Highlights of Egypt - Cairo and Nile Cruise

Day 1  It's a late arrival into Cairo so straight to your hotel where you will spend three nights

Day 2  Today an English speaking guide will take you to the ruins of Memphis, capital of the Egyptian Old Kingdom more than 4000 years ago - relics include a marble sphinx and a statue of Ramses II. Next stop is Sakkara, dominated by the pyramid of Zoser I & after lunch, possibly the highlight of the day, a visit to the pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx, the recently repositioned statute of Ramses II and the Sun Boat Museum.

Day 3  More sightseeing today, but you won't regret it: the morning will include a tour of the Egyptian Antiquities Museum - including the extravagant riches of Tutankhamun and the Mummies Room (housing the mummies of Ramses II and other pharaohs). After lunch visit medieval Cairo, the citadel built by Saladin in the 12th century: within its walls stand the magnificent Mosque of Mohammed Ali and the Sultan Hassan Mosque. Then lose yourself in the Khan el Khalili Bazaar - the real hub of everyday Egyptian life - and if you have enough energy enjoy an optional evening son et lumiere show at the pyramids.

Day 4  Fly early morning to Aswan and your river boat and your home for the next four nights. In the afternoon take a felucca ride along the river & visit Kitchener's Island. (optionally from Cairo fly on to Abu Simbel for a visit to the temple then fly back to Aswan in time for the felucca cruise)

Day 5  The morning's sightseeing in Aswan will include the Temple of Philae and the High Dam before setting sail down river to Kom Ombo. Here you visit the truly awe inspiriting great Temple of Sobek, sacred to Egypt's crocodile headed deity: hieroglyphics depicting man's knowledge was vastly superior to ours. In the afternoon cruise to Edfu where you moor for the night.

Day 6  After breakfast explore the Temple of Horus - the hawk headed sun god and in the afternoon sail on to Esna and visit the Temple of the ram-headed Khnum - the god of the cataracts. Set sail for Luxor.

Day 7  Arriving in Luxor and probably the climax of your holiday, your morning's sightseeing will include the breathtaking wonders on the West Bank of the Nile - the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and past the Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon visit the magnificent and fascinating temples of Karnak and Luxor.

Day 8  Back to Cairo for a day of leisure.

Day 9  Early morning departure back to London.

Optional Extension:

Transfer from Luxor across the desert (either by 4 x 4 or fly depending on day of travel) to spend a few days relaxing at the luxurious Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh on the Red Sea - snorkelling, scuba, sailing and golf all available.

Price from:

£1700.00 per person (twin sharing) based on 5 star hotel and river boat including scheduled international & domestic flights, b&b in Cairo, full board on your river boat, sightseeing, guiding, transfers.
ATOL 2881

Prices based on charter flights into Luxor with one week on a
3 star vessel can cost from as little as £500.00 per person (twin share)
ATOL 3897