wooden sailing vessel (Felucca).
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Discover Cairo by night on an orientation tour in the old city.
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Day 10

(B)

CAIRO

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

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Taste of Egypt

Start Sooner, Stay Longer

Start your vacation earlier or stay longer with destination options before or after your Avalon cruise.

Ship Details

MS Farah

MS Farah

In Arabic, Farah means Happiness and Joy. In this spirit, you'll sail on the MS Farah-one of Egypt's most elite ships on the Nile. Cruise in style and comfort, while enjoying the mysterious and magnificent sights and experiences only found in the Egyptian landscapes. The MS Farah ship offers 60 deluxe cabins and 2 Royal Suites that feature style and comfort with oversized windows that are virtually wall-sized. Avalon insists on the best view and the best crew to treat you like royalty while exploring the treasures of the pharaohs on this Nile River cruise! Exploring the Nile River aboard the MS Farah is an elegant, first-class experience with a touch of mystery combined with an old world spirit of adventure, and state-of-the-art comfort, of course! Avalon's Nile River cruise aboard the MS Farah carries you into the exotic world of pharaohs, explorers, and legends, while introducing you to locals who share the traditions of generations. Relax with onboard features, including Deluxe and Royal Suite, spa services, Wi-Fi, gourmet dining, and a caring crew who create an exceptional experience in comfort, customer service, and classic adventure on board one of the Nile's most elite river ships.

Included Amenities


Staterooms & Suites

Deluxe Stateroom - 239 sq. ft.
Features
  • LCD TV
  • Private safe box
  • Private bathroom
  • Individually controlled air-conditioned system
  • Large panoramic window
  • Mini bar
  • Internet connection
  • Hairdryer
  • Pillow menu included: you will be able to choose from a range of soft, water pillow, orthopedic, sponge pillows.
  • Bathtub
Royal Suite - 430 sq. ft.
Features
  • LCD TV
  • Private safe box
  • Private bathroom
  • Individually controlled air-conditioned system
  • Large panoramic window
  • Mini bar
  • Internet connection
  • Hairdryer
  • Pillow menu included: you will be able to choose from a range of soft, water pillow, orthopedic, sponge pillows.
  • Bathtub
DECK PLANS

Hotels

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyAvalon site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Luxor
Aswan
Abu Simbel
Cairo

Luxor

Temple of Karnak Sound & Light Spectacular

Temple of Karnak Sound & Light Spectacular

Ancient Thebes comes to life in an unforgettable way as pharoahs rise to tell their stories and the pillars and statues of Karnak are transformed during a fantastic sound and light show.

Price Range: $$

Aswan

Philae Temple Sound & Light Spectacular

Philae Temple Sound & Light Spectacular

Ancient Egypt comes to life in an unforgettable way during a fantastic sound and light show featuring colorful lights, laser projections, and fascinating commentary at Aswan's ancient Philae Temple.

Price Range: $$

Abu Simbel

Flight to Abu Simbel, Treasure of Ancient Egypt

Flight to Abu Simbel, Treasure of Ancient Egypt

Step thousands of years back in time on this exciting flight to the twin rock temples of Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most cherished ancient wonders.

Price Range: $$$$

Cairo

Nile River Cruise with Dinner & Belly Dancing

Nile River Cruise with Dinner & Belly Dancing

The splendor and ancient wonders of the Nile await during this 2-hour dinner cruise featuring a sumptuous buffet, live music, and mesmerizing belly dancing!

Price Range: $$

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.