Limited Edition Luxury Journey EGYPT, THE NILE & ALEXANDRIA An A&K Hosted Small Group Journey 1-13 September 2018 8-20 September 2018
The Sphinx Alexandria EGYPT AIR CRUISE Cairo Denderah Luxor Edfu Kom Ombo Aswan Abu Simbel Egypt, The Nile & Alexandria An A&K Hosted Small Group Journey 1-13 September 2018 & 8-20 September 2018 13 Days Cairo - Luxor - Denderah - Kom Ombo - Aswan - Abu Simbel - Cairo - Alexandria - Cairo Follow in the footsteps of pharaohs as you cruise serenely along the Nile on the award-winning Sanctuary Sun Boat IV. Explore archaeological treasures and ancient monuments from the soaring Pyramids of Giza to the hidden Valley of the Kings. Wander through a maze of alleys filled with colour and aromas in Cairo s largest market. Sail around tiny islands in a felucca. Venture to temples unseen in Denderah. And discover Cleopatra s enchanting world on the Mediterranean coast. Camel rides Journey Highlights Stay at the historic Mena House Hotel, with views of the pyramids from your own private balcony Sail Egypt s eternal river aboard the award-winning Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Avoid crowds and the hassle of navigating around other ships, with private docking facilities in Luxor and Aswan Learn about the rich history and culture with your expert Egyptologist Explore one of Egypt s best-preserved and less-frequented temples at Denderah Uncover the mysteries of legendary pyramids from the inside out Ride like a local on the back of a camel among ancient monuments Sail around tiny river islands on a traditional felucca Discover Cleopatra s world on the Mediterranean coast Uncover stories of Australian diggers at El Alamein
Your itinerary Day 1: Arrive Cairo. Marhabaan and welcome to Cairo, a tantalising blend of ancient and modern. On arrival you will be met by your A&K representative and whisked to your luxury accommodation and sanctuary at the historic Mena House Hotel on the city s edge. Built as a royal hunting lodge in 1869, Mena House and its famous golf course take prime position in the shadow of the Pyramids of Giza. Breathe in a sweeping vista of the pyramids from your private balcony and prepare for your discovery of ancient Egypt, its gods and kings, tombs and temples, hieroglyphic puzzles and legends. Gather tonight for a journey briefing followed by welcome dinner hosted by Abercrombie & Kent (D). Mena House Hotel (Premier Pyramid View) Day 2: Giza The Pyramids & Sphinx. Begin your exploration with the Giza Plateau, home to the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid. Ponder how the Egyptians built this colossal structure, as well as the neighbouring Pyramids of Chephren and Menkaure. Climb inside and follow the corridors to reveal the secrets of ancient civilisations hidden deep within. Imagine yourself in the time of the pharaohs as you saunter amongst Giza s ancient monuments on camel back. Face the magnificent Sphinx, carved from a single mass of limestone, and see the funerary boat of King Cheops at the Solar Boat Museum. Return to Cairo for an afternoon at leisure (B,L). Mena House Hotel (Premier Pyramid View) Day 3: Cairo Luxor. Fly to Luxor, heralded as the world s greatest open air museum. Embark on a full day exploring the ancient city of Thebes. Journey to the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs Temple of Karnak, Luxor Aswan Statue of Horus, Edfu wished to record their names. Walk through the arresting forest of 134 giant sandstone columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall. Then, step aboard Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, your vessel of discovery on Egypt s eternal river. Enjoy a feast of Egyptian meze for lunch before heading back to terra firma to explore the west bank of the Nile and the Necropolis of Thebes. Descend the tombs of the Valley of the Kings hidden within the Theban Mountains. Step inside the tomb of Tutankhamen, where the boy-king still lies at rest, and enjoy the quietude within the 35-century-old walls. Take in the enchanting Temple of Hatshepsut, built for ancient Egypt s first female pharaoh, and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV and watch the sun drop into the Theban necropolis from the comfort of your lounger on the ship s deck (B,L,D). Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Day 4: Cruising the Nile Temple of Hathor at Denderah. Set sail north, far from other ships and travellers, to the Temple of Hathor at Denderah. Marvel at the cerulean ceilings, which are the bestpreserved in Egypt. Climb inside the dark chambers and underground passages to discover columns inscribed with colourful hieroglyphs. Back on your deluxe Nile cruiser, watch a never-ending tableau unfold as you sail back to Luxor. Time this afternoon to roam through the immense complex of pylons, columns, colossi and obelisks at the Temple of Luxor (B,L,D). Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Day 5: Cruising the Nile Edfu to Kom Ombo. Cruise through the Nile s narrow valley to Edfu and the Temple of Horus, by far the grandest and best-preserved in the whole of Egypt. Lose yourself in the scale and beauty of antechambers and corridors once buried in sand and debris. Then, join your chef back on board for a cooking lesson filled with local delicacies. Later, dock in front of the Temple of Kom Ombo, standing proud on the river bank. Admire the breathtakingly intricate carvings of the two patron deities: the falcon-god Horus and the crocodile-god Sobek. Falcons still soar overhead, but crocodiles are long gone from this part of the Nile. Visit the Crocodile Museum to see the mummified remains of the creatures that once basked along the ancient Nile shore (B, L, D). Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Day 6: Cruising the Nile Aswan. Cruise to the thriving town of Aswan, with its echoes of Agatha Christie and colonial Egypt. Take a motorboat ride to Philae on the island of Agilika. Meander through the sacred temple complex to reveal a fusion of three great civilisations: Egyptian, Greek and Roman. Hear the fascinating history of a temple uprooted, dismantled, and painstakingly reconstructed for the building of the Aswan High Dam. See the quarries that supplied ancient Egypt with building stone for its great temples. Puzzle over the Unfinished Obelisk before, weather permitting, sailing around the tiny Aswan islands in a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat (B,L,D). Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
Day 7: Abu Simbel Cairo. Bid farewell to Sanctuary Sun Boat IV and fly to Abu Simbel, one of the fabled spectacles of the planet. Walk amongst some of the most graphic tableaux in Egypt. Encounter the commanding twin temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari. Designed to impress and intimidate, the four towering statues of the pharaoh will leave you awe-struck. Perhaps even more impressive, this entire site was deconstructed and moved here to safety from the floodwaters caused by the Aswan High Dam construction. Return to Cairo and spend your afternoon exploring at leisure (B,L). Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (Nile View Room) Day 8: Cairo. A trip to Cairo isn t complete without visiting the Egyptian Antiquities Museum. Lose yourself amongst the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including treasures of Tutankhamen. Step inside the Mummy Room and see remains of Egypt s pharaohs. Next, witness the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan (Maydan Salah al-din), one of the largest examples of Islamic architecture in the world. Wander from the twin-towered Bab el-foutouh, a fortified gate in Cairo s Old City walls, to Khan el-khalili Bazaar, one of the world s largest markets. Navigate a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with everything from beautiful textiles and lanterns to fragrant spices and essential oils. Bargaining is expected, so prepare to negotiate for your wares (B,L). Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (Nile View Room) Khan el-khalili Bazaar Alexandria Day 9: Cairo. Travel back in time to Memphis, once the capital of the Old Kingdom. Immerse yourself in this open-air museum and see the mammoth statue of Ramses II. Continue to Sakkara, an active burial ground for more than 3,500 years and now Egypt s largest archaeological site. Take in the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world s oldest pyramid, and watch as archaeologists work to uncover new treasures (B). Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (Nile View Room) Day 10: Cairo Alexandria. Leave Cairo and the Nile behind as you travel overland to the legendary city of Alexandria on Egypt s Mediterranean coast. Discover why the city affectionately known as Alex has long held writers, thinkers and travellers in thrall as you spend your day unpeeling the layers of Alexandria s extraordinary past. Uncover a treasure-trove of artefacts at the National Museum. Gaze up at the soaring tower of the Abu Abbas Masjid mosque. And roam the fairy-tale ramparts of Fort Qaitbey, a 15th century fortress built from the rubble of the 40-storey Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Continue to the Four Seasons, the city s first luxury hotel, and your home for two nights (B,L). Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano (Sea View Room) Day 11: Alexandria. Embark on your tour of this charming city. See the catacombs of Kum Shukafa, the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt. Marvel at the architectural Temple of Hathor, Denderah contrasts of the Roman amphitheatre and hyper-modern Library of Alexandria, said to be built on the site of the city s first library. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, as it s known in Latin, is designed to resemble a rising sun casting light over the world through knowledge. Spend your afternoon idling through the backstreets, where the smell of cardamom coffee and falafel perfumes the air. Sip coffee from tiny cups at pavement tables and watch as street vendors twist dough into mouth-watering pastries. Stroll along the beautiful waterfront promenade of the Corniche to the summer palace of King Farouk. Later, head back to your sanctuary, the Four Seasons, where you may choose to enjoy a sundowner overlooking the purpling Mediterranean Sea (B,L). Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano (Sea View Room) Day 12: Alexandria Cairo. Journey along the coast to El Alamein, scene of the most decisive battles of World War II. Follow the stories of Australian diggers in the Military Museum and Commonwealth War Cemetery, where 7,000 tombstones overlook the desert battlefield. Return with your guide to Cairo where the remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, gather with your fellow guests to reflect on your journey through Egypt and along the Nile at a farewell dinner hosted by Abercrombie & Kent (B,L,D). Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (Nile View Room) Day 13: Depart Cairo. Farewell ancient Egypt, its legends, mysteries and kings, as you transfer to the airport for your outbound flight (B).
The Sanctuary Sun Boat IV cruising the Nile River The sun deck Luxury cabin Dining area DECK PLAN SUN DECK PROMENADE DECK BRIDGE DECK MAIN DECK NILE DECK Royal Suites (55m 2 ) Presidential Suites (38m 2 ) Lower Sun Deck Lounge Restaurant Sun Deck Promenade Deck (15m 2 avg.) Bridge Deck (17m 2 avg.) Pool 402 404 406 408 401 Lounge 403 405 407 302 304 306 308 310 312 301 303 305 307 309 311 202 204 206 208 201 203 205 207 104 106 108 110 112 103 105 107 109 111 210 209 Main Deck (18m 2 avg.) Nile Deck (18m 2 avg.) Accommodation Sanctuary Sunboat IV This beautifully appointed and perfectly designed vessel offers a cruise experience like no other. The craft is spacious, intimate and elegant and features on A&K s Nile in Style private journey. Luxury cabins (15-18m²) are scattered throughout the boat while there are two Royal Suites (55m²) with balcony and two Presidential Suites (38m²). All cabins are fully air-conditioned with panoramic windows and a private bathroom, satellite TV, CD player, phone, safe and mini-bar. There is ample space on board and the public areas are elegantly furnished. Views throughout are magnificent and an intimate bar and lounge area provide the perfect setting to relax and reflect on the day s activities. Award winning chefs create exquisite meals combining local fare and international choices with in-room dining also available. Recreational facilities include a small gym, heated plunge-pool and two spacious sundecks with plush lounges. Internet access is available as are the services of the fleet physician. A multi-lingual library and games room, laundry service, and a gift shop complete the offering.
Your host Sujata Raman, host of the 8 September departure, is Regional Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent Australia / Asia Pacific, a position she has held for more than a decade. Passionate about seeing the world and experiencing its cultures, Sujata has lived on three continents and visited all seven over many years, and has recently led small group journeys along the ancient trade routes of Central Asia (Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan) and the Silk Road in Western China. Sujata brings a very personal perspective to this Egyptian adventure, having lived in Egypt for many years and in fact beginning her career with A&K after graduating from the American University in Cairo. Your Guides / Egyptologists Laila Abdel Raouf is originally from Cairo where she still resides with her husband and son. After graduating from the College de Bon Pasteur, a French Language Secondary School in Cairo, she attended Helwan University, graduating with a Degree in Tourism, with a specialty in Egyptology. A licensed guide since 1985, Laila has been working with Abercrombie & Kent since 1988. Hala Mahmoud is originally from Cairo where she still resides with her husband and two daughters. After attending Port Said School, an English language school in Zamalek, Cairo, she continued her education at Helwan University, graduating with a degree in Guiding/Egyptology. A licensed guide since 1981, Hala has worked exclusively with A&K since 1982. Cairo Price 13 Days from AU$9,995 pp twin share* Solo travellers from AU$13,320* Departure dates 1-13 September 2018 8-20 September 2018. (2019 dates also available) Note: Guaranteed departures with just two guests. Groups are limited to 18 A&K guests and other passengers may be travelling on board Sanctuary Sun Boat IV. Extensions Petra Stopover 4 days www.abercrombiekent.com.au/journeys/petra-stopover Dubai Stopover 3 days www.abercrombiekent.com.au/extensions/dubai-stopover Inclusions All accommodation as detailed on a double/twin share basis with private facilities; economy flights from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan to Abu Simbel and Abu Simbel to Cairo; meals and drinks as specified, bottled water during transfers and touring; airport meet and greet and departure assistance by A&K representative; assistance with luggage and group transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle; services of English speaking A&K Egyptologist (Resident Tour Director) & Guest host (on selected departures); laundry up to 8 pieces mid-trip per person (excluding dry cleaning); all entrance fees, planning, handling, operational and communication charges, porterage; all on-board crew and driver tipping throughout. Exclusions Talk to your travel agent or call A&K on 1300 851 800 to book now International and domestic flights unless specified; insurance coverage of personal loss, injury, illness or damages incurred during your trip; tipping to A&K Egyptologist (Resident Tour Director); items of a purely personal nature such as drinks (unless specified), dry cleaning, internet or phone charges; transfers/ sightseeing or meals not specified in itinerary; excess baggage charges. Tipping is not expected or required for Guest Host. *Prices based on Nile Deck cabin. Book with confidence with our Egypt Flexi Booking Programme, featuring reduced deposits and more favourable cancellation conditions. All bookings qualify for Qantas Points offer, i.e. 1 point for every $ spent on an A&K Hosted Small Group Journey. Terms & Conditions apply, see website for details.