Splendours of Egypt and the Nile

Founded in the seventh century by Arab conquerors, the Fatimid dynasty rulers made Cairo their capital and named it al-Qahira (“the Victorious”). The great sultan Salah al-Din built his citadel in the 12th century as a government center and bulwark against invading armies of Crusaders. Located high above the eastern end of Cairo on El-Moqattam Hill, the citadel was the home of Egypt’s rulers for more than 700 years and is one of the oldest attractions in the city.

After the Ottoman ruler Muhammad Ali seized power in the 1800s, he restored the walls of the citadel and built numerous palaces, schools and government buildings inside. His masterpiece was the great Alabaster Mosque, also known as the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which you’ll have an opportunity to visit. Its two slender minarets were Muhammad Ali’s declaration of independence from Istanbul, as Ottoman law decreed that only a sultan could build a mosque with two minarets. The mosque’s expansive Turkish-style interior is lit by a beautiful array of lamps suspended from the intricately decorated ceiling.

You’ll also visit the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, established in 1900 and by far the most impressive collection of Egyptian antiquities and pharaonic treasures in the world. Located in the heart of Cairo, the museum displays an astonishing number of objects. Ancient Egyptian history began with the founding of the Old Kingdom around 3100 BC and lasted 3,000 years, until Alexander the Great conquered the country in 332 BC and ended the rule of the pharaohs. The museum’s galleries are laid out in roughly chronological order as you move clockwise along the ground floor.

Note: Photography of any kind is forbidden inside the museum, including digital cameras, cell phones and camcorders.

This vast complex, situated about 2 miles (3.5 kilometers) from the Temple of Luxor, was originally established during the Middle Kingdom (1991-1633 BC), and various dynasties over the next 1,300 years continued to expand it. Karnak is a massive and simply astounding site, reflecting the combined achievements of many generations of ancient builders—as many as 80,000 laborers took part in its creation during the 19th Dynasty alone.

Buried under sand for a thousand years, the UNESCO- designated Karnak complex is composed of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples and several outer temples. The largest of these is dedicated to Amun, a great pharaonic god. Enter the main compound, the Precinct of Amun, through the Great Court, and continue on to the dazzling Great Hypostyle Hall—sometimes called the Hall of Columns—an imposing forest of 134 enormous sandstone columns in the form of papyrus stalks.

Temple of Luxor

TEMPLE OF LUXOR
Enter the temple through the great pylon—a ceremonial gateway—where two enormous statues of Ramses II still stand, along with a pink granite obelisk (its mate stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France). Continue on to an enormous interior courtyard, where the Abu Haggag Mosque once stood atop the ruins of the temple. You can still see a ghostly remnant of the mosque on the east side of the courtyard, high above the columns, its arched doorway opening into thin air.

The temple’s chief architects were Amenhotep III (Egypt’s “Sun King,” also known as Amenophis III) and Ramses II, and it was constructed over hundreds of years, beginning around 1400 BC. It was dedicated to the “father of all life,” the god Amun, sometimes referred to as Amon or Amon-Ra. Ancient Egyptians came to the temple to pay tribute to this god during the Opet Festival, celebrated during the annual flooding of the Nile. Once a year, a great feast was held and the statue of Amun was transported via a small sailboat from the Temple of Karnak to the Temple of Luxor. (Stages of the festival are depicted in friezes along the Temple of Karnak’s grand processional colonnade, the construction of which was started by Amenhotep III and finished by his grandson, Tutankhamen.)

At the rear of the temple is the Sun Court of Amenhotep III, as well as the Bark Shrine that was rebuilt by Alexander the Great (who is depicted bare-chested on the walls). The Luxor Temple complex is at its most stunning at sunset, when it is illuminated with the golden glow of the setting sun.

Carved next to his legs are his mother and his wife, with side panels depicting the god of the Nile, Hapi. The figures originally sat in front of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III and are believed to have surpassed even Karnak in size. Unfortunately, the temple itself was slowly dismantled over the centuries to provide building materials for new temples; the twin Colossi continue to stand guard nonetheless, just as they have done for the past 3,400 years.

The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri is another highlight today. One of Egypt’s rare female pharaohs, Hatshepsut is considered by historians to have been one of the most successful rulers of ancient Egypt. Both the setting and the construction of her temple make it unique among the landmarks of Egypt; built into the face of steep cliffs at the basin, the temple is made of limestone instead of sandstone, unlike any other funerary temples of the New Kingdom period. Hatshepsut’s successor, Thutmose III, attempted to remove her name from the temple, and many images of the queen were damaged or destroyed during his reign.

You’ll also visit one of the most famous archeological sites in the world—the remote and barren Valley of the Kings, used for royal burials for nearly 500 years. Much of our understanding of Egyptian mythology has been garnered from these ancient chambers, located about four miles (seven kilometers) inland on the west bank of the Nile. It was here that the bodies of great pharaohs such as Ramses II and Thutmose III were once laid to rest and where the mummified remains of the boy king Tutankhamen are still on display. The idea for establishing this royal burial ground is thought to have originated with Thutmose I, who opted to conceal his tomb far from his mortuary temple in an effort to deter tomb robbers. Subsequent pharaohs did the same, changing a tradition that had endured for close to 2,000 years.

Within the tombs and along the walls of the Valley of the Kings, inscriptions from the Book of the Dead provided instructions on how the pharaohs could safely journey to the next world and avoid the dangers that lay on the way. For the sake of preservation, only a handful of the most interesting tombs are open to visitors at any given time.

Return to the ship and set sail for Kom Ombo. Tonight, don your galabeya (traditional Egyptian attire, samples of which will be available for purchase onboard if you’d like to participate but didn’t bring your own) for a festive onboard party featuring traditional Egyptian music.

Several of the 300 crocodile mummies discovered in the vicinity are displayed inside the temple.

Bird-watching boat ride

After a scenic cruise to Aswan, take a small boat along the banks of the Nile on a bird-watching excursion. Watch out for colorful native birds, different species of herons, kingfishers, vultures, sunbirds and other wildlife that thrive in the marsh grass along the riverbanks.

You’ll also visit the Unfinished Obelisk, commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut yet never completed due to a flaw discovered in the stone. If completed, it would have been the largest and heaviest obelisk ever attempted, weighing more than two million pounds (907,185 kilograms).

Another highlight today is the beautiful Philae Temple complex, originally situated on the island of Philae. It was painstakingly transferred to the island of Agilika after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, a daunting UNESCO-funded endeavor that took 10 years to complete. The three principal monuments on the island all date from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods—the Kiosk of Trajan, the Temple of Hathor and the Temple of Isis.

<em>Note: Guests are welcome to climb around the Unfinished Obelisk, but please note the climb is physically demanding.</em>
<h4>Boat ride in traditional Nile River felucca and afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan</h4>
Today you will sail serenely down the Nile in a <em>felucca</em>— a small traditional boat with large triangular sails—a wonderful way to experience the river as Egyptians have for a thousand years. Later, relax over afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel Aswan, a colonial-era gem that counts Winston Churchill and Princess Diana among its former guests. This famous hotel was depicted in Agatha Christie’s acclaimed mystery novel <em>Death on the Nile</em>.

<em>Note: Feluccas are wind-powered and thus will operate only if weather conditions permit.</em>

There’s also a hypostyle hall with 24 pillars and a ceiling depicting Egyptian astronomical figures and Roman zodiac signs. On the temple’s western wall, look for images of Horus, the god of victory, and Khnum, dragging a net full of fish. At the foot of this façade are the last known hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded in Egypt.

The ancient architect and sage Imhotep initially designed the pyramid as a single story, then later added five more levels and covered the structure with a shell of fine limestone. In front of the pyramid, Imhotep built a stone structure containing a wooden box with two peepholes; peer inside and you’ll see a life-size painted statue of King Zoser. The peepholes were created to allow the king’s ka (life spirit) to communicate with the outside world.

At the Giza Necropolis, the face of ancient Egypt—the Great Sphinx—awaits your visit. With the body of a crouching lion and the head of a man, it is the largest monolith statue in the world. Experts believe that the Sphinx (known to the early Arabs as Abu al-Hol, “Father of Terror”) was built in the 26th century BC during Khafre’s reign, perhaps as a portrait of the pharaoh himself. Unfortunately, much of this monument has either eroded or been deliberately destroyed over the years. Some of its facial features are no longer intact, such as the beard and the nose—the latter of which was not shot off by Napoleon’s soldiers, as widely believed, but chiseled away many centuries earlier. A number of excavations in modern times have removed the sand that built up around the Sphinx over the centuries and kept much of it buried. Despite its timeworn condition, the Sphinx still kneels gracefully as it has for thousands of years, looking toward the east with an enigmatic smile.

Today you’ll also visit the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Beholding these legendary structures up close lets you appreciate their stone masonry and awe-inspiring architectural precision. Until as recently as the 19th century, the oldest and largest of the three pyramids—Khufu—was the tallest building in the world; when it was completed around the 26th century BC, it stood about 50 stories high.

Day 1: Amman
Upon your arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to The St. Regis Amman hotel for the night.

Day 2: Amman, Jerash
FEATURED EXCURSION: Amman Panoramic City Tour, Jerash and Dead Sea Visit
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a panoramic tour of dynamic and multifaceted Amman that will bring you to the Citadel, Archaeological Museum, Folklore Museum and Roman Amphitheater. Marvel at the 6,000-seat, 2nd-century landmark that today is home to the majority of the city’s cultural activities. Journey through the residential suburbs flanked by tree-lined avenues and white houses, then head into downtown for a look at traditional life.

Head off to the ancient city of Jerash, which has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. As one of the original 10 great Roman cities, Jerash is now the site of one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. After being hidden for centuries in the sand and only uncovered in recent decades, Jerash features some of the finest examples of ancient Rome’s colonnaded streets, hilltop temples, theaters, spacious public squares and city walls.

Next, we’ll head to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Jordan’s coastline along the Dead Sea is one of the most miraculous natural and spiritual landscapes in the world and has enticed travelers for centuries.

Day 3: Petra, Wadi Rum
FEATURED EXCURSION: “Rose-Red City” of Petra
Today, you’ll explore the “Rose-Red City” of Petra, with its massive red mountains and vast mausoleums. Although much has been written about Petra, nothing truly prepares you for this astonishing city. You’ll enter the city through the Siq, a narrow walkway that’s flanked by colorful, towering cliffs on both sides. As you reach the end, you’ll witness the stunning Al-Khazneh, one of the most intricate and iconic temples in the city. You’ll then enter the indescribable Petra Valley, with its overwhelming natural beauty and outstanding architectural achievements—there are hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs with intricate carvings. Here also sits a vast Nabatean-built, Roman-style theater—and high above rests the impressive Ad-Deir Monastery, accessible by a flight of 800 rock-cut steps. Later, you will travel to the Wadi Rum desert, where you will check-in, have dinner and spend a night glamping under the stars at Mazayen Camp Wadi Rum.

Day 4: Wadi Rum, Aqaba
FEATURED EXCURSION: Bedouin Jeep Tour of Wadi Rum Desert
Climb aboard a Bedouin jeep for a tour of the Wadi Rum desert, a place seemingly untouched by the outside world. As you drive through a maze of canyons and rock-scrapes, you’ll uncover natural wonder after natural wonder among this sprawling wilderness. After lunch, you’ll venture to the coastal city of Aqaba, where you can spend your time exploring ancient sites, trying traditional food or shopping at local vendors. Later, check-in to your hotel for the night, the Al Manara—a Luxury Collection Hotel.

Day 5: Madaba, Amman
FEATURED EXCURSION: Madaba Visit with Saint George Church and Mount Nebo
FEATURED EXCURSION: MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Iraq al-Amir Women’s Cooperative Visit
Venture to one of the holiest sites of Jordan—Mount Nebo, where Moses was buried. Next up is a visit to Saint George Church, the home of the Madaba Mosaic Map. The map is the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Only a quarter of the original map, which dates from the sixth century AD, still remains.

After lunch, you’ll pay a visit to the Iraq al-Amir Women’s Cooperative. This TreadRight Foundation-supported endeavor is where local women come together and share special skills with visitors, such as traditional weaving, paper making, ceramics and cooking. Your day then ends in Amman, where you will return to The St. Regis Amman for the night.

Day 6: Amman
Today, you’ll check out of your hotel and transfer to the Queen Alia International Airport for your flight to Cairo, where you’ll embark on your Splendors of Egypt & the Nile cruise/tour.

Day 1: Jerusalem
Upon your arrival in Jerusalem, you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend your first day in Israel to explore or rest at your leisure. As one of the oldest cities in the world, there’s plenty to experience—rich history, modern delights, including historic and archaeological sites, a thriving arts and cultural scene, awe-inspiring museums, bustling markets and much more!

Day 2: Jerusalem
FEATURED EXCURSION: Jerusalem City Tour
Set out on a half-day tour of this fascinating city, starting with a visit to Yad Vashem. Established in 1953, Yad Vashem is the global center for documentation, research, education and remembrance of the Holocaust. Located on the Hill of Remembrance, you’ll also tour the Children’s Memorial. Pay a visit to the Israel Museum, the country’s largest museum and a leading cultural institution. You’ll visit the Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls—ancient religious writings that were originally found in caves along the shores of the Dead Sea.

On your way back to the hotel, you’ll pass by Israel’s Parliament House and Supreme Court building and then have the afternoon to explore at your leisure. Your local host will be delighted to provide you with suggestions on the best places to dine and other ways to experience the city like a local.

Day 3: Jerusalem
FEATURED EXCURSION: Jerusalem Old City & Bethlehem
You’ll begin today’s full-day city tour by entering the Old City of Jerusalem through the Lion’s Gate—which marks the start of Jesus’ trek from his condemnation to crucifixion. As you venture into the Muslim Quarter, you’ll visit the Pool of Bethesda, the site of one of Jesus’ miracles in which he healed a paralyzed man.

From here, you’ll head toward Via Dolorosa. Many Christian visitors walk the winding path believed to be Jesus’ route to the spot where he was crucified. There are some 14 spots along the way that each mark a different event in Jesus’ journey as he carried his cross. Make sure to take in fantastic views of the city from the Temple Mount. It was here that King David captured Jerusalem and made it the capital of the Israelites as well as the spot that would house the Ark of the Covenant.

A visit to what is largely considered the world’s holiest Christian site—the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—is up next. The extraordinary church stands on the site where Jesus was crucified and buried.

This afternoon, you’ll hop on a motorcoach for a short drive to neighboring Bethlehem, David’s hometown and Jesus’ birthplace. Since we’ll be crossing over into Palestinian Authority, you’ll be guided by a local Palestinian through Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity.

Day 4: Jerusalem
FEATURED EXCURSION: Ancient Jerusalem
Start your last full day in Jerusalem at the serene site of the Garden Tomb. This rock-cut tomb and holy site is said to be the place where Jesus was buried and later resurrected. Continue atop the Mount of Olives for a tremendous view of the city. Since ancient times, the Mount of Olives has acted as one of the main burial grounds in Jerusalem for all three monotheistic religions. The foot of the Mount of Olives is said to be the location where Jesus prayed following the Last Supper.

You’ll then embark on a drive through Kidron Valley to Mount Zion, where you’ll see the sites of the Last Supper and King David’s tomb before entering the Old City through the Zion Gate. See the ancient remains of the city in the Jewish Quarter before continuing on to the Western Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism. Visitors will notice that many of the cracks between the blocks are filled with prayers written on paper. The final stop is the Davidson Center and Jerusalem Archaeological Park, which showcases more than 2,000 years of the country’s history.

Day 5: Jerusalem
After a delightful breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1: Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh
Upon your arrival at Sharm El Sheikh Airport, you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the Sharm El Sheikh at Four Seasons Resort for the night. You’ll have the afternoon and evening to settle into your room and enjoy this elegant hotel at your leisure.

Day 2: Sharm El Sheikh
FEATURED EXCURSION: A Visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery
In a corner of the world suffused with sites of great historical and spiritual note, the Red Sea is certainly amongst the most significant. The Red Sea is best known for its place in the biblical story of Exodus, in which the prophet Moses is said to have parted the sea to aid the Jewish people’s escape from Egypt.

This area is also the site of the oldest working Christian monastery in the world, St. Catherine’s Monastery, which follows the Greek Orthodox tradition and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the oldest tourist sites in South Sinai, St. Catherine’s was built around 550 AD in the same place as the famous burning bush of Moses’s story.

After visiting the monastery, we’ll drive to Dahab, where you’ll have some free time to explore the city, shop and have lunch on your own at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Sharm El Sheikh
MASTERPIECE COLLECTION EXCURSION*: Snorkeling the Ras Muhammad Reef
Today is your opportunity to take full advantage of the luxurious amenities and experiences your hotel offers. The Sharm El Sheikh Four Seasons is an Arabic-style oasis, perched on private beaches by the sea. Treat yourself to a spa service, dine at some of the many restaurants and bars available on the property or partake in a few of the exciting activities curated by the hotel—some of which take you into the water or off to the surrounding desert.

Alternatively, you can join us on an optional Masterpiece Collection experience to Ras Muhammed National Park, bookable with your local host for an additional cost. Ras Muhammed is the southeast point in Sinai Peninsula and is Egypt’s first national park. The vast majority of the park protects marine land, including the Red Sea Reef—our destination for today.

We’ll set off for a relaxing day of sailing and snorkeling. Crystal clear waters will give us the perfect viewing conditions for observing the 1000+ species of fish native to the area, in addition to approximately 150 varieties of coral.

*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.

Day 4: Sharm El Sheikh, Cairo
FEATURED EXCURSION: Above and Below the Red Sea
Explore the Red Sea and its famous coral reef without ever having to get wet by boarding a semi-submarine—a sea scope boat with both an upper deck for appreciating the scenery above-water and a lower deck for getting an up-close look at fish and coral in their natural environment.

After the excursion, we’ll transfer to Sharm El Sheikh Airport for our flight to Cairo International Airport. Upon your arrival, a Uniworld representative will transfer you to your hotel, the Four Seasons Nile Plaza.

Day 5: Cairo
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the Cairo International Airport for your flight home.