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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.
Hotel: Meridien Pyramids
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Day 2 Cairo - Pyramids
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. (Buffet Breakfast)
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Day 3 Cairo -
Luxor - Dendera - Nile Cruise (7 nights) |
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An early morning flight to Luxor
where we will visit 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. This afternoon we
cruise on the Nile, north to Dendera for overnight. (Buffet
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
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Day 4 Nile Cruise
: 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 we
sail back to Luxor so that by horse-drawn carriages we ride
to the grand Temple of Luxor, dominating the town, built by
King Amenhotep III in 1414 BC. After our guided visit we
return to our cruise ship.(Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
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Day 5 Nile Cruise
: Luxor - Edfu |
First
we 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. Then 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.(Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
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Day 6 Nile
Cruise : Edfu - Aswan |
This
morning, by coach, we 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.
Tonight we don traditional Egyptian galabeas for a
fun-filled Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party. (Breakfast/
Lunch/ Dinner)
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Day 7 Nile
Cruise : Aswan |
This
morning we 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.(Breakfast/ Lunch/
Dinner)
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Day 8 Nile
Cruise : Luxor - Aswan - 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.
(Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
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Day 9 Nile Cruise
: Edfu - Luxor |
A
leisurely morning as we cruise to Luxor. Time here to
explore this attractive town peacefully situated on the Nile
banks. Alternatively you may wish to relax on the deck of
our ship and watch the sun set over the Nile waters. Later
we enjoy dinner on board ship. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
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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? (Breakfast)
Hotel: Ramses Hilton
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Day 11 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. (Buffet
Breakfast)
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Day 12 Depart
Cairo |
Bid
farewell to this unforgettable country as we transfer you to
the airport for your return flight to the USA.
(Buffet Breakfast)
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