Group Size: 18 - 26 participants
Price: Starting from $13,990 per person, double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Harvard exclusive
Trip Overview
For all recorded time, the mighty waters of Egypt’s Nile River have been the source of life-giving sustenance, cultural riches, and mythic power. Immerse yourself in both the ancient treasures—which continue to be unearthed each month—and present-day Egypt. See the iconic pyramids in Giza, visit the stunning temples at Abu Simbel, delve deeply into the tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Enjoy Egypt’s legendary hospitality on board the stylish river yacht Sun Boat III. The elegant vessel blends contemporary Egyptian design with the nation’s 7,000-year-old heritage. Sun Boat III boasts exceptional gourmet cuisine and provides an intimate, luxurious base for exploration and discussion.
- Explore the labyrinthine tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens, with specially arranged access to one of the most beautiful: Queen Nefertari’s Tomb.
- Marvel at the only remaining ancient world wonder: The Great Pyramids of Khufu on the Giza plain. Enjoy private access to the paws of the Great Sphinx; most guests can only view them from a distance.
- Tour the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Charter flights within Egypt to fly on non-stop routings and avoid airport crowds.
- Fly to Abu Simbel to view the colossal temples built to honor Pharaoh Ramses II and his beautiful wife Nefertari.
- Luxuriate aboard the masterfully appointed Sun Boat III which evokes the era of the 1920s.
- Enjoy dinner and conversation at the home of Egyptian friends.
Schedule by Day
Pricing
Double Occupancy
- Nile Deck Standard Stateroom: $13,990 per person
- Promenade Deck Standard Stateroom: $15,990 per person
- Presidential Suite: $17,990 per person
- Royal Suite: $19,990 per person
Single Occupancy
- Nile Deck Stateroom Single: $22,390
- Promenade Deck Stateroom Single: $25,590
Accommodations
- Three nights at Mena House Hotel
- Four nights aboard Sun Boat III
- One night at Waldorf Astoria Heliopolis Hotel
What to Expect
This is a moderately strenuous program that is at times both physically demanding and busy and requires you to be in good health and physical condition. There will be early departures on several days. Daily excursions include visits to one or more sites, and some days can require up to three hours of walking—often over loose rocks and uneven sandy or steep terrain where stairs are unavailable or do not have handrails—and standing, often in the warm sun. If you rely on a cane or walker, you may not be able to visit all of the sites on the program. We request that you notify us in advance of any walking difficulty so that we can review the program in detail with you. During the cruise, the daily excursions will be offset by leisurely time spent aboard the Sun Boat III, during which you can enjoy the passing scenery along the picturesque Nile River and partake of the ongoing lecture program as we cruise to the next destination.
Throughout the program there are opportunities to enter pyramids and tombs, which require stooping and maneuvering down ladders or steep steps, often without handrails. The degree of difficulty will be described in daily briefings, and all activities are optional, so each traveler may choose the activity level that best suits his or her ability.
Travel on land will be by modern air-conditioned motorcoaches, with drives generally less than an hour at a time. There will be three flights during the program (included in the tour cost) that range from 45 to 70 minutes in length.
This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all of the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
