+44 (0)20 8741 7390 This exciting adventure takes you from the bustle of Cairo, with its spectacular Pharaonic treasures and down through the timeless landscapes of the Nile Valley to Aswan. Encompassing some of antiquity s most magnificent monuments, as well as the little explored heritage of the ordinary Egyptians, it is an interactive journey that evokes the very spirit of this fascinating country. After a chance to gaze upon the wonders of the Pyramids and the treasures of Tutankhamun, you ll journey to the city of Luxor and the fabulous Valley of the Kings. The once great city of Thebes, Luxor today is home to a number of iconic monuments including the temples of Karnak and Luxor and the tombs of the Pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty (including Tutankhamun himself). From Esna, you set sail on a five night cruise down the Nile, taking in local villages, ancient temples and lively markets as you make your way to Aswan. Explore the temples of Aswan and the High Dam that threatened them before returning to Cairo for journeys end. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore the pyramids at Giza and the dazzling treasures of the Egyptian museum Explore the mighty temples of Karnak and Luxor Haggle at the animal market on the southern stretches of the Nile Cruise the Nile on a traditional Dahabiya, favourites of the Egyptian royal family TOUR INCLUDES: 2 domestic flights 5 nights in five-star hotel and 5 nights in luxury Dahabiya cruise ship 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners Accompanied by experienced English speaking local guides on private basis Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing program including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: CAIRO Upon arrival at Cairo international airport, you will be met by your representative who will escort you through customs and take you to your hotel. The afternoon is free to relax and explore Cairo. DAY 2: CAIRO This morning you will see the awe inspiring Great Pyramids of Giza, royal burial ground for Memphis (ancient capital of Egypt). In the afternoon, visit the oldest pyramids in the world at Saqqara. The complex of Djoser is one of the oldest known structures to have been constructed completely with natural stone. (B,L) DAY 3: CAIRO Start today with a tour of the Egyptian Museum - home to an incredible collection including the treasures of Tutankhamun. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Old Islamic District to visit the main Citadel (Al-Qalaa), home to Egypt's rulers for almost 700 years, and the colourful and bustling medieval Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, built in 1382, the bazaar is the world's oldest. Also visit the Coptic area of Cairo to see the Hanging Church, the most beautiful church in Egypt, with its ornately decorated interior. (B,L) DAY 4: CAIRO - LUXOR After breakfast you'll return to the airport and board a short flight to Luxor where you'll be met by your Local Egyptologist specialising in Upper Egypt. Here on the east bank of the Nile, you will visit the awe-inspiring Karnak and Luxor temples, vast testaments to the power and wealth of the ancient pharaohs. Then head to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. (B) DAY 5: LUXOR - ESNA This morning you will be met and transferred to Esna to check into your Nile cruise ship. Settle in and set sail along the historic and scenic river Nile. The ship will moor close to El Hegz island tonight, north of Edfu. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: EL KAB - EDFU - GEBEL SILSELA Enjoy your breakfast while sailing on the river Nile and then visit the city of El Kab. Explore the unknown city, discover the ancient walls, the temple and the rock-cut tombs from the new kingdom. Then sail back to Edfu for a wonderful horse carriage ride through the village to the fantastic temple of Horus, one of the largest and bestpreserved monuments of Egypt. Two beautiful granite statues of the falcon god Horus flank the entrance. Then sail past the sugar cane fields, guava, banana and date palm trees. Shortly before sunset, the ship will drop anchor near Gebel Silsela for a romantic dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 7: GEBEL SILSELA - KOM OMBO After breakfast you'll embark on a morning tour to Silsila Quarries where ancients used to cut stones for their temples. Unlike the rest of the Nile, this area is on the fringe of the Great Western Sahara and there's a great view from the hilltop on the soft, yellow sand. Sail once again to dock near Kom Ombo at the edfe of Mainha Island. (B,L,D) DAY 8: KOM OMBO - DARAW This morning starts with a visit to the Kom Ombo temple, dedicated to Horus and Sobek. The temple was built with two symmetric entrances, halls and sanctuaries; it is the only double temple in all of Egypt. Continue on to Daraw city to see its animal market, with over 2,000 camels. You will also get the chance to spend some time in the local vegetable market and have a glimpse of day-to-day life and the kinds of produce grown locally, before returning back to the boat and sailing on toward Aswan. (B,L,D) DAY 9: DARAW - ASWAN Today you will explore the famous city of Aswan, visiting the unfinished obelisk in the Pharaonic quarries, and then crossing to the High Dam where you will enjoy great views of Lake Nasser and the Nile River below. A further highlight will be the motorboat ride to the romantic temple of Philae, dedicated to the Goddess Isis. In the afternoon you set sail by a felucca, a traditional Nubian sailing boat, to the botanic garden where Lord Kitchener indulged in his passion for exotic flora. (B,L,D) DAY 10: ASWAN - CAIRO Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Arrive in Cairo for your hotel transfer. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
DAY 11: CAIRO This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION CAIRO CONRAD CAIRO HOTEL Rising above the Nile River, the four star Conrad Cairo is located in the downtown area of the city along the Corniche, conveniently close to museums, shops and offices, yet only 45 minutes from the Pyramids and Sphinx area. The hotel offers 617 elegant rooms, all overlooking the Nile and featuring private balconies. The six restaurants and bars make the Conrad a good choice for dining and entertainment, featuring International, Italian and Seafood specialties. The hotel's facilities further include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped health club and a world class casino. SONESTA HOTEL, TOWER & CASINO Enjoy five-star luxury at the Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino in Cairo. A large complex with everything you could ever need from your stay in the historic city of Cairo. Ideally located fifteen minutes from the airport, take the complimentary shuttle bus to the hotel from the airport. All of the 409 spacious guest rooms and suites offer a variety of luxurious amenities to ensure a comfortable sleep. The Suite rooms come with added extras, sure to delight, such as panoramic pool views, marbled bathrooms or an additional living space for entertaining guests. The Presidential Suite is superb, with a separate living room, dining area, dressing room, kitchenette, guest bathroom and marble bathroom with a Sauna and Jacuzzi. Relax in the hotels poolside bar and full-service spa before sampling the several dining options at the gourmet restaurants serving Japanese, French, Italian and Lebanese cuisine. If that wasn t enough, the hotel also has the Radjah Grand Casino, a state-of-the-art British-Indian colonial-style casino. LUXOR NEBYT I DAHABIYA The Nebyt I Dahabiya cruises along the Nile with only seven cabins, providing a unique and private experience. Used by the royal family and elite of Egypt from the beginning of the 20th century, dahabeyas are the way to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace and blend in with the civilization around the Nile River. The small size of the ship allows landings in places larger cruise ships are not able to dock, ensuring guests can see even more sights of Egypt and the famous Nile river. There are six comfortable cabins, all featuring with large panoramic windows, air-conditioning, a safe, a minibar, a television and a private bathroom with a shower. The Suite is the ultimate in luxury and style along the Nile, featuring the addition of a jacuzzi and private terrace. Each cabin is named after a pharaoh or goddess of ancient Egypt. Guests can mingle on the sun deck - in the jacuzzi and bar - or in the elegant fine dining room and lounge.
PAVILLON WINTER HOTEL Although more informal than its illustrious neighbour (The Sofitel Winter Palace), the same high standards are provided at the Winter Pavillon with an equally enviable setting in the beautiful gardens of The Winter Palace. Surrounded by tropical gardens and just a short walk from the Luxor Temple, the Temple of Karnak or the Luxor Museum, the Hotel Winter Pavillon comprises 118 rooms, on 5 floors, each equipped with modern facilities and private balconies. The hotel has a good restaurant and other facilities are shared with its sister hotel, including a wide selection of restaurants and bars offering both international and regional cuisine and an outdoor unheated pool. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com