Night 1, 2 & 3: Mena House Oberoi Cairo, Egypt This palatial hotel lies in the shadow of Cairo’s Great Pyramids and Tauck’s guest rooms offer views of the Pyramids! Originally built as a royal hunting lodge in the mid-19th century, it has welcomed crowned heads, heads of state, and internationally known celebrities during its long history. Its royal heritage is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. Generously proportioned guest rooms have high ceilings, satellite TV and DVD player, broadband Internet access, electronic safe and direct-dial telephone with voice mail. Set in a beautifully landscaped garden with a wonderful view of the Pyramids, the outdoor swimming pool is most inviting and the Fitness Centre stands ready with a wide range of exercise equipment. Begin the evening with an aperitif while gazing at the Pyramids at the Sultan Lounge or, if you’re a night owl, Abu Newas offers a “night to remember,” complete with a belly dancer. Readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler have voted the Mena House Oberoi one of the world’s best hotels.
Night 4: Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor Luxor, Egypt Once a majestic private residence, the Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor is ideally located on the banks of the River Nile in the heart of the tourist district of Luxor, a city rich in ancient treasures and the cultural heritage of Egypt. Welcoming guest rooms feature individually adjustable air conditioning, mini bar, Internet access, satellite TV, and in-room safe. Guests enjoy a superb leisure center with an outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna and fitness room. Enjoy your favorite libation as you watch the sun set over the Nile at the Nile Bar and Lounge and savor local / international, Lebanese or Italian cuisine in three main restaurants – The Nubia, El Tarboush, and Casa de Napoli.
Night 5, 6, 7, 8: Aboard Nile Adventurer Cruising the Nile River One of the very finest passenger vessels plying the waters of the River Nile, the Nile Adventurer provides a comfortable, intimate, yacht-like ambiance from which to watch the ever-unfolding scenes along the legendary river. Comfortable staterooms feature large picture windows, private bath with tub and shower and welcome amenities such as color TV and a CD player. The five passenger decks offer an outdoor swimming pool, two sun decks, a library, two bars and a lounge, as well as laundry facilities, a game room and a gift shop, and the dining room features an international menu. The relaxed and intimate atmosphere aboard Nile Adventurer is enhanced by special activities such as a cooking demonstration and an evening with the opportunity to dress in a traditional galabeyya while enjoying Egyptian cuisine, music and dancing.
Night 9, 10, 11: Semiramis InterContinental Cairo Cairo, Egypt Located facing the Nile in the heart of the city, the Semiramis InterContinental Cairo is close to the Egyptian Museum and many of Cairo’s landmark sights. Welcoming air-conditioned guest rooms feature cable and satellite color TV, CD and DVD player, coffee maker, mini bar, telephone with voice mail, bathrobes, hair dryer, in-room safe, iron and ironing board and a scale. On the 4th floor, you’ll find the Health & Fitness Centre with its freeform outdoor swimming pool, fitness equipment and Jacuzzi. No matter what type of cuisine you’re craving – from Thai to Italian to Lebanese to French – you’ll find it here with six different restaurants to choose from. Enjoy a quiet nightcap  (and a “tidbit” mezza menu if you’re still hungry) at Rithmo or catch the Oriental floorshow featuring Egypt’s most famous belly dancer at the Haroun Al Rashid Night Club.