Despite sitting adjacent to two large bodies of water – the Red Sea and the Mediterranean – Egypt is almost entirely a desert environment, except for areas along the Nile, the world’s longest river. Cairo, the country’s capital with a population of over 22 million, has a fascinating history and was initially settled in 973 CE by the Fatimid Islamic sect. Its name means “the triumphant city”. Of course, history predates this, with the famous pyramids built between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago.

Egypt has numerous archaeological sites of major significance, including the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of the kingdom’s pharaohs. The Pyramids of Giza need little introduction, sitting on the outskirts of Cairo. They are burial grounds for generations of pharaohs. Luxor Temple is a large complex located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city today known as Luxor, and was constructed approximately 1400 BCE. The list goes on!

The country is highly indigenous in that 98% of all people, around 110 million, are original Egyptians, with the vast majority being Sunni Muslims. Arabic forms the primary language; however, literacy is very low compared to the developed world. Sadly, women lag way behind men, with about 40% of the country’s women considered to be illiterate.

Blue Dot is offering a tour of this fascinating region, comprising mainly a cruise on the Luxury MS Darakum, with some quality land components. Over 13 days, you’ll experience the very best that the country has to offer. We also offer an optional extension to Abu Simbel, a historic site comprising two massive rock-cut temples near the border with Sudan. MS Darakum is the only five-star super deluxe Nile cruise operating the long cruise program, Aswan–Cairo. It offers an unforgettable journey while cruising through 7,000 years of history. It features a Moroccan-inspired design with three Sundeck levels and cabins with large panoramic windows. The Mövenpick MS Darakum enjoys a private dock in Luxor. She has fewer than 50 spacious, uniquely designed cabins and suites, all with private bathrooms, air conditioning, a bathtub, minibars, hairdryers, a Smart TV with Marine Satellite, free Wi- Fi, and a water purification system. All meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner — are provided.