The ‘Triumphant City’ is one of the world's largest urban areas and offers many sites to see.

It is the administrative capital of Egypt and is close to almost every Egyptian Pyramid, including the Great Pyramids of Giza located on the very edge of the city. Cairo is constantly full of life and movement with the noisy honking of horns, children playing in the streets and merchants selling their wares and services. Browse the many souks (bazaars) largely unchanged since the 14th century and pick up spices, perfumes, gold and silver, or try some of the famous street markets for fabrics, including Egyptian cotton. Discover Cairo, the melting pot of ancient and modern Egyptian civilizations.

Known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", Alexandria has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country despite its close proximity to Cairo. The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and since then, Alexandria has seen its share of history, thanks to former residents like Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Euclid. In the early 20^th Century, Alexandria was rediscovered by the British and became a playground for rich, bohemian Europeans, until the revolution of 1952 clamped down on foreign influences. Today, the city sparkles in the seaside promenade, colonial apartment buildings and wide avenues, but it takes a benevolent eye to picture what the city may have looked like at its peak.

Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, this place is known as one of the world’s most accessible resort destinations for snorkeling and scuba diving. In 1989, the Ras Mohamed National Park was established, both on shore and at sea, to preserve the area’s unique ecosystems. Almost 300 feet of vertical reefs are home to an astonishingly abundant marine world, much of it unique to these waters, while the land based park teems with exotic birds. All around Sharm el Sheikh are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. Jeep safaris are an exciting way to experience the majestic mountains. Activities abound in the area and include diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horse and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions. The simplicity of sun, sea and sand blends with upscale hotels, water sports, shopping and entertainment to make up Sharm el Sheikh.

Egypt's sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town has a distinctively African atmosphere. The Nile here flows through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Stroll along the broad Corniche to watch the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sit in a floating restaurant and listen to Nubian music while eating freshly caught fish. Explore Kitchener's Island, known for its gardens and the exotic plants British general Haratio Kitchener planted there.

Luxor has often been called the world’s greatest open air museum. The number of preserved monuments in the area is unparalleled. Karnak hosts one of the largest concentrations of temples in the world, spanning an area almost the size of Central Park. Lose yourself in an avenue of sphinxes or a forest of stone columns colored and inscribed with hieroglyphs. Stand under monumental gateways and rest in the shade of once holy sanctuaries.

The Nile has been Egypt's primary source of water for thousands of years. Until the Aswan High Dam was built in 1971, farmers along the Nile Valley relied on the river's annual flooding to drench the soil and fertilize it with silt, while during ancient times rituals were dedicated to pleasing the gods that controlled it. The Nile Valley contains thousands of ancient monuments, earning it a reputation as the largest open air museum in the world. Sail the majestic Nile from the comfort of a cruise ship. This is undoubtedly the most enjoyable and relaxing way to experience the sights and wonders of ancient Egypt. The land stretching from Luxor to Aswan, in the south of Egypt, is home to many of the world's most impressive monuments of the famed Pharaonic civilization. Watch 5,000 years of history unfold on an unforgettable journey through ancient Egypt.

Oberoi Philae Nile Cruiser

Deluxe

The Oberoi Philae offers guests a cruise on the Nile along the landmarks of an ancient civilization. The journey begins in Luxor or Aswan and courses through Pharaonic dynasties that span thousands of years. Elegant interiors with teak paneling, parquet floors, European antiques and Oriental carpets create an ambience of luxury. Excellent recreational and dining facilities make the journey pleasurable.

All cabins and suites are fully equipped to ensure comfort and security. Elegantly upholstered furniture, decorative ironwork on the balconies and rich fabrics and carpets lend an air of The British country house to the interiors. Each cabin has its own private balcony and sun loungers allowing peaceful contemplation of the ever changing views. All cabins feature private bathrooms, temperature controls, mini bar, remote control television, radios, computerized telephone system, safes and spacious wardrobes. A misty system on the sun deck protects guests from excessive summer heat. An idyllic way to discover the rich history along the Nile, this deluxe cruiser offers the elegance of an old world voyage.

Sonesta Moon Goddess

Deluxe

The Sonesta Moon Goddess is 5-star cruise ship and was built in 2000 in Cairo by Belgian interior designer José Vanden Bossche.  The 4-deck ship was awarded the Certificate of Excellence and is classified as an A-1 river service. There are 48 standard cabins with sliding glass doors opening to private balconies and 2 presidential suites with private lounges.  All cabins feature, direct dial telephone, individual climate control, hairdryer, mini bar, in room safe, television and movie program and bathrooms equipped with bathtubs.

Travcotels Nile Cruises

Superior

Travcotels owns and operates a fleet of 17 Nile cruise ships, with more under construction. As the largest Nile River cruise line, Travcotels' fleet of modern ships of all categories and sizes meets the requirements and needs of the leisure traveler. Their commitment to their guests, coupled with the scale and variety provided by the fleet, ensures a highly personalized style of service with attention to detail.

Contact United Vacations 1-800-417-9246