Destination - Egypt
 
 

07 Nights/08 Days Egypt

Day 1: Arrive Cairo
Welcome to Egypt the land of the Pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, our local representative will welcome you and take you to your hotel. The hotel will be conveniently located in the heart of city and near the all major attractions. Later in the evening you will be taken on the legendary Nile River, to enjoy a special dining experience on a cruising restaurant on the River Nile. The ancient treasures of Egypt have beckoned travellers over two millennia and you get to see the first glimpses of this epitome of history and civilisation. Pamper yourself to a two-hour escape in historic splendour for a truly special dining experience. Overnight at Hotel of your choice in Cairo. (D)

Day 2: Alexandria. The Pearl of the Mediterranean
After a buffet breakfast we take you on a day trip to Alexandria, popularly known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, this city has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern and its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country. Enjoy a guided tour visit Pompeii's Pillar, constructed in honour of the Emperor Diocletian at the end of 4th century AD. Then proceed to Qaitbay Citadel, considered to be one of the most important defensive strongholds, was built on the site of the ancient Pharaohs - Light house of Alexandria. Visit the Catacombs which are the largest Roman Cemetery consisting of 3 levels cut in the rock. Later, visit the Library of Alexandria and start our journey back to Cairo. Overnight at Hotel of your choice in Cairo. (B)

Day 3: Onto Aswan. Board the Nile Cruise
This morning we take an early flight, checkout of the hotel and drive to the airport for our flight to Aswan. On arrival in Aswan, we proceed on a city tour of Aswan. We visit the High Dam of Aswan, the pride of Egypt and an ideal spot for a panoramic view of Aswan. Continue sightseeing at the famous granite quarries, site of the enormous Unfinished Obelisk - a monolith illustrating the extraordinary skills of Egypt's stonemasons. Later, we proceed to a Perfumery and see a demonstration of how scented oils are used to make perfumes. You also have the opportunity to buy perfumes and other Egyptian artifacts. We now board our legendary Nile Cruise for a great three day journey on the scenic Nile River. The evening is free for you to relax. Overnight on board the Nile Cruise.

Day 4: Visit Abu Simbel, Onto Kom Ombo
After breakfast, very early in the morning, we take you to Abu Simbel by coach. The site of the commanding temples of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari in Nubia, the twin temples were originally carved out ofthe mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari. However, the complex was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s, on an artificial hill to avoid their being submerged during the creation of Lake Naseer the massive artificial water reservoir formed after the building of the Aswan High Dam on the Nile River. The entrance of the temple leads into a Grand Hall which is 57 feet high and 52 feet wide and was cut from the rock. It is supported with 8 pillars with statues of Ramesses II. The head and torso of the statue to the left of the entrance fell during ancient times, probably due to earthquake. The alignment of the temple is such that twice a year the sun's rays reach into the innermost sanctuary to illuminate the statues of Ptah, Amun - Re, Ramesses II and Re-Horakhty. On our return we have lunch on board the cruise. After lunch, we visit the Temple of Kom Omboan unusual double temple built during the Ptolemaic dynasty. This building is unique with its double design with courts, halls, sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for two sets of gods. The left side of the temple is dedicated to Haroeris, the falcon headed God and the right part of the temple is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile headed God and God of Fertility. Later, we sail onwards to Edfu. Overnight on board the Nile Cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Visit Edfu, Sail to Luxor via Esna Lock
Sail into Edfu as you enjoy your breakfast. Set off on an excursion to Edfu, the temple of Horus, the falconheaded God. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, this stunningly preserved structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like. We return to the cruise to enjoy a delicious lunch. Cruise on the Nile and enjoy the beautiful sights of the Nile River from the deck, as you sail into Luxor via the Esna Lock. Overnight on board the Nile Cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 6: The Valley of Kings & the temple of Karnak Sound & Light Show in Luxor
After breakfast we checkout of the cruise and explore the West bank of Luxor, tour the Valley of Kings, where over 60 magnificent tombs from pharaohs of the new Kingdom are carved into desert rock. Although having been looted by ancient Egyptians and visitors over centuries, there is still magic in the tombs and remain to tell the story of the ancient civilizations. Explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt's first female pharaoh. As we return, we take a photo-stop at the Colossi of Memnon, the two giant statues, the only remains of the mortuary temple of Amenophis III. We then explore the East Bank of Luxor, journey to the magnificent temple of Karnak, walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, the majestic avenue of Ram-headed Sphinx's, the colossal statue of Pinudjem and the sight of its Sacred Lake will leave you awe-struck.Later, in the evening witness one of the most memorable spectacles of your life, the Sound & Light Show at the temple of Karnak. You get a glimpse back in time to see, feel and imagine how it was when the powerful ancient Egyptians ruled. The artist's have masterfully created a spectacular show that draws you in as part of history. Overnight at hotel of your choice in Luxor. (B)

Day 7 Fly to Cairo, Guided City tour of Cairo After breakfast, we checkout of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight to Cairo. Arrive into Cairo, and visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, the Pyramids of Khufu, Pyramid of Menkaure, Pyramid of Khafre and the great Sphinx. We also visit the Papyrus Institute and see the beautiful paintings being made. Later, we visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, where the treasures of Tutankhamum and artefacts dating back to 4000 BC reveal Egypt's artistic and architectural heritage. We, then proceed to the medieval Bazaars of Khan-El-Khalili where you can shop for spices, precious stones and curios. Overnight at Hotel of your choice in Cairo.(B)

Day 8 : Departure
After your breakfast, we proceed to the airport for your flight back home. Recommended accommodation in Cairo