Treasures of the Pharaohs

Featuring a four-night Nile River Cruise

2025 Departure Dates: February 6, 20, 27;  March 13; October 9, 16, 23, 30

10 DAYS • 21 MEALS Ancient wonders, endless golden sands and atmospheric local souqs make Egypt the ultimate travel destination. Explore Cairo during a three-night stay and touring with an Egyptologist. Visit the imposing glory of the Pyramids of Giza and witness the enigmatic aura of the Sphinx. Depart for Luxor where you will board the Jaz Regent for a four-night cruise along the Nile River. During your sailing you will explore the ancient temples of Karnak, Luxor, Horus and Kom Ombo. Journey into the fascinating Valley of the Kings, visit the impressive Queen Hatshepsut Temple and experience the Nile while sailing aboard a traditional boat. Join us as we step into the Land of the Pharaohs and discover the exotic charms of evocative Egypt.

A map of egypt shows the location of cairo

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Cruise Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart the USA

    Depart the USA on your transatlantic overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.



  • Day 2: Cairo, Egypt

    Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in this remarkable city that offers renowned history and culture.

  • Day 3: Cairo

    Your day begins with a visit to the iconic Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Continue on to Khan El Khalili market and stroll along El Moez street as you wander through the world’s oldest marketplace, dating back as far as 1382. After an included lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Meals: B, L

  • Day 4: Cairo

    After breakfast, tour the Grand Egyptian Museum. See the spectacular treasures of King Tutankhamen and the extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts covering 5,000 years of history. Following an included lunch, depart for the Giza Plateau to witness the last remaining “wonder” of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramids of Giza are perhaps the most famous and discussed structure in history. Marvel at the size and majesty of the Great Sphinx – a symbol that has represented the essence of Egypt for more than 4,500 years. This evening immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to the home of an Egyptian family, who will host an authentic dining experience. Meet the family, see their home, learn about local life, and enjoy delicious home-cooked food! Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 5: Cairo / Luxor

    Depart for the Cairo airport for an early morning flight to Luxor, previously known as Thebes, and founded in 1400 BC. Upon arrival, exploration begins with a visit to the temples. Two grandiose seated statues greet you upon entering the Luxor Temple Complex, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. Filled with courtyards, statues, and a 32-column Hypostyle Hall, the grounds are sure to amaze. In comparison, the Karnak Temple Complex is much larger and is the largest religious building ever constructed. Decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and a large Hypostyle Hall with carved columns will leave you in awe. Reboard the coach for the short journey to the embarkation point of your ship. Enjoy a relaxing lunch onboard and time to acquaint yourself with the amenities of the vessel. This afternoon, join your guide for a visit to the Papyrus Institute to learn about this important product, how it’s made, and its use throughout history. Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 6: Luxor / Edfu

    Begin the day with an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the amazing sites of the area. After breakfast, today’s excursion visits the stunning tombs at the Valley of the Kings where, for a period of nearly 500 years, tombs were constructed for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. The walls of the tombs are covered with hieroglyphic writing including text from the Book of the Dead. You’ll visit King Tut’s tomb, and the Queen Hatshepsut Temple which took fifteen years to complete, between the 7th and the 22nd years of her reign. A photo stop is made by the giant Colossi of Memnon before reboarding the ship and departing Luxor. This afternoon, sail to Edfu located on the west bank of the Nile River, some sixty miles south of Luxor. Its ancient name was Wetjeset-Hrw, or “The Place Where Horus is Extolled”. Meals: B, L, D


    Optional Excursion: Hot air balloon ride ($230.00 per person)

  • Day 7: Edfu / Kom Ombo

    After breakfast, visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu which is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. Not only is this the best preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but it is the second largest after Karnak. In the afternoon, sail to Kom Ombo, a pleasant agricultural town and home to many Nubians. Enjoy a cooking class onboard as you sail to the next port. Upon arrival, visit the unusual Temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to both Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. After re-embarking, the ship sails for Aswan. Relax on the Sun Deck as you cruise along the Nile. Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 8: Aswan

    After breakfast, enjoy a tour to the lovely Temple of Philae, one of the last outposts of Egyptian religion, surviving two centuries after the Roman Empire converted to Christianity. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic felucca ride on the Nile. A felucca is a traditional sailboat, relying solely on wind-power, used to transport people and goods on the river. What a great way to enjoy some of the stunning views of the Nile, just as Cleopatra did so many centuries ago! Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 9: Aswan / Abu Simbel /Cairo

    This morning, it’s time to disembark the vessel and encounter one final spectacular sight. Transfer to the Aswan airport for the short flight to Abu Simbel for a visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Nubian Monuments”. Built by one of Egypt’s greatest Pharaoh’s, Ramses II, the larger temple celebrates himself, and the smaller honors his favorite wife, Queen Nefertari. A light lunch is provided at the airport before re-boarding the flight to Cairo. This evening, your Tour Manager hosts a farewell dinner at the hotel. Meals: B, L, D

  • Day 10: Cairo / USA

    This morning, transfer to the Cairo airport and return home with memories of the life enriching experiences from Egypt and your cruise along the Nile River. Meal: B

Itinerary is subject to change.

  • Post-trip Jordan Optional 3-Night Extension

    3 Nights • 6 Meals: Experience the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan – a country that once captivated ancient travelers and continues to captivate travelers to this day. Visit Madaba, known as the ‘City of Mosaics’ and see its famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Mt. Nebo is one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan and the place where Moses was buried. In Petra, stand in awe of the amazing Treasury and other archaeological sites from the ancient world. In the modern capital of Amman, enjoy a city tour, visit to the Jordan Museum and swim in the Dead Sea.


    Hotel Accommodations

    Day 10 – Hayat Zaman, Petra, Jordan

    Days 11 and 12 – InterContinental, Amman, Jordan


    $1,399 Per Person Twin / Single Supplement add $499

    Airfare from Cairo to Amman not included, and to be booked by Mayflower. Please call for rates.

Treasures of the Pharaohs

EXCEPTIONAL INCLUSIONS

  • 21 Meals: 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours
  • Guided by a local English-speaking Egyptologist
  • Three-night hotel stay in Cairo before your river cruise
  • Visit the Giza Plateau to see the Great Pyramids and Sphinx
  • See spectacular ancient artifacts in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum
  • Enjoy a home-hosted evening with dinner in the home of a local family
  • Four-night cruise on the Nile River
  • Shore excursions in ports of call
  • All meals included onboard the cruise
  • Performance by local artists onboard the ship
  • Included excursion to Abu Simbel, by air
  • All program gratuities included


CRUISE & HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Days 2 through 4 – Four Seasons First Residence, Cairo, Egypt
Days 5 through 8 – Aboard the Jaz Regent
Day 9 – InterContinental City Stars Hotel, Cairo, Egypt

Emerald Cruises Star-Ships

Public Areas and Ship Amenities

  • Swimming pool
  • Sun Deck Bar
  • Gym and Sauna
  • Massage *
  • Restaurant
  • Lounge and Bar
  • Gift Shop
  • Egyptologist onboard
  • Laundry service*
  • Voltage: 220V


Standard River-View Stateroom (204 sq. ft.):

  • Stylish furniture, luxurious bedding, fully air-conditioned with individual climate control, 220V voltage
  • Mini-bar*, personal safe, coffee/tea kettle
  • TV with satellite reception, several English-language stations, including news and movie channels
  • Free WiFi Internet
  • All staterooms have a private bathroom with bath tub and shower, hair dryer additional cost


Speak with an agent

Not ready to book just yet? Talk with one of our travel experts at

 (954) 945-1380

TALK TO AN EXPERT

  • February 6, 2025 | Priced from $3,265

    Standard River-View Stateroom | Middle or Upper Deck 1

    $3,265 per person twin / Single room add $1,499


    Call for air rates between your gateway city and Cairo, Egypt.


    Price based on standard river-view stateroom. Call for rates to upgrade.


    Please add $650 for all intra-country air.

  • February 20, 2025 | Priced from $3,265

    Standard River-View Stateroom | Middle or Upper Deck 1

    $3,265 per person twin / Single room add $1,499


    Call for air rates between your gateway city and Cairo, Egypt.


    Price based on standard river-view stateroom. Call for rates to upgrade.


    Please add $650 for all intra-country air.

  • February 27, 2025 | Priced from $3,265

    Standard River-View Stateroom | Middle or Upper Deck 1

    $3,265 per person twin / Single room add $1,499


    Call for air rates between your gateway city and Cairo, Egypt.


    Price based on standard river-view stateroom. Call for rates to upgrade.


    Please add $650 for all intra-country air.

  • March 13, 2025 | Priced from $3,265

    Standard River-View Stateroom | Middle or Upper Deck 1

    $3,265 per person twin / Single room add $1,499


    Call for air rates between your gateway city and Cairo, Egypt.


    Price based on standard river-view stateroom. Call for rates to upgrade.


    Please add $650 for all intra-country air.

  • October 9, 2025 | Priced from $3,265

    Standard River-View Stateroom | Middle or Upper Deck 1

    $3,265 per person twin / Single room add $1,499


    Call for air rates between your gateway city and Cairo, Egypt.


    Price based on standard river-view stateroom. Call for rates to upgrade.


    Please add $650 for all intra-country air.

  • October 16, 2025 | Priced from $3,265

    Standard River-View Stateroom | Middle or Upper Deck 1

    $3,265 per person twin / Single room add $1,499


    Call for air rates between your gateway city and Cairo, Egypt.


    Price based on standard river-view stateroom. Call for rates to upgrade.


    Please add $650 for all intra-country air

  • October 23, 2025 | Priced from $3,265

    Standard River-View Stateroom | Middle or Upper Deck 1

    $3,265 per person twin / Single room add $1,499


    Call for air rates between your gateway city and Cairo, Egypt.


    Price based on standard river-view stateroom. Call for rates to upgrade.


    Please add $650 for all intra-country air.

  • October 30, 2025 | Priced from $3,265

    Standard River-View Stateroom | Middle or Upper Deck 1

    $3,265 per person twin / Single room add $1,499


    Call for air rates between your gateway city and Cairo, Egypt.


    Price based on standard river-view stateroom. Call for rates to upgrade.


    Please add $650 for all intra-country air.
A row of statues are lined up in front of a building.
A statue of a sphinx in front of two pyramids in the desert.
A large building in the middle of a desert surrounded by mountains.

South Africa Itinerary

A-Rated South Africa Safari.

While wildlife safaris are reason enough to visit this exquisite country, South Africa offers, even more, to see and do. For one, the city of Cape Town is a jewel that is well worth visiting. Set against the iconic Table Mountain, C.T. offers lots to explore, including the V&A Waterfront, Chapman’s Peak, Boulders Penguin Colony and several beautiful beaches – just to give you an idea. Not to mention the delicious food and fabulous shopping, which can all be enjoyed at a favorable exchange rate. One of the biggest attractions in the Western Cape is the towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek.

Boasting some of the best wine tours in the world, they offer picturesque vineyards, fantastic art galleries and gourmet food. Furthermore, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous people you’ll ever encounter. You will be exposed to different cultures, languages and traditions that will certainly enhance your experience. With so much diversity, South Africa has something for everyone to enjoy! 



Day 1: Thursday - Garden Court Sandton City, Johannesburg 

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.


Day Itinerary

Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will clear customs. You will then be met and transferred to your hotel.


Garden Court Sandton City Hotel

With it's stylish urban design and it's fuss-free approach to accommodation - The Garden Court Sandton City is situated in the heart of Johannesburg. It is here that functional design meets smart technology, resulting in a surprisingly simple hotel that is easily able to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers. The convenient location meanwhile has plenty of advantages for all guests. Business travellers are within easy reach of the acclaimed Sandton Convention Centre along with the rest of the Sandton CBD, while leisure travellers can enjoy the world-class shopping, entertainment and sight-seeing attractions found within the area. Getting around has never been easier, thanks to the high speed Gautrain route that spans across the city. A total of 444 rooms are offered, each furnished in a modern style. Aside from basic features such as baths and separate showers, facilities in each room include invitingly comfortable double or queen beds, workstations, air-conditioning, tea and coffee stations, DSTV, plug points and porter service among others. Wheelchair-accessible and smoking rooms can also be arranged on request.



Day 2: Friday - Garden Court Sandton City, Johannesburg.

Day Itinerary

Today, you will be met at your hotel for your 1/2 day city tour.


Travel SA - Half Day Johannesburg Tour

Skyscrapers. Fast city life. Hundreds of restaurants, bars and shops, all with their own identity. Johannesburg is for now, Johannesburg is booming! Would you like to get to know Johannesburg better? Our Johannesburg tour is the perfect introduction!

On this half day tour we take you to the top attractions Johannesburg has to offer. Some of the areas our tour visits are Hillbrow, Constitution Hill, Central Johannesburg, Braamfontein and Newtown. We start your introduction to Jozi with a good view of the impressive 269 metre Telkom Tower, as seen on many postcards of Johannesburg. We then enter the inspiring Constitution Hill – and Court (when not in session). Political activists like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were once held here. During a tour inside you will learn about some of the legal histories of Johannesburg.


Return to hotel, evening at our leisure


Day 3: Saturday - Garden Court Sandton City, Johannesburg

Johannesburg Cultural Tour

Scheduled Full Day Journey to Freedom


Depart on a scheduled full day cultural experience:

Soweto is the largest township in South Africa with historical sites such as the Mandela House Museum, the house where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962. Regina Mundi Catholic Church, which became a sanctuary for safe gathering. Baragwanath Hospital, the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere. Hector

Pieterson Memorial, Hector Pieterson (13 yrs. old) was one of the first students to be killed by South African police during the 1976 Student uprising. This uprising started on the 16th of June as a peaceful protest march organized by school students in Soweto. They marched against the system of Bantu Education in schools and against Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in all African schools. Soweto has become one of the leading Tourist destinations, with refreshing hangout spots, public parks, clubs and live jazz bands.

Lunch on own account (Sakazumi Restaurant)

Continue to Northern Johannesburg to visit Lilieslief farm. The farm was used secretly by the African National Congress in the 1960’s and was the location where many prominent National Congress leaders were arrested, leading to the Rivonia Trial.


Return to hotel, evening at your leisure.


Day 4: Sunday - Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town 

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breath taking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit. 


Day Itinerary

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.


Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town

A total of 537 beautifully furnished rooms are offered at the hotel, catering to your needs with all the amenities expected of an establishment granted a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Tea and coffee stations, DStv, electronic safes, air-conditioning and free WiFi are par for the course, while our porter service and 24-hour room service are also on offer. In addition to double, queen and king rooms, smoking and wheelchair-accessible rooms can also be arranged at your request. 

As for the rest of the hotels guest facilities, these are sure to make you feel even more at ease. Enjoy a truly unique dining experience at Yizani Restaurant, which lives up to its isiXhosa name that translates to ‘come in… Welcome’. Stay fit with the help of our fully-equipped fitness centre, cool down at the outdoor pool, indulge in decadent cocktails and fine wines at the hotel bar or take advantage of our world-class conferencing facilities that include two fully serviced meeting rooms.


Day 5: Monday - Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town

Day Itinerary

Today, you will be met at your hotel for a combination 1/2 day Cape Town City Tour and 1/2 day Cape Point tour.


Activities:

Cape Town City Tour Half Day

On a clear day from the summit of Table Mountain you get spectacular views of the City, its Waterfront, Camps Bay, the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains to the East and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula all the way down to Cape Point to the south.

The Table Mountain cableway, a must for all visitors to the Cape, boasts revolving floors, giving passengers a 360 degree view. After descending the mountain, you will depart on a tour of the “Mother City” taking in Signal Hill – where the Noon Day Gun is fired at midday, every day except Sunday – through the colourful Bo-Kaap or Cape Malay Quarter, past the Grand Parade, City Hall and the Castle of Good Hope and South African Cultural History Museum.


Cape Point Tour Half Day

Highlights of a trip down to Cape Point include; one of the world’s most spectacular drives, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek Beach, the Cape Point Nature Reserve, two lighthouses on the tip of Africa, Boulders Penguin Colony, Simonstown and Kalk Bay.


Return to hotel, evening at our leisure.

 


Day 6: Tuesday - Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town 

Scheduled Full Day Cultural Tour 

Depart on a full day cultural experience including some of Cape Town’s cultural highlights such as District 6, Gugulethu, Langa.

Robben Island. (Visit to Robben Island optional, Ferry & Entrance Fees not included (US$35.00)


Volunteering – Visit to Township School / Donations (Optional)

Return to hotel, evening at your leisure.

 

Day 7: Wednesday - Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town

Winelands Tour


________________________________________________________________________________

Cape Winelands Day Tour (6 hours):

From Cape Town a one hour drive out into the picturesque winelands visiting South Africa’s most famous wine regions – Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch. Aside from the excellent wines, the area is renowned for its food and is steeped in history such as the Taal Monument, various museums and the contribution of the

French Huguenots. There are also many attractions you wouldn’t expect to find on a wine route, from butterflies to cheetahs and pretty much everything in between.

Lunch at the Vineyard (on your account).


Return to hotel, evening at our leisure


Day 8: Thursday - Gondwana Game Reserve www.gondwanagr.co.za 

Depart Cape Town to George; driving 3.5 hours. Sightseeing tours along the Garden Route to Gondwana Game Reserve.

Safari Lodge / Bush Villas, suites, nestled in breath-taking natural surroundings with 180-degree views from expansive wooden decks. Includes: daily breakfast, dinner, afternoon tea, afternoon game drives, conservation levy, and taxes. 

Gondwana Private Game Reserve provides Safari Lodge Accommodation and an authentic African Safari Experience. Less than a four hour drive from Cape Town, along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, the 26,000 acre Private Game Park offers a distinctive and luxurious malaria-free Safari holiday destination with free roaming Big 5 Animals (lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard). Herds of wildlife including eland, giraffe, hippo, cheetah and zebra can be seen on the majestic landscape with awe-inspiring views of the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains in every direction. This exclusive Safari Park offerers attentive service, wholesome African Cuisine, inspiring interiors, expert Game Rangers, and an array of activities including Big 5 Game drives, Mountain Biking, Hikes, and Africology spa treatments. Garden Route attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep, includes Championship Golf Course at Pinnacle Point, Pezula, Oubaai and Fancourt, great swimming and surfing beaches that offer a variety of activities, and the attractive coastal towns of Mossel Bay, Knysa and Plettenberg Bay, that each offers unique cultural and natural highlights, and a range of things to do.


Return to hotel, evening at our leisure


Day 9: Friday- Gondwana Game Reserve & Optional Tours

Day at your leisure.


Day 10: Saturday - Depart Gondwana to George Airport, 1- hour drive: 

SA Flight: George – JNB – JFK (TBA) 

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South Africa 10 Days/9 Nights $3699


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Tours by Ajala SOUTH AFRICA Tour

  INCLUDES:

·  Round-trip Air Non-Stop New York / Johannesburg

·  Inter-Country Flights

·  Round-trip transfers - Airport/Hotel



JOHANNESBURG (3-NIGHTS)

·  3-Nights at 4 star Hotel Superior Rooms in Sandton, daily breakfast,  and taxes

·  Johannesburg City Tour

·  Journey to Freedom Cultural Tour



CAPE TOWN (4-NIGHTS)

·  4-Nights Superior Rooms/4 star Hotel, daily breakfast, tax & service charges

·  City Tour/Cape Peninsula Tour/Table Mountain

·  Cultural Tour & Robben Island

·  Winelands Tour



GARDEN ROUTE – SAFARI (2-NIGHTS)

·  2-Nights Safari Lodge, in George, (All-Inclusive, 2 Game Drives)


Not Included: Airline Baggage Fees and Departure Tax; Gratuities; Lunch & Dinners, 1-Entrance Fee. (See Itinerary for Details).  


Airfare Subject to Change




Payment: 1st Deposit to Hold Space- $300.00 p/p: 2nd Deposit $500.00 p/p - Dec. 20, 2019. Final payment 90 days before departure.d on double occupancy, related tax and service charges; all Transfers and Tours, 1-lunch. Single Occupancy Rate is available.


Itinerary subject to change. Travel Insurance is recommended.


Rates do not include: Round-trip Air, related taxes and fees, baggage, meals (e

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TRAVEL NOTES

Travel Insurance is Recommended.

Itinerary Details are Subject to Change.

Ask about our Early Booking Discount ($50.00).

Call to Arrange Your Private Group Trip.

Golf and Fishing Excursions are available (Cuba, Jamaica and Costa Rica).

Airfares are Subject to Re-confirmation.

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