bestof_egypt

Cairo • Luxor & a 4-night Nile Cruise • Karnak • Edfu •
Kom-Ombo • Aswan • Memphis • Sakkara • Giza
Explore one of the earliest civilizations. Cruise the River Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Visit the Valley of the Kings and Medinet Habou. Plus the great pyramids and enigmatic Sphinx.
First Class Hotels

Day 1 Depart USA Overnight flight to Cairo. Day 2 Arrive Cairo we meet you on arrival at Cairo Airport and transfers you to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to discover the amazing contrasts of ancient and modern Egypt.
Day 3 Cairo – Luxor – Nile Cruise (4) A morning flight from Cairo to Luxor on the River Nile. On arrival, the rest of the morning is free, before we board our luxury cruise ship for lunch. Later, we visit the grand Temple of Luxor* which dominates the town and also the gigantic temple complex at 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. Later, we return to our cruise ship for dinner. Cruise Ship: MS Miriam (4 nights) Day 4 Nile Cruise: Luxor – Edfu Today's highlight is a visit to the Valley of the Kings. Secluded in the Theban Hills, it is where the New Kingdom pharoahs were buried in dramatically shafted tombs built into the hillsides. Next we visit the Temple of Medinet Habou and on to the breathtaking Deir el-Bahri, Queen Hatshepsut's impressive temple. Later, we return to the ship and sail for Edfu.
Day 5 Nile Cruise: Edfu – Kom-Ombo This morning we visit Edfu to see Egypt's best preserved cult temple, which was dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Then we continue our tranquil cruise along the Nile arriving at Kom-Ombo. Why not relax on deck and watch primitive villages on the banks of the river glide by? They have changed little in a thousand years. Day 6 Nile Cruise: Kom-Ombo – Aswan We visit the roofless Temple of Kom-Ombo, which was built for the falcon and crocodile gods. Next we cruise to Aswan where 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. An awesome sight is a blood-red sunset, which is commonplace in Aswan, with the distinctive sails of dozens of felucca's silhouetted against the setting sun.
Day 7 Aswan – Cairo (4) After breakfast we disembark to explore the High Dam. Then we visit the Temple of Isis on the Island of Philae and the massive Unfinished Obelisk lying in the granite quarries nearby. Afterwards, there is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take an optional excursion to the mighty Sun Temple of Abu Simbel, flanked by four giant stone statues of Ramses II. The temple was reclaimed from the dam and reconstructed in its present and unforgettable location. Finally, we transfer to the airport for the return flight to Cairo.
Day 8 Cairo sightseeing Enjoy a full day of sightseeing which will include the Citadel, the spectacular complex dominating Cairo's skyline. Next we will visit the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Mohammed Ali's Alabaster Mosque with its highly decorated and ornate interior. In Old Cairo we visit the Hanging Church of St. Mary above the old Water Gate. We also visit the Egyptian Museum, home of King Tutankhamun's priceless treasures, discovered by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. This evening, time is your own to do as you please. Perhaps visit a traditional Egyptian folklore show. Day 9 Cairo – Pyramid Excursion Today is full of amazing highlights. First we drive to Memphis to see the limestone Colossus of Ramses II and the giant Alabaster Sphinx. Next on to Sakkara where the Step Pyramid heralded the start of the pyramid age. Then, 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 timeless sands of the desert.
Day 10 Cairo Enjoy a free day to explore in this bustling city. Perhaps visit the markets for some last minute souvenirs. Day 11 Cairo – USA Bid farewell as we transfer you to the Airport for your return flight to America. *Note: The Esna Lock is closed during the period Jun 1-30 and Dec 1-16, therefore Luxor sightseeing will be operated by coach from Esna. A FABULOUS NILE CRUISE IS INCLUDED A highlight of this tour is a cruise along the legendary River Nile on board the latest and most luxurious of all ships, the superb MS Miriam.