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THE ESSENCE OF EGYPT
Day 1 London to Cairo
Fly non-stop with British Airways to Cairo. On arrival transfer by
car to Giza to stay at the Oberoi Mena House Hotel for three nights.
Day 2 Cairo
This morning explore the ancient ruins at Memphis, founded around
3,100 BC, this is the legendary city of Menes, the King who united
Upper and Lower Egypt. Continue to the necropolis of Sakkara to see
the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. Later visit the mystical pyramids
at Giza, site of the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Also see the famous
Sphinx and the Solar Boat Museum. (B/L)
Day 3 Cairo
This morning, a tour of the Egyptian Antiquities Museum leads you
to the treasures of Tutankhamen and the Mummies Room. After lunch,
explore medieval Cairo, including the Mosque of Mohammed Ali and the
14th century Sultan Hassan Mosque, then wander through the Khan el
Khalili Bazaar. (B/L)
Day 4 Cairo to Aswan – by air
Early this morning fly to Aswan and on arrival proceed direct by private
transfer to the spectacular temple complex at Abu Simbel. Return by
air to Aswan to join the MS Oberoi Philae for the next four nights
afloat. After lunch enjoy a felucca cruise around the islands of the
Nile, followed by a visit to the Nubian Museum. Please note that travel
from Aswan to Abu Simbel will be by convoy and that the cruise, and
shore excursions, are operated on a ‘join-in basis’ with
other travellers. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Nile Cruise
After breakfast enjoy a visit to Aswan’s High Dam and Old Dam,
The Unfinished Obelisk and the beautiful temple of Isis on the island
of Philae. Returning to the boat for a buffet lunch, you then sail
to Kom Ombo and to visit the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris overlooks
the Nile. Built during the Ptolemaic period, it is unusual in that
it is in fact two temples – one devoted to the crocodile-god,
Sobek, and the other to Haroeris, the falcon-headed god (Horus the
Great). Continue to Edfu, where the boat will moor overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Nile Cruise
This morning visit the wonderfully preserved Temple of Horus. The
sanctuary of Horus contains the granite shrine that once housed the
gold cult statue of Horus. This afternoon the boat continues along
the Nile to Esna, passing through the lock and sailing on to Luxor.
Overnight onboard in Luxor. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Nile Cruise
Crossing over to Luxor’s West Bank you will visit some of the
stunning tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Inconspicuous and unassuming,
the Valley of the Kings hides its secrets well. The grand pyramids
of the earlier pharaohs proved too tempting to grave robbers, so from
the eighteenth to twentieth Dynasties, 26 pharaohs opted to build
their tombs in the valley. Carving them deep into the mountains, far
from reach, Tutankhamen, Ramses the Great and Tuthmosis III's tombs
lie in this single, sprawling necropolis. Continuing to the Valley
of the Queens, you then return via the temple of Medinet Habu and
the Colossi of Memnon. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight on board in
Luxor. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Luxor to Hurghada – 340kms
After breakfast disembark and proceed to visit the awe-inspiring temple
complex at Karnak, the most important place of worship in all Egypt
during Theban power. It was built, dismantled, restored, enlarged
and decorated by several pharaohs. It's a complex of sanctuaries,
obelisks and pylons, dedicated to the glory of the pharaohs. Also
visit the imposing Luxor Temple before taking your private transfer
by road to stay for five nights at the Oberoi Sahal Hasheesh Hotel
near Hurghada. A secluded haven on the Red Sea Coast, The Oberoi,
Sahl Hasheesh with white sand, aquamarine waters and vibrantly-hued
marine life is the ideal resort for relaxation. (B)
Day 9 Hurghada
To
Day 12 Hurghada
At leisure – no car and driver (B)
Day 13 Hurghada to Cairo – by air
Transfer to Hurghada airport for your return flight to Cairo. Assistance
on arrival where you will be met and transferred to the Fairmont Towers
Heliopolis Hotel which is ideally situated close to the international
airport. (B)
Day 14 Cairo to London
Depart on the non-stop flight with British Airways to London.
STAYING ON
Extend your stay in Egypt and visit Alexandria, easily reached from Cairo. Stay for three nights at the Four Seasons Hotel which will provide ample time to visit Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs, the Roman Theatre, Bibliotheca Alexandria and El Alamein before returning to Cairo and London. Please note that the National Museum is currently closed for renovation.
Explore Bahariya Oasis and the White Desert - a four day / three night journey for the adventurous traveller. From Cairo drive to Bahariya Oasis to visit the Temple of Ain El Muftella, the Temple of Alexander the Great and the Museum of Bahariya where the Golden Mummies are displayed. Next day depart by Jeep to see the incredible landscapes of the White Desert where you will camp overnight. On the journey back to Bahariya the following day, visit the Pharaohs market and Pyramid Mountain before returning to Cairo and London.
Options abound for extended stays on the River Nile. In addition to the four night cruise detailed in this itinerary, the Oberoi Philae also operates a four night cruise starting from Luxor and a six night cruise from Aswan to Luxor, and vice versa, which takes in the additional sights of Quina and the Temple of Dendera.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – THE ESSENCE OF EGYPT
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,440. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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