Cairo,
Luxor, Nile Cruise, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan
( 9 Nights / 10 Days )
Day 1 - Arrive Cairo We meet you on
your arrival at Cairo Airport and transfers you to your hotel.
The remainder of your day is at leisure to discover the amazing
contrasts of ancient and modern Egypt.
Day 2 - Cairo - Luxor - Nile Cruise
(4 nights) A morning flight
from Cairo to Luxor on the River Nile. On arrival, the rest of
the morning is free, before we board our luxury cruise ship for
lunch. Later, we visit the grand Temple of Luxor* which dominates
the town and also the gigantic temple complex at Karnak. Explore
the mighty temple of Amun with its mass of obelisks, pylons,
colossi and courts. Plus marvel at the remains of the Amazing
Avenue of the Sphinx, which once stretched between the Temples
of Karnak and Luxor. Later, we return to our cruise ship for
dinner. (Buffet breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner) * Note: The Esna Lock
is closed during the period Jun 1-30 and Dec 1-16, therefore
Luxor sightseeing tour will be operated by coach from Esna.
Day 3 - Nile Cruise: Luxor - Edfu Today's highlight is a visit
to the Valley of the Kings. Secluded in the Theban Hills, it
is where the New Kingdom pharoahs were buried in dramatically
shafted tombs built into the hillsides. Next we visit the Temple
of Medinet Habou and on to the breathtaking Deir el-Bahri, Queen
Hatshepsut's impressive temple. Later, we return to the ship
and sail for Edfu. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 4 - Nile Cruise: Edfu - Kom-Ombo This
morning we visit Edfu to see Egypt's best preserved cult temple,
which was dedicated
to the falcon god Horus. Then we continue our tranquil cruise
along the Nile arriving at Kom-Ombo. Why not relax on deck and
watch primitive villages on the banks of the river glide by?
They have changed little in a thousand years. (Breakfast/ Lunch/
Dinner)
Day 5 -Nile Cruise: Kom-Ombo -
Aswan We visit the roofless Temple
of Kom-Ombo, which was built for the falcon and crocodile gods.
From here we cruise to Aswan to take a memorable felucca ride
across the Nile to visit the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's
Island. The felucca is the traditional craft of Egyptians who
have sailed in them down the centuries. An amazing sight is a
blood-red sunset, commonplace in Aswan, with the distinctive
sails of dozens of felucca's silhouetted against the setting
sun.
(Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 6 - Aswan - Cairo (4 nights) We
disembark to explore the High Dam. Then we visit the Temple of Isis on
the Island of Philae
and the massive Unfinished Obelisk. Afterwards, there is a once
in a lifetime opportunity to take an optional excursion to the
mighty Sun Temple of Abu Simbel, flanked by four giant stone
statues of Ramses II. The temple was reclaimed from the dam and
reconstructed in its present and unforgettable location. Finally,
we transfer to the airport for the return flight to Cairo. (Breakfast)
Day 7 - Cairo sightseeing
Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing which will include the
Citadel, the spectacular complex dominating
Cairo's skyline. From here we make a visit to the Sultan Hassan
Mosque and Mohammed Ali's Alabaster Mosque with its highly decorated
and ornate interior. In Old Cairo we will visit the Hanging Church
of St. Mary above the old Water Gate. Also we will visit the
Egyptian Museum, home of King Tutankhamun's priceless treasures,
discovered by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings in 1922.
This evening, there is time on your own to do as you please.
You may wish to visit a traditional Egyptian folklore show. (Buffet
breakfast)
Day 8 - Cairo - Pyramid Excursion Today
is full of amazing highlights. First we will drive to Memphis
to see the limestone Colossus
of Ramses II and the giant Alabaster Sphinx. Next we continue
to Sakkara where the Step Pyramid heralded age. From here prepare
yourself for a breathtaking experience, as we marvel at one of
the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids of
Giza, and the Sphinx, which casts its enigmatic gaze across the
sands of the desert. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 9 - Cairo at
leisure After breakfastn you can enjoy a full day at leisure to
relax in this bustling city. Or you may wish
to visit the markets for some last-minute souvenir shopping.
(Buffet breakfast)
Day 10 - Cairo - Home. This morning there's time to bid farewell
to this unforgettable country and new-found friends as we transfer
you to the Airport for your return flight to Home. (Buffet
breakfast)