CRUISE COMPANION · Splendors of Egypt & the Nile. uniworld.com / 1 WELCOME Our World Begins with...

C R U I S E C O M PA N I O N

Splendors of Egypt & the Nile

uniworld.com / 1

W E L C O M E

Our World Begins with YouThank you for selecting Uniworld Boutique River Cruise

Collection. We want to do everything we can to ensure

you have the most enjoyable and worry-free vacation.

With that in mind, we have prepared this booklet for

you, so you can plan your trip with the greatest of ease.

Consider it a guideline to help you get ready for your

upcoming trip. It contains valuable tips and advice

on what to pack, your flight and transfer experience,

onboard information, day-to-day details and much more.

We highly look forward to hosting you onboard our

beautifully appointed ships and making your vacation

the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible.

Sincerely,

The Uniworld Team

Cover: Temple of Luxor, Egypt ▲ Temple of Horus, Edfu, Egypt

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Icon/Letter Code Legend

The symbols below will help guide you through the

descriptions of the daily itineraries. They will give you

an idea of the length and pace of the excursions, and

they will note which meals are provided.

Uniworld Signature Icons

u UNESCO Site b Motorcoach

d Flight S Boat

a Additional Cost e Embark/Disembark

Note: Prices of Optional Excursions will be available onboard. The cost of the purchased excursion will be added to your onboard account.

Dining Letter Codes

CB Continental Breakfast BB Buffet Breakfast

L Lunch D Dinner

WD Welcome Gala Dinner FD Farewell Gala Dinner

Tour Duration Icons

5 1/4 Day 7 1/2 Day

9 3/4 Day 8 Full Day

Shore Excursion IconsAll tours involve walking unless strictly noted as a

panoramic tour. In many cases, the walking takes place

over uneven ground, cobblestones or flagstone walkways,

and several tours involve stairs or short uphill climbs.

Please wear comfortable, non-skid walking shoes while

on all tours. These symbols give an idea of what to

expect on each program.

1 Easy walking

Includes walking of 15 minutes or less from multiple

motorcoach stops to and around historical sites. Possibly

some steps, or gentle uphill and downhill walks.

2 Intermediate walking

Includes walks of up to two hours on uneven terrain.

Limited seating at sites. Multiple stairs and/or uphill/

downhill walking.

3 Strenuous walking

Involves walking at all sites. Many stairs and uphill/

downhill passages. Those with physical limitations and

those who may need private arrangements should

contact the Cruise/Tour Manager when onboard.

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C R U I S E / T O U R C O M PA N I O N

Helpful Hints Before You Go

4 Travel Documents Passports

Visa Requirement

Passenger Information Form

Travel Protection Plan

5 cruise/Tour Documentation Final Documentation Includes

6 baggage Limitations

7 Vaccinations

7 Travel Essentials

7 Health and Mobility Physical Limitations

Medical

Special Diets

8 General Money Matters

Getting There

9 airport Security and check-In

9 Transfers Airport Arrival Transfers

Airport Departure Transfers

Late Flight Arrivals and Missed Flights

Baggage Delays

12 Pre-/Post-cruise Land Stays

12 Hotel check-In and Hotel check-out

About Your Uniworld Cruise/Tour Package and Onboard and Onshore Services

13 crew-only areas

13 Dining

13 Electrical current

13 Elevators

14 Emergency Procedures

14 Excursions

14 fitness centers

14 Gift Shop

15 Going ashore

15 Gratuities

16 Handicapped facilities

16 Insect Precautions

16 Internet access

16 Intra-Egypt air Tickets

17 Land Tours and Shore Excursions

17 Laundry

17 Massage

17 Mooring and Docking facilities

17 Moving about the Ship

17 Responsibility and Waiver

18 Safety Deposit box

18 Security

18 Shopping

19 Smoking

19 Suite amenities

19 Swimming Pool

19 Visitors

19 Vox

19 Water

20 Weather

21 What to Wear

21 omissions

22 frequently asked Questions

R I V E R C R U I S E / T O U R P R O G R A M


25 cairo to cairo / 12 Days

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Uniworld will not be responsible for any delays, damages

and/or losses, including missed portions of your tour,

that are related to improper travel documentation.

All guests are strongly advised to obtain necessary

visas well in advance to avoid unnecessary expedited

processing charges. Whenever using a visa service, it is

highly recommended that the service be provided with

a copy of your entire travel itinerary. There are times

when multiple entry visas may be required, or there

may be restrictions upon entering one country from

another, depending on your nationality. If the service

does not have your full itinerary, this may result in

improperly issued documentation.

Passenger Information form: By now, you should

have completed the Uniworld Passenger Information

Form. The information on this form is used to comply

with certain foreign government and airline security

restrictions in advance of your arrival. If you have

completed this form, we thank you for your prompt

attention. If you have not completed this form, please

visit our website at uniworld.com and complete the

online Passenger Information Form in the “Already

Booked” section. Each guest must complete the form.

Please note that the name on your airline tickets must

match your name exactly as it is shown in your passport.

This applies to both international flights as well as the

intra-Egypt flight we will book for you, so please be sure

we have your name correct on your booking.

Travel Protection Plan: Uniworld strongly recommends

that all guests purchase a Travel Protection Plan and

carry all policy information with them during the course

of their trip.

During the cruise/tour, it is advisable to have copies of

important documents (i.e., first page of your passport,

photo, credit card numbers, and bank/credit card

company phone numbers) in a separate packet, in case

the originals are lost or stolen.

Cruise/Tour DocumentationUniworld sends all final cruise and air documents

between 21 and 30 days prior to your trip departure,

provided that Uniworld has received a completed and

signed Passenger Information Form and your booking

is paid in full. All documents are sent via a priority mail

delivery service, such as UPS or FedEx.

Helpful Hints Before You Go

Travel DocumentsPassports: All Uniworld river cruise/tours require

a passport. In most cases, passports must be valid for

six (6) months after the scheduled return date from

the trip. Travel to Egypt will require a visa. Each guest

is fully responsible for obtaining and carrying the travel

documents necessary for his or her travel itinerary.

Uniworld will not be responsible for any delays, damages

and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip,

related to improper travel documents.

Visa Requirements: A visa and passport are required

for travel to Egypt. Visa requirements for US and

Canadian citizens can be found on the Uniworld website,

uniworld.com, in the “Already Booked” section. As a

courtesy only, Uniworld’s website provides information

on obtaining the required visa.

Non-US or non-Canadian citizens must contact the

appropriate consular office for Egyptian entry

requirements. Obtaining and carrying the proper travel

documents is solely the responsibility of the guest.

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final Documentation Includes:

▶Cruise/Tour Ticket

▶ Passenger Ticket Contract (which is legally binding

between Uniworld and each guest)

▶ Airline Tickets or E-ticket Confirmation (if international

air ticket was purchased from Uniworld)

▶ Cruise/Tour Companion

▶ Baggage Tags

▶ Leave-Behind Communication Card

▶ Travel Protection Plan Pamphlet (if Uniworld travel

protection was purchased)

Baggage LimitationsAirline baggage restrictions change frequently, and

each guest needs to check with his or her specific air

carrier for limitations concerning baggage weight,

baggage size, carry-on regulations, and excess or

overweight baggage charges. This information can

be found on the carrier’s website or on Uniworld’s

website at uniworld.com/baggage.

Overweight or excess baggage charges vary, and guests

who exceed an airline’s recommended limits may be

asked to pay fees ranging from $25 to $80 US dollars

(USD), or possibly more, per infraction.

For flights within Egypt, passengers are allowed one

checked bag weighing no more than 50 pounds

(23 kilograms) and one carry-on bag weighing no more

than 17 pounds (8 kilograms). Remember to check for

both international (over the water) and domestic regula-

tions, since limitations differ depending on flight routings.

There are no restrictions concerning the number of bags

each person can bring with him or her onboard the ship.

However, baggage storage space onboard is limited.

Guests are encouraged to limit their baggage to one (1)

piece per person for their own comfort and convenience.

Keep an eye on your baggage and all personal belong-

ings—they are solely your responsibility throughout

the trip. Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft, or

damaged baggage and personal belongings. A Travel

Protection Plan covering lost, stolen or damaged

baggage is highly recommended.

VaccinationsAll guests should direct questions about vaccinations

to their personal physician.

As an additional resource, guests may consult the

current recommendations of the Centers for Disease

Control (CDC). The CDC website is cdc.gov and the

phone number is 1-800-232-4636.

You may also contact the Egyptian consulate to

determine vaccination requirements.

Travel EssentialsThe following items are essential for any destination:

comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen,

a hat, an umbrella, and a lightweight raincoat or

outerwear garment appropriate for the seasonal weather

conditions. It is recommended that you bring duplicates

of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any

medications, copies of credit card information, and

copies of your passport information pages and visa.

Make sure that your baggage has identification tags

inside and outside, with your contact information and

address clearly marked. Do not pack valuables or

important medications in your baggage unless required

to do so by the airline; these should be carried with you

in your carry-on baggage. Please contact your air carrier

for any additional regulations.

Health and MobilityPhysical Limitations: Uniworld trips are exciting,

relatively active vacations. While there will be plenty

of time to relax, there will also be much to see and do.

Your included excursions generally require an extensive

amount of walking, as well as the navigation of numerous

steps and uneven terrain. During shore excursions,

guests with physical limitations will find access to sites

generally restricted. For your safety and enjoyment, we

recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.

In addition, river ships, while spacious and elegant, are

not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities

Act and do not have elevators. Uniworld, at its sole

discretion, reserves the right to refuse passage or to

require a current passenger to end his or her trip if the

passenger’s state of health or physical condition may

affect his or her own health, safety and enjoyment, or

that of other passengers. The use of mobility devices

such as wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, etc. is not

recommended for travel in Egypt, and such devices

cannot be readily obtained in the region.

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Medical: The hotel in Egypt is near a clinic staffed by

a doctor, but Uniworld does not employ staff nurses

or doctors onboard its ships. Medical expenses are the

guest’s own responsibility. Guests should bring their

medications with them. Uniworld is not responsible for

any costs incurred as a result of medical service or for

the quality of medical care received. A Travel Protection

Plan covering medical expenses is highly recommended.

Special Diets: Please advise us of any special dietary

restrictions in advance of your departure. This information

will be provided to the proper personnel. To the extent

possible, and in consideration of local conditions, every

effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the

guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail

as necessary concerning any medically related dietary

concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated,

and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Dietary restrictions should be reiterated to the service

staff at the time of placing orders in restaurants.

General Money MattersEgyptian currency is known as the Egyptian pound

(EGP). It is divided into piastres (also spelled piaster).

One pound (LE) is equal to 100 piastres. Banknote

denominations are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200, and

coins come in denominations of 25 and 50 piastres.

Uniworld features a “cashless” environment onboard, and

all charges are billed directly to each guest’s onboard

account. Currency accepted onboard for settlement of

final bills is US dollars, euros and Egyptian pounds with

an exchange rate based on the international rate of the

day. The major credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard

and American Express, and these will incur extra bank

charges for transactions, which will be your responsibility.

Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies

to let them know that you will be leaving the country to

avoid any problems using your credit card(s) overseas. It

is not advisable to bring Travelers Checks.

The ship does not have ATMs onboard, but ATMs linked

to major bank networks can be found throughout

Egypt. Most debit and major credit cards can be used

for cash withdrawals ashore. Your bank can tell you

which network your ATM card can access and whether

a debit or credit card must be used. Make sure you have

the correct PIN for the card you plan to use before

leaving home, as the PIN is required for all money

withdrawals. It is also recommended that you bring an

overseas contact number for your bank or credit card

company in case you require assistance while traveling.

Limited currency exchange is available onboard for the

exchange of cash only. Credit cards cannot be accepted

for money exchange. Most hotels and major tourist sites

have exchange facilities. Please note currency exchange

transactions and ATM cash withdrawals always involve

transaction fees. It is always best to inquire as to the fee

before exchanging any money. ATMs will typically ask

you if you accept the fee before enabling the transaction.

Most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American

Express) are accepted worldwide. There may be some

stores or locations where cash is preferred or where a

particular credit card cannot be used for purchases. We

recommend bringing at least one major credit card, as

well as an ATM card that is both a debit and credit card.

Getting There

Airport Security and Check-inIt is advisable to contact the airline in advance of your

departure to verify that there have been no changes

to the flight number or schedule found on your travel

documents. After your travel documents are issued and

sent to you, Uniworld is not responsible for notifying

guests of any changes in flight schedules.

Please make sure you arrive at the airport at least two

and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure

to complete check-in and security procedures. For peak

travel times, you may even want to arrive three (3) hours

prior to your scheduled departure time.

Transfersairport arrival Transfers: If your cruise/tour package

includes a group arrival transfer (and your flights

coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been

communicated to Uniworld), you will be greeted by a

Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel.

You will be met inside the secure customs area before

entering the passport control area. If you cannot find the

representative, please remain outside the customs area

until the representative comes to you.

Please claim all of your baggage before exiting the

baggage claim area. From the airport, you’ll be transferred

to the hotel. Please note that transfers are nonrefundable.

There may be a waiting period of up to two (2) hours

for scheduled airport transfers, depending on groupings

of flight arrivals. Uniworld will not be responsible for

late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed, changed,

canceled or missed flights; for missed cruise/tour days;

or for extra costs resulting from delayed, changed,

canceled or missed flights.

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Flight information and pre-trip arrangements for all guests

making their own flight arrangements must be given to

Uniworld no later than 45 days prior to departure in

order for transfers to be properly arranged. Your flight

arrangements must also be made in accordance with

Uniworld’s recommended transfer guidelines. For complete

details, please see the “Terms and Conditions” section of

our current brochure or our website, uniworld.com.

Guests who have purchased extra hotel nights with

Uniworld will be provided transfers as part of the extra

nights purchase.

If your cruise/tour package does not include arrival

transfers (i.e., for flights outside of Uniworld’s

recommended transfer time guidelines or if flight details

have not been communicated to Uniworld in time),

please make your own way to the hotel as per your trip

itinerary; transportation will be at your own expense.

airport Departure Transfers: If your cruise/tour package

includes a group departure transfer (and your flights

coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been

communicated to Uniworld) or if you have purchased

a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to

the airport for your flight home.

In accordance with Uniworld’s recommended transfer

time guidelines, all guests making their own flight

arrangements are required to provide Uniworld with their

flight information and post-trip arrangements no later

than 45 days prior to departure in order to receive

transfers. For complete details, please see the “Terms

and Conditions” section of our current brochure or our

website, uniworld.com.

Guests who have purchased extra nights with hotel

stays will be provided private transfers as part of the

extra nights purchase.

If your cruise/tour package does not include transfers

(i.e., for flights outside of Uniworld’s recommended

transfer time guidelines or if flight details have not been

communicated to Uniworld in time), then please make

your way from the hotel as per your trip itinerary at your

own expense.

Late flight arrivals and Missed flights: If your package

includes a Uniworld arrival transfer and you experience a

flight or travel delay of any kind, please adhere to the

following instructions. Advise an airline representative at

the airport that you are a cruise passenger bound for a

specific location at a specific date and time to meet your

group. Please look for the Uniworld representative upon

entering the terminal. The representative will be on hand

to assist you through customs, passport control, and

luggage collection and will then escort you to your hotel.

Depending on the nature of the delay, Uniworld’s ground

staff can, at times, track flight changes. If your flight

arrangements were drastically altered, it is unlikely that

the ground staff will be notified of your specific flight

changes in time, but Uniworld’s representative will follow

up on your flight’s arrival in order to meet you. Due to

security protocols enacted after September 11, 2001,

airlines very rarely provide updated flight information to

third parties in such cases.

If you cannot find the Uniworld representative, please

contact the Transfer Provider. Their contact information is

shown in the transfer section of your cruise/tour ticket. If

unable to match you up with a scheduled group transfer,

the Transfer Provider will ask you to make your own way

to the ship or hotel at your own expense. Costs incurred

due to missed transfers are the responsibility of the guest;

in most cases, compensation can be obtained from your

Travel Protection Plan provider or airline carrier.

If your delay is serious enough that you miss the starting

point of your cruise/tour, please contact our Local

Representative, using the number on your Cruise/Tour

Ticket, to determine the exact location of your tour

group on your revised date of arrival. The office

personnel will advise you on the best course of action.

Uniworld is not responsible for missed transfers or

additional costs incurred in getting to the next

destination due to missed or delayed flights.

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baggage Delays: Baggage delays do unfortunately occur

from time to time, especially during peak travel periods.

First and foremost, do not leave the baggage area

without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your

air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your

claim. If traveling with a companion, we recommend that

one (1) person exit the baggage claim area and locate

the transfer representative to inform him or her of the

situation. This will allow the representative to ensure

transfers are properly provided. If the representative is

not found at the customs area then our guest should

leave the baggage claim area and locate the transfer

representative. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel

itinerary and the hotel and ship’s contact information.

Report your lost baggage to the Uniworld representative

and provide your Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager/

Egyptologist with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report.

This will assist our staff in helping to locate your baggage

as quickly as possible. Uniworld is not responsible for

lost, stolen or damaged baggage and/or personal

belongings. A protection plan covering lost, stolen or

damaged baggage is available through the Uniworld

Travel Protection Plan.

Pre-/Post-Cruise Land StaysAll Uniworld land programs are fully hosted and include

daily breakfast, transfers and porterage. Most feature at

least one (1) special sightseeing program. Your Cruise/

Tour Manager/Egyptologist will host a welcome briefing

the day after your arrival to familiarize you with the

scheduled program and to provide additional

information about optional excursions, dining

recommendations and shopping tips. Details about your

pre-/post-cruise land stay are included in this booklet

and with your final documents.

Hotel Check-In and Hotel Check-OutPlease note that every effort is made to ensure that your

hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon

your arrival at the hotel. This is not always possible due

to differences in hotel check-in times and scheduled

airport-to-hotel transfers. A short wait for your room to

become available may be unavoidable.

Most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 2:00 pm. If

you arrive at the hotel before 2:00 pm, you may need to

wait until the room becomes available. Hotel check-out

must be no later than 12:00 pm. If your arrival or departure

schedule does not coincide with these times, you may

ask the hotel to store your baggage while you explore

independently. Upon check-out at the end of your trip,

you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport.

About Your Uniworld Cruise/Tour Package and Onboard and Onshore Services

Crew-Only AreasSome areas are clearly indicated as “Crew Only.” We ask

you to respect these areas, as the crew may be working

there and your safety cannot be guaranteed. These areas

include the Main Deck bow area, the galley, engine

rooms, crew accommodation and the gangways aft of

the Sun Deck. Crew members have been instructed to

escort any unauthorized persons from these areas and

make a report to the Captain.

DiningAll breakfasts on land and onboard are American-style

buffets. The River Tosca’s onboard restaurant accommo-

dates all guests in a relaxed open seating environment

and offers international and local cuisine. Breakfast and

lunch are sumptuous buffets, while evenings feature

specialties of the house. All meal times are scheduled

around excursion departures, and breakfast can take

place very early in the morning.

Please notify Uniworld immediately if you have any

special dietary concerns or considerations that need to

be taken into account while traveling with us. We will do

our best to ensure your request is accommodated, but

we cannot guarantee that this will happen in all cases.

Electrical CurrentVoltage is 220V/50Hz in all hotels and onboard the ship.

To use any electrical product from the United States, you

need a 3-pin plug adapter and a voltage converter.

ElevatorsThere are no elevators onboard the River Tosca. The hotel

has elevators.

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Emergency ProceduresThe ship is outfitted with modern smoke detectors,

fire alarms, sprinkler systems, extinguishers and hoses.

Alarms are situated at regular intervals along the

Promenade Deck. Fire extinguishers are located at

regular intervals around the Promenade Deck and

outside all public rooms. The Cruise/Tour Manager/

Egyptologist will give passengers a safety briefing upon

arrival, which will include a test of the emergency alarm

and a demonstration of life jacket location and use. Each

suite on the ship is equipped with an emergency map

and life jackets, and extra life jackets and life rings are

available on the Sun Deck. Note that the River Tosca has

two (2) lifeboats on the Sun Deck as well as one (1)

motorboat in case of urgent evacuation, however it is

usually much quicker to beach the vessel on the nearest

sand bar or river bank and evacuate by foot. The ship

also has a muster station on the Sun Deck.

ExcursionsGroup shore excursions are organized by the Cruise/

Tour Manager/Egyptologist, who will accompany you

on excursions, including shopping trips to the bazaars.

Details about group shore excursions and our next sailing

time are posted on the Daily Schedule and passengers are

requested to note this before disembarkation.

When disembarking, passengers will be given a ship

card, which includes the ship’s docking address and

contact numbers. This card will be collected by the ship’s

staff upon each passenger’s return to the ship; if any

card is missing, staff will attempt to locate the passenger

before embarking.

Fitness CentersThere are fitness centers in all hotels. On the River Tosca,

the Fitness Center is located on the Pyramid Deck.

Hours of operation may be adjusted based on each day’s

program. Use of the fitness equipment is at your own risk.

Gift ShopThere is a gift shop onboard the River Tosca with a

limited selection of toiletries, souvenirs and other

sundries. The hours of operation are adjusted to each

day’s program. Purchases at the gift shop can be paid

for in cash or with a major credit card at the time of

purchase. Additional bank charges (3.5-5%) may apply

when paying by credit card.

Going AshoreWhen the ship is docked, you are welcome to move

freely between ship and land as much as you like.

Because of the varying nature of the riverbank, methods

of getting ashore may differ from time to time and, on

occasion, access may be difficult. We will ensure that the

gangways are safe and that crew members are on hand

to assist you.

GratuitiesGratuities are customary expressions of appreciation

for a job well done, and it is our goal to ensure that

the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you

visit. The amount of the gratuity you choose to give

is entirely subject to your satisfaction with your travel

experience. To assist you in determining the amount

of your gratuities, we recommend the following as a

guideline:

▶ Cruise/Tour Manager/Egyptologist: $8 to $10 USD per

guest, per day (given on the last day of the cruise/tour

before departure)

▶ Drivers: $3 USD per guest, per day

▶ Airport Rep: $2 USD per guest, per day

▶ Ship and Crew: $8 to $10 USD per guest, per day

(given on the last day of the cruise before

disembarking the ship)

Gratuities cannot be billed to onboard accounts, so please

ensure that you have cash on hand for this expense.

Travelers Checks cannot be used to pay gratuities.

The practice of baksheesh (tip) is very much a part

of Egyptian culture. This means that it is customary

to tip anyone who provides a service to you, including

doormen at hotels. Please be aware that you will be

approached by a number of seemingly helpful individuals

while on tour. Unless the individual is introduced to you

by your guide, please disregard any unsolicited

advances or requests for baksheesh.

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Handicapped FacilitiesEmbarkation/disembarkation facilities may be impossible

to navigate with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers or any

other mechanical devices. The ship was not designed

to accommodate physically challenged travelers; it

does not have elevators and is not handicapped or

wheelchair accessible.

Additionally, most shore excursions involve walking over

uneven ground. Some excursions are walking tours only,

and for your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that

all guests be in good physical condition.

Uniworld, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to

refuse passage or to require a current passenger to

end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of health or

physical condition may affect his or her own health,

safety and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.

Insect PrecautionsExternal doors and gauze windows should be kept

closed at all times. At night, if on deck or going ashore,

make sure to apply repellent to ankles and other

exposed skin. While you can expect to encounter

insects, these insects are relatively harmless. Make sure

to switch off lights when leaving your suite so as not to

lure them in. On the fast-flowing river, mosquitoes are

rarely to be seen while sailing.

Internet AccessOn the River Tosca, Corner Laptop computers allow

you to send and receive emails. In addition, you may

use your own laptop computer to access our wireless

Internet (Wi-Fi). Internet Corner and Wi-Fi services

are complimentary. The Internet connection might not

be available in remote areas or when transiting locks.

Expect the connectivity speed to be slower than your

home connection. Complimentary Internet is also

available at the hotel.

Intra-Egypt Air TicketsYour intra-Egypt domestic air tickets will be issued on

tour, and your boarding passes will be given to you by

your Cruise/Tour Manager/Egyptologist at the airport.

Land Tours and Shore ExcursionsEach cruise/tour program includes comprehensive shore

excursions led by your English speaking Cruise/Tour

Manager/Egyptologist; these excursions have

been designed to provide you with the best possible

experience ashore. On motorcoach tours, we ask that

passengers rotate to allow everyone to sit near the front.

A complete day-by-day shore excursion itinerary is

provided in this booklet. Details of your particular

itinerary can also be found at uniworld.com.

LaundryThe River Tosca provides washing, drying and ironing

services for a fee. Please note that there is no self-service

launderette and there are no dry cleaning facilities

onboard. Your hotel, however, will offer full-service

laundry and dry cleaning options at an additional cost.

MassageMassage services are available onboard the River Tosca.

These services are available for a fee and can be paid for

in cash or with a credit card at the time of purchase or at

the time you settle any of your onboard charges prior to

disembarkation from the ship.

Mooring and Docking FacilitiesThe local river authorities allocate docking space around

ship arrivals and departures in port. There are times

when port conditions require ships to tie up alongside

each other, and guests may be required to walk through

another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the

river cruise experience and is perfectly normal. Guests

may experience obstructed views from suites when the

ship is docked.

Moving about the ShipBecause the ship will often be in motion and the decks

will sometimes be slippery, you will need to take care

when moving about the decks. Please be extra cautious

when using the stairs onboard, as they may be steeper

than you are used to. It’s best to always use the handrails.

Responsibility and WaiverThe guest accepts the terms and conditions of the

Passenger Ticket Contract when participating in any

organized shore excursion/tour that is provided by

Uniworld. Participation in some shore excursions or tours

may also be subject to an independent operator’s own

Terms and Conditions.

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Safety Deposit BoxThere is a safe in your suite. We urge you to leave

valuables at home. We are not responsible for any

valuables left in the suites. Any charge to return “lost

and found” property will be at the owner’s expense.

Please beware of pickpockets when ashore.

SecurityIn the countries in which we operate, tourists are rarely

targets for theft, but caution is encouraged nonetheless.

A 24-hour watch is kept on the gangplank in order to

control access to the ship, but please keep your deck

door locked when it is not in use and at night. All suites

have a combination-type safe; please use a number you

can remember, like the last four digits of your phone

number or your date of birth. The company cannot be

held liable for loss of money, jewelry or other valuable

items from the ship, from a hotel or while on an excursion

ashore during a voyage. In the “Conditions of Carriage,”

you are required to have taken out personal travel

insurance to cover these possibilities.

Ensuring the safety and security of Uniworld guests is our

top priority. All tourist sites visited on this itinerary are

patrolled around the clock by highly trained policemen,

as are all docking facilities along the Nile. In addition,

whenever traveling by motorcoach on Uniworld shore

excursions or transfers, an armed civilian police officer

will be onboard to provide extra security and peace of

mind for our guests.

ShoppingTime for shopping is usually, but not always, allowed for

within the framework of the sightseeing programs. The

actual amount of time available for shopping may be

limited due to tour constraints. Shopping recommendations

will be made by your Cruise/Tour Manager/Egyptologist,

who is an expert in all things Egyptian and can even

provide a lesson or two on the art of bartering. Larger

stores accept most major credit cards, while market

vendors and small stores usually only accept local currency.

It is a good idea to take a small amount of cash to use as

baksheesh (tip) or to purchase souvenirs or sundries.

SmokingThe ship enjoys a non-smoking environment in all public

areas and in the suites. Smoking is allowed only on the

aft section of the upper Sun Deck. Hotels do not permit

smoking except in specific areas; all guest rooms reserved

are non-smoking. Hotels offer smoking rooms; smoking

rooms must be requested at the time of booking and are

very limited. For the comfort of all passengers, smoking

is not permitted on sightseeing or transfer vehicles.

Suite AmenitiesEach beautifully appointed suite onboard the River Tosca

offers custom-made beds draped in fine linens, generous

built-in closets, a vanity and make-up mirror, hair dryer,

safe, individual thermostat for air-conditioning, direct-

dial telephone, LCD television with a selection of viewing

choices, an iPod docking station, a bathroom with plush

robes and soothing bath amenities, slippers and a bottle

of water per day per person.

Swimming PoolThere is a swimming pool located on the Sun Deck of the

River Tosca for your enjoyment.

VisitorsVisitors are generally not permitted onboard the ship

and are not allowed to join any shore excursions.

VoxUniworld is proud to use the Vox portable audio headset

system on shore tours, so that you will always be able to

hear your Cruise/Tour Manager/Egyptologist’s and/or

local expert’s commentary with ease and comfort.

WaterPlease do not drink or brush your teeth with the tap

water while onboard or onshore. The ship’s water supply

comes from the river after passing through a sterilization

plant. This water is suitable for washing but should not

be consumed. Complimentary bottled water for drinking

and brushing teeth is provided onboard, and additional

bottled water is readily available for purchase onshore

and at your hotel. To save water and reduce detergent

use, we will only change towels daily if they are placed

on the floor.

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WeatherMost people think Egypt is hot and dry year-round due

to the desert climate, and that’s basically true. One can

certainly expect sunshine all day—up to 14 hours during

the peak of the summer. However, the temperatures in this

region and along the Nile tend to vary widely between

day and night. While the days of spring and fall can be

very warm, with highs in the 80s and 90s, the desert

evenings can be delightfully cool, with temperatures

dropping into the low 60s. Summer highs are steadily

in the 90s, yet not uncomfortably so. Most sightseeing

excursions in the summer are scheduled for early-

morning departures to avoid the strong midday sun.

Winter temperatures are perhaps the most pleasant of

all, with temperatures typically in the 70s during the

day, dropping into the 50s or below in the evenings.

Uniworld’s favorite resource for up-to-the-minute

international weather is weather.com. Weather.com

features a very informative vacation-planner tool that

you may find useful.

average Temperatures (fahrenheit):

average Low/High (f)

oct nov Dec

Luxor 63/91 52/82 45/73

aswan 69/96 59/84 51/76

cairo 64/82 57/73 50/66

average Temperatures (celsius):

average Low/High (c)

oct nov Dec

Luxor 17/34 11/28 7/23

aswan 21/36 15/29 11/25

cairo 18/28 14/23 10/19

What to WearPrepare for a variety of weather conditions depending

on your travel season. Layering clothing is smart because

it allows each person to adjust to most temperatures,

including artificially maintained temperatures, by

removing or adding items throughout the day.

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is

appropriate both onshore and onboard. For warmer

temperatures, we suggest lightweight clothing that can

be layered, such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit

shirts, everyday khakis, slacks, skirts/dresses and walking

shorts. Mix-and-match solid color schemes work best to

help keep baggage light. This program is very different

from European river programs; attire is more casual due

to the region’s warmer temperatures. During the cruise

portion of your program, comfortable, lightweight

clothing in lighter colors is strongly recommended.

Shorts, cotton shirts, good walking shoes and sun hats

during the day are recommended. However, to enter the

temples and other holy sites, guests should ensure that

their shoulders and knees are covered. For evenings, we

recommend casual and cool attire; however, we require

footwear to be worn at all times in the dining room.

You will engage in a significant amount of walking over

uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend

comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support.

Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any

time during this program. You may wish to pack a

lightweight jacket for chilly evenings, and at least one

“smart casual” outfit for the onboard Gala Reception.

OmissionsUniworld is not responsible for omissions or printing

and/or presentation errors in brochures, on Internet

sites or in any other media where such information may

be presented; we reserve the right to make corrections

as required.

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What time will excursions depart?

All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the

ship’s daily schedule. During the daily port talk, your

Cruise/Tour Manager/Egyptologist will brief all guests

about what activities will take place the next day. This

briefing includes information about departure times,

specifics about the shore excursions/tours not covered in

this booklet, shopping and restaurant recommendations,

and other important information about the port of

call. In addition to the briefing, a daily program will be

distributed to each guest’s suite every evening. This

program provides a written overview of all events taking

place the next day—whether onboard or ashore.

How do I book the optional excursion to abu Simbel

on Day 8?

You may book this optional excursion, and any other

optional excursions, with our staff any time after you

arrive in Cairo. Credit card or cash payments will be

accepted. Please note this optional excursion requires a

minimum number of participants to operate. No refunds

will be granted to guests who cancel their booking

within 24 hours of the excursion’s start time.

Does each motorcoach or walking group have its own

tour guide?

Yes. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own

Cruise/Tour Manager/Egyptologist. Uniworld tries

very hard to ensure that our Cruise/Tour Manager/

Egyptologists are of the highest quality and well versed

in their subjects, making sure that you have the best

possible time ashore.

What is the transportation like on excursions?

Uniworld works with some of the world’s best tour

companies, all of which are chosen with our exacting

standards in mind. To ensure your maximum enjoyment

of each excursion, all motorcoaches seat 40 to 45 people

and are air-conditioned whenever possible. There are

a few destinations where the equipment may not be of

a similar standard and, in such cases, the best possible

transportation will be arranged. Rest stops will be

provided throughout the course of the excursions, as

not all of the motorcoaches used for excursions have

onboard toilets.

Is smoking allowed on shore excursions/tours?

Smoking is not allowed while on the motorcoach, and

many historical venues now request that visitors not

smoke anywhere on-site. We ask all our guests who

smoke not to do so while on excursions/tours.

Frequently Asked QuestionsI have concerns about my physical ability. What do I do?

Guests with mobility concerns should discuss their

concerns with Uniworld staff in advance of their

departure. Guests requiring the use of a mobility device,

such as a wheelchair, motorized scooter or walker, may

not be able to participate in many shore excursions or

use such devices onboard the ship. Also, guests who

are limited in their ability to walk long distances may

also have difficulties as there is often uneven terrain

on many shore excursions.

How accurate are the shore excursion/tour

descriptions?

Uniworld does everything possible to ensure that shore

excursions are performed as promoted and as outlined

in the subsequent pages. In certain circumstances, or for

reasons beyond the control of Uniworld, it may not be

possible or practical for the excursion to be performed

exactly as written. The decision not to operate, to alter

the operation, to change content, and/or to otherwise

adjust or modify any element of the excursion as

advertised, is at the sole discretion of Uniworld, always

taking into account the safety and best interests of the

guests and the overall product delivery. Any such

modifications to excursions will not result in eligibility

for a refund.

can the itinerary change? What happens if it

does change?

You can count on Uniworld’s vast experience and regional

knowledge to make sure you enjoy your cruise/tour even

when conditions beyond our control occur. The very

nature of a river, with its sources and networks of bridges

and locks, means that there will be times when weather

or other conditions in a region require Uniworld to make

adjustments and modifications to the operation of an

itinerary. Itineraries may need to be altered specifically

because of water levels. Although every effort is made to

keep itineraries as advertised, Uniworld reserves the right

to make changes and substitutions as necessary to ensure

the safety of our guests and the vessels. Time permitting,

every possible effort will be made to alert guests in

advance of boarding of any known changes. Otherwise,

all guests will be informed onboard of changes and

amendments. Any changes to itineraries, including the

addition of extensive motorcoach touring to effect delivery

of the intended itinerary operation, will not result in

eligibility for a refund.

CRUISE FLIGHT UNESCONIGHTS ONSHORERiverStart/End

uniworld.com / 25


CAIrO TO CAIrO / 12 DAYS

Imagine sailing along the nile in a style once reserved

for pharaohs and queens

For eight splendor-filled days, Uniworld takes you to

the most fascinating sites along the Nile onboard the

luxurious, all-suite River Tosca. Travel through time as

you cruise the length of this legendary river, seeing

marvels built more than 3,000 years ago. Explore the

breathtaking Karnak Temple—the world’s largest ancient

temple complex—and visit the Greco-Roman Temple of

Hathor, one of the country’s best-preserved monuments.

Marvel at the Temple of Hatshepsut, set against dramatic

limestone cliffs, and see the Valley of the Kings, where

Tutankhamen and other New Kingdom pharaohs were

entombed. You’ll also experience Nubian culture during

a visit to a private home near Aswan.

This itinerary also includes captivating Cairo, where you’ll

admire extraordinary pharaonic treasures at the city’s

world-famous Egyptian Museum, including artifacts

recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Journey

to Giza to pay homage to the mighty Pyramids and gaze

upon the most iconic face in all of Egypt—the mysterious

Great Sphinx.

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number of objects—more than 120,000—including

priceless artifacts recovered from the tomb of King

Tutankhamen by renowned archaeologist Howard Carter.

Ancient Egyptian history began with the founding of

the Old Kingdom around 3100 BC and lasted 3,000

years, until Alexander the Great conquered the country

in 332 BC and ended the rule of the pharaohs. The

museum’s galleries are laid out in roughly chronological

order as you move clockwise along the ground floor.

Note: Photography of any kind is forbidden inside the museum, including digital cameras, cell phones and camcorders.

Note: Dressing modestly is recommended as a show of respect for the culture and customs of the Egyptian people. In particular, women should ensure that shoulders are covered and legs are concealed at least to the knee on all shore excursions throughout this itinerary.

Day 3Cairo, fly to Luxor, cruising the Nile River, Dendera

u b d e BB L GR D

Featured Excursion:Temple of Karnak 7 2 bAfter a short flight to Luxor on the east bank of the Nile,

you can stroll through the grand avenues of sphinxes

and halls of gigantic columns of the magnificent Temple

of Karnak. This vast complex, situated about 2 miles

(3.5 kilometers) from the Temple of Luxor, was originally

established during the Middle Kingdom (1991-1633 BC), and

various dynasties over the next 1,300 years continued to

expand it. Karnak is a massive and simply astounding site,

reflecting the combined achievements of many generations

of ancient builders—as many as 80,000 laborers took part

in its creation during the 19th Dynasty alone.

Buried under sand for a thousand years, the UNESCO-

designated Karnak complex is composed of three main

temples, smaller enclosed temples and several outer

temples. The largest of these is dedicated to Amun, a

great pharaonic god. Enter the main compound, the

Precinct of Amun, through the Great Court, and continue

on to the dazzling Great Hypostyle Hall—sometimes called

the Hall of Columns—an imposing forest of 134 enormous

sandstone columns in the form of papyrus stalks.

Later, you’ll board the elegant River Tosca and set sail

for beautiful Dendera. Enjoy a Gala Reception and

dinner onboard this evening.

Day 1 Cairo

b

Arrive at Cairo International Airport. If your cruise/tour

package includes a group arrival transfer or if you

have purchased a private arrival transfer, a Uniworld

representative will be on hand to greet you and escort

you to the opulent Four Seasons at Nile Plaza.

Day 2 Cairo

BB

Featured Excursions:citadel of Salah al-Din, alabaster Mosque and

Egyptian Museum 8 2 bYour tour of this historic city includes a visit to the Citadel of Salah al-Din, a massive compound containing mosques and museums and offering breathtaking views of Cairo. Founded in the seventh century by Arab conquerors, the Fatimid dynasty rulers made Cairo their capital and named it al-Qahira (“the Victorious”). The great sultan Salah al-Din built his citadel in the 12th century as a government center and bulwark against invading armies of Crusaders. Located high above the eastern end of Cairo on El-Moqattam Hill, the citadel was the home of Egypt’s rulers for more than 700 years and is one of the oldest attractions in the city.

After the Ottoman ruler Muhammad Ali seized power in the 1800s, he restored the walls of the citadel and built numerous palaces, schools and government buildings inside. His masterpiece was the great Alabaster Mosque, also known as the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which you’ll have an opportunity to visit. Its two slender minarets were Muhammad Ali’s declaration of independence from Istanbul, as Ottoman law decreed that only a sultan could build a mosque with two minarets. The mosque’s expansive Turkish-style interior is lit by a beautiful array of lamps suspended from the intricately decorated ceiling.

Did You Know? The ornate clock in the citadel’s courtyard was presented to Muhammad Ali by King Louis Philippe of France in the 1830s, in exchange for the obelisk that now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France. Oddly enough, the clock is purely ornamental and has never been operated.

You’ll also visit the Egyptian Museum, established in 1900

and by far the most impressive collection of Egyptian

antiquities and pharaonic treasures in the world. Located

in the heart of Cairo, the museum displays an astonishing

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Day 4 Dendera, cruising the Nile River, Luxor

u BB L D

Featured Excursion:Temple of Hathor 5 2 bThe impressive Temple of Hathor at Dendera was

dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty. The

temple dates to Egypt’s Ptolemaic era, when the heirs

of Alexander the Great ruled over Egypt and adopted

Egyptian culture and religion as their own. Built between

125 BC and AD 65, it is one of the best-preserved temples

in all of Egypt and features a rare bas-relief of Cleopatra

with Caesarion, the son she bore to Julius Caesar.

Return to Luxor for some free time before visiting the

ancient Temple of Luxor.

Featured Excursion:Temple of Luxor 5 2 bEnter the temple through the great pylon—a ceremonial

gateway—where two enormous statues of Ramses II still

stand, along with a pink granite obelisk (its mate stands

in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France). Continue

on to an enormous interior courtyard, where the Abu

Haggag Mosque once stood atop the ruins of the temple.

You can still see a ghostly remnant of the mosque on the

east side of the courtyard, high above the columns, its

arched doorway opening into thin air.

The temple’s chief architects were Amenhotep III

(Egypt’s “Sun King,” also known as Amenophis III) and

Ramses II, and it was constructed over hundreds of

years, beginning around 1400 BC. It was dedicated

to the “father of all life,” the god Amun, sometimes

referred to as Amon or Amon-Ra. Ancient Egyptians

came to the temple to pay tribute to this god during

the Opet Festival, celebrated during the annual flooding

of the Nile. Once a year, a great feast was held and the

statue of Amun was transported via a small sailboat

from the Temple of Karnak to the Temple of Luxor.

(Stages of the festival are depicted in friezes along the

Temple of Karnak’s grand processional colonnade, the

construction of which was started by Amenhotep III

and finished by his grandson, Tutankhamen.)

At the rear of the temple is the Sun Court of Amenhotep III,

as well as the Bark Shrine that was rebuilt by Alexander

the Great (who is depicted bare-chested on the walls).

The Luxor Temple complex is at its most stunning at

sunset, when it is illuminated with the golden glow of the

setting sun.

Day 5Luxor, cruising the Nile River, Kom Ombo

u BB BD

Featured Excursions:colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut Temple and

Valley of the Kings 7 2 bGet an up-close view of two gigantic statues of Pharaoh

Amenhotep III, better known as the Colossi of Memnon.

Sixty feet (18 meters) tall and gazing eastward toward

the rising sun, the statues depict Amenhotep seated on

his throne. Carved next to his legs are his mother and his

wife, with side panels depicting the god of the Nile, Hapi.

The figures originally sat in front of the mortuary temple

of Amenhotep III and are believed to have surpassed

even Karnak in size. Unfortunately, the temple itself was

slowly dismantled over the centuries to provide building

materials for new temples; the twin Colossi continue to

stand guard nonetheless, just as they have done for the

past 3,400 years.

The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri is another

highlight today. One of Egypt’s rare female pharaohs,

Hatshepsut is considered by historians to have been one

of the most successful rulers of ancient Egypt. Both the

setting and the construction of her temple make it unique

among the landmarks of Egypt; built into the face of

steep cliffs at the basin, the temple is made of limestone

instead of sandstone, unlike any other funerary temples

of the New Kingdom period. Hatshepsut’s successor,

Thutmose III, attempted to remove her name from the

temple, and many images of the queen were damaged

or destroyed during his reign.

You’ll also visit one of the most famous archeological

sites in the world—the remote and barren Valley of the

Kings, used for royal burials for nearly 500 years. Much

of our understanding of Egyptian mythology has been

garnered from these ancient chambers, located about

four miles (seven kilometers) inland on the west bank of

the Nile. It was here that the bodies of great pharaohs

such as Ramses II and Thutmose III were once laid to

rest and where the mummified remains of the boy king

Tutankhamen are still on display. The idea for establishing

this royal burial ground is thought to have originated

with Thutmose I, who opted to conceal his tomb far from

his mortuary temple in an effort to deter tomb robbers.

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Subsequent pharaohs did the same, changing a tradition

that had endured for close to 2,000 years.

Within the tombs and along the walls of the Valley of

the Kings, inscriptions from the Book of the Dead

provided instructions on how the pharaohs could safely

journey to the next world and avoid the dangers that

lay on the way. For the sake of preservation, only a

handful of the most interesting tombs are open to

visitors at any given time.

Return to the ship and set sail for Kom Ombo. Tonight,

don your galabeya (traditional Egyptian attire, samples

of which will be available for purchase onboard if you’d

like to participate but didn’t bring your own) for a festive

onboard party featuring traditional Egyptian music.

Did You Know? The fifth Earl of Carnarvon bankrolled Howard Carter’s excavations in the Valley of the Kings and accompanied him during the opening of Tutankhamen’s treasure-filled tomb in 1922. Of their first glimpse, Carter reported: “Details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues and gold—everywhere the glint of gold.”

Day 6Kom Ombo, cruising the Nile River, Aswan

BB L D

Featured Excursion:Kom ombo Temple 5 2 bThe Kom Ombo Temple, unlike most ancient Egyptian

temples, is dedicated to two gods—the crocodile god

Sobek and the falcon god Horus the Elder. Construction

began under the reign of Ptolemy VI Philometor

(180-145 BC) and continued under later rulers, most

notably Ptolemy XIII (47-44 BC), who built the inner

and outer hypostyle halls. Several of the 300 crocodile

mummies discovered in the vicinity are displayed inside

the temple.

Did You Know? The ancient Egyptians associated certain animals with specific gods, and these beasts were commonly mummified and sold to people as temple offerings. Modern-day x-rays reveal that some of these “mummies” were actually clever fakes, fashioned out of mud and covered with elaborate wrappings.

FeAtuReD exCuRsiONs:

bird watching boat ride and nubian village visit 5 2 bAfter a scenic cruise to Aswan, you’ll take a small boat

on a bird-watching excursion along the Nile. Keep an eye

out for different species of herons, kingfishers, vultures,

sunbirds and other wildlife that thrive in the marsh grass

along the riverbanks. Stop at a Nubian village, where you’ll

enjoy the hospitality of a friendly local family at their

home. The Nubian people are descendants of an ancient

tribe that has inhabited this region for many centuries.

Although their ancestral lands were flooded decades ago

by the creation of the Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser,

the Nubians have retained their distinctive culture, and

many live in traditional-style dwellings.

Return to the River Tosca, where you’ll be treated to a

traditional Egyptian belly dance performance this evening.

Day 7 Aswan

u BB L D

Featured Excursions:aswan High Dam, Unfinished obelisk,

and Philae Temple 7 3 bThe Aswan High Dam, completed in the 1970s, is a

marvel of modern engineering that boasts some truly

epic dimensions—it is 11,800 feet (3,597 meters) long;

3,215 feet (980 meters) wide at its base; and 304 feet

(93 meters) high—with a reservoir capacity nearly

five times that of the Hoover Dam. You’ll also visit the

Unfinished Obelisk, commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut

yet never completed due to a flaw discovered in the

stone. If completed, it would have been the largest and

heaviest obelisk ever attempted, weighing more than

two million pounds (907,185 kilograms).

Another highlight today is the beautiful Philae Temple

complex, originally situated on the island of Philae. It

was painstakingly transferred to the island of Agilika

after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to save

it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, a daunting

UNESCO-funded endeavor that took 10 years to

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complete. The three principal monuments on the island

all date from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods—the Kiosk

of Trajan, the Temple of Hathor and the Temple of Isis.

Note: Guests are welcome to climb around the Unfinished Obelisk, but please note the climb is physically demanding.

Featured Excursions:boat ride in traditional nile River felucca and

afternoon tea at the old cataract Hotel aswan 7 2 BToday you will sail serenely down the Nile in a felucca—

a small traditional boat with large triangular sails—a

wonderful way to experience the river as Egyptians have

for a thousand years. Later, relax over afternoon tea at the

historic Old Cataract Hotel Aswan, a colonial-era gem that

counts Winston Churchill and Princess Diana among its

former guests. This famous hotel was depicted in Agatha

Christie’s acclaimed mystery novel Death on the Nile.

After dinner onboard this evening, you’ll be treated

to an enchanting Nubian show featuring traditionally

attired performers, live music and dancing.

Note: Feluccas are wind-powered and thus will operate only if weather conditions permit.

Day 8Aswan, cruising the Nile River, Kom Ombo, edfu

BB L BD

Spend the day at leisure or join us for an optional

excursion to see the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.

Optional Excursion:Temples of abu Simbel a 5 2 d bThese astounding structures are carved into the sand-

stone cliffs along the Nile about 200 miles from Aswan.

The front of the main temple has four gargantuan statues

of Ramses II on his throne, each measuring nearly 70 feet

(21 meters) high, that were once half buried in sand.

Note that the colossi wear the double crown of Upper

and Lower Egypt, a symbol of dominance over the entire

kingdom. In an impressive feat of engineering, the temple

was built so that the sun penetrates its inner confines

only two days a year, briefly bathing the sculptures of

Egyptian gods inside in bronze light.

This UNESCO-designated site was the focus of a

daunting four-year rescue operation in the early 1960s,

a multimillion-dollar effort that saved the 3,500-year-

old temples from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Day 9 esna, cruising the Nile River, Luxor

u BB L D

Featured Excursion:Temple of Esna 5 2 bThe Late Roman Temple of Esna lies on the west bank

of the Nile about 34 miles (55 kilometers) south of

Luxor. Buried under debris for many centuries, the

temple is just a short walk from the ship through the

local market. It dates from the Ptolemaic and Roman

period (180 BC to AD 251) and is one of the last

Egyptian temples ever built. Visitors can see two large

inscriptions praising Khnum, the ram-headed god of

creation, who fashioned mankind on a potter’s wheel

from the clay mud of the Nile. There’s also a hypostyle

hall with 24 pillars and a ceiling depicting Egyptian

astronomical figures and Roman zodiac signs. On the

temple’s western wall, look for images of Horus, the

god of victory, and Khnum, dragging a net full of fish.

At the foot of this façade are the last known

hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded in Egypt.

Later, savor the Nile’s majestic scenery as the ship cruises

to Luxor.

Day 10 Luxor, fly to Cairo

u e b d BB

Disembark in Luxor and transfer to the airport for your

return flight to Cairo. Check in to the Four Seasons Hotel

at Nile Plaza and enjoy free time in the city before

attending a sensational Sound and Light Show at the

Pyramids of Giza.

Featured Excursion:Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza 5 1 bThis evening’s Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids is

a fantastically creative and colorful introduction to these

ancient wonders and the amazing people and culture

that built them. Travel back in time as you experience a

compelling historical overview, with fascinating insights

into ancient Egyptian secrets and legends.

Notes:

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Day 11 Cairo

u BB

Featured Excursions:ancient Memphis sites, including the Pyramids of

Giza and the Great Sphinx 8 2 bVenture forth to Ancient Memphis, the capital of

Egypt’s Old Kingdom and now a vast UNESCO World

Heritage Site encompassing a number of extraordinary

monuments. You’ll see the colossal statue of Ramses II

and the Alabaster Sphinx, as well as the Step Pyramid

of King Zoser (or Djoser) in nearby Sakkara, the oldest

pyramid in the world and the prototype for all subsequent

pyramids. The ancient architect and sage Imhotep

initially designed the pyramid as a single story, then

later added five more levels and covered the structure

with a shell of fine limestone. In front of the pyramid,

Imhotep built a stone structure containing a wooden

box with two peepholes; peer inside and you’ll see a

life-size painted statue of King Zoser. The peepholes

were created to allow the king’s ka (life spirit) to

communicate with the outside world.

At the Giza Necropolis, the face of ancient Egypt—the

Great Sphinx—awaits your visit. With the body of a

crouching lion and the head of a man, it is the largest

monolith statue in the world. Experts believe that the

Sphinx (known to the early Arabs as Abu al-Hol,

“Father of Terror”) was built in the 26th century BC

during Khafre’s reign, perhaps as a portrait of the

pharaoh himself. Unfortunately, much of this monument

has either eroded or been deliberately destroyed over

the years. Some of its facial features are no longer intact,

such as the beard and the nose—the latter of which was

not shot off by Napoleon’s soldiers, as widely believed,

but chiseled away many centuries earlier. A number of

excavations in modern times have removed the sand that

built up around the Sphinx over the centuries and kept

much of it buried. Despite its timeworn condition, the

Sphinx still kneels gracefully as it has for thousands of

years, looking toward the east with an enigmatic smile.

Today you’ll also visit the only surviving Wonder of the

Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Beholding these

legendary structures up close lets you appreciate their

stone masonry and awe-inspiring architectural precision.

Until as recently as the 19th century, the oldest and

largest of the three pyramids—Khufu—was the tallest

building in the world; when it was completed around

the 26th century BC, it stood about 50 stories high.

Khafre is the second largest of the three pyramids and the

resting place of the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khafre. The

smallest is the Pyramid of Menkaure, which a 12th-century

sultan spent eight months attempting to destroy; he

succeeded only in damaging its north face. You’ll have

a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve inside either

Khafre or Menkaure, an experience you will never forget.

Without question, the three Pyramids of Giza are Egypt’s

most iconic “must-see” sight, the country’s top attraction

for over 3,000 years.

DaY

12Depart Cairo

b CB/BB

Check out of your hotel. If your cruise/tour package

includes a group departure transfer or if you have

purchased a private departure transfer, you will

be escorted to Cairo International Airport for your

flight home.

Note: Visit uniworld.com for visa information in the “Already Booked” section.

Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise/tour.

Note: All extras, such as optional excursions, telephone calls, laundry, drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature, are not included in the cost of the trip.

36CST #2075415-20

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