Ancient Alexandria & Cairo: Overnight Adventure (Single 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
$1499.95
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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)
Step off your vessel and board a comfortable motor coach for a guided tour of Alexandria’s key landmarks. Your first stop is the Catacombs of Kom El Shougafa, the largest Roman burial site discovered in Egypt. Carved deep into bedrock, these multi-tiered tombs date back to the 2nd century AD and originally housed a single family before expanding to accommodate over 300 individual tombs. Within these underground chambers, admire the unique fusion of Ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman artistic styles, including an extraordinary banquet hall where grieving relatives once gathered for ceremonial feasts.
Next, visit the National Museum of Alexandria, home to thousands of artifacts spanning the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and modern eras. Marvel at ancient papyrus scrolls, perfume bottles, painted mummy cases, and classic Greek sculptures, each offering insight into Alexandria’s role throughout Egypt’s history.
Following a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey to the Library of Alexandria, a world-renowned cultural hub. This isn’t just a library—it’s a state-of-the-art complex featuring museums, exhibition spaces, educational centers, and a conference facility dedicated to advancing knowledge and research for the 21st century.
In the afternoon, board your motor coach for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Cairo. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to a luxury hotel, freshen up, and enjoy a delightful dinner before settling in for an overnight stay, preparing for another incredible day of exploration.
Day 2: (B, L)
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, followed by check-out from your hotel. Then, set off for an unforgettable tour of the Pyramids of Giza, built for the Pharaohs Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus around 2500 BC. These monumental structures, carved from limestone, have stood as enduring symbols of ancient engineering and power. The Great Pyramid of Cheops, the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, was constructed using over 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing approximately 2.5 tons. Covering 13 acres, it continues to captivate visitors with its mysteries and grand scale.
Nearby, visit the Sphinx and the Valley Temple, home to Egypt’s iconic half-lion, half-human guardian. Thought to have been carved from a natural rock formation, the Sphinx has inspired countless legends—including King Thutmose IV’s dream, where the Sphinx promised him kingship if he freed it from encroaching desert sands. As you stand before this enigmatic figure, explore its deep ties to Egypt’s rich history.
Next, you’ll enjoy lunch at a leading hotel in Cairo, savoring local flavors in a comfortable setting.
After lunch, head to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, located in the heart of downtown Cairo. This world-renowned museum houses over 120,000 artifacts, including breathtaking treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, ancient papyrus scrolls, and statues dating back thousands of years. With two grand halls filled with relics, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s incredible past, drawing millions of visitors each year.
At the end of your exploration, board your modern air-conditioned vehicle for a relaxing drive back to Alexandria, where you’ll rejoin your ship and reflect on the extraordinary journey you’ve just experienced.
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