egypt Tours Elegance of the Nile

Itinerary:

Day 1 Cairo  
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs! Transfer to your luxurious hotel where you will have a room overlooking the Great Pyramids. This evening, meet your tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.  

Day 2 Cairo  
This morning, delve into the country's fascinating history with a knowledgeable Egyptologist. First stop, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids of Giza - venture inside the Great Pyramid that was built for Pharaoh Khufu in 2560BC and visit their guardian, The Sphinx. Continue your quest to discover the wonders of ancient Egypt with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to priceless treasures recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Later, see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest in the world and visit nearby Memphis, the capital of ancient Egypt to see the colossal statue of Ramses II. This evening, attend the mesmerising Sound & Light Show projected onto the pyramids.  

Day 3 Cairo to Luxor  
Wake early for your flight to Luxor, a treasure trove of Egypt's grand history. After lunch, head to Karnak, the largest temple complex built by man to take a walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, past the statue of Ramses II and stand in awe among the huge columns of the vast Hypostyle Hall. Later, board your luxurious cruise ship on the River Nile and enjoy a gala reception on-board this evening.  

Day 4 Luxor  
This morning, head to the Temple of Hathor, one of the best preserved temples in all of Egypt. Return to Luxor for some leisure time, before enjoying an exclusive after hours visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Temple of Luxor.    

Day 5 Valley of the Kings  
Travel to the west bank of the Nile, stopping at the Colossi of Memnon en route. Venture to the amazing Temple of Hatshepsut before continuing to the Valley of the Kings, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and the burial place of Tutankhamun whose remains are now on display. Later, meet a local family and take a tour of the village as you hear stories of local life and the importance of family contribution. Watch a demonstration as the family prepares traditional sun bread before tasting their delicious concoction alongside a cup of warm tea. This evening, enjoy an Egyptian dinner and a lively galabeya party.  

Day 6 Kitchener's Island  
Board a Nile Felucca, a traditional sailboat for a peaceful sail around Kitchener's Island, known for its Aswan Botanical Garden with tropical plants and trees. Afterwards, visit the unique double temple of Kom Ombo which is dedicated to Horus the Elder and where crocodiles from the riverbank were worshipped and then mummified after death in honour of the crocodile-headed god Sobek. Later, enjoy a colonial high tea at the Old Cataract Hotel which was a famed haunt for the likes of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie. Re-join your cruise this evening and continue your journey along The Nile with an indulgent dinner and belly dancing performance.  

Day 7 Aswan
Visit the modern Aswan High Dam and the ancient Granite Quarries today, where one of Queen Hatshepsut's obelisks lies abandoned in the bedrock. Later, cross The Nile by motorboat to the well preserved Philae temple complex, before joining the birdman of Aswan for a spot of native bird spotting as you travel to his small Nubian village. Visit the traditional dwelling of a local family and enjoy local hospitality as you learn more about the area's culture of delicious food, great company and a breathtaking sunset. On board your cruise this evening, enjoy dinner with a Nubian folklore show and live music.  

Day 8 The Nile  
Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps relax by the pool on deck. This afternoon, begin your return voyage along The Nile's fertile land and watch as the arid desert passes by. See how the river still plays a vital role in everyday life as you watch residents swim, bathe, work or play along the shores, in scenes that have hardly changed for centuries.  

Day 9 Luxor  
Visit Esna Temple, a fascinating and highly decorated building dedicated to the ram-headed god Khnum, the god of creation. Later, visit Esna Lock before rejoining your cruise back to Luxor where you will enjoy a celebration dinner this evening on-board.  

Day 10 Luxor to Cairo  
Fly to Cairo this morning and visit the towering Alabaster Mosque, enjoy incredible hilltop views over the city from the imposing Citadel of Salah El Din and wander the streets of Khan el-Khalili to be dazzled by the colourfgul and lively atmosphere of the souk. This afternoon, visit the Egyptian Museum to see the priceless treasures recovered from the tomb of Tutankamun before checking into the famous Four Season hotel which has attracted the nobility of Europe over the years.  

Day 11 Cairo  
Transfer to the airport this morning after breakfast for your onward travels.  

Departs: