Best of Egypt (Winter 2009/2010) - About this Tour

Tour Details | Departure Dates and Pricing

Details

• Duration (with arrival/departure): 11
• Tour Style: Eastern Mediterranean
• Destinations: Cairo, Luxor & a 4-night Nile Cruise, Karnak, Edfu, Kom-Ombo, Aswan, Memphis, Sakkara, Giza

Itinerary

• 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: Fairmont 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. Tonight we don traditional Egyptian galabeas for a fun-filled Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party. (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 feluccas silhouetted against the setting sun. (Breakfast / 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. (Buffet 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 the Sound and Light show at the Pyramids? (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 visit the bazaar for some last minute shopping. (Buffet breakfast)



• Day 11 - Cairo – USA Time to bid farewell to Egypt as your vacation must come to an end.



• Please note: Ships or cruise itineraries on the Nile may vary occasionally according to seasonal circumstances, however, visits to sights and highlights will not be affected.



• Abu Simbel excursion: A once in a lifetime opportunity! Enjoy this four-hour excursion including flights to Abu Simbel, site of the Temple of Ramses II with its four great statues of the pharaoh himself. Also see statues of his queen, Nefertari, on the facade of the Temple of Hathor.


Depart home gateway city to CairoArrive CairoCairo – Luxor – Nile cruise Nile Cruise: Luxor – EdfuNile Cruise: Edfu – Kom-OmboNile Cruise: Kom-Ombo – AswanAswan – Cairo Cairo sightseeingCairo – Pyramid excursionCairo at leisureCairo – USAPlease note:Abu Simbel excursion:

Whats Included

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Sightseeing Highlights

• Luxor: Visit the Valley of the Kings, the Medinet Habou and the Temples of Luxor and Karnak. Visit the Temples at Edfu, Kom-Ombo and Philae.
• Aswan: Felucca ride across the Nile. Visit the Botanical Gardens, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk.
• Cairo: Sightseeing includes the Citadel, Alabaster Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque and Egyptian Museum.
• Memphis: See the Ramses II statue and the Alabaster Sphinx.
• Sakkara: Marvel at the Step Pyramid, the oldest in the ancient world.
• Giza: Visit the Great Pyramids and Sphinx.

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Dining Highlights

• 5 Buffet breakfasts in Cairo
• All meals on the Nile Cruise (see day-by-day itinerary)

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First Class Travel Highlights

• First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
• Touring by air-conditioned coach.
• Escorted by one of Trafalgar’s multi-lingual Egyptologist/Tour Directors.
• A Trafalgar Bonus All internal flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo, plus all airport transfers are included.
• Cairo Airport transfers will be provided for passengers who have provided Trafalgar with their flight details and are staying in a Cairo hotel booked by Trafalgar.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

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A fabulous Nile Cruise is included

• A highlight of this tour is a cruise along the legendary River Nile onboard the latest and most luxurious of ships, the MS Sapphire, MS Norma or MS La Boheme
• A 5-star ship fully air-conditioned, luxury two-berth cabins with ensuite bathroom, full size bath, shower and toilet. TV with video channels, music system, hair dryer, international phone and mini-bar.
• Onboard facilities include a plunge pool, fitness equipment, two bars, dancing and folklore entertainment, restaurant and two gift shops
† Note: At certain times a similar cruise ship of the same category may be usedNote: On occasion there may be the possibility of a slight alteration in the itinerary due to the sailing conditions on the Nile, domestic air schedules, religious holidays or any other unforeseen circumstance. In any case all included visits will be operated.† Note: At certain times a similar cruise ship of the same category may be usedNote: On occasion there may be the possibility of a slight alteration in the itinerary due to the sailing conditions on the Nile, domestic air schedules, religious holidays or any other unforeseen circumstance. In any case all included visits will be operated.† Note: At certain times a similar cruise ship of the same category may be usedNote: On occasion there may be the possibility of a slight alteration in the itinerary due to the sailing conditions on the Nile, domestic air schedules, religious holidays or any other unforeseen circumstance. In any case all included visits will be operated.

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Complimentary Transfers

• Passengers will need to make their way to the meet and greet area where they will be met by a representative holding a TRAFALGAR UNIWORLD sign. Passengers arriving outside the official dates of arrival will need to make their own arrangements or purchase a private transfer.
• Departure Transfers: Departure Transfers: Flights must depart between 0700 and 1700 on the day that the cruise or the included land package ends in order to receive the ship to airport transfer. Passengers departing later than this must make their own arrangements or purchase private transfers.
• Passenger flight details Passenger flight details must be given to Trafalgar 45 days days prior to departure in order to qualify for these tranfers.
Important Note: Important Note: Complimentary transfers will vary on certain tours especially if a Land portion is included on the tour. Please contact Trafalgar or your Travel Agent at time of booking to confirm the Complimentary transfer status on your selected tour.

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Please Note

• Room Mate Matching is not available on this tour.
• Triple rooms are not available on this tour.
• Additional Visa Requirements US passport holders require a visa for Egypt.
• Christmas & New Year’s Eve Highlights Tour departure 22 December will be accommodated on the Nile cruise ship over Christmas and tour departure 29 December will be accommodated on the Nile cruise ship on New Year’s Eve giving you the opportunity to celebrate in true Egyptian style.
• Abu Simbel Excursion: A once in a lifetime opportunity! Enjoy this four-hour excursion including flights to Abu Simbel, site of the Temple of Ramses II with its four great statues of the pharaoh himself. Also see statues of his queen, Nefertari, on the facade of the Temple of Hathor.

Options

Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.