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Wonders of Ancient Egypt
Day 1 - Arrive Cairo (2 nights)
Trafalgar meets you on your arrival at Cairo airport and transfers you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 - Cairo Sightseeing
Enjoy a full day sightseeing today including the Citadel, spectacularly dominating Cairo’s skyline and then a visit to the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Mohammed Ali’s Alabaster Mosque with its highly decorated and ornate interior. In Old Cairo we will visit the Hanging Church of St Mary above the old Water Gate and, finally, the Egyptian Museum, home of King Tutankhamun’s priceless treasures, discovered by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings in 1922.
Day 3 - Cairo – Luxor – Dendera – Nile Cruise (7 nights)
An early morning flight to Luxor where we will visit the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings where the New Kingdom Pharoahs were buried in dramatically shafted tombs built into the hillsides. Next we visit the breathtaking Deir el-Bahri, Queen Hatshepsut’s impressive temple, and the gigantic statues of Memnon Collossi before returning to our luxury cruise ship. This afternoon we cruise on the Nile, north to Dendera for overnight.
Day 4 - Nile Cruising – Luxor
This morning we visit Dendera Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Hathor, with its sunken relief of Cleopatra with Caesarion, her son by Julius Caesar. Reboarding our ship and we sail back to Luxor to visit the grand Temple of Luxor, dominating the town, and built by King Amenhotep III in 1414 BC.
Day 5 - Nile Cruising – Edfu
We relax today as we sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu, gliding past primitive villages, and watching the local children swim whilst mothers wash clothes in the waters of the Nile along the riverbanks. Tonight we don traditional Egyptian galabeas for a fun-filled Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party.
Day 6 - Cruising Aswan
This morning we take a horse drawn carriage ride to visit Egypt’s best preserved cult temple which was dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Then we continue our tranquil cruise along the Nile to Aswan.
Day 7 - Cruising Aswan
Time to explore the High Dam and Granite Quarries where we see the massive unfinished obelisk. Then by motorboat to the island of Philae to visit the Temple of Isis. This afternoon we take a memorable felucca ride across the Nile to visit the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island. The felucca is the traditional craft of Egyptians who have sailed in them down the centuries. Marvel at the blood-red sunset with the distinctive sails of dozens of feluccas silhouetted against the setting sun.
Day 8 - Cruising Kom-Ombu – Edfu
This morning there is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take an optional excursion by air to the mighty Sun Temple of Abu Simbel, flanked by four giant stone statues of Ramses II. This afternoon we leave Aswan as we sail to Kom Ombu. We visit the roofless Temple of Kom Ombu Temple, which was built for the falcon and crocodile gods. Overnight on board.
Day 9 - Cruising Luxor
A leisurely morning as we cruise to Luxor. Upon arrival, we viit the gigantic temple complex of Karnak. Explore the mighty temple of Amun with its mass of obelisks, pylons, colossi and courts. Plus marvel at the remains of the amazing Avenue of the Sphinx which once stretched between the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Later we return to our cruise ship for dinner on board.
Day 10 - Luxor – Cairo (2 nights)
We disembark this morning and are transferred to the airport for our return flight to Cairo. Tonight, perhaps enjoy an optional dinner and entertainment?
Day 11 - Pyramid Excursion
Today is full of amazing highlights. First we will drive to Memphis where we see the limestone Colossus of Ramses II and the giant Alabaster Sphinx. Then we continue to Sakkara where the Step Pyramid heralded the start of the Pyramid age. From here prepare yourself for a breathtaking experience as we marvel at one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Sphinx, which casts its enigmatic gaze across the sands of the desert. This evening return to the Pyramids for an unforgettable Sound and Light Show and glory again at the Pyramids by night.
Day 12 - Depart Cairo
Bid farewell to this unforgettable country as we transfer you to the airport for your return flight home.
Cruise Ship operating this itinerary:
La Traviata - Please note that on some departures due to unforeseen circumstances or maintenance another boat of the same category may be operated.
Please Note
In some circumstances the program may be altered during religious holidays or low water on the Nile, lock closures etc. all inclusions will remain the same.
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