Wings Over the Ancient World

Arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and birthplace of democracy, where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel.

Begin your explorations of Athens at the Acropolis Museum, marveling at artifacts Athenians used in everyday life, as well as finds from the slopes of the Acropolis. Next, stroll the Plaka, filled with flower shops, taverns and charming boutiques, where you also enjoy lunch. Later this afternoon, visit the Acropolis, one of the greatest icons of the ancient world, viewing the Parthenon in the early evening light. Savor an A&K-exclusive dinner at a 19th-century private townhouse, located on the oldest street in Europe.

This morning, set out on a foodie walking exploration of Athens, visiting some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and experiencing its charming streets, street food and traditional dishes. Board your private chartered aircraft to Istanbul. On arrival, check in to your hotel.

Visit the timeless Hagia Sophia, marveling at the structure’s imposing facade, matched only by the grandeur of its towering, vaulted ceilings; and the sixth-century Basilica Cistern. See the nearby Hippodrome and city walls. Later this afternoon, cruise the Bosphorus, toasting to its beauty and your journey with a Scenic Sundowner.

Enter the beautiful domed 16th-century Suleymaniye Mosque, created by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, whom Frank Lloyd Wright called “the supreme master builder of all time.” Afterward, explore the dazzling Grand Bazaar, a monument to the “Rise of Istanbul.” Wander, shop and bargain among its 3,500 shops. Explore the Spice Bazaar as well as the Rustem Pasha Mosque, also built by Sinan, to marvel at its breathtaking tile decorations.

Discover Topkapi Palace, the headquarters for the Turks who once ruled most of the Mediterranean, then briefly visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Savor a Cup of Turkish Coffee at the historic Pera Palace hotel, and learn the importance of coffee culture in Istanbul. Indulge in a Historic Hammam Experience at a 16th-century Turkish bathhouse. Explore Dolmabahce Palace and its impressive collection of 19th-century eclectic Ottoman art. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for dinner.

Fly by private charter to Aswan, where you board the intimate dahabeah Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau. Later, boat to the island of Agilika and view a special show at Philae Temple, a sacred complex that reflects the Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras.

Go ashore at Kom Ombo to visit the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), and view the mummified remains of several crocodiles that once basked on the Nile’s banks, just as their descendants do today.

Continue sailing toward Esna, a city sacred to ancient Egyptians, passing riverside villages where time has seemingly stood still and taking in the views as history unfolds around you.

Cruise to Luxor, where you roam through the Valley of the Kings, legendary burial ground of the pharaohs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was here in 1922 that the tomb of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun, was found by British archaeologist Howard Carter. Now, discover it for yourself as you set foot inside its 35-century-old walls. Also visit the tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Continue to the Valley of the Queens, where you visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb, famous for the colorful, well-preserved artwork that adorns its walls. After lunch back on board, visit the Temple of Karnak and walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall. Then, behold the Temple of Luxor, with its massive statues of Ramses II, and marvel at the Colonnade and Court of Amenhotep III.

Today, bid farewell to Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau, disembarking to fly aboard chartered aircraft to Cairo. Explore the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (or the Grand Egyptian Museum, upon its opening) to view a vast trove of artifacts. Then, check in at your hotel, located along Cairo’s Corniche.

Venture across the Giza Plateau to view its iconic pyramids and explore the interior of one of these soaring Fourth Dynasty tombs. Then, go up close to the Great Sphinx, enjoying special private access to the paws of the enigmatic monument, close enough to touch them. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, privately transfer to the airport for your departing flight.