This fascinating optional tour delves into the captivating, centuries-old history of Islam in Egypt. Characterized by hundreds of mosques, tombs, madrasas, and fortifications dating from the 7th century to the present day, Cairo holds one of the largest and densest concentrations of historic architecture in the Islamic world. Your tour will begin with a visit to the Citadel of Cairo. Built in the 12th century by Yusuf ibn Ayyub ibn Shadi (Saladin), this strategically placed, medieval fortification was the seat of Egyptian government and the residence of its rulers for nearly 700 years. Your tour will continue with a visit to the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, also known as the Alabaster Mosque. This grand Ottoman structure, with its twin spires and gleaming domes, is the most visible and easily recognizable landmarks in Cairo. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, your tour will continue with a stop at the 7th-century Hanging Church. Also referred to as Al-Moallaqa, this unique religious structure — with its wooden, Noah’s Ark-shaped roof — was built atop the ruins of an old Roman fortress and served as the residence of the Coptic Patriarch for several centuries. Your tour will come to a close at the Ben Ezra Synagogue, sometimes called El-Geniza Synagogue or the Synagogue of the Levantines. Located deep in the winding alleys of Coptic Cairo, Ben Ezra Synagogue is the oldest Jewish temple in Cairo, dating from the 9th century AD. The Synagogue once held an old copy of the Old Testament, believed to have been written by the prophet Ezra, who some Islamic texts have identified as the person mentioned in Qur'an 2:259.

Due to high call volume, we recommend you visit MyPortfolio to book this Destination Enhancement. Don’t wait — these optional experiences are limited to a select number of guests and are selling out fast!

Feluccas, traditional sailboats constructed entirely of wood with one or two canvas sails, once dominated the waterways of Egypt, Sudan, and the Mediterranean. Over time, as modern motorized vessels came to prominence, the use of feluccas became less prominent for day-to-day use by locals. Today, felucca cruises offer visitors a relaxed way to explore the beauty of the Nile River as people would have in the time of the pharaohs. On this optional Nile River excursion, you’ll relax aboard a traditional open-deck felucca, taking in the sites along the riverbank. Glide past Elephantine Island, once the site of an ancient town that served as a strategic gateway to the Nubian kingdoms south of Aswan. Adjacent to Elephantine Island, you’ll also be able to glimpse Kitchener’s Island, home to Aswan’s lush Botanical Garden.

Due to high call volume, we recommend you visit MyPortfolio to book this Destination Enhancement. Don’t wait — these optional experiences are limited to a select number of guests and are selling out fast!

Head out on an optional full-day excursion featuring many places from the life of Jesus. First head to Nazareth, where Jesus lived with Mary and Joseph after his birth. Marvel at the mosaic-filled Basilica of the Annunciation. Next, view the Wedding Church where Jesus turned water to wine. In the ancient fishing village of Capernaum, see the ancient synagogue where Jesus used to teach. After a local St. Peter’s fish lunch, embark a boat to cross the legendary Sea of Galilee, believed to be where Jesus walked on water. Then visit Tabgha, site of the miracle of the fishes, and the Mount of the Beatitudes, topped by the stunning church with its octagonal dome representing the 8 Beatitudes.

Due to high call volume, we recommend you visit MyPortfolio to book this Destination Enhancement. Don’t wait — these optional experiences are limited to a select number of guests and are selling out fast!