Activity Level - 3. A higher level of fitness is required. There will be quite a bit of walking over a day. The terrain at times may be uneven and there may be high temperatures or humidity.
MON 23 FEB - AUCKLAND/DUBAI
Depart Auckland on Emirates Airways at 9.05pm for Dubai.
TUE 24 FEB - DUBAI
Arrive Dubai 5.15am and time to rest, with an early hotel check-in. Later a sightseeing tour including the islands of The Palm and the Burj Khalifa tower (2,700ft) - both incredible engineering and architectural feats. Stay 4 Star Hotel, Dubai, 1 night. (D)
WED 25 FEB - DUBAI/ALEXANDRIA-EGYPT
Visit the old Souks and heritage sites this morning. The afternoon is free to relax around the pool or explore. This evening fly at 7.35pm to the ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt and arrive at 9.55pm. The largest city of the ancient world after Rome. It became phenomenally wealthy - it exported books, was a centre for scholarship and controlled the paper trade, made from papyrus. The city is famed for its lighthouse from antiquity, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the historic Library, which was destroyed by fire, but in more modern times reconstructed. It is also where Cleopatra rolled herself into a rug to be smuggled into Julius Caesar’s Palace. Stay Steinberger Cecil Hotel, Alexandria (or Rixos Montazah Hotel), 2 nights. (B)
THU 26 FEB - ALEXANDRIA
Visit the excellent Alexandria National Museum, comprising more than 1800 archaeological pieces that narrate the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern history of Egypt. Continue to the Catacombs of Kom El-Shouqafa - tombs that were tunnelled into bedrock in the 2nd century AD for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion. Finally, visit the Roman Amphitheatre - this archaeological site includes ruins dating back to the Roman era and includes a theatre, baths and a villa decorated with mosaics. (B)
FRI 27 FEB - ALEXANDRIA/El ALAMEIN/CAIRO
Drive to Cairo via El Alamein, that saw the climax and turning point of the North African campaign in the Second World War. It was here that 200,000 Allied soldiers under the command of Bernard Montgomery finally defeated Erwin Rommel – known as the Desert Fox. This battle which cost many lives on both sides is credited with leading to the surrender of the Axis forces in North Africa. The Allied Cemetery and museum are sober places to reflect on this significant WWII campaign. It was a heavy cost to New Zealand with 2,989 Kiwis killed, over 7,000 wounded and over 4,000 taken prisoner. Continue through to Cairo and your first glimpse of one of the seven wonders of the world – the Pyramids. A city that has acted for an infinite time as a guardian and a centre for culture, art, and beauty. Stay Steinberger Pyramids Hotel, Cairo, 3 nights. (B, D)
SAT 28 FEB - CAIRO, GRAND EGYTPIAN MUSEUM
Today tour the Grand Egyptian Museum, a new crown jewel of Egypt, and the largest archaeological museum in the world. Step back in time and explore the wonders of ancient Egypt. Explore over 5,000 years of history with your private Egyptologist-Guide. An extraordinary collection of artifacts that trace the rich cultural heritage of Egypt inspired by the boy King Tutankhamun. Currently in its "second soft-opening phase," the GEM has unveiled 12 of its main galleries, offering a glimpse into its vast treasures. As you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by the imposing -figure of Ramses II, a colossal statue that has been relocated from Tahrir Square and now stands proudly in the museum’s grand foyer. With each step, you'll delve deeper into the stories of pharaohs, gods, and everyday life, uncovering the mysteries and marvels of one of the world's oldest and most influential cultures. Afternoon at leisure. Note: Access to the Tutankhamun galleries is restricted until the official opening. (B, L)
SUN 1 MAR - CAIRO SIGHTSEEING, THE PYRAMIDS, SPHINX
The ultimate touring today! With your private Egyptologist-Guide embark on a tour of the Pyramids and Sphinx. The Pyramids construction began in 2690 BC - Mycerinus, Chefren and the Great Pyramid of Cheops are the only survivors from the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Face the mystical Sphinx, reputedly used as target practice by Napoleon’s troops. The limestone statue of a reclining mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. The oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt and one of the most recognisable statues in the world. A lunch to remember, with absolutely stunning views overlooking the pyramids. After lunch return to the hotel to freshen up. This evening top off an unforgettable day with an incredible evening attending the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids. (B, L)
MON 2 MAR - CAIRO/LUXOR/NILE CRUISE
Fly to Luxor and board your Nile cruise boat Sonesta Nile Goddess for the start of a 4 night journey (Standard Cabins) along the life-giving waters that have transported Pharaohs, Royalty, and celebrities for eons. After lunch on board the ship you will head out to explore one of the world’s most remarkable open-air museums - Thebes. Visit the magnificent Luxor Temple then follow the Avenue of the Sphinx to the Temple complex of Karnak. This gigantic site was added to by approximately 30 different Pharaohs over time, which goes some way to explaining its immense size and majestic grandeur. This evening there will be a Belly Dancing Show and dinner on board. (B, L, D)
NB: The Order of Cruise sightseeing may vary, and the cruise schedule may operate in reverse according to navigational and operational requirements.
TUE 3 MAR - CRUISE LUXOR/ESNA
Early this morning head across to the Nile’s West Bank, where a morning filled with remarkable sights awaits. Visit Thebes Necropolis and the burial ground of the Pharaohs – the Valley of the Kings, which houses the tombs of Theban Ruler’s, including the illustrious tomb of Tutankhamun. Next pay a visit to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and see the famed Colossi of Memnon facing the Nile. Entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI is included. Return to the ship for lunch and set sail for Esna. This evening attend the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party, followed by dinner. (B, L, D)
WED 4 MAR - CRUISE ESNA/EDFU/KOM OMBO
In the early hours the ship will cross the Esna lock and sail for Edfu. Following breakfast on board set out to view remains dating back to the Old Kingdom, as well as the revered Temple of Horus – one of the holiest of the Egyptian pantheon of gods. Return to the ship mid-morning and continue sailing to Kom Ombo. Relax onboard prior to a late afternoon visit to the Kom Ombo Temple, a remarkable temple jointly shared by the two Gods: Sobek, depicted with the head of a crocodile, and Horus, represented with the head of a falcon. Constructed during the Ptolemaic period, spanning from 237 to 57 BCE. Admire the beautifully preserved murals and intricate bas-relief, adorned with inscriptions that offer valuable insights into language, mythology, and religion during the Egypt's Greco-Roman era. Dinner and Galabeya party on board this evening. (B, L, D)
THU 5 MAR - CRUISE KOM OMBO/ASWAN
Early this morning sail for Aswan and transfer to your flight to Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Egypt, not only for its historical significance, but for the great engineering success in moving these temples to their present location. Of all the temples of Egyptian antiquity, amongst the most spectacular and best preserved are the Temples of Abu Simbel. The master builder was Ramses II, one of Egypt’s greatest Pharaohs. The larger temple celebrates the Pharaoh himself while the smaller one honours his wife Queen Nefertari. When the new Lake Nasser Dam was built in the 1960s, the temples were moved to save them from a watery grave. In an amazing feat of engineering, the temples were hewn into huge blocks of thirty tonnes each and relocated 180m further inland. Return flight to Aswan and return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon visit the Aswan High Dam, that tamed the floods and provides water and electricity. Then the Granite Quarries and the beautifully restored Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis (the mother of Horus). This remarkable temple was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. This evening attend dinner and a Nubian folkloric show on board. (B, L, D)
FRI 6 MAR - ASWAN
Disembark from this cruise this morning after breakfast. Let the natural beauty of Aswan capture your imagination, explore the markets and/or sip a drink on the banks of the Nile. After lunch sail by traditional felucca around Kitchener’s Island with a view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum. Continue to the Nubian Village, a typical Nubian village with Nubian life style. Nubians still live here and the village is decorated in traditional style. After the tour return to Elephantine Island to relax and watch the life on the Nile. Stay Movenpick Resort, Aswan, 1 night. (B)
SAT 7 MAR - ASWAN/CAIRO
This morning transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. Afternoon at leisure in this modern cosmopolitan capital with a rich heritage of cultural influences and echoes of ancient civilisations. Stay Steinberger El Tahrir Hotel, Cairo, 2 nights. (B)
SUN 8 MAR - CAIRO
Free morning to swim or relax at the hotel. Later stroll through Old Cairo with your guide. Start at Bab al-Futuh and stroll through al-Moez Street visiting and viewing the magnificent Islamic architectural heritage including mausoleums, mosques, Sabils (fountains), and medieval houses dating back to the Fatimid and Mamluk periods. If you wish, take a moment to re-energize with a refreshing beverage at Fishawy Café, an optional stop amidst the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaars. (B)
MON 9 MAR - CAIRO/AMMAN/DEAD SEA
This morning depart Cairo on Royal Jordanian at 8.55am and arrive in Amman, Jordan at 11.20am. Jordan is a unique country with a wealth of cultural and scenic attractions. Jordanians are gracious and welcoming hosts. Travel onward to the Dead Sea. It is one of the most intriguing natural phenomena on Earth. Aside for some micro-organisms and algae, this salt water lake is completely devoid of life. It is the deepest hypersaline lake globally. In just one litre of its water, you’ll collect over 300 grams of salt! It’s also the lowest point on Earth, with its surface reaching an impressive 430 meters below sea level! Stay Holiday Inn Hotel, Dead Sea, 1 night. (B)
TUE 10 MAR - DEAD SEA/WADI RUM
Depart the Dead Sea and travel south to Wadi Rum on one of the oldest highways on earth, the Kings Highway. This fascinating road into history will include highlights of Madaba where you can view the oldest known map of the "Holy Land' inlaid in mosaics, Mt Nebo where Moses looked out over the 'Promised Land' and Kerak Crusader Castle before arriving into Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia rode across the desert with his Arab liberation army. A unique and stylish accommodation tonight. Stay Imagination Luxury Camp, Wadi Rum 1 night. (B, D)
WED 11 MAR - WADI RUM/PETRA
Take a jeep ride through this impressive moon-like landscape, with its dramatic canyons and dunes. Depart Wadi Rum and travel towards the incomparable Rose Red City of Petra. En-route stop for photos of Little Petra. Petra is nestled in the mountains and is perhaps the most spectacular ancient city remaining in the modern world. The city was the capital of the Nabateans who dominated the lands of Jordan during pre-Roman times. They carved this wonderland of temples, tombs and elaborate buildings out of solid rock. For centuries, Petra fell into the mists of legend, its existence a guarded secret known only to the local Bedouins and Arab tradesmen. In 1812, a young Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt heard locals speaking of a "lost city" hidden in the mountains of Wadi Mousa. Burckhardt disguised himself as a pilgrim and discovered the secret of Petra, revealing it to the modern world. Stay Petra Moon Hotel, Petra, 2 nights. (B, D)
THU 12 MAR - PETRA SIGHTSEEING
Explore the famous Nabatean rock-cut tombs and temples of Petra. Entry is via a narrow ‘siq’, reaching hundreds of feet high. Your first sight is of El Khazneh - the Treasury, carved ornately in the red rock. The Nabataeans were an industrious Arab people who settled in South Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Other sights include the 3,000 seat theatre (1st C. AD) and a Palace Tomb in the Roman style. Remainder of day at leisure to further explore Petra at your own pace. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight. (B, D)
FRI 13 MAR - PETRA/AMMAN
After breakfast depart for Amman arriving mid afternoon. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Amman is a unique blend of old and new, situated on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley. It has a thriving culinary scene and bustling markets. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Stay Ambassador Hotel, Amman, 1 night. (B, D)
SAT 14 MAR - AMMAN SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom. Often referred to as the “White City” because of the white stone used to build houses, Amman offers a contrast between oriental and cosmopolitan. The tour will take you to the archeological museums, the Citadel, the amphitheater, folklore Museum, the souks and the modern part of town, experience Falafel and Humos at Hashem Restaurant then savour a delicious Knafeh, a dessert with a shredded filo dough crust, a sweet cheese filling, topped with a rose water flavoured simple syrup. Later visit the impressive New Jordan Museum - one of the first exhibits you'll see are statutes on display that date from 7,500 BC. Late evening check out of the hotel and check-in at Amman Airport at midnight, for your flight home via Dubai. (B)
SUN 15 MAR - AMMAN/DUBAI/AUCKLAND
Depart Amman on Emirates at 2.30am and arrive Dubai at 6.25am. A short transit at Dubai and depart on Emirates at 10.05am
MON 16 MAR - AMMAN/DUBAI/AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland at 11.15am.
