Step back thousands of years in time among the treasures of ancient Egypt, exploring temples, tombs, and the mighty Pyramids of Giza on a journey that includes a four-night Nile River cruise.
Cairo and the Temples of the Nile: A Tailor-Made Journey to Egypt
10 days from $7,945
Step back thousands of years in time among the treasures of ancient Egypt, exploring temples, tombs, and the mighty Pyramids of Giza on a journey that includes a four-night Nile River cruise.
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Marriott Mena House
Giza, Egypt
Few hotels can match the location of the Marriott Mena House: nestled directly beneath the looming hulk of the Great Pyramid. Built as a hunting lodge and base for exploring the pyramids by Khedive Ismail, a 19th-century Egyptian ruler, it was patronized in the early days by international royalty and high society, a trend that continued after its conversion to a hotel.
Churchill and Roosevelt met here to plan the D-Day invasions, and there are suites in their names to commemorate the event. The hotel has a mix of classic 19th-century Arabesque architecture and design, as well as more modern areas, complete with a pleasant garden and pool area.
M.S. Oberoi Philae
The Nile, Egypt
Styled to resemble a vintage paddle steamer, the Oberoi Philae has been completely refitted and decorated with a light-filled, modern interior. Each of the 18 cabins and 4 suites are spacious with elegant decor, rattan furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows for unobscured views of the Nile scenery as you sail by. Large en suite bathrooms include freestanding bath tubs. Delicious, freshly prepared meals highlight Western, Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine can be enjoyed in either the indoor restaurant, lounge, or at the poolside dining area. The Philae boasts an excellent spa, cinema, small gym, dance floor, and an elevator serving all four floors. Excursions are in groups of about 20 people, with an expert English-speaking guide.
Sofitel Legend The Old Cataract
Aswan, Egypt
The Old Cataract look out over the Nile to Elephantine Island and the sands of the Sahara beyond. Built in the late 19th century, the hotel has welcomed many famous guests over the years, including Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill. Today, the property retains its elegant Victorian character, with its interiors mixing Egyptian and French styles. Rooms are located in the original wing and a newer wing, which are separated by a large indoor pool surrounded by colorful pillars. The hotel has four restaurants featuring a range of cuisines from Egyptian to French, as well as four bars, terraces overlooking the Nile, a spa and hammam, and a fitness center.
When you travel on a tailor-made journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:
- A Smithsonian annual engagement calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
- Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. Early access to Smithsonian magazine produced events.
- Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
- 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
- Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll, displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center
- Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
- Free admission to the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
- A complimentary copy of the annual Smithsonian museum guidebook.
- Invitation to a special welcome event for new members at a Smithsonian venue.
*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members.
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For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.
In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.
To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.