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!

On this optional full-day tour, you’ll step back in time to ancient Alexandria, visiting many of its magnificent historical sites, beginning with the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. This extensive, underground burial site dates back to the Greco-Roman era and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Your tour will continue with a visit to Alexandria’s tallest monument: Pompey’s Pillar. Constructed from a single block of red granite from Aswan, this massive Romanesque column is the largest monument of its kind found outside of ancient Rome. Next, you’ll explore the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century defensive fortress splendidly set along the Mediterranean coast. Following lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll continue your discoveries at the Roman Amphitheatre. Dating back to the 4th century AD, this is the only Roman structure of its kind found in Egypt. Your tour will conclude at the Alexandria National Museum. Located in a 1926 Italianate mansion that formerly served as the site of the U. S. Consulate, today the museum contains approximately 1,800 ancient artifacts depicting the history of Alexandria and ancient Egypt.

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!

This tour is available during your optional trip extension in Alexandria, Egypt.

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!