The Pyramids, Sphinx, Karnak, Egyptian, Museum, West Bank are all here but this tour distinguishes itself from all others by including the temples of Abu Simbel.

11 days
Priced from A$2625
Premium Escorted
Departs from & returns to Cairo

Itinerary

11 Days ~ Egypt

DAY 1 – WED – CAIRO AT LEISURE
Welcome to Egypt - a land that abounds in ancient wonders and mysteries which has enthralled travellers for centuries! You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax and settle in, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Marriott.

DAY 2 – THU – CAIRO SIGHTSEEING
Join your Tour Director for a detailed pre-tour briefing. Then visit the Citadel of Salah El Din, with its panoramic view of the city followed by a visit Mohammed Ali’s great alabaster mosque. Then time test your bargaining skills in the famous Khan El Khalili bazaars. Continue to the famous Egyptian Museum to see the amazing treasure recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun. (BB)

DAY 3 – FRI – CAIRO – CRUISING – ABU SIMBEL
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Nubian lands near Egypt’s southern border where you board your cruise boat on Lake Nasser. Get your camera ready now as you visit the Great Temple of Abu Simbel. You are confronted by four towering statues of Rameses II, carved out of a single slab of rock. The smaller Temple of Hathor, built for Rameses’ wife Nefertari, is also guarded by six 10 metre statues. Tonight experience the monuments lit in all their glory at the sound and light show.
Cruise: MS Prince Abbas. (BB,L,D)

DAY 4 – SAT – CRUISING – WADI EL SEBOU
Enjoy the ever changing scenery as you cruise to the ancient citadel of Kasr Ibrim, the only construction still occupying it’s original strategic high ground. Cruise on to Amada to visit the temple dedicated to Amun-Re and Re-Harrakte. Also explore the Tomb of Penniut, deputy of Nubia. (BB,L,D)

DAY 5 – SUN – CRUISING – ASWAN
This morning visit Wadi El Sebou, – the ‘Valley of the Lions’, named after the great Avenue of Sphinxes which led to the Temple of Rameses II. Now time to relax and enjoy your superb cruise facilities as you continue on to Aswan. (BB,L,D)

DAY 6 – MON – CRUISING – ASWAN
Visit the Temple of Kalabsha dedicated to the local god Mandulis. Disembark now and cross over the Aswan High Dam to your second cruise ship which will transport you up the Nile. This afternoon sail on a traditional Nile felucca around Aswan’s Botanical Gardens.
Cruise: MS Giselle/MS Miriam. (BB,L,D)

DAY 7 – TUE – CRUISING – EDFU
Take a motorboat to the Temples of Philae, rising from the waters of the Nile. Return to your ship via the granite quarries used by the pharaohs. Your cruise continues to Kom Ombo to visit the only temple in Egypt dedicated to two gods - Horus the Elder and the crocodile headed Sobek. Set sail again for Edfu. Tonight celebrate in true Egyptian style at an Oriental Dinner and Galabea Party. (BB,L,HD)

DAY 8 – WED – CRUISING – LUXOR
In Edfu this morning, two black granite falcons guard the entrance to the Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. After exploring the beautifully preserved wall reliefs, continue your Nile cruise to Luxor. On arrival visit Luxor Temple. (BB,L,D)

DAY 9 – THU – LUXOR – CAIRO
Drive over to the west bank of the Nile and stop for a photo of the towering Colossi of Memnon. Next, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, blending into the cliff face above. Continue to the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of many of the New Kingdom Pharaohs. Return to Luxor to the Temple complex of Karnak. Among its splendours is the Hypostle Hall, the largest of any temple in the world. Later, board your flight back to Cairo.
Hotel: Marriott. (BB)

DAY 10 – FRI – CAIRO SIGHTSEEING
Drive out to Memphis, to admire the colossal statue of Rameses II and great alabaster sphinx. Nearby at Sakkara, view the Step Pyramid of Zoser I; dating from 2686BC, it’s the oldest in the world. Now to Giza where you venture inside one of the magnificent Pyramids and see the enigmatic Sphinx! (BB)

DAY 11 – SAT – CAIRO
Your tour ends this morning with a transfer to the airport. (BB)

Prices & Dates

TG = Guaranteed Departure

Notes
REF: J945. Prices are per person sharing a twin.
There are no triples available on the cruise.

Itinerary Variations & Esna Lock Closure applies to this tour.