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Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Cairo.
Day 2 - Arrive Cairo (2 nights)
Trafalgar meets you on your arrival at Cairo airport and transfers you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Meridien Pyramids (2 nights)
Day 3 - Cairo - Pyramids 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. Then 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. This evening return to the Pyramids for an unforgettable Sound and Light Show and glory again at the Pyramids by night. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4 - Cairo – Luxor – Dendera – Nile Cruise (7 nights)
An early morning flight to Luxor where we will visit the gigantic temple complex of 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.. This afternoon we cruise on the Nile, north to Dendera for overnight. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5 - Nile Cruise: Luxor
This morning we visit Dendera Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Hathor, with its sunken relief of Cleopatra with Caesarion, her son by Julius Caesar. Reboarding our ship we sail back to Luxor so that by horse-drawn carriages we ride to the grand Temple of Luxor, dominating the town, built by King Amenhotep III in 1414 BC., After our guided visit we return to our cruise ship. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 6 - Nile Cruise: Luxor – Edfu
First we visit the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings where the New Kingdom Pharoahs were buried in dramatically shafted tombs built into the hillsides. Next we visit the breathtaking Deir el-Bahri, Queen Hatshepsut's impressive temple, and the gigantic statues of Memnon Collossi. Then we relax today as we sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu, gliding past primitive villages, and watching the local children swim whilst mothers wash clothes in the waters of the Nile along the riverbanks Tonight we don traditional Egyptian galabeas for a fun-filled Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 7 - Nile Cruise: Edfu – Aswan
This morning, by coach, we visit Egypt's best-preserved cult temple which was dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Then we continue our tranquil cruise along the Nile to Aswan. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 8 - Nile Cruise: Aswan
This morning we explore the High Dam and Granite Quarries where we see the massive unfinished obelisk. Then by motorboat to the island of Philae to visit the Temple of Isis. This afternoon we 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. Marvel at the blood-red sunset with the distinctive sails of dozens of feluccas silhouetted against the setting sun (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 9 - Nile Cruise: Aswan – Kom Ombu – Edfu
This morning there is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take an optional excursion by air to the mighty Sun Temple of Abu Simbel, flanked by four giant stone statues of Ramses II. This afternoon we leave Aswan as we sail to Kom Ombu. We visit the roofless Temple of Kom Ombu Temple, which was built for the falcon and crocodile gods. Overnight on board. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 10 - Nile Cruise: Edfu – Luxor
A leisurely morning as we cruise to Luxor. Time here to explore this attractive town peacefully situated on the Nile banks. Alternatively you may wish to relax on the deck of our ship and watch the sun set over the Nile waters. Later we enjoy dinner on board ship. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 11 - Luxor – Cairo (2 nights)
We disembark this morning and are transferred to the airport for our return flight to Cairo. Tonight, perhaps enjoy an optional dinner and entertainment? (Breakfast)
Hotel: Ramses Hilton (2 nights)
Day 12 - Cairo sightseeing
Enjoy a full day sightseeing today including the Citadel, spectacularly dominating Cairo's skyline and then 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 and, finally, the Egyptian Museum, home of King Tutankhamun's priceless treasures, discovered by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 13 - Cairo - USA
Bid farewell to this unforgettable country as we transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the USA. (Buffet Breakfast)