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Day 1 - Depart Home Gateway City to Cairo
Day 2 - Arrive Cairo
Trafalgar meets you on your arrival at Cairo Airport and transfers you to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure to discover the amazing contrasts of ancient and modern Egypt.
Hotel: Cairo Heliopolis
Day 3 - Cairo – Luxor – Nile Cruise (4 nights)
A morning flight from Cairo to Luxor on the River Nile. On arrival, the rest of the morning is free, before we board our luxury cruise ship for lunch. Later, we visit the grand Temple of Luxor which dominates the town and also the gigantic temple complex at Karnak. Explore the mighty temple of Amun with its mass of obelisks, pylons, colossi and courts. Plus marvel at the remains of the amazing Avenue of the Sphinx, which once stretched between the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Later, we return to our cruise ship for dinner. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 4 - Nile Cruise: Luxor – Edfu
Today's highlight is a visit to the Valley of the Kings. Secluded in the Theban Hills, it is where the New Kingdom pharaohs were buried in dramatically shafted tombs built into the hillsides. Next we visit the Temple of Medinet Habou and on to the breathtaking Deir el-Bahri, Queen Hatshepsut's impressive temple. Later, we return to the ship and sail for Edfu. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5 - Nile Cruise: Edfu – Kom-Ombo
This morning we visit Edfu to see Egypt's best-preserved cult temple, which was dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Then we continue our tranquil cruise along the Nile arriving at Kom-Ombo. Why not relax on deck and watch primitive villages on the banks of the river glide by? They have changed little in a thousand years. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 6 - Nile Cruise: Kom-Ombo – Aswan
We visit the roofless Temple of Kom-Ombo, which was built for the falcon and crocodile gods. From here we cruise to Aswan to take a memorable felucca ride across the Nile to visit the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island. The felucca is the traditional craft of Egyptians who have sailed in them down the centuries. An amazing sight is a blood-red sunset, commonplace in Aswan, with the distinctive sails of dozens of felucca's silhouetted against the setting sun. (Brerakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 7 - Aswan – Cairo (4 nights)
We disembark to explore the High Dam. Then we visit the Temple of Isis on the Island of Philae and the massive Unfinished Obelisk. Afterwards, there is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take an optional excursion to the mighty Sun Temple of Abu Simbel, flanked by four giant stone statues of Ramses II. The temple was reclaimed from the dam and reconstructed in its present and unforgettable location. Finally, we transfer to the airport for the return flight to Cairo. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Ramses Hilton (4 nights)
Day 8 - Cairo sightseeing
Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing which will include the Citadel, the spectacular complex dominating Cairo's skyline. From here we make a visit to the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Mohammed Ali's Alabaster Mosque with its highly decorated and ornate interior. In Old Cairo we will visit the Hanging Church of St. Mary above the old Water Gate. Also we will visit the Egyptian Museum, home of King Tutankhamun's priceless treasures, discovered by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. This evening, there is time on your own to do as you please. You may wish to visit a traditional Egyptian folklore show. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 - Cairo – Pyramid Excursion
Today is full of amazing highlights. First we will drive to Memphis where we see the limestone Colossus of Ramses II and the giant Alabaster Sphinx. Next we continue to Sakkara where the Step Pyramid heralded the start of the pyramid age. From here prepare yourself for a breathtaking experience, as we marvel at one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Sphinx, which casts its enigmatic gaze across the sands of the desert. Your evening is at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 10 - Cairo at Leisure
Time to relax or maybe to the bazaar for some last minute shopping (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11- Cairo – Departure
This morning there's time to bid farewell to this unforgettable country and newfound friends as we transfer you to the Airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)
Please Note
The Esna Lock is closed during the period Jun 1-30 and Dec 1-16, therefore our Luxor sightseeing tour will be operated by coach from Esna.