Europe, Mediterranean & the Baltic

This tour is 2 days / 1 night. You start in Alexandria on Day 1, spend the night in Cairo, and return to Alexandria on Day 2 to rejoin your ship.
Day 1: Depart from the pier for a journey through desert scenery and reclaimed, cultivated land, reaching the outskirts of Africa's largest city, the legendary Al Qahira, internationally known as the teeming metropolis of Cairo. Sit back, relax and listen as your guide tells you about the history and culture of a timeless land on a journey lasting approximately three hours. Lunch will be served afterward at a leading restaurant. Then proceed to the Giza Plateau, where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World is found, the imposing Pyramids of Giza. You'll have some free time at the pyramids to explore and enjoy this magnificent site as well as having unique photo opportunities. Continue down the valley where the mighty Sphinx bears witness to the passage of time. Let your imagination reflect on the golden days of the Pharaohs as you gaze at this mighty monument. Bring back with you wonderful memories to reflect upon for a very long time to come. In the early evening depart to the Papyrus institute where the procedure of manufacturing the oldest paper in the world will be demonstrated for you. You'll have some time to shop for your favorite souvenirs before proceeding to the Giza Plateau to attend the English version of the ‘Son et Lumiere'. Here seated in front of the Sphinx under a star-studded sky, the Sound and Light performance brings the magnificent history and achievements of the ancient Egyptians to life as the illuminated pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx dominate the surrounding darkness. To end the night, sail on the River Nile, the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of years ago. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner in elaborate interiors as you glide past Cairo's waterfront landmarks, while a folkloric presentation and belly dancing take place for your entertainment. You'll then drive back to your hotel for a well-earned night's sleep. Day 2: After breakfast and check-out, your first stop brings you to the Citadel of Saladin where you'll have panoramic views of the city of Cairo. Driving through the ‘City of the Dead' towards the Citadel, the architectural and the surreal surroundings will capture your imagination. Visit the spectacular Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali and continue to Liberty Square, the heart of downtown. Continue on a drive down to Egypt's first capital, Memphis. Here visit the ruins of the Temple of Ptah, the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses the 2nd, and the Alabaster Sphinx of King Amenophis the 2nd. Drive to the oldest, ancient cemetery of Sakkara and see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. Continue to one of the Mastabas (tombs) built nearby, and visit ones such as those of Ptah-Hotep, Mereruca, Idut or Ti. Enjoy lunch before heading back to the pier to join the ship for the rest of your sailing. Note: Shoulders and knees must be covered and shoes must be removed while visiting the mosque. Visitors must go through two security check points before visiting the Cairo Museum. During the Sound and Light show, use of video cameras requires a fee of approximately $6.00. All meals and overnight accommodations are included. This tour involves approximately 2 miles of walking with uneven and gravel surfaces at the Pyramids and Sakkara sites. There are approximately 20 steps to negotiate to reach the Citadel. Guests with breathing problems, heart problems and/or claustrophobia are not recommended to visit inside the Pyramids.

Upon arrival at Cairo, you'll proceed to the Giza Plateau where the only remaining wonders of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza still stand. Enjoy panoramic views from the Western Plateau, and then stop at the middle pyramid where you can explore the site on your own. Continue down the valley to visit the mighty mysterious Sphinx. Drive through rural areas towards the awaiting four-wheel drive air-conditioned jeep that will take you for a drive into the desert, towards where a camel caravan is waiting for you. Experienced camel drivers will lead your camel on a trip in the desert in caravan formation. Feel the desert wind in your hair and sway to the motion of your camel as it strides in a leisurely pace through the beauty of a desolate and harsh environment. After a country club-style lunch, continue south through verdant countryside to the oldest cemetery, Sakkara. The world's first monumental stone building, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, built almost 5,000 ago, still stands here. After visiting the complex, continue to one of the funerary chambers built nearby, to visit one of them. A stop at a papyrus institute will introduce you to the process of paper-making from reeds, an art discovered by the ancient Egyptians. Time will be allocated for souvenir shopping before the return drive to Alexandria. Note: Participants must weigh less than 250 lbs. and be in good physical condition. Children should ride the camel with an adult companion. Not recommended for guests with back/neck injuries, recent surgery and/or pregnant women.

After a stop at the Giza Plateau to take in the breathtaking views of the Pyramids, your tour continues to visit the Sphinx, the mysterious guardian of the desert. Later, take time to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch buffet at a leading hotel. After lunch, drive to Tahrir (Liberty) Square, the heart of downtown Cairo. Visit the National Archaeological Museum and acquaint yourself with Egypt's ancient history. The Museum is the repository of the world's largest and richest collection of Egyptian Antiquities, amongst them the priceless collection of King Tutankhamun. Continue to a Papyrus Institute where the art of paper making from reeds, discovered by the Ancient Egyptians, will be demonstrated for you, followed by some free time for souvenir shopping. Note: This tour involves approximately 1 mile of walking with uneven and gravel surfaces at the Pyramids. Guests with breathing problems, heart problems and/or claustrophobia are not recommended to visit inside the Pyramids.

Your first stop is at the Giza Plateau. Here, the Great Pyramids stand majestically as a reminder of great times past. You'll enjoy some free time near the Pyramid of Chephren to explore the site on your own. Continue down the valley to visit the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mighty Sphinx. Then, it's on to the banks of the River Nile where a luxurious cruise boat awaits to take you on a ride down the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of years ago. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch as you glide past Cairo's waterfront landmarks and are entertained by a folkloric presentation and belly dancing. Then, a drive on the New Ring Road will bring you to your next stop, the Citadel of Saladin, where you'll take-in panoramic views of the city of Cairo. At the Citadel, visit the spectacular Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, the founder of modern Egypt. Your last stop will be at a Papyrus Institute where you'll learn the ancient art of paper making and take advantage of some free time to check out the many souvenirs available. Note: This tour involves approximately 1 mile of walking with uneven and gravel surfaces at the Pyramids. There are approximately 20 steps to negotiate to reach the Citadel. Guests with breathing problems, heart problems and/or claustrophobia are not recommended to visit inside the Pyramids.

After driving from Alexandria to the teeming metropolis of Cairo, you'll stop in Memphis, Egypt's first capital. Here you'll visit the ruins of the temple of Ptah, the statue of King Ramses the 2nd and the Alabaster Sphinx of King Amenhopis the 2nd. A short drive from Memphis lays the oldest, ancient cemetery of Sakkara. After visiting the complex, continue to one of the Mastabas (funerary chambers) built nearby, such as those of Ptah-Hotep, Mereruca, Idut or Ti for an inside visit. A sumptuous buffet lunch waits at deluxe hotel where you'll have some time to relax before the drive to the Giza Plateau where the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza lay. Enjoy panoramic views from the Western Plateau, and then stop at the middle pyramid where you can explore the site on your own. Continue down the valley to visit the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mighty Sphinx, watching the passage of time and men in eons of silence. An orientation drive through Cairo culminates your day before returning to your ship in Alexandria. At the end of the day a short stop will take place at a Papyrus Institute where you'll see how paper was made from reeds by the Ancient Egyptians. Limited time for shopping is also included. Note: This tour involves approximately 1 1/4 miles of walking with uneven and gravel surfaces at the Pyramids and Sakkara sites. Guests with breathing problems, heart problems and/or claustrophobia are not recommended to visit inside the Pyramids.

Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. Alexandria is the shining pearl of the Mediterranean. Immortalizing Alexander's name, the city flourished beyond all expectations into a prominent cultural, intellectual and economic metropolis, the remains of which are still evident to this day. Take a drive through colorful streets viewing beautiful architecture and experiencing the charming aura and nostalgia of yesteryear. The equestrian bronze statue of Mohamed Ali, founder of modern Egypt, decorates Mansheya Square. A few steps away is the elegant marble edifice dedicated to the Unknown Soldier, its guards of honor at attention on either side. Your first stop will be at the eerie and intriguing Catacombs of Shawqafa, an extensive three-level funerary complex dating from the 2nd century A.D. Continue to the National Museum housing underwater photographs and statues from the ongoing operation to salvage artifacts from the identified sunken palace of Cleopatra. After lunch at one of the city's leading restaurants, drive to Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inaugurated in 2002 on the same site where the famous Library of Alexandria was. The building was designed to be one of the unique and most unusual architectural structures of the modern world, reflecting the architectural genius of the 21st century. Your tour will be conducted by the library's own guides. You'll also visit the library's Archaeological Museum. A scenic drive on the beachfront boulevard of Alexandria will bring you to the famous Montaza Gardens where you'll find the summer residence palace of the late ex King Farouk. Take a stroll through the palm-covered grounds and view the palace, still used today by the present government for official state functions. On the return to your ship, short photo stops will be made at Qait Bey Fort, built on the original site of the Pharaohs, Alexandria's ancient lighthouse which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and Abu El Abbas Mosque, one of Alexandria's Islamic landmarks characterized by its tall minarets and four domes. Note: Children under the age of 6 are not permitted in the Alexandria Library. Tour consists of approximately 3/4 miles of walking. Access to the catacombs are through a spiral descent around an open central well with wide stairs. Site is musty and humid and could be uncomfortable for people suffering from asthma or have breathing problems.

This tour is 2 days / 1 night. You start in Alexandria on Day 1, spend the night in Cairo, and return to Alexandria on Day 2 to rejoin your ship.
Day 1: Depart from the pier for a journey through desert scenery and reclaimed, cultivated land, reaching the outskirts of Africa's largest city, the legendary Al Qahira, internationally known as the teeming metropolis of Cairo. Sit back, relax and listen as your guide tells you about the history and culture of a timeless land on a journey lasting approximately three hours. Lunch will be served afterward at a leading restaurant. Then proceed to the Giza Plateau, where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World is found, the imposing Pyramids of Giza. You'll have some free time at the pyramids to explore and enjoy this magnificent site as well as having unique photo opportunities. Continue down the valley where the mighty Sphinx bears witness to the passage of time. Let your imagination reflect on the golden days of the Pharaohs as you gaze at this mighty monument. Bring back with you wonderful memories to reflect upon for a very long time to come. In the early evening depart to the Papyrus institute where the procedure of manufacturing the oldest paper in the world will be demonstrated for you. You'll have some time to shop for your favorite souvenirs before proceeding to the Giza Plateau to attend the English version of the ‘Son et Lumiere'. Here seated in front of the Sphinx under a star-studded sky, the Sound and Light performance brings the magnificent history and achievements of the ancient Egyptians to life as the illuminated pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx dominate the surrounding darkness. To end the night, sail on the River Nile, the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of years ago. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner in elaborate interiors as you glide past Cairo's waterfront landmarks, while a folkloric presentation and belly dancing take place for your entertainment. You'll then drive back to your hotel for a well-earned night's sleep. Day 2: After breakfast and check-out, your first stop brings you to the Citadel of Saladin where you'll have panoramic views of the city of Cairo. Driving through the ‘City of the Dead' towards the Citadel, the architectural and the surreal surroundings will capture your imagination. Visit the spectacular Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali and continue to Liberty Square, the heart of downtown. Continue on a drive down to Egypt's first capital, Memphis. Here visit the ruins of the Temple of Ptah, the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses the 2nd, and the Alabaster Sphinx of King Amenophis the 2nd. Drive to the oldest, ancient cemetery of Sakkara and see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. Continue to one of the Mastabas (tombs) built nearby, and visit ones such as those of Ptah-Hotep, Mereruca, Idut or Ti. Enjoy lunch before heading back to the pier to join the ship for the rest of your sailing. Note: Shoulders and knees must be covered and shoes must be removed while visiting the mosque. Visitors must go through two security check points before visiting the Cairo Museum. During the Sound and Light show, use of video cameras requires a fee of approximately $6.00. All meals and overnight accommodations are included. This tour involves approximately 2 miles of walking with uneven and gravel surfaces at the Pyramids and Sakkara sites. There are approximately 20 steps to negotiate to reach the Citadel. Guests with breathing problems, heart problems and/or claustrophobia are not recommended to visit inside the Pyramids.

Once a flourishing harbor and prosperous trading post, the city where the famous Rosetta Stone was found declined, but today, its grimy facade guards some of the most amazing architecture found in Egypt. Rural countryside unfolds in glorious patterns of richly cultivated fields, fruit orchards, exotic palm forests and lush green vegetation in all colors of green as you leave Alexandria behind and drive into the Nile Delta to ancient Rosetta. Founded in 853, Rosetta offered a strategic location between the Mediterranean and the western arm of the Nile, protecting Egypt from sea invasions. It was recognized as an extremely important trading post and military site by the Mameluks who flocked into town building beautiful houses, mosques, inns and public baths. Under the Ottomans it remained a prosperous trading post, turning into one of the most flourishing harbors in the Mediterranean where merchants from all over traded in silk, grain, and coffee. In July 1799, a dramatic discovery by some of Napoleons soldiers stationed at Rosetta brought to light a stone slab inscribed in three languages; hieroglyphics, Greek and demotic. Known worldwide as the Rosetta Stone, its text remained a mystery until many years later when a gifted French scholar succeeded to decipher the hieroglyphics enabling Egyptologists and the rest of the world's scholars to understand and read the Pharaonic symbols. Today, the town itself is an open air museum with 22 monumental residences, mills, castles, public baths and mosques dating back to the Ottoman era. Such architectural style is found nowhere else in Egypt. The houses reveal superb Islamic architecture, with geometrically shaped Mushrabiyyas (oriels), decorative inscriptions, ornate doors, inlaid seashell woodworks, domes and large reception rooms. Exquisite decorations and Kufic calligraphy adorned the interior of the houses which sometimes rose to two floors with a decorative skylight allowing natural light and air into the building. Well insulated fresh water tanks provided the house with fresh drinking water, and a drinking fountain offered a refreshing drink to thirsty passers by, free of charge. Most of these houses are currently under restoration and only two of them are open to visitors. Today, you'll visit the houses and the nearby mosque, all situated in the same street. Drive to the outskirts of the town to visit Abu Madour Tower from where the major historian of the French Expedition, Vivian Dinon, monitored the famous Abu Kir naval battle between the British and French fleets. An orientation drive of Rosetta will complete your visit to this very interesting, yet somehow overlooked destination. Before arriving at the pier in Alexandria, you'll have the opportunity to see some of the city's highlights. Note: Tour consists of approximately 1/4 mile of walking and 25 highly elevated steps.

Depart from the pier for a drive through the colorful streets of Alexandria viewing beautiful architecture and experiencing the charming aura and nostalgia of yesteryear. Discover the highlights of Alexandria; the statue of Mohamed Ali, the monument to the Unknown Soldier, the Mosque of Abu El Abbas, and stop for a picture of Qait Bey Fort, built on the site of the Pharaohs of Alexandria. Continue to visit the eerie and intriguing Catacombs of Shawqafa and the National Museum, where treated and restored objects from the sunken palace of Cleopatra are on display. Enjoy a scenic drive to Montaza Gardens to view the summer residence palace of the former King of Egypt, Farouk. Driving along the cornice will give you panoramic views of Alexandria from the water's edge. Note: Tour involves approximately 1/2 a mile of walking on relatively flat terrain.

Your tour takes you along the Egyptian coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful areas along the shores of the Mediterranean from Alexandria, and to the small village of El Alamein, set in a broad and barren desert plain somehow too distant from the seafront. It was here in November 1942 that the Allied forces, under the command of British General Montgomery, put a halt to the advance of Nazi Africa Corps who considered El Alamein the gateway to Alexandria and the key to the control of the African continent. Your first stop will be at the Military Museum containing displays of weapons, military garb and tanks. Descriptions of the actions of Montgomery, Rommel and the others participating in the battle are also on display. Continue your tour with a visit to the burial site. A short drive west of town, perched on a small peninsula overlooking the sea, the citadel-like cemeteries are the final resting place for Commonwealth, Italian and German soldiers. The neat rows of tombstones provide a poignant scene set against the seemingly interminable desert. Within a shaded alcove, the inscribed plaque explains the significance of the battle as well as the diverse origins of the victims interred here. Note: Tour involves approximately 1 mile of walking on relatively even and gravel terrain.