Description
We spend two full days in Cairo, exploring a number of monuments dating back to the Old Kingdom. Principal among these are the superb tombs at Sakkara, a blueprint of life and times during this period.
Arriving in Aswan we visit the celebrated Temple of Ramses II, at Abu Simbel, and the exquisite Temple of Isis, at Philae, before boarding our Nile riverboat for a magical cruise downriver to Luxor. Our boat has a great on-board atmosphere, with comfortable airconditioned cabins – each with their own private shower and toilet. In addition there is a cosy restaurant, where all meals are served, and a rooftop bar. The spacious top deck is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing, with excellent views of the river.
Arriving in Luxor we visit the Valley of the Kings, the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and explore the colossal temple complex at Karnak before making our way back to Cairo.
Treasures of the Nile
Day 1: - Wednesday 6th May 2009 / Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. We have a pre-booked group transfer on arrival. Your tour leader may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day 2: - Thursday 7th May 2009 / Cairo
Cairo is the ‘Mother’ of all cities, a massive, sprawling metropolis of some 16 million people. Our first stop today is the celebrated Egyptian Museum, where our local guide explains the history and mysteries of Ancient Egypt. We see the golden mask of King Tutankhamun, and numerous other treasures and later we drive out to the edge of the desert to explore the pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. We also visit the beautiful Valley Temple of King Chephren, a superb example of Old Kingdom engineering.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 3: - Friday 8th May 2009 / Cairo-Aswan
We visit Memphis, the first capital of Ancient Egypt, and Sakkara, its necropolis. Here we explore the step-pyramid, the oldest recorded stone building in the world, constructed around 2660BC, and the predecessor to the pyramids at Meidum, Dahshur and Giza. Our guide gives us a fascinating insight into the concept and development of pyramid building. Nearby are several old kingdom tombs that are well worth visiting and once we have finished we make our way back to Cairo. The rest of our day is free to relax or explore further until it's time to head to the station for the night train to Aswan. Our air-conditioned carriage has 4 berth compartments with beds, and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Day 4: - Saturday 9th May 2009 / Philae Temple, Aswan
Aswan is one of our favourite places and very popular with travellers. It has an easy-going charm and it?s easy to slip into its laid-back rhythm. After time to freshen up at our hotel we drive out of town to visit the beautiful Temple of Isis, at Philae. Threatened by the rising waters of the Nile (after the completion of the old dam in 1902), the temple was eventually dismantled, block by block, and re-situated on Agiliki Island. It is considered one of the most exquisite temples in Egypt and is a highlight of our trip. Returning to Aswan, we have time to explore the colourful Nubian Bazaar and after a break for lunch we head out on a felucca sailboat. This is a fun activity and there is an option to take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon - a great way to spend the afternoon!
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 5: - Sunday 10th May 2009 / Abu Simbel-Nile Cruise
Rising early we travel by road to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temples ever built and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We follow the shores of Lake Nasser and generally arrive at the temple just after sunrise, a perfect time for photographs. We enjoy a tour of the site and later return to Aswan, arriving around midday, where we board our Nile Cruise boat. After lunch, the afternoon can be spent sleeping, relaxing, reading or enjoy the sundeck.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 6-7: - Monday - Tuesday 11th - 12th May 2009 / Nile Cruise
Morning finds us near Komombo where we visit the Temple of Sobek, a classically-ruined Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river. Reboarding our boat we continue cruising towards Edfu, and from the sundeck we can enjoy timeless scenes of life on the Nile. We stop at Edfu to explore the well-preserved Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest examples of temple construction. The following day we head off on donkeys to the Valley of the Kings - always great fun - and visit the outstanding Temple of Hatshepsut, beautifully situated at the foot of the red Theban cliffs. In the afternoon we take horse-drawn carriages to the massive complex at Karnak, built over a period of some 2000 years, and one of the greatest temples ever constructed. All meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and on one evening we enjoy an impromptu fancy-dress party.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Day 8: - Wednesday 13th May 2009 / Luxor-Cairo
Today is at leisure, allowing time to visit some of the many other sights of interest. Don?t miss the brilliant Luxor Museum, which has a superb collection of statues and other artefacts. Luxor Temple is also well worth exploring and then there's the extensive bazaar, which can occupy us for hours. In the evening we take the overnight train back to Cairo, with dinner served on board.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Day 9: - Thursday 14th May 2009 / Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan El Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour leader can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain! This evening we can enjoy a final night out together.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 10: - Friday 15th May 2009 / Cairo
Our trip ends today, after breakfast. After Check-out, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight.
Flight from Cairo to Istanbul.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Last Updated by Gecko's: 21 June 2007