Splendours of Egypt - Winter dept

Welcome to the timeless land of the Pharaohs, a vast treasure trove of ancient temples, tombs and monuments, which has attracted travellers for centuries. On arrival in Cairo, you are met and transferred to your hotel to relax and settle in.
Hotel: Cairo Marriott.

After a detailed pre-tour briefing with your Tour Director, commence your Cairo sightseeing with a visit to the Citadel for breath-taking views over the city. Salah El Din started the Citadel in the 12th century, but it owes its present outline to Mohammed Ali, whose great mosque you visit next. This afternoon visit the famous Egyptian Museum. Among the many exhibits are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Later, drive to the Pyramids to witness the magical Sound and Light Show which literally illuminates the ancient history of Giza. (BB)

Transfer to the airport for your flight south to Luxor, founded around the ancient site of Thebes. On arrival, drive immediately to Karnak. Walk through the avenue of Ram-headed sphinxes, past the statue of Rameses II, to the vast Hypostyle Hall, a veritable stone forest, housing 134 giant decorated columns. Later, get to know your cruise boat, and set sail for Dendera.
Ship: MS Miriam/Ms Giselle. (BB,L,D)

Visit the Temple of Hathor, the Goddess of fertility, love and music. Built in Roman times, its decorations include Roman emperors alongside Egyptian gods. Cruise back along the Nile to Luxor, arriving around midday, where the afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. In the cool of early evening, visit the ancient Temple of Luxor, which lay hidden for thousands of years, buried beneath the streets and houses of the town. (BB,L,D)

Across the Nile, to the west of the city, lies the necropolis of ancient Thebes. Stop for a photo of the Colossi of Memnon; these two giant seated figures of Amenhotep III once guarded his mortuary temple. Continue to the reconstructed temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the rare female Pharaohs. In the nearby Valley of the Kings, see how the Egyptian kings planned to meet their Gods in the afterlife when you visit some of their tombs! Return to your cruise ship now and set sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu. (BB,L,D)

This morning, have a look inside the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God. After exploring this fascinating site, your cruise continues to the exotic city of Aswan. This evening, don your galabeas (traditional Egyptian attire), for a fun-filled Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party. (BB,L,HD)

A full day of sightseeing includes a fun motorboat ride across the Nile to the extraordinarily preserved temple complex of Isis on the island of Philae. Visit the High Dam and the granite quarries where an obelisk still lays attached to the granite bedrock, commissioned by Hatshepsut, but abandoned due to a large fault line. Complete your day by sailing in a traditional felucca around Aswan's botanic gardens. (BB,L,D)

Spend the morning at leisure in Aswan or perhaps join the optional excursion by air to the temples of Abu Simbel. In the afternoon, sail for the Kom Ombo Temple- a beautiful sight as you approach it from the river. It's uniquely dedicated to both Horus the Elder and Sobek the Crocodile headed God. At one time crocodiles would have been kept in the temple and there is even a mummified example on display. (BB,L,D)

Your cruise continues along the life giving waters of the Nile, a visual feast for the senses, passing irrigated fields and shady villages. In the evening, arrive back in Luxor where there is time for last minute shopping and sightseeing. (BB,L,D)

Disembark your cruise and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. Perhaps opt for a lively dinner with entertainment tonight?
Hotel: Cairo Marriott. (BB)

Drive to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. Admire the colossal statue of Rameses 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 from 2700 BC. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Giza, home of the Sphinx and the magnificent Pyramids, the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your tour includes a highlight visit inside one of these extraordinary creations! (BB)

Your tour comes to an end today. There are transfers to Cairo airport for your onward flights. (BB)