Cairo, The Pyramids & The Nile: Overnight Adventure (Double Occupancy)
-
Port
Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt
-
Activity Level
Strenuous
-
Excursion Type
All,68
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$1399
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
2 days/1 night
-
Meals Included
Meals included
This excursion is designed for TWO guests, staying in one room. Each guest must book their own ticket.
Day 1 (L/D) Alexandria - Cairo
Your adventure begins with a scenic three-hour drive from the port of Alexandria to the outskirts of Cairo.
Upon arrival, step back in time with a visit to the Citadel and the Mohammed Ali Mosque. Perched atop the Mokattam Hills, the Citadel has dominated Cairo's skyline since 1176 and served as the city's heart for over two centuries. Built by Saladin, famed for defeating the Crusaders, it later became home to Napoleon and Egypt's ruling family.
Next, embark a riverboat for a lunch cruise on the Nile and enjoy a fine meal while gliding along the legendary waterway. This relaxing experience offers a waterside perspective of Cairo's riverside landmarks and a refreshing break before your afternoon explorations.
After disembarking, delve into the wonders of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to more than 120,000 artifacts. Its grand halls showcase countless relics that draw millions of visitors annually.
In the late afternoon, check in at the hotel and take some time to unwind. After dinner, set out for an unforgettable evening at the Giza Pyramids Sound & Light Show, narrated by the iconic Sphinx. This mesmerizing spectacle brings the pyramids' history to life in a dramatic fusion of light, sound, and storytelling.
Day 2 (B/L) Cairo - Sakkara - Giza - Alexandria
Begin your morning with breakfast at the hotel.
Your first destination is the Sakkara Step Pyramid, Egypt's oldest-known pyramid and a marvel of early engineering. Designed by the brilliant architect Imhotep, this structure is likely the earliest freestanding stone monument in the world. Your Egyptologist guide will walk you through its fascinating evolution from an 80-foot underground tomb to a six-tiered pyramid, 180 feet tall. Sakkara also marks the first known use of limestone in both exterior and interior construction.
Afterward, enjoy a visit to a local souvenir shop, where you can browse for keepsakes and handcrafted treasures.
Following lunch, visit the Pyramids of Giza, built around 2500 BC for the Pharaohs Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus. The Great Pyramid of Cheops is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Composed of more than 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing approximately 2½ tons, this colossal structure continues to captivate with its scale and mystery.
Conclude your tour with a visit to the Sphinx and the Valley Temple. The enigmatic half-lion, half-human figure is believed to have guarded the necropolis for millennia. According to legend, the Sphinx once appeared in a dream to a young prince, promising him kingship if he cleared away the desert sands — a tale immortalized by King Thutmose IV.
Notes:
Service animals, including dogs, are not permitted at the Pyramids. The Egyptian Museum also restricts service animals. Travel time to Cairo is approximately 3 to 3½ hours each way. Motorcoaches are required to travel in a police-escorted convoy and may be subject to security delays; your patience is appreciated. Time permitting, participants may have the opportunity to enter the Cheops Pyramid independently (at your own expense; approximately US$10); however, this is not advisable for individuals with claustrophobia or heart and respiratory conditions, as the interior is hot and stuffy, requiring visitors to bend and crouch at times. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, stones, inclines, gravel, sand, and many steps. Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Modest attire is required for mosque visits; knees, shoulders, and midriffs must be covered. Tight-fitting, transparent, or translucent clothing is not permitted. Women are advised to bring a scarf to cover their hair. Please err on the side of conservatism with your attire. The Sound & Light Show is occasionally canceled due to weather or other conditions; a walking tour of Khan El Khalili Bazaar will be substituted. Bring a flashlight for the Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids, as lighting may be dim. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing; the cut-off date is 60 days before the ship's call at Alexandria. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Airport assistance and transfers (if any), transportation by air-conditioned coach, any flights and entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour.
Cancellation Policy: This excursion is non-refundable within 60 days prior to arrival at Alexandria. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour cost, including if you cancel your cruise within 60 days prior to arrival at Alexandria.
Important information regarding visa requirements: You must bring your passport with you on the tour. It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through, and for the country where you will rejoin the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line's website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.