Tour Details - Wonders of Ancient Egypt 2012

Welcome to Cairo! You are met on arrival at Cairo Airport and transferred to your hotel. Wander through ancient, bustling streets and get a feel for this magical, ancient city or simply relax after your journey.

See the amazing limestone Colossus of Ramses II and the giant Alabaster Sphinx at Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom. Visit Sakkara and see the Step Pyramid, which heralded the pyramid age. Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza and see the Sphinx cast its enigmatic gaze across the desert. This evening you are treated to an unforgettable Sound and Light Show and a view of the pyramids at night.(Buffet Breakfast)

Fly to Luxor for an expert guided tour of the enormous Karnak Temple complex - one of the largest ancient religious sites in the world. Board your cruise ship in time for lunch, and set sail for Dendera in the north.(Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Explore the Dendera Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Hathor, and see the bas-relief of Cleopatra with her son Caesarion. Rejoin your ship and cruise back to Luxor to visit the Grand Temple of Luxor. It was in Luxor that British crime novelist Agatha Christie stayed. Her time in Egypt inspired her to write the famous book Death on the Nile which was later made into a movie.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Discover Deir el-Bahri, a complex of mortuary temples and tombs. See Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple and admire the Colossi of Memnon. Visit the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of many of the New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Sailing from Luxor to Edfu, passing through Esna Lock, you glide past primitive villages lining the banks of the Nile.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Visit the Temple of Edfu, one of the best preserved and dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Cruise to Aswan. Dress up in galabeas and enjoy a fun-filled evening of Egyptian culture and cuisine.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

View the impressive High Dam and Granite Quarries, home of the famous Unfinished Obelisk. Visit the Temple of Isis on the Island of Philae. Take a memorable ride in a felucca across the Nile to view the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Take an optional air excursion to the temples of Abu Simbel beside Lake Nasser, to see four giant stone statues of Ramses II carved out of the mountains. This afternoon visit the roofless Temple of Kom-Ombo, dedicated to the falcon and crocodile gods.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

A full day cruising on the Nile today. Take advantage of the on board facilities or relax on the sun deck with a book. Enjoy the splendid and unique scenery as you cruise to Luxor.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Fly to Cairo. This evening you might consider an evening meal in a local restaurant followed by some lively Egyptian entertainment.(Breakfast)

Tour the Citadel, a spectacular complex dominating Cairo’s skyline, built in the 12th century to protect the city from Christian Crusaders. Visit the Alabaster Mosque at the citadel’s summit − one of the city’s most important landmarks − and the Sultan Hassan Mosque. Go inside the Hanging Church of St. Mary in Old Cairo above the water gate. Immerse yourself in thousands of artefacts at the famous Egyptian Museum, including the splendid treasures of Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. Enjoy your final evening in the fascinating city of Cairo.(Buffet Breakfast)

At the end of a truly memorable holiday, say goodbye to this unforgettable country and your Travel Director and travelling companions. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)