Whether you’re marveling at stunning Islamic art or admiring the vast antiquity collections of the Grand Egyptian Museum, you’ll be amazed by the brilliance of ancient Egypt’s cultural and artistic achievements. Here are examples of what you’ll enjoy on this itinerary:

• 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
• Sail the Nile in a traditional wooden felucca

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 off-board lunches and dinners at several local restaurants, including a lunch at Al Azhar Park in Cairo
• Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the JW Marriott Hotel Cairo
• Meals aboard Vantage's 5-star m/s Nebu featuring sumptuous international cuisine and local favorites
• Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel

You’ve traveled a long way for this journey, and photography will be key to keeping these memories alive for years to come. Here are a few tips:

• 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

From ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses to Egypt’s predominant Islamic faith, religion is front and center on this enchanting river cruise. Here are a few highlights:

• Delve into the captivating history of Islam with a tour of Islamic Cairo, along with a lecture about the religion by a knowledgeable Cruise Director
• Enjoy numerous temple visits, including the Karnak and Luxor temples, among the largest religious complexes in the world

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 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

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.

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