OverviewExplore the wonders of Egypt via the River Nile on this exceptional tour. Visit Gizas pyramids before taking a flight to the ancient town of Aswan, where Agatha Christie wrote her novel Death on the Nile. Here you will board one of the countrys premier luxury cruise vessels, the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, for a four-night, five-star river cruise to Luxor. Throughout the journey, you will chase ancient sites with an expert Egyptologist, who will regale you with tales of pharaohs, kings and a pantheon of exotic gods. After learning about the fabled figures whose pasts are imprinted in Egypts millennia-old carvings and hieroglyphics, you will depart with a deeper insight into this fascinating corner of the world.
ItineraryArrive Cairo Fly from London (regional connections available) to Cairo with Egyptair. Transfer to the Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo(or similar) for a 2-night stay. (N) Meal basis: As per itinerary B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals. Accommodation:Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo Cairo Spend your morning at leisure, ahead of an afternoon visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the finest collections of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Among these treasures are those discovered by Howard Carter in 1922 from within the tomb of Tutankhamun. This includes the gold mask of The Boy King, the solid gold sarcophagus that held his mummy, and his ornate throne. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner buffet with wine. (B,D) Accommodation:Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo Aswan Fly to Aswan this morning to begin your 4-night Nile cruise aboard the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer (Nile Deck Cabin). This 32-cabin vessel offers a luxurious standard of cruise on the worlds longest river. Interiors are a blend of the contemporary and traditional, with nods to Egyptian heritage such as Cairene rugs and Arabian patterns. Gourmet cuisine, sightseeing excursions, on-board entertainment and expert Egyptologists elevate your cruise experience. After check-in and lunch, ride a traditional felucca sailboat around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (weather permitting). This evening, attend a welcome reception and programme overview. Enjoy Egyptian wine and beer with a selection of canaps, followed by a gourmet dinner. A folkloric show and a Whirling Dervish performance follow (subject to confirmation). (B, L, D) Accommodation:Sanctuary Nile Adventurer DAY 4:Agilika Island – Kom Ombo– Agilika Island – Kom Ombo After breakfast on board, take a short motorboat ride to the ancient Philae Temple on the Island of Agilika. Next, it’s on to the granite quarries which supplied much of the hard stone used to build the Egyptians pyramids and temples. Here you see the Unfinished Obelisk. Back aboard your ship, partake in an Egyptian cooking lesson and eat lunch as you cruise to Kom Ombo, where you visit the magnificent Temple of Kom Ombo – dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek. This evening, as your ships course is set for Edfu, enjoy, a lavish buffet of local specialities, and traditional music and dancing. (B, L, D) Accommodation:Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
Edfu – Esna This morning, explore the extraordinary Temple of Horus. Despite being built by the Greeks, this impressive structure is the largest and most complete preserved Pharaonic temple in Egypt. Return to your boat in time for lunch and continue cruising to Esna. This afternoon, your Egyptologist guides you round the GraecoRoman Temple of Khnum in Esna. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board. (B, L, D) Accommodation:Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxor Start your day exploring the imposing Temple of Luxor alongside your expert Egyptologist. Continue to the Temple of Karnak, and this afternoon the Valley of the Kings. You also have the chance to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. En route back to the Nile, pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn. Return to your vessel for afternoon tea. This evening, enjoy a farewell gala dinner, with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine. (B, L, D) Accommodation:Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Giza – Cairo This morning, transfer to Luxor Airport for a flight to Cairo. On arrival, proceed directly to the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last standing of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the oldest built over 4,500 years ago as a giant tomb for pharaoh Khufu. Nearby sits the enigmatic Sphinx, with its lion body and human face, which may have been based on King Khafre and positioned to guard the kings enormous funerary monument. Proceed to your hotel after the excursion. (B) Accommodation:Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo Depart Cairo Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your direct flight back to London. (B) Meal basis:As per itinerary B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
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