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Splendours of Egypt

Egypt’s vast wealth of antiquities take centre stage here: Karnak, the Pyramids and Sphinx, Tutankhamun’s treasure, and the ubiquitous hieroglyphics.

12 days, Priced from A$2850

Med/Nile Cruise, Departs from & returns to Cairo

Tour code B945

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Itinerary

Day 1 – ARRIVE CAIRO

Welcome to the timeless land of the Pharaohs, a vast treasure trove of ancient temples, tombs and monuments, which has attracted travellers for centuries. On arrival in Cairo, you are met and transferred to your hotel to relax and settle in.

Hotel: Marriott

Day 2 – CAIRO SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast there is a detailed pre-tour briefing with your Tour Director. Then commence your exploration of Cairo with a visit to the Citadel for breath-taking views over the city. Salah El Din started the Citadel in the 12th century, but it owes its present outline to Mohammed Ali, whose great Mosque you visit next. This afternoon visit the Egyptian Museum, an unrivaled warehouse of Pharaonic treasure. Among the many exhibits are the fabulous artefacts recovered by archeologist Howard Carter from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Later, drive to the Pyramids to witness the magical Sound and Light Show which literally illuminates the ancient history of Giza – an unforgettable introduction to the world of ancient Egypt. (BB)

Day 3 – CAIRO – LUXOR – JOIN CRUISE

Transfer to the airport for your flight south to Luxor, founded around the ancient site of Thebes. On arrival, drive immediately to Karnak, the largest temple complex ever built by man, constructed over a time period of 1500 years. Walk through the avenue of Ram-headed sphinxes, past the statue of Rameses II, to the vast Hypostyle Hall, a veritable stone forest, housing 134 giant decorated columns. Later, get to know your cruise boat, and set sail for Dendara

Ship: MS Miriam/Ms Giselle (BB,L,D)

Day 4 – ON BOARD SHIP

Visit the Temple of Dendara this morning. It was built in the 1st century BC by Ptolemy VIII, and then later, Roman Emperors continued to decorate it in honour of Hathor, the Goddess of maternity, love and music. One of the best preserved temples in all Egypt it also contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra VII and Caesarian, the son of Julius Caesar. Cruise back along the Nile to Luxor, arriving around midday where you can take in the exotic mix of sights and sounds at your leisure. In the cool of early evening, visit the ancient Temple of Luxor, which was hidden for thousands of years, buried beneath the streets and houses of the town. (BB,L,D)

Day 5 – ON BOARD SHIP

Across the Nile, to the west of the city, lies the necropolis of ancient Thebes. Stop for a photo of the Colossi of Memnon; these two giant seated figures of Amenhotep III once guarded his mortuary temple. Continue to the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the rare female Pharaohs. In the nearby Valley of the Kings, the Egyptian kings planned to meet their Gods in the afterlife. See how when you visit some of their tombs! Return to your cruise ship now and set sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu. (BB,L,D)

Day 6 – ON BOARD SHIP

This morning, have a look inside the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God. After exploring this fascinating site, your cruise continues to the exotic city of Aswan. Don your galabeas (traditional Egyptian attire), for a fun-filled Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party. (BB,L,HD)

Day 7 – ON BOARD SHIP

Begin your sightseeing with a motorboat ride across the Nile to the well preserved temple complex of Isis on the island of Philae. Visit the High Dam and the granite quarries to see the unfinished obelisk commissioned by Hatshepsut, but abandoned due to a large fault line. Complete your day by sailing in a traditional felucca around Aswan’s botanic gardens and a very English high tea before sunset. (BB,L,D)

Day 8 – ON BOARD SHIP

Spend the morning at leisure in Aswan or perhaps join the optional excursion by air to the temples of Abu Simbel, carved out of the rock by Rameses II. In the afternoon, sail for Kom Ombo. The Kom Ombo Temple is a beautiful sight as you approach it from the river. It’s uniquely dedicated to both Horus the Elder and Sobek the Crocodile headed God. At one time crocodiles would have been kept in the temple and there is even a mummified example on display. (BB,L,D)

Day 9 – ON BOARD SHIP

Your cruise continues along the life giving waters of the Nile, a visual feast for the senses, passing irrigated fields and shady villages. In the evening, arrive back in Luxor where there is time for last minute shopping and sightseeing. (BB,L,D)

Day 10 – LUXOR – CAIRO

Disembark your cruise and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.

Hotel: Marriott (BB)

Day 11 – CAIRO SIGHTSEEING

Drive to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. Admire the colossal statue of Rameses II and the great alabaster sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back from 2700 BC. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Giza, home of the enigmatic Sphinx and the magnificent Pyramids, the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your tour includes a highlight visit inside one of these extraordinary creations! (BB)

Day 12 – CAIRO

The tour ends with transfers to Cairo airport. (BB)

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Tour Dates & Total Prices 2012

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