Few things reveal as much about a culture and its people as the food they eat. This journey helps you sample the typical food of Egypt produced in the Nile Valley. Here are some of the many ways you will experience its many flavors.

• Savor the tastes of Egypt with meals at several local restaurants
• Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the Nile Ritz-Carlton hotel
• Stop for lunch at an outdoor restaurant frequented by locals
• Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel

Discover some of the most significant cultural and historic treasures of Egypt’s ancient world throughout your cruise.

• Explore 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Memphis and its Necropolis (Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, plus Saqqara); Historic Cairo (Islamic Cairo and Old Town); the Nubian Monuments (Temple of Philae and the ruins of Elephantine Island); and Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis (Luxor, Valley of the Kings, plus Deir el-Bahri)
• Marvel at the priceless artifacts of the Grand Egyptian Museum, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun
• See the landmarks of Islamic Cairo, including the Citadel and Mohammed Ali Mosque
• Visit the Kom Ombo and Edfu temples along the shores of the Nile
• Learn about the importance of ancient Thebes when you explore its modern incarnation, Luxor, and its vast cache of antiquities
• Discover the dramatic story of Egypt’s first female pharaoh, Hatshepsut, at her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri
• Travel back in time to pharaonic Egypt when you explore the Necropolis of Thebes on Luxor’s West Bank. This vast, desert burial ground comprises the Valley of the Kings, and Deir el-Bahri, a complex of hundreds of mortuary temples

• Learn about one of Egypt’s traditional crafts during your visit to a carpet weaving workshop in Cairo
• Gaze upon the gilded treasures of pharaohs at the Grand Egyptian Museum
• Explore Cairo’s Old Town, a medieval warren of winding alleys and shops that form the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar
• Join in a fun Egyptian night and “galabiya party” aboard ship
• See traditional belly-dancing aboard ship

• Visit a remote desert plateau to view the colossal temples of Abu Simbel, beautifully set on the shores of Lake Nasser
• Travel into the hidden valleys and ravines of the Nile’s West Bank, where elaborate pharaonic tombs were carved into rock-strewn mountainsides  
• View the palm-lined fertile shores of the Nile as you cruise, marveling at the contrast of dry desert mountains rising in the distance
• Browse the horticultural wonders of Kitchener’s Island, home to the Aswan Botanical Gardens

• Delve into the captivating history of Islam with a tour of Islamic Cairo, along with a lecture about the religion by a knowledgeable Adventure Leader
• Visit the Museum of Islamic Art, home to one of the world’s most important collections of Islamic artifacts
• Enjoy numerous temple visits, including the Karnak and Luxor temples, among the largest religious complexes in the world

• Take your time to capture an image. Think like a photographer and slow down to compose your shot. Remember: tourists take pictures, while photographers make images
• From the Pyramids to the Sphinx to vast desert panoramas, you’ll encounter some larger-than-life scenes and landmarks on this trip, which might create pressure to fit everything into one shot. Instead, try focusing on a distinctive feature rather than trying to incorporate everything into the frame
• Use your surroundings. Instead of edging out other tourists from your photos, utilize them to enhance the scene. Try tilting the camera at your target, including tourists and the real scene in the background or forefront, and the image is instantly more intriguing than a generic snapshot
• Pursue quirky composition — shooting off-center makes for a more artsy, unique shot

Your solo-friendly river cruise has been enhanced with special features catering to independent travelers, including:

• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations

Prior to your expedition cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.