Going Home: Alien Adventures in Egypt with Jenn Carnevale

Welcome to Cairo, the captivating capital of Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, our friendly airport representative will be waiting to assist you in obtaining your visa and collecting your luggage. From there, you'll meet the group and transfer to your luxurious accommodation in the heart of Cairo.

Prepare to be amazed as you check into your five-star hotel that faces the iconic Giza Pyramids. Once you’re settled in, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure. Take advantage of this free time to explore the hotel and its surroundings. Lounge by the inviting pool, pamper yourself at the spa, or venture out to discover nearby attractions, shops, and restaurants.

When the sun sets over the desert, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of the many local eateries or the hotel's fantastic dining options (a group option will be available closer to departure). For an unforgettable night, don't miss the optional Giza Pyramids sound and light show. This mesmerizing experience brings the magic of ancient Egypt to life through a spectacular display of lights, music, and storytelling, set against the backdrop of the majestic pyramids and the Sphinx. (See add-ons for pricing and more information.)

Your first day in Cairo is just the beginning of an incredible journey. Rest well tonight, as the adventures continue tomorrow!

Today, we get to see an array of iconic sites. Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, and prepare for an extraordinary journey back in time to the days of ancient Egypt. We’ll meet our personal Egyptologist and embark on a private tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, the necropolis of Sakkara, and Memphis, the former capital city. With our very own private Egyptologist by our side, we’ll have the freedom to decide how much time we’d like to spend at each captivating site.

A short, 30-minute drive from Cairo takes us to the Giza Plateau, where our knowledgeable guide will introduce us to the iconic pyramids of Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure. Choose to enhance your experience by entering one of the pyramids (optional, at an additional cost) or embarking on a thrilling camel ride amid the pyramids. Please note that our guide cannot accompany us inside the pyramids.

Next, we’ll change location on the plateau and witness the breathtaking view of the three pyramids rising majestically from the sands, set against the backdrop of Cairo's skyline. This is a perfect photo op for the group! From here, we’ll continue our journey to the enigmatic Sphinx, standing guard at the feet of the pyramids for thousands of years as a symbol of ancient Egypt. Take all the pictures you can at this sacred marker.

After exploring the Giza Plateau, we’ll head to Sakkara and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Once we’re energized and ready to go, we’ll discover the history of Egypt's oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid, built in 2650 B.C. Our guide will share intriguing insights, and we’ll have free time to wander and soak in the atmosphere. This site is still unfolding as we speak, as local archaeologists have uncovered an array of amazing discoveries over the past four years!

After time for exploration, we’ll proceed to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, to marvel at artifacts from the great rulers of this land, including the fallen statue of Ramses II. During our adventure, we’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Papyrus Institute, where we can learn about the creation of this famous artwork and purchase a piece to take home as a keepsake.

As this incredible day of exploration comes to an end, we’ll be driven back to our hotel for a well-deserved night of rest. Enjoy dinner and sleep well, as more unforgettable experiences await us tomorrow.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore some of Cairo's most renowned treasures. Today, we’ll visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum, home to over 250,000 incredible artifacts that showcase the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt. Marvel at the main hall's centerpiece, King Tutankhamen's five-gilded coffins, and be captivated by his exquisite death mask, the museum's star attraction.

From here, we’ll continue our journey to the imposing Citadel of Salah el Din, where we’ll tour the stunning Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque, an architectural masterpiece. Immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of this remarkable site before heading to our final location of the day: the vibrant Khan el Khalili bazaar. Our guide will take us through this bustling market, a lively maze of streets and shops, where we can test our bargaining skills and hunt for unique souvenirs. Take some time to relax and absorb the atmosphere with a cup of traditional Egyptian tea at the renowned El Fishawy coffee shop and grab a delicious local lunch.

After a day filled with exploration and cultural immersion, we’ll head back to the hotel for dinner and rest. However, you’ll have the option to enhance your evening with a delightful five-star Nile Cruise featuring an Egyptian cultural dinner and show. Revel in the enchanting atmosphere as you sail down the iconic Nile River, feasting on a delectable meal and enjoying a captivating performance that showcases Egypt's rich traditions and heritage. (See add-ons for pricing and more information.)

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel before departing for Cairo Airport to catch our flight to the enchanting city of Aswan. Upon arrival in Aswan, we’ll be warmly greeted by our representative who will assist us in embarking on our luxurious dahabiya Nile cruise for the next four days. Settle into your comfortable accommodations and prepare for an unforgettable journey along one of the most famous rivers in the world!

The crew will prepare us a delectable lunch, as we begin our adventure with an awe-inspiring visit to the world-famous High Dam, an engineering marvel constructed in the 1960s. Learn about the dam's crucial role in regulating the Nile's floodwaters and generating hydroelectric power for the country.

Next, we’ll set sail on a motorboat to the beautiful island of Egilka, where we’ll discover the majestic Philae Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Isis. Immerse yourself in the temple's fascinating history and admire its stunning architecture as you explore this sacred site dedicated to the mother goddess of healing, protection, and magic.

As the day comes to an end, we’ll return to the dahabiya and spend a tranquil evening aboard, savoring the serene beauty of the Nile and an elevated meal. Enjoy a restful night as you anticipate the captivating experiences that await us over the next few days of our cruise.

We have an epic list of stops today, so prepare your body with a delicious breakfast spread. With our personal Egyptologist, we’ll start our odyssey at the Temples of Ramses II in Abu Simbel. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the 'Nubian Monuments,' this complex of twin temples was meticulously carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. The temples stand as a testament to the pharaoh and his queen Nefertari, commemorating their alleged victory at the Battle of Kadesh and intimidating their Nubian neighbors. We’ll receive a personalized tour of this magnificent site, learning about its discovery by accident in 1813 and marveling at the four rock-hewn pharaohs. (Please note that guides are not permitted inside the temples.)

From here, we’ll sail to Kom Ombo to visit the remarkable Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility/creator of the world, and the falcon-headed god Horus. The unique dual design of the temple reflects the worship of both deities, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the religious practices of ancient Egypt. After time for pictures, we’ll hop back on the boat and enjoy lunch as we leisurely sail to Edfu, where we’ll explore the majestic Temple of Horus. This temple is one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. This magnificent monument showcases exquisite Ptolemaic architecture and intricate carvings, offering visitors a vivid insight into the religious and artistic traditions of the era.

Back on the boat, we’ll continue cruising towards Luxor. Use this time to unwind with afternoon tea on the sun deck, taking in the breathtaking scenery along the Nile. Savor a delightful dinner and a restful night onboard, eagerly anticipating the treasures that await us in Luxor.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast onboard the boat before setting off to explore the wonders of the West Bank of the river Nile. Our first stop will be the impressive Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues that stand as guardians to the ancient Theban necropolis. Next, we’ll venture into the fabled Valley of the Kings, where the magnificent tombs of the pharaohs were unearthed. You'll have the opportunity to visit the famed tomb of King Tutankhamen (optional, for an additional cost), immersing yourself in the splendor and mystery of the ancient world.

From here, we’ll continue on to the stunning Hatshepsut Temple at El Deir El Bahary, a monument dedicated to the powerful Queen Hatshepsut. Admire the temple's unique architecture and learn about the queen's fascinating reign.

Once our camera rolls are full, we’ll return to the ship for a delectable lunch, followed by a leisurely afternoon tea. Enjoy some free time to unwind and take in the breathtaking scenery as you spend another relaxing night onboard your cruise. You can also choose to enhance your evening with the mesmerizing Sound and Light Show at the Temples of Karnak. This unforgettable experience transports you through time, narrating the story of the ancient temple complex and the pharaohs who built it, all set against the backdrop of the illuminated temples. (See add-ons for pricing and more information.)

It’s our final morning on the boat. Soak in the peaceful sunrise views while you indulge in one last meal. Today, we’re closing out the trip with an inspiring tour of the magnificent Karnak Temples. As the largest place of worship ever built, this complex spans over 2,000 years of construction by generations of pharaohs. Its ancient name, Ipet-isut, means ‘the most sacred of places.’ Within the vast temple complex, marvel at the impressive Hypostyle Hall, an awe-inspiring forest of towering pillars that leaves visitors speechless.

After exploring Karnak, we’ll continue our journey to the majestic Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II. This remarkable temple was dedicated to the god Amen and served as a center for ritual and festivals. Wander through the temple's beautiful halls and courtyards as you learn about its storied past.

Following our visit to Luxor Temple, we’ll disembark and take our transfer to Luxor Airport for our flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, we'll be escorted to our hotel to rest after a day filled with the wonders of ancient Egypt. Reflect on the unforgettable memories you've created throughout your journey as you settle in for a peaceful night.

The last seven days have been filled with history, culture, and sacred magic. We had the honor of visiting all of Egypt’s major sites, creating unforgettable memories with friends new and old. However, it’s our day of departure, which means it’s time to leave the ancient past and return to the present. After breakfast at the hotel, pack up and catch your flight home, reflecting on all the amazing sights you experienced. We hope this trip was one for the books. Safe travels and be well!