Splendours of Egypt
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Agatha Christie found inspiration for her famous novel Death on the Nile during a short stay at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan. Follow in her footsteps and embark on an epic journey of your own with a stop in the very same hotel. This remarkable tour brings you the sights and sounds that have captured the imagination of millions, including Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and the Great Sphinx himself. Starting your journey in Cairo, you’ll then fly out to Luxor to cruise the Nile with stops at Edfu, Aswan and Dendera. Enter a land of mystery and discover the stories for yourself.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Arrive in Cairo
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2 Fly to Luxor, Cruise the Nile
In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts. In the evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a Welcome Drink followed by dinner. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure.
DAY 3 Exploring Dendera and on to Edfu
A day of legend and history awaits you today as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey via the Esna Lock to Edfu.
DAY 4 Edfu to Aswan
You will start the day with breakfast, as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo before continuing on to the city of Aswan. Famous for its archaeological sites, such as the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portray an agreeable mix of ancient and contemporary Egypt. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
DAY 5 Aswan’s High Dam & Temple of Isis
Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan’s High Dam and granite quarries, to see the enormous unfinished obelisk.Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae.The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on things to do onboard or perhaps ask for more insights into Egypt’s fascinating history?
DAY 6 Feluccas and High Tea - Relaxed Start
Throughout your journey you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your time to explore one for yourself. On this traditional vessel, you’ll meet a local sailor who will teach you about the ancient art of sailing. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did before you. The hotel is rumoured to be where Christie wrote her bestselling novel, “Death on the Nile.”
DAY 7 Free Time and on to Kom Ombo - Relaxed Start
With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor.Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
DAY 7 Cruising the Nile to Luxor - Relaxed Start
Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy the facilities on board and have your cameras at the ready for the sights, as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor Temple, where you dock for the night.
DAY 9 Explore Luxor and fly to Cairo
This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians, during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, whilst they regale guests with their fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
DAY 10 Cairo Sightseeing
This morning, ascend to the Citadel, for breathtaking views over the city. While here visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and the Egyptian Museum*. Among the many exhibits found here, are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Later, see history come to life on the pyramids as you witness the magical Sound & Light Show – an unforgettable introduction to the world of Ancient Egypt.*Please note the visit to the Egyptian Museum will be replaced with a visit to the new Grand Egyptian Museum upon its opening in 2022. This state-of-the-art museum has panoramic views of the Pyramids of Giza and is the largest archaeological museum in the world. It will house the greatest collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including all 5,000 objects found inside King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
DAY 11 Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
Today you’ll head to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back to 2700 B.C. In the afternoon, it’s on to Giza to explore the magnificent pyramids. Here you’ll come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. During your visit, venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their gods in the afterlife.
DAY 12 Depart Cairo
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.
About this trip
See 7 cities and 1 country
Departure Month
May to October
What's included
10 NIGHTS
Accommodation
26 MEALS
11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 1 Afternoon Tea, 6 Dinners, 1 Dinner with Wine
ON-TRIP TRANSPORT
All transport shown
Sightseeing highlights
Cairo: Admire the remaining Wonders of the Ancient World as you explore through the Pyramids of Giza and the mighty Sphinx. Hear about Egyptian history as you walk through the National Archaeological Museum and learn the art of making papyrus paper out of reeds when you visit a Papyrus Institute.
Cairo: Take a short scenic flight to Luxor where you will begin your Nile Cruise.
Cairo: Guided by your Local Expert, gaze upon the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewellery – Tutankhamun’s treasures. Sightseeing includes sweeping vies over the city from the Citadel and a visit to the Great Alabaster Mosque.
Cairo: With your Egyptologist, gaze upon Tutankhamun’s treasures at the Egyptian Musuem, gaze upon the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewellery – all treasures of Tutankhamun.
Giza: With your Egyptologist, meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids, to the chambers where the pharaohs went to meet their Gods in the afterlife.
Giza: Be mesmerised by the Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids.
Valley of the Kings: Embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut.
Valley of the Kings: Explore with an Egyptologist the Valley of the Kings which is home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt’s Pharaohs.
Karnak: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, see the of Rameses II and the Hypostyle Hall.
Aswan: Visit Aswan’s High Dam and Granite Quarries to ponder why the Unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years.
Aswan: On a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries.
Kom Ombo: Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt.
The Bressenden difference
CONNECT WITH LOCALS
Luxor: Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.
LOCAL SPECIALIST
Giza: With your Egyptologist, meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids, to the chambers where the pharaohs went to meet their Gods in the afterlife.
AUTHENTIC DINING
Cairo: Join the fun at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party, dressed in traditional Egyptian attire.
Aswan: Follow in the footsteps of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as you enjoy high tea at Aswan’s famous Old Cataract Hotel, as the sun begins to set.
YOUR TRAVEL DIRECTOR
“Koshari is our national dish, and it never disappoints. Believed to have originated in the 19th century, this vegetarian street food staple is made of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with delicious fried onions and a spicy tomato-based garlic sauce.”
“I love to share our Ancient Egyptian civilization and history with our guests and to explain all the details and stories related to Egyptian mythology so our guests can enjoy a very special guided vacation.”
“The Abu Simbel Temples are utterly unique in scale, architecture, art and history. From one of the most prominent eras of Ancient Egyptian history, these magnificent structures emphasise how persistent and clever ancient Egyptian architects were to carve a mountain to make such incredible tributes for Egyptian deities.”
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STAYS WITH STORIES
Stay at highly rated hotels in desirable locations offering superb service, superior rooms with comfy beds to rest in.
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