Morocco Imperial Express & Nile Cruise -MA-NEZ-04

Overnight flight to Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc’s wide-body jet. In flight meals.

Upon arrival at the Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca.Welcome and assistance and transfer to join the group for the sightseeing of Casablanca, the business capital of Morocco. Visit the exterior of the great Hassan II Mosque, Mohamed V square, the United Nations place, the central market, the habbous sector and the residential area of Anfa before strolling along the Aïn Diab coast dotted with swimming pools and restaurants. Independent lunch (1)and departure to Rabat, the white imperial city. Visit of the administrative capital of Morocco with the Hassan tower, the splendid Mohamed V Mausoleum, the Kasbah of Oudayas and the Medina. Late in the afternoon, check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

After breakfast, departure to Fez with visit of the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the sacred town of Moulay Idriss Ist. Continue to Meknes.
Independent lunch (1) Visit of this city known as “the Moroccan Versailles” which was the founded at the end of the 17 Century by Moulay Ismail. The sightseeing of Meknes will include Bab Mansour, the most preserved gate in Morocco, Hari Souani and the old medina. Arrival to Fez, dinner and overnight at the hotel.(B,D)

The whole day is devoted to the sightseeing of Fez; the most ancient cultural and spiritual city of Morocco. Visit of the medieval medina, the
medersas, the karaouine mosque and the famous Nejjarine fountain. Independent lunch (1) and continuation of the visit through the old medina
where the clients will see different craftsmen still operating in the old oriental tradition. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight. (B,D)

After breakfast, departure to Marrakesh crossing the region the middle Atlas and passing through Immouzer du Kander, Azrou and Ifrane, a charming ski resort in the heart of a magnificent cedar forest. Stop at Beni-Mellal to enjoy a moment of relaxation. Independent lunch (1) and continuation to Marrakesh. Little by little will appear the red earth of the country contrasting with the clear blue sky and the eternal green palms. Check-in at the hotel, dinner and overnight. (B,D)

The entire day will be spent visiting Marrakesh, the second oldest imperial city known as the “Pearl of the South” with the Saadian tombs, the
Koutoubia, the Bahia Palace and the Menara gardens. Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, visit of the souks, the winding little streets and the Djemaâ El Fna place with its various and non-stop entertainment: storytellers, snake charmers, fire-eaters and more. A Diffa Fantasia dinner will be served under caïdal tents at the famous “Chez Ali” restaurant while
enjoying fantasia performance with camel and horses shows, folkloric and belly dancers. Return to the hotel and overnight at the hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast, morning free at leisure for a final plunge into the atmosphere of Marrakesh or relaxation by the pool of the hotel. Independent lunch (1). In the afternoon, departure to Casablanca. Arrival at the hotel, check-in. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the Casablanca airport for your flight to Cairo.
Upon arrival in Cairo transfer to the hotel Pyramids Park, rest of the day at leisure. * Hotel Upgrade at Ramses Hilton, Cairo available at $25 per person per night. (B)

Full day in Cairo at leisure. (B)

After breakfast you will have a full day excursion with lunch, visiting the famous Egyptian Museum where archaeological pieces dating as far back as 3000 BC are in exhibit; where you will see the famous treasure of King Tut-ank-amon. You will also visit the Alabaster Mosque (also known as the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha), the Coptic district, and the Ancient Citadel, which was built in 1176. ( B – L – D )

After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to the Cairo airport for a flight to Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel is considered to be one of the most impressive sites in Egypt. Here you will visit the two temples built by Ramses II as a high-architect before he became a Pharaoh. The 100 foot high Great Temple is world famous, which features 4 statues of Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari, each 65 foot high. Next to the Great Temple is the temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari. Both temples were originally carved in a mountain. In 1965 they were moved 600 feet and raised 65 feet, thanks to an international project to save them from the flooding caused by the construction of the High Dam. You will then take a second flight to Aswan, and be transferred to either Aswan Isis Hotel for dinner and overnight; or if space-available to your cruise ship MS Sarah. (Meals B-D)

After breakfast a full-day optional excursion** in Aswan including a Felucca Sailing on the Nile River and later visiting Temple of Philae, the High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk site. In the evening we will sail Kom Ombo for anl excursion to the Ancient Site there. Lunch and dinner are aboard the cruise boat MS Sarah or similar. (Meals B-L-D)

As you have your breakfast we will sail to Edfu. Upon arrival in Edfu, optional excursion begins first by taking a horse-drawn-carriage ride in Edfu, and then visiting the Edfu Temple. Later in the afternoon we will sail to Esna, where boat will dock for overnight. (Meals B-L-D)

This morning we will cross the locks on the Nile in Esna -providing a fun and small scale canal-crossing experience. We will continue to sail north to Luxor. Optional excursions in Luxor include, Luxor and Karnak Temples and visit to the West Bank of the Nile with Thebes, Valley of Kings, Valley of the Queens and Collossi of Memnon. Dinner and overnight on board in Luxor. (Meals B-L-D)

Morning transfer to Luxor airport in time for your flight bound for Cairo. On arrival meeting and transfer to your hotel the Pyramids Park or similar. Afternoon free for shopping and independent activities. (B)

Today, you will have a full day excursion with lunch, visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. You will drive around the Pyramid of Chephren, the Pyramid of Cheops (also known as the Great Pyramid or Khufu), and the Pyramid of Mykerinos. You will have time to walk around the Cheops, and take pictures. Then visit the Sphinx, the huge one-piece sandstone man-headed lion-bodied statue. Then continue to Memphis, the capital of Old Kingdom; and then Sakkara, to visit the Step Pyramid, the first monumental stone structure in Ancient Egypt. ( B L)

Transfer to Cairo airport for flights to JFK via Casablanca..  ( B )

** We recommend the purchase of Nile Cruise Shore Excursions package, for $299 you will enjoy 5 shore excursions during the Nile cruise as outlined in the itinerary..