February 16 – 25, 2023

Travel back in time to discover the majesty of ancient Egypt and attend the exciting opening of the much anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum.

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Camel Rides at the Pyramids of Giza

February 16, 2023: Welcome to Egypt! You will be met at the Cairo International Airport to proceed through customs & immigration. A private road transfer leads to Giza, where we will be for 2 nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence

February 17, 2023: Today, our group will enjoy a special visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum for its grand opening! One of the largest, most modern, and most renowned museums in the entire world, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) hosts about 100,000 ancient artifacts, 4,549 of which will be from the tomb of the famous King Tutankhamun.

February 18, 2023: Discover the Pyramids of Giza.  Enjoy an exclusive visit to the Paws of the Sphinx hosted by famed archeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass.

Meet your Egyptologist guide and begin your visits of the day to include Step Pyramids at Sakkara, Pyramids of Giza, & a Camel Ride.  Enjoy lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge overlooking the great Pyramids

Transfer to the St. Regis Cairo Hotel on the Nile riverfront – remainder of the evening at leisure

Sphynx

February 19, 2023 – Depart from the hotel for a morning visit to the newly opened National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The museum showcases Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the present day. Here, you will gain access to the fascinating Mummies Room.

Your tour will also include insider Access to the Conservation Centre and Restoration Labs.

The first veritable museum of civilization in Egypt, the newly inaugurated NMEC is located on the archaeological site of El-Fustat in Old Cairo, overlooking the Ain El-Seera Lake. The museum showcases Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the present day, using a multidisciplinary approach that highlights the country’s comprehensive heritage.

The collections are displayed in a core permanent exhibition of the principle achievements of Egyptian civilization, with six thematic galleries covering the Dawn of Civilization, The Nile, Writing, State and Society, Material Culture, Beliefs and Thinking and the Gallery of Royal Mummies.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Cairo

In the afternoon, experience ‘Coptic Cairo.‘  See the remains of the old Fortress of Babylon, built at the time of the Romans in Egypt to protect the country from invading enemies.  You will visit the Coptic Museum, which displays a wonderful collection of medieval statues, bells, bone carvings, frescoes, icons and colorful textiles.

The walls of the fortress enclose the Church of St. Sergius, which is built on a crypt considered to be one of the resting places of the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt 2000 years ago. You will also see the “Hanging Church” supported by only one column, and boasting incredible paintings inside.

February 20, 2022 – Touring Abdeen Palace & Islamic Cairo

Enjoy special permission exclusively to visit the extravagant Abdeen Palace. Constructed in 1863 on order of Khedive Ismail as part of the plan for a modern Cairo, the palace acted as the royal residence until the monarchy was abolished in 1952 to be the official headquarters of the Egyptian Presidency.

Explore the numerous reception rooms which were used to receive delegates, Kings and senior visitors. The Palace has 500 rooms and royal suites, including the Belgian Suite, as well as five different halls for ceremonies. Admire the oriental design and frescoed ceiling in the Hall of Throne. Whilst walking your way around the Palace, you’ll also see a large collection of items that used to belong to the Royal Family, such as plates, glassware, gold and silver

Take a fascinating tour of Islamic Cairo, including the beautiful and graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque and the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city. Originally built by Salah El-Din in 1176 to fortify the city against the Crusaders, the Citadel was modified and enlarged over the centuries by subsequent rulers and today is a complex of three mosques and four museums.

With its grand, soaring architecture and rich decoration, the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, completed in 1363, is one of the finest in Egypt and also houses the mausoleum where Sultan Hassan’s sons are buried.

Next to the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, discover the much newer Refaie Mosque, completed in 1912 with well-preserved, colorful decoration. Buried in tombs here are a Muslim saint, a companion of the Prophet Mohamed, Egypt’s last royal family and the last Shah of Iran.

Continue on to discover Old Cairo 

Named after the Nobel-prize-winning Egyptian author, Naguib Mahfouz restaurant lies in the very heart of the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar making it a convenient, air-conditioned place to take a break from shopping. The coffee shop at the entrance offers drinks, snacks and shisha (water pipes), while the restaurant section offers a selection of chicken, meats and mouth-watering Middle Eastern mezzas (small appetizers). Please note that alcohol is not served here.

Next, visit the fascinating Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets to find workshops and stalls selling all manner of things from woodwork and glassware to leather goods and perfumes.

February 21, 2023 – Fly to Aswan with a stop at Abu Simbel 

Excursion to Abu Simbel: The two temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel are each fronted by colossal statues up to 20 meters high, and are famed as the most impressive monuments remaining of Ancient Egypt in modern times. Recently the temples were threatened by the waters of Lake Nasser, and with the help of a UNESCO campaign they were cut into blocks, raised piece-by-piece, and reassembled in a new position higher up the hillside

Abu Simbel Temple

Following our tour of Abu Simbel, continue on to Aswan where we board the Oberoi Philae

Experience the best River Nile cruise on board the five star: The Oberoi Philae and fall in love with the secrets of ancient Egypt; from timeless monuments to hand carved temples and tombs.

The Oberoi Philae offers spacious accommodations, all day fine dining and revitalizing spa therapies, as well as an in house movie theatre and a dance floor; luxuries that are complemented by the sincere consideration for your every need.

Aswan

Aswan is Egypt’s southernmost city. At Aswan, the desert touches the banks of the Nile River and the waters are dotted with islands. Aswan was historically an important trading town and remains a bustling marketplace.

From Aswan, visit the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka. The entire temple faced flooding when the High Dam was built and was moved stone by stone to a new island, specially landscaped to be similar to the old one

Philae Temple

February 21 – 25, 2023 – Cruising the Nile aboard Oberoi Philae 

Only a small section of the majestic River Nile, the longest river in the world, runs through Egypt; yet it is the most well known portion of the river due to the ancient temples and monuments that lie along its banks. According to ancient Egyptians, the eastern bank was perceived to be the place of birth and growth, and the west, the place of death.

Luxor, Egypt

West Bank of Luxor

The West Bank of Luxor contains one of the largest collections of archaeological treasures in the world.

Temple of Luxor

Visit the West Bank, including the Valley of Kings, Temple of Habu, and Colossus of Memnon.

Valley of the Kings

Visit the Valley of Nobles, Deir el-Medina, and the Temple of Hatshepsut prior to lunch. The stunning Luxor Temple marvels in the late afternoon. Enjoy your final sunset on board the Oberoi in Luxor.

Life Along the River Nile

February 25, 2023 – Following breakfast and check out of your cabin, transfer to the west bank to visit the Valley of Queens including Nefertari tomb and Hatshepsut temple. After the visit you will go to the Luxor airport for your onwards flight.

Call Jolene DiRocco at 941-951-1801 at extension 106 now to reserve your space on this unique journey today! You may e-mail at Jolene@admiraltravel.com.

Luxury Cabin $8,695 per person based on double occupancy

A $250 per person Admiral Travel booking fee applies. (VIPLane members complimentary)

Internal air to be added at a later date and is not included.

International air is not included.

Payment Schedule:

25% deposit to confirm

25% deposit due Aug 15, 2022

Final due Nov 21, 2022

Cancellation:

All payments are non-refundable. Trip insurance is highly recommended. Please ask your travel advisor.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • All payments to Admiral Travel are non-refundable unless stated otherwise
  • If minimum numbers are not met for a hosted departure, prices are subject to change / increase to confirm same program on a private basis
  • Founder’s Journey will always be priced at or below published rates, but never higher.
  • Travel with like-minded individuals on these exclusive departures.
  • Enjoy a welcome cocktail party to meet your fellow travelers.
  • A hosted dinner will be offered during one night of the trip with the Hiltons.
  • On many occasions, optional shore events are offered as an option that only our group is invited to join.
  • Special global relationships that the Hiltons have formed over the years will allow you privileged access opportunities.
  • Trips are offered well in advance to give ample time for your future planning.
  • Minimum numbers must be met in order for the Hiltons to host the journey.
  • The Hiltons reserve the right to adjust the duration of their participation should any schedule conflicts arise.