Cairo, The Pyramids & The Nile: Overnight Adventure (Double Occupancy)
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Port
Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All,68
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$1399
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
2 days/1 night
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1: (L, D)
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 on a Nile Riverboat for a Lunch Cruise, where you’ll enjoy a fine meal while gliding along the legendary waterway. This relaxing experience offers a unique 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 over 120,000 artifacts, including the golden treasures of Tutankhamun. Two grand halls showcase countless relics, and a special room is dedicated to the legendary boy king’s astonishing burial collection—an exhibit that draws millions of visitors annually.
In the late afternoon, check into your hotel and take some time to unwind. Then, prepare 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. After the show, return to your hotel to rest and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Day 2: (B, L)
Begin your morning with a breakfast at your hotel, offering a peaceful start to the day before setting out for more ancient wonders.
Your first stop is the Sakkara Step Pyramid, Egypt’s oldest-known pyramid and a marvel of early engineering. Designed by the brilliant architect Imhotep, this structure was the first 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 rising over 180 feet. 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, prepare for a highlight of your journey: the Pyramids of Giza, built around 2500 BC for the Pharaohs Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus. Stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Composed of over 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing approximately 2.5 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.
Cancellation Policy:
45 Days prior to arrival in the excursion port. This excursion is non-refundable within 45 days of arrival into the excursion port. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour. This will include if a guest cancels their voyage within 45 days of arrival into the excursion port.
Important notes:
Service animals are not permitted at the Pyramids due to site regulations and preservation efforts, as the area has numerous stray dogs that may lead to potential conflicts. The Egyptian Museum also restricts service animals per management policies. Travel time to Cairo is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours each way. If time allows, guests may have the opportunity to enter the Pyramid independently; however, this is not recommended for individuals with claustrophobia or heart and respiratory conditions, as the interior is hot and stuffy, requiring visitors to bend and crouch at times. For the Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids, bringing a flashlight is recommended since lighting may be dim upon arrival and departure. Comfortable, sturdy, non-skid walking shoes are advised for this tour. The experience is guided, though an escort from the ship’s staff may or may not accompany the group. This overland tour must be booked prior to sailing and operates only if a minimum number of participants is met. Accommodations, airport assistance, and transfers are included, along with transportation by air-conditioned coach, flights and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), bottled water on the vehicle, and meals as specified. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included.
Visa Information:
Visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise. It is solely each guest's responsibility to obtain (before traveling) any visas, vaccinations or tourist cards that are required for participating in Overland Adventures or Overnights, unless noted otherwise in the description. Please be aware that you may need a visa for any and/or all countries that you will depart from and travel through as part of your Overland Adventure or Overnight, and for the country in which you will re-join the ship. Holland America cannot assist guests with obtaining visas. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. 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. For CIBTvisas contact information, please visit