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Explore Egypt in style including a leisurely 3 night Nile River Cruise with some free time included to add your own finishing touches.
Small Group Tour, First Class Accommodation and Nile Cruise
Guaranteed with 3 travellers, maximum 12.
2019 Departure Dates: 07, 28 January; 25 February; 01, 29 Apr; 03 June; 02, 30 September; 28 October; 02 December
Highlights:
Welcome to Egypt. Our local representative who will meet and assist you inside immigration and guide you through. Transfer directly to the Pyramids area in Giza where you are reserved for two nights at Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel in a pyramids view room. This evening meet your guide at 6pm for a welcome drink and tour briefing. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel.
A day to remember! The ancient capital of Memphis and the enduring monuments of Sakkara will have their secrets revealed by your private Egyptologist guide. Explore the sand strewn temples and tombs before travelling to the incomparable Pyramids of Giza and mysterious Sphinx. The largest and oldest pyramid was built by Pharaoh Khufu over 3800 years ago. Dinner this evening is reserved at the Mediterranean restaurant at your hotel. Your choice from an a la carte menu (own cost).
Optional: Attend the spectacular Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids this evening is a perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan. On arrival transfer to the Movenpick Hotel set amidst tropical gardens in an island location overlooking the Nile. Take time to relax before departing late afternoon on an Aswan markets tour. Egypt is recognised as the origin for the ancient oils of aromatherapy with the first distillation of essential oils dating back to 3500 B.C. Visit an essential oil shop and sample therapeutic essential oils and fragrances. Cotton growing is another old tradition and Egyptian production is renowned for its quality with exports since the 1800’s. Visit a cotton shop for the opportunity to purchase locally. As the evening approaches continue to the traditional markets and souk bartering if you wish to purchase local products. Later return to your hotel. Dinner is included this evening.
Optional Abu Simbel Tour: Very early this morning transfer to the airport and fly to Abu Simbel. On arrival transfer to the entrance from here walk into this amazing complex to view the magnificent Temples of Ramses II. These celebrate this mighty Pharaoh often regarded as the greatest of all the pharaohs (also known as Ozymandias by the ancient Greeks) and Queen Nefertari a famed Queen and diplomat in her own right. Marvel at the amazing engineering that saved the temples from a watery grave below Lake Nasser. At the conclusion of your tour walk to the exit for your airport transfer and flight to Aswan.
Optional Nubian Museum Tour: The Nubian Museum is an important museum in Upper Egypt. Discover the incredible history and treasures that Nubia accumulated with over 3,000 antiquities contained from the Geological, Pharaonic, Roman, Islamic and Coptic eras. First constructed in the 1960s on the Aswan High Dam, it was moved by UNESCO to avoid higher waters, to Aswan and is surrounded by natural botanical gardens.
Later this afternoon at approximately 4pm transfer to the Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel for a High Tea whilst watching the sun sinking slowly over the Nile. Originally built in 1899 by Thomas Cook this historic hotel reflects the olde worlde charm of a by gone era. Agatha Christie was inspired to write Death on the Nile during her stay at the Old Cataract. Later transfer back to the hotel or you may choose to remain at the Old Cataract or further explore Aswan and make your way back to the hotel. Dinner own arrangements this evening.
This morning time at leisure in Aswan to soak up the feeling of the city that in antiquity was the frontier town for the south of the Egyptian empire then later this morning transfer to the Nile Goddess Cruise Boat at (or similar) for your three night cruise to Luxor. Lunch is served on board this afternoon take a relaxing felucca sail around the islands of Aswan including Elephantine where some claim the Ark of the Covenant was hidden for a time. This evening welcome aboard at the Captain’s cocktail party (non-alcoholic drinks are included) followed by dinner and a Nubian folkloric show.
Day 6: Saturday Aswan - Kom Ombo – Edfu (B L D)
See the huge Aswan High Dam the Granite Quarries and the Temple of Philae which was almost covered during the construction of the High Dams but for an international effort to move the entire temple complex. Later cruise to the Temple of Kom Ombo shared by two Gods Sobek and Haeroris from the heliocentric solar system and surgical instruments to the crocodile mummies this temple is unforgettable. This evening a Galabeya Party is on board an opportunity to relax and dress in local costume.
An early morning visit to explore the mysterious Horus Temple in Edfu constructed upon the site of the final battle between the good and just god Horus and his strong Uncle Seth who was trying to steal Horus’s crown. The battle culminated when Seth turned himself into a hippopotamus only to have Horus to finally defeat him. Later sail to Luxor with breakfast and lunch served on board. An opportunity to relax as you sail past Egyptian countryside where land is often farmed traditionally. For your final evening on board experience dramatic Whirling Dervish dancing and a traditional Belly Dancing Show.
Disembark your cruise ship after breakfast. Spend an unforgettable day exploring the Valley of the Kings. (Entrance to 3 tombs plus special entrance to Tutankhamun’s Tomb is included). At the entrance see the Colossi of Memnon this giant statue is named for the Ethiopian King who brought his army to Troy’s defence during the Trojan War before being killed by Achilles. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut one of Egypt’s ruling female Pharaoh’s. Later explore the awesome grandeur of the Luxor and Karnak Temples before transferring to the Sonesta St George hotel located in the centre of Luxor and overlooking the banks of the Nile. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.
Today you may wish to explore the streets of the Nile and nearby Luxor markets or relax by the hotel pool overlooking the Nile or make your way to the Winter Palace Hotel for a drink - it was here that explorer Howard Carter announced from the stair case that the tomb of Tutankhamun has been discovered. Dinner this evening is your own choice.
Optional tours Half Day Mummification Museum tour and learn about the ancient rites of mummification and see on display various animals pots implements and jewellery that were buried with each Pharaoh.
Or: Visit the spectacular temples of Seti 1st or Queen Nefertari and the original house where archaeologist Howard Carter located on the West Bank.
This morning transfer to the Airport and fly to Cairo. On arrival travel into the city centre to visit Egypt’s Museum where you will view many sparkling treasures and understand more of Egyptian history providing same final insights in ancient history with your Egyptologist guide. Following your visit transfer to the centrally located Steinberger City hotel where you are reserved for two nights including breakfast. Time to relax or further explore the city from your central location. Later this afternoon transfer to a cooking school here you will learn about Egyptian techniques for some traditional dishes and later sample this local cuisine
This morning depart for the Cairo Bazaar visit this age old bazaar the heart of trading for centuries which was rebuilt by El Khalili in 1511 complete with massive gates and several perpendicular streets in an Ottoman era style market place. Some free time to shop and barter for local bargains. Continue to Tent Street which originated in the 1600’s. This 300 metre street is also known as El Khayameya and takes its name from the bright coloured fabrics including appliqué works cushions covers Egyptian cotton bed covers wall hangings and traditional Egyptian Galabeyas. Time to barter before returning early this afternoon return to your hotel where there is time free for shopping or further exploring the central city. This evening farewell you tour companions with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12: Cairo (B)
Check out is normally by midday. A departure transfer to the airport is included.
Or continue to to another Middle Eastern country. We can design a tour to add on Jordan, Israel, Turkey etc.
Photo credit Innovative Travel
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