Many of the most fascinating pharaonic legacies await you on this optional overnight tour to Luxor. Located on the east bank of the Nile, the ancient capital of Egypt is dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Chons. Get your bearings at the Luxor Museum, with its displays of pottery, jewelry, furniture, statues, and other antiquities. Then, explore the magnificent temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor, which took over 1,500 years to build! Luxor Temple is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful ancient Egyptian temples and was the focus of the most important annual festival: the Opet Fertility Festival. You’ll also enjoy an expert-led visit to Karnak, a vast open-air museum — and the largest ancient religious site in the world. The next morning, cross the river to explore the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — ancient burial grounds of the pharaohs and other nobility of the day. You’ll also see the Colossi of Memnon, two gigantic, 3,400-year-old stone statues that guard the necropolis. This journey to the treasures of the Nile is the perfect complement to your Red Sea odyssey!

Please note: This overnight is non-refundable if cancelled within 7 days prior to tour trip departure. This tour cannot be purchased on site; it must be pre-purchased.

Hurghada is the capital of the Red Sea Governorate. The Hurghada area is a place rich in historical sites and natural beauty and consists of three districts: El Dahhar, Al- Sakkala and Al-Ahiaa. The El Dahhar district is the old city center, where the typical Egyptian life pulsates. Local markets (souks), local stores, and the fish market invite you for strolls and shopping. The Al-Sakkala district is also known as the tourist district, which has developed its walking passages around the old port. The Al-Ahiaa district consists of a small number of native residents and a multiplicity of finished or still under construction hotels. Around the tourist resort of Hurghada you may be surprised to find a number of rather historical landmarks. Amongst the most notable are the monasteries of both St. Anthony and St. Paul, although the Roman site of Mons Claudianus is particularly impressive and was in use for more than 200 years. Also of interest is Hurghada’s Anfish Mountain, which provides some of the best views of the Red Sea, the town and beyond.

Please note: This tour is not available for passengers taking the overnight tour to Luxor.

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and became the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt. This is where Cleopatra was born, met with Caesar, and loved Mark Anthony and tragically died. Known as “The Pearl of the Mediterranean,” Alexandria has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern, and the city is famous for its Roman remains.

History buffs visiting Alexandria will enjoy these well-preserved ruins of the only Roman amphitheatre in Egypt. The Roman Theatre is well preserved with marble seats for up to 800 spectators, galleries and sections of mosaic-flooring.

Located on Alexandra’s ancient acropolis, the pillar was originally part of a temple colonnade. Beneath the acropolis itself are the subterranean remains of the Serapeum, where the mysteries of the god Serapis were enacted, and whose carved wall niches are believed to have provided overflow storage space for the ancient Library.
Despite the name, this pillar was raised in honour of the Roman Emperor Diocletian for saving the city from famine in 298 AD. However, the monument came to be known as Pompey’s Pillar by the French. The Corinthian-style column is constructed from red granite, which had to be transported along the Nile and with a fairly elevated setting, dominates this part of Alexandria. In Roman times, the top could be reached by climbing a rope.

Watch Cairo light up as you cruise along the Nile. When you embark the ship, you will sample authentic Egyptian dishes as you listen to traditional music. You evening also includes entertainment by belly dancers. As your ship heads back to port, cast your gaze over the nighttime cityscape and watch the play of lights over the waters of the Nile. This is a fabulous way to enjoy a night on the Nile while you are in Cairo.

One of the oldest attractions in Cairo, the Saladin Citadel is a medieval fortresses at a unique and strategic location with a full view of the city. Saladin used the modern techniques in fortress buildings at that time to construct that unique citadel. Several fortifications and reinforcements were made by Saladin’s ancestors after his death. Saladin’s citadel was the country’s government seat at that time. The citadel also encloses the well preserved, marvelous Mohammed Ali Mosque, built in the Ottoman Baroque style that imitates a great mosque at Istanbul.

Situated in the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea, the mountaintop fortress of Masada is one of Israel’s most popular tourist attractions. This enduring symbol of Jewish history is the site of the heroic defiance by 967 Jewish Zealots who rose against the Roman Empire in 66 AD and took their own lives when defeat seemed inevitable. A cable car ride or hike up the Snake Path takes one to the top where breathtaking views can be enjoyed over the Dead Sea and the surrounding desert. In 2001 UNESCO declared Masada a World Heritage Site.

Please note: This tour may only be prepurchased and cannot be purchased on site.