EGYPT • OCTOBER 17-23, 2026

King Tut and Cleopatra. Mummies and hieroglyphics. The Great Pyramid(s) and the Great Sphinx. All historic. All iconic. All are associated with one legendary destination—Egypt. Welcome to the ultimate opportunity to explore and discover the The Land of Pharaohs. This custom two-part package features a four-night Nile River cruise, regional flight from Aswan to Cairo, and two nights in Cairo. Egypt’s top attractions (and secret spots) are included. Acrophobia (fear of heights) will certainly be tested when soaring over the Nile and the Valley of the Kings in a hot air balloon. Child’s play? Okay. Then there’s taphophobia (fear of being buried alive) when crawling underground inside one of the Great Pyramids’ tunnels. Which could also induce claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces). Sounds awesome, huh?

Equally important is the group’s guide: the private Egyptologist. Not just any Egyptologist—one of the country’s very best who is extremely knowledgeable, charismatic, funny, and is easy to understand (critical). Now is the chance to fulfill that lifelong dream to unearth (pun intended) the greatest civilization of all time.

EGYPT

Egypt is located in the northeastern corner of Africa. Its prime location and abundant resources, including the Nile River, have fueled its prosperity. Situated between Europe and Asia, and the Mediterranean and Red Seas, with the Nile Valley connecting to Sub-Saharan Africa, Egypt also controls the Suez Canal, a vital shortcut between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean.

From around 3100 BC to 525 BC, Egypt was the richest, most powerful empire in the world. As one of the world’s greatest civilizations, Egypt is known to have developed paper from the papyrus plant, their own form of writing (hieroglyphics), and advanced the studies of literature, science, and the arts. The inventions of agriculture, urbanization, religion and central government were also attributed to this civilization. The Ancient Egyptian Empire began to weaken in about 700 BC, and was then dominated by the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Turks, the British, and other empires.

As its official name states, the Arab Republic of Egypt, Egypt considers itself an Arab nation. Today Egypt remains one of the world’s great tourist destinations and its economy depends on tourism. Some of their iconic monuments are the Giza Necropolis, the Great Sphinx, the ruins of Memphis, Thebes, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings, all of which reflect the legacy of this area. The pyramids of Egypt are the sole remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.

Continent: Africa • Official Name: Arab Republic of Egypt • Capital: Cairo • Established: c. 3150 BC • Area: 386,900 sq mi • Highest Elevation: 8,625' (Mount Catherine) • Time: UTC+2 • Electricity: 220V • Population: 114,000,000+ (2024) • Primary Religion: Sunni Islam (90%) • Language: Arabic • Currency: Egyptian Pound ($1 = 47 EGP) • Driving Side: Right • Airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI)

NILE RIVER

The Nile River, or as it is commonly known, “the Nile”, is the longest river in the world, stretching an impressive 4,130 miles. Although often associated with Egypt, the Nile rises south of the Equator and flows northward through 11 African countries to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. Throughout history, the Nile has served as the basis for the evolution of advanced civilizations, primarily the development of Egyptian civilization, providing an unending source of substance from fresh water, food, transportation, and fertile land. Silt deposits from the Nile made the surrounding land fertile because the river overflowed its banks annually, leaving a thick moist mud, perfect for growing crops such as wheat, flax and papyrus. This was paramount to Egypt’s rise to wealth and power.

Even today, the Nile remains an invaluable source of life as it continues to serve as a source of irrigation, as well as an important transportation and trade route. 95% of the country’s population depend on its water and live within a few miles of the riverbanks. The river and its banks are filled with many varieties of wildlife, like freshwater fish, the African tigerfish, birds, turtles, snakes, hippos, rhinos, Nile monitors, wildebeests, baboons, and of course the fearsome Nile crocodile.

The Nile was also an important part of ancient Egyptian spiritual life. The ancient people believed that the Nile was the source of all life in Egypt and an integral part of the lives of the gods, all whom the Egyptians believed were deeply intertwined with the blessings and curses of the land. Their beliefs about life and death were centered around the Nile. The east was considered a place of birth and growth, while the west was the place of death. When people died, they were entombed west of the Nile, because in order to enter the afterlife, they had to be buried on the side that symbolized death.

Continent: Africa • Countries: Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Eritrea • Length: 4,130 mi • Max Width: 1.7 mi • Primary Discharge: Mediterranean Sea

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Forget the brutal, soul-crushing heat of summer; October is when Egypt finally chills out and remembers how to be pleasant. The sun is still in charge, but it has traded its tyrannical rage for a warm, golden glow that lets visitors actually explore the ancient world without melting into a puddle. Evenings bring a welcome, crisp relief, perfect for lounging by the Nile after a day of being properly sun-drenched. Rain is a myth this time of year, so count on relentlessly clear blue skies day after day, making it the undisputed sweet spot to conquer temples and tombs before the winter tourist hordes descend.

OCTOBER AVERAGES

Cairo - High: 86°F • Low: 60°F • Sea Water: NA • Daylight Hrs: 12.5 • Sunshine Hrs: 9.5 • Rainy Days: 1 • Rain Total: 0.2 in
Luxor + Aswan - High: 97°F • Low: 72°F • Sea Water: NA • Daylight Hrs: 12.5 • Sunshine Hrs: 10 • Rainy Days: 0 • Rain Total: 0 in

STEIGENBERGER LEGACY

The Steigenberger Legacy is a five-star (Egyptian standards) deluxe Nile cruise ship that offers a sophisticated voyage through the heart of Egypt, representing a synergy between European standards and local expertise. While it operates under the prestigious German Steigenberger brand, known internationally for its rigorous commitment to luxury and service, the vessel is managed locally by the Jaz Hotel Group. This partnership leverages Jaz’s extensive regional experience as one of Egypt’s largest and most respected hospitality operators, ensuring that guests receive a seamless blend of international quality assurance and authentic Egyptian hospitality while cruising between Luxor and Aswan.

Onboard, the vessel is designed to provide a comfortable and elegant base for exploring ancient sights. The ship features 76 well-appointed cabins and suites, most offering large panoramic windows that allow for uninterrupted views of the passing river scenery. Onboard facilities are designed for relaxation and entertainment, including a spacious sundeck with a “swimming” pool (no lifeguard on duty at this knee-deep freshwater puddle) and bar, a main restaurant serving international and local cuisine, a lounge bar, and occasional evening entertainment such as traditional music and dance performances.

Type: Motor Ship (M/S) • Built: 2010 • Refit: 2021 • Decks: 5 • Capacity: 150 • Standard Cabins: 74 • Suites: 2 • Restaurant: Abu Nawas • Elevator: Yes • Pool: Yes • Gym: Yes • Spa: Sorta • WiFi: Available

ACCOMMODATIONS

STANDARD CABIN
The 205 sq. ft cabins are located on the main, middle, and upper decks. Available with one king bed or two twin beds.

NILE RIVER CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Luxor Temple: Constructed approximately 1400 BC, the large temple complex is located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes).

Karnak Temple: The second most visited Egyptian site after the Giza Pyramids, the area features a vast mix of temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings. One famous aspect of Karnak is the Hypostyle Hall in the Precinct of Amun-Re, an area of roughly 50,000 sq. ft. with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows. 122 of these columns are 30' in height, and the other 12 are 70' tall with a diameter of over 9'.

Valley of the Kings: Famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, the World Heritage Site, stands on the west bank of the Nile, opposite Thebes. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, rock-cut tombs were excavated for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom.

Hatshepsut Temple: Considered one of the "incomparable monuments of ancient Egypt", the mortuary temple is dedicated to Amun and Hatshepsut and is located beneath the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile.

Kom Ombo Temple: Constructed during the Ptolemaic dynasty (180 BC to 47 BC), the building’s unique "double" design has courts, halls, sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for two sets of gods.

Unfinished Obelisk: The largest known ancient obelisk. If finished it would have measured around 137' and would have weighed nearly 1,200 tons, a weight equal to about 200 African elephants.

HOT AIR BALLOON

In the pre-dawn darkness, the nondescript dirt field quickly transforms from an empty plot of land to chaotic launch site. Dozens of flattened craft lie in wait, suddenly roaring to life with blasts of fire. Shouts echo as crews wrangle the massive, inflating balloons. With a final surge, the baskets lurch upward, part of a mass ascension into the dim sky. The initial mayhem immediately dissolves into a profound, suspended tranquility. Silence (if the other guests can stop chirping) and awe takes hold as the airship climbs, drifting quietly on the morning currents. Rising to 1,500 feet, the world below expands, revealing the epic scale of the Theban necropolis as the first light of sunrise strikes the sheer, golden cliffs guarding the Valley of the Kings.

Carried east, the balloon journeys from the silent canyons of the dead toward the vibrant artery of the Nile. The vast, arid desert halts at a sharp, impossible line of vivid green. Below, the legendary river snakes through the continent, its banks teeming with life. And just like that 45 minutes has passed. The descent begins, gliding lower until it skims just above the rooftops of the West Bank villages. This stealthy pass offers an intimate survey of the mud-brick homes and timeless patterns of life unfolding on the ground, a final, close-up encounter before returning to earth.

EGYPTAIR

When the Nile River cruise ends, the crazy train doesn’t stop. Next up, the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, museums, and more. No additional cost for the one-way 90-minute flight from Aswan (ASW) to Cairo (CAI). Window seat please! And for those with excess luggage (1 checked piece = 33 lbs included), don’t worry, EgyptAir will happily accept payment at time of check-in for any additional bags.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CAIRO AT THE FIRST RESIDENCE

The Four Seasons brand is synonymous with ultra-luxury, impeccable service, and the finest resort amenities. Generally, the cost to stay at any of the company’s prestigious locations is a bit cost-prohibitive (for example, the average rate for a standard room at the Las Vegas Four Seasons can be $1,000 per night, whoa). Luckily, Seasick has connections. Introducing the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence. The waterfront landmark property is located on the Nile River banks. Cool. Plus, it features views of the pyramids, the city, and the adjacent Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Very cool. Just a stone's throw away (get it?) lies the most sought after antiquities: the Great Sphinx, the 12th-century citadel, and the GEM (look it up or read more below). Within three miles guests can access the Tahrir Square, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, numerous embassies, and everyday Egyptian life. Need them souvenirs? Shop in the attached First Mall or the city’s 1,000-year-old market aka ancient bazaar.

Built: 2000 • Renovated: 2017 • Rooms: 212 • Suites: 50 • Floors: 20 • Pool: 2 Outdoor + 1 Indoor • Cabanas: Available • Spa: Yes • Onsite Dining: 6 options (+ room service) • Bar: Yes • Laundry: Available • Breakfast: Included • WiFi: Included • Shopping: 50+ upscale boutiques • Casino: no comment • Fitness Center: Yes • Cigar Lounge: Yes • Multi-lingual Staff: Yes • Currency Exchange: Yes • ATM: Yes

ACCOMMODATIONS

SUPERIOR ROOM
The 450 sq. ft. rooms are available with one king bed or two twin beds. Each guest room is a private sanctuary (important after playing in the desert sand) complete with sophisticated design elements and city or river views. Views are assigned at check in.

CAIRO HIGHLIGHTS

Giza Pyramid Complex: Also called the Giza Necropolis, the site includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with their associated pyramid complexes and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The Great Pyramid and the Pyramid of Khafre are the largest pyramids built in ancient Egypt, and they have historically been emblems of ancient Egypt in the Western imagination. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is by far the oldest of the ancient Wonders and the only one still in existence.

Great Sphinx: The limestone statue of a reclining sphinx (a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human) is the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt. It is believed to have been built by ancient Egyptians of the Old Kingdom during the reign of the Pharaoh Khafre (c. 2558 BC to 2532 BC).

Museum Of Egyptian Antiquities: Known commonly as the Egyptian Museum or Museum of Cairo. It is home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities and is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, housing over 170,000 artifacts. It has the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world.

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: the NMEC is the Arab world’s first “initial civilization” museum. Considered the crown jewel of the property, the Royal Mummies' Hall is specially designed to display the remains of the ancient Kings and Queens of Egypt.

Islamic Cairo: Part of central Cairo around the old walled city and around the Citadel of Cairo which is characterized by hundreds of mosques, tombs, madrasas, mansions, caravanserais, and fortifications dating from the Islamic era. In 1979, UNESCO proclaimed Historic Cairo a World Cultural Heritage site.

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar: Shops typically sell souvenirs, antiques and jewelry, but many traditional workshops continue to operate in the surrounding area and the adjoining goldsmiths' souq, for example, is still important for locals. In addition to shops, there are several coffeehouses, restaurants, and street food vendors distributed throughout the market. One of the oldest and most famous coffeehouses is Fishawi's, established in 1773.

GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM (GEM)

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Waaaay back in 2002, a monumental pipedream began. Now, after more than two decades of work and an incredible one billion dollars poured into its creation, the legendary Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has finally debuted! Why is this the biggest deal in history? First off, check the location! This isn't some random museum tucked away in the far-flung corner of the city. The GEM is built just one mile from the Pyramids of Giza! Imagine stepping out and seeing the ancient wonders themselves right next door. But the real magic is inside. This place is an absolute behemoth of history, clocking in at a staggering 872,000 sq ft, making it the largest archaeological museum on-the-entire-planet!

And the collection? One word (sorta): mind-blowing. The GEM is the new home for over 100,000 priceless artifacts. Not just a few dusty statues—rather the entire, glittering, jaw-dropping King Tutankhamun collection (and that’s only one of the 12 main exhibition halls). Whoa. Even better? Thousands of these artifacts have been locked away in forgotten storerooms for decades, never before seen by the public! Indiana Jones would be jealous. This architectural marvel is the crown jewel of a massive new master plan: Giza 2030. Forget traditional museums—the GEM is about to change the game forever!

SAMPLE ITINERARY

PACKAGE INCLUDES

FLIGHTS + TRANSIT HOTELS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2025
NILE RIVER CRUISE + CAIRO

Notes
• October 14: Depart Los Angeles Airport 4:40pm (Group flight)
• October 16: Arrive Cairo International Airport 12:50am (Group flight)¹
¹ Cairo hotel reservation required for October 15 check-in. Recommended hotel = Le Meridien Hotel Cairo Airport
• October 17: Depart Cairo International Airport 12:35pm (Group flight)
• October 17: Arrive Luxor International Airport 1:40pm (Group flight)
• October 17: Private transfer included Luxor International Airport → Steigenberger Legacy (times vary)
• October 17: Embark Steigenberger Legacy 2:30pm (Red Sea liveaboard guests embark 2:00pm)
• October 17: Steigenberger Legacy lunch
• October 17: Guests not on Group Flight receive private airport/hotel transfer to Steigenberger Legacy
• October 17: Steigenberger Legacy remains in Luxor overnight
• October 18: Steigenberger Legacy departs Luxor midday
• October 18-21: Steigenberger Legacy Luxor → Aswan
• October 21: Disembark in Aswan 4:00am
• October 21: Group transfer Steigenberger Legacy → Aswan International Airport 4:00am
• October 21: Fly Aswan → Cairo 6:00am (included in Seasick package)
• October 21: Check-in Four Seasons Hotel 3:00pm
• October 23: Check-out Four Seasons Hotel 12:00pm
• October 23: Group transfer included Four Seasons Hotel → Cairo International Airport 4:00pm
• October 23: Depart Cairo International Airport 8:05pm (Group flight)

LOS ANGELES - CAIRO
DEPARTING: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 • RETURNING: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
ESTIMATED COST: $1,055

CAIRO - LUXOR
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
ESTIMATED COST: $115

CAIRO HOTEL

Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel
• Deluxe (≈$195) - Executive Suite (≈$340)
• Footbridge links Terminal 3 ⇄ Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel. 5-minute walk
• Day use rooms may be available. Contact hotel for rates + availability

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, Simon Lorenz, Insider Divers Ltd., its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $2,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $1,000.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.