Trafalgar Tours 2011/2012 – Wonders of Ancient Egypt
Wonders of Ancient Egypt (Winter 2011/2012)
12 day tour from A$2450.00*
Tour Style: Eastern Mediterranean
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Overview
Some of the ancient world’s most compelling monuments and artwork can be found along the River Nile. Explore the larger-than-life Great Pyramids of Giza and the endless remnants of Ancient Egypt in Luxor, Memphis, Aswan and Sakkara, as you sail towards the spectacular treasures of King Tut which are on display in Cairo.
Highlights
Cairo, Memphis, Sakkara, Giza, Luxor, Dendera, Edfu, Aswan, Kom Ombo
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Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE CAIRO (2 nights)
Welcome to Cairo! You are met on arrival at Cairo Airport and transferred to your hotel. Wander through ancient, bustling streets and get a feel for this magical, ancient city or simply relax after your journey.
Hotel: Le Meridien Pyramids (SF)
Day 2
CAIRO – PYRAMIDS EXCURSION
See the amazing limestone Colossus of Ramses II and the giant Alabaster Sphinx at Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom. Visit Sakkara and see the Step Pyramid, which heralded the pyramid age. Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza and see the Sphinx cast its enigmatic gaze across the desert. This evening you are treated to an unforgettable Sound and Light Show and a view of the pyramids at night.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 3
CAIRO – LUXOR – DENDERA – NILE CRUISE (7 nights)
Fly to Luxor for an expert guided tour of the enormous Karnak Temple complex. Luxor is characterised by a vast open-air museum and is the home of the largest ancient religious sites in the world. Board your cruise ship in time for lunch, and set sail for Dendera in the north.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: MS Giselle, MS Miriam or similar
Day 4
NILE CRUISE: DENDERA – LUXOR
Explore the Dendera Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Hathor, and see the bas-relief of Cleopatra with her son Caesarion. Rejoin your ship and cruise back to Luxor to visit the grand Temple of Luxor. It was in Luxor that British crime novelist Agatha Christie stayed. Whilst in Egypt she was inspired to write the famous book Death on the Nile which was later made into a movie.
Meal(s): (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5
NILE CRUISE: LUXOR – EDFU
Discover Deir el-Bahri, a complex of mortuary temples and tombs. See Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple and admire the Colossi of Memnon. Visit the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of many of the New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Sailing from Luxor to Edfu, passing through Esna Lock, you glide past primitive villages lining the banks of the Nile.
Meal(s): (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 6
NILE CRUISE: EDFU – ASWAN
Visit the Temple of Edfu, one of the best preserved and dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Cruise to Aswan. Dress up in galabeas and enjoy a fun-filled evening of Egyptian culture and cuisine.
Meal(s): (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 7
NILE CRUISE: ASWAN
Discover the impressive High Dam and Granite Quarries, home of the famous Unfinished Obelisk. Visit the Temple of Isis on the Island of Philae. Take a memorable ride in a felucca across the Nile to view the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island.
Meal(s): (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 8
NILE CRUISE: ASWAN – KOM-OMBO – EDFU
Take an optional air excursion to the temples of Abu Simbel beside Lake Nasser, to see four giant stone statues of Ramses II carved out of the mountains. This afternoon visit the roofless Temple of Kom-Ombo, dedicated to the falcon and crocodile gods.
Meal(s): (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 9
NILE CRUISE: EDFU – LUXOR
Take advantage of the on board facilities or relax on the sun deck with a full day on board today. Enjoy the splendid Nile scenery as you cruise to Luxor.
Meal(s): (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 10
DISEMBARK LUXOR – CAIRO (2 nights)
Fly to Cairo. This evening you might consider an evening meal in a local restaurant followed by some lively Egyptian entertainment.
Meal(s): (Breakfast)
Hotel: Le Meridien Pyramids (SF)
Day 11
CAIRO SIGHTSEEING
Tour the Citadel, a spectacular complex dominating Cairo’s skyline, built in the 12th century to protect the city from Christian Crusaders. Visit the Alabaster Mosque at the citadel’s summit – one of the city’s most important landmarks – and the Sultan Hassan Mosque. Go inside the Hanging Church of St. Mary in Old Cairo above the water gate. Immerse yourself in thousands of artefacts at the famous Egyptian Museum, including the splendid treasures of Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. Spend your last night in Cairo doing something you’ll never forget!
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12
DEPART CAIRO
At the end of a truly memorable holiday, say goodbye to this unforgettable country and your Tour Director and travelling companions. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
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2011/2012 Rates
| Departs On | Returns On | Twin Land Only | Single Land Only |
| Tue, Oct 25, 2011 | Sat, Nov 05, 2011 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Nov 01, 2011 | Sat, Nov 12, 2011 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Nov 08, 2011 | Sat, Nov 19, 2011 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Nov 15, 2011 | Sat, Nov 26, 2011 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Nov 22, 2011 | Sat, Dec 03, 2011 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Nov 29, 2011 | Sat, Dec 10, 2011 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Dec 06, 2011 | Sat, Dec 17, 2011 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Dec 13, 2011 | Sat, Dec 24, 2011 | A$2475.00 | A$3015.00 |
| Tue, Dec 20, 2011 | Sat, Dec 31, 2011 | A$2485.00 | A$3075.00 |
| Tue, Dec 27, 2011 | Sat, Jan 07, 2012 | A$2650.00 | A$3240.00 |
| Tue, Jan 03, 2012 | Sat, Jan 14, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Jan 10, 2012 | Sat, Jan 21, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Jan 17, 2012 | Sat, Jan 28, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Jan 24, 2012 | Sat, Feb 04, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Jan 31, 2012 | Sat, Feb 11, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Feb 07, 2012 | Sat, Feb 18, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Feb 14, 2012 | Sat, Feb 25, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Feb 21, 2012 | Sat, Mar 03, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Feb 28, 2012 | Sat, Mar 10, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Mar 06, 2012 | Sat, Mar 17, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Mar 13, 2012 | Sat, Mar 24, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
| Tue, Mar 20, 2012 | Sat, Mar 31, 2012 | A$2450.00 | A$2990.00 |
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Child Prices: a 25% discount will apply to children under the age of 16 at time of travel. (Optionals for American tours are already discounted.)