Best of Egypt
High tea on the terraces in Aswan, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the awesome temple complex of Karnak are just three of many highlights. The story of King Tutankhamun - at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and later visiting the Valley of the Kings.
9 Days ~ Egypt
DAY 1 – SAT – ARRIVE CAIRO
Welcome to Egypt, a country rich in wonders and mysteries - many are revealed on this tour. You are met at Cairo airport and transferred to your tour hotel. Relax and settle in. Hotel: Marriott.
DAY 2 – SUN – CAIRO SIGHTSEEING
Drive to Memphis to see the statue of Rameses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. Continue on to Sakkara to view the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, which is the oldest in the world. Now time to gaze in awe at the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. (BB)
DAY 3 – MON – CAIRO – OVERNIGHT TRAIN
Visit the Egyptian Museum to see King Tutankhamun’s mask and other treasures recovered from the Pharaoh’s tomb. At the citadel of Salah El Din enjoy fine views over the city before visiting the alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali. Spend a leisurely afternoon in Cairo before boarding your overnight sleeper train to exotic Aswan. (BB,D)
DAY 4 – TUE – ASWAN SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing begins with a visit to the Aswan High Dam. Then take a motorboat to the Temple of Isis on Philae Island. See the unfinished obelisk in the granite quarries before continuing to your hotel for afternoon tea on the terraces so loved by Agatha Christie. Hotel: New Cataract. (BB)
DAY 5 – WED – CRUISING ASWAN
Maybe take an optional excursion to the Temples of Rameses II at Abu Simbel, this morning (see page 158). Later, board your Nile cruiser.
Ship: MS Medea/MS Sapphire (or similar). (BB,L,D)
DAY 6 – THU – CRUISING EDFU
Enjoy a ride around the Aswan Botanical Gardens on a traditional Nile felucca before setting sail for Kom Ombo. Here, visit the Temple of Sobek, the crocodile-headed god. Enjoy the scenery now as you cruise to Edfu. Spend the evening enjoying an Egyptian dinner and Galabea party. (BB,L,HD)
DAY 7 – FRI – CRUISING LUXOR
Visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. Continue your cruise through Esna Lock to Luxor where you visit Luxor Temple. (BB,L,D)
DAY 8 – SAT – LUXOR – CAIRO
Cross to the West Bank of the Nile to see the huge Colossi of Memnon and visit the Temple of Hatshepsut. Continue to the Valley of the Kings to visit several of the Pharoahs’ tombs. Return to Luxor and the enormous Temple complex of Karnak. Among its many splendours is the Hypostle Hall, the largest of any temple in the world. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Hotel: Marriott. (BB)
DAY 9 – SUN – CAIRO
There are transfers to the airport today for your onward flights. (BB)
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