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Egypt’s Island Discoverer
"Egypt is one of the most wonderful destinations i have ever been to" Mr Elliott
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"From the moment I get off the plane its intricacies make me smile, the organised chaos of the driving rules and the persistence of vendors are a marvel of the Arabic world topped only by their elaborate greetings of Sabah El Fol (morning of flowers) and Sabah El Ishta (morning of cream)."
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Egypt’s Island Discoverer
Offering a chance to discover some of Egypt’s most impressive highlights, this classic journey takes you from the matchless Pyramids and along the fertile ribbon of the Nile Valley to the charming city of Aswan. In a style befitting the Pharaohs of old you will sail from Luxor to Aswan and the option of visiting the remote desert splendour of Abu Simbel, enjoying some of the most inspiring of Ancient Egypt’s monuments along the way. Staying in island hotels and aboard a classic Nile river boats, the historic and timeless Nile is always, quite literally, on your doorstep.
Itinerary Overview
DAY 1 – Fly to Cairo DAY 2/3 – Cairo DAY 4/5 – Luxor DAY 6 – Edfu and Kom Ombo DAY 7/8 – Aswan DAY 9 – Fly to the UK
Price Includes
• Scheduled flights • Accommodation and meals • Transportation • Sightseeing
Extras
- EgyptAir - Business Class from £750
Egyptian Museum
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Pyramids
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Saqqara Step Pyramids
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Luxor Temple
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Karnak Temple
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Valley of the Kings
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Kom Ombo
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Philae Temple
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Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is home to the most comprehensive collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. There are a staggering 120,000 exhibits on view ranging from towering granite statues and mummified remains of the ancient Pharaohs to the most prized possession, the treasures of Tutankhamun.
Pyramids
These iconic structures are the last survivors of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. The Great Pyramid, built by the Pharaoh Cheops nearly 5,000 years ago took two decades to construct. Sharing the desert plateau is the mysterious Sphinx carved from a single piece of bedrock which stands guard over the pyramids.
Saqqara Step Pyramids
Located in the desert Saqqara is dominated by the Step Pyramid of King Zoser (3rd Dynasty), which was the first attempt by the Egyptians to build a large monument entirely in stone. Various finely decorated mastabas are usually open, including the large and impressive tomb of Mereruka. Saqqara is an extensive site and sandy underfoot, but well worth the effort.
Luxor Temple
The heart of ancient Thebes, Luxor’s superbly preserved temple sits resplendent beside the lively Corniche and the River Nile. Originally connected to Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes, this remarkable testament to Pharaonic divinity is one of Egypt’s most captivating settings, especially when bathed in late evening light.
Karnak Temple
Dating from the 2nd millennium BC, The Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak represents one of the finest memorials in Egypt to the grandiose designs of the pharaohs. Approached by an avenue of sphinxes and filled with an array of temples and chambers, obelisks and halls that span the cultural zenith of ancient Thebes.
Valley of the Kings
The final resting place for the likes of Seti I, Ramses II, Tutankhamun and the beautiful and enigmatic Queen Nefertari. The West Bank contains the exquisitely elaborate tombs of some of ancient Egypt’s most renowned Pharaohs, offering a fascinating insight into their lives and beliefs.
Kom Ombo
Lying beside the banks of the Nile, Kom Ombo is a temple unique amongst the ancient remains of the Nile Valley, in that it is dedicated to two gods. Begun during the Ptolemaic period and completed by the Romans, it features a double sanctuary, one worshipping Horus, the other, the crocodile-god Sobek.
Philae Temple
The Temple of Isis sits majestically on the beautiful island setting of Philae, and is without doubt one of Egypt’s most enchanting ancient sites. Dedicated to the cult of the consort of the God Oris, the temple rose to prominence during the Ptolemaic period. Aswan’s High Dam threatened the temple’s continued existence, until a rescue operation dismantled and relocated the entire complex to higher ground.
What's included:
Scheduled direct flights, including all UK and overseas airport taxes and applicable fuel surcharges Experienced English speaking guide during the cruise Private air-conditioned vehicle, exclusive to Bales clients for transfers Sightseeing as detailed above, including entrance fees Modern first class hotels and cruise ship as detailed above Meals as detailed above Minimum participation – 2 passengers
Day 1- EgyptAir flight from Heathrow to Cairo.
Flying on EgyptAir from London Heathrow this afternoon, you arrive in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, later today (4 hours 40 minutes) and transfer to the Sofitel El Gezirah (standard room) which is located in the Nile with each room boasting a Nile view.
Meals: Inflight
Hotel: Sofitel El Gezirah
Day 2- Day at leisure in Cairo.
A morning visit to the magnificent Museum of Antiquities in the centre of Cairo affords the opportunity to gaze upon the unique treasures of Tutankhamun himself, before a free afternoon to enjoy some of the city’s myriad treasures. You may like to visit the mosques and churches of Old Cairo, including a trip up to the 19th century Mohammed Ali Mosque in the iconic and dominating confines of the Citadel.
Meals: B
Hotel: Sofitel El Gezirah
Day 3- Day at leisure in Cairo.
Morning excursion to the Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, including the Solar Boat Museum. In the afternoon you may wish to take an optional excursion to Memphis (3200 BC), the ancient capital of Egypt, continuing over the desert to Saqqara to the Step Pyramid of King Zoser (3rd Dynasty).
Meals: B
Hotel: Sofitel El Gezirah
Day 4- Fly to Luxor and embark on the Sonesta Moon Goddess. Visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor.
Fly to Luxor (1 hour 5 minutes) today and embark on the Sonesta Moon Goddess (standard cabin) in time for lunch. After lunch visit the superbly preserved XVIIIth Dynasty Luxor Temple and the astounding Temple at Karnak. Luxor Temple was built over 4000 years ago, and represents the epoch of the once mighty city of Thebes and the worship of the god Amun. Karnak Temple was built over 4,000 years ago, Karnak’s immense Hypostyle Hall alone contains the phenomenal sight of 134 towering columns of intricate stonework. This evening enjoy an Egyptian buffet dinner followed by traditional music and belly dancing. Overnight in Luxor.
Meals: B, L & D
Hotel: The Sonesta Moon Goddess
Day 5- Optional hot air balloon flight over Luxor. Visits to the Valley of the Kings.
There is the option of rising at dawn to take a hot air balloon flight over Luxor. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this excursion. Cross over to the West Bank to visit the tombs of the Pharaohs, the romantic Valley of the Kings where Howard Carter famously discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Around midday cruise leisurely to Edfu whilst taking lunch and afternoon tea. Relax onboard and enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board.
Meals: B, L & D
Hotel: The Sonesta Moon Goddess
Day 6- Morning visits to the Temple of Edfu and the Ptolemaic temple.
After breakfast visit the wonderfully preserved Temple of Edfu. Return to the boat and sail to Kom Ombo to see the Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus (237 BC), god of the morning sun. This afternoon sail to Aswan and in the evening enjoy an Egyptian buffet dinner and a Galabiya costume party.
Meals: B, L & D
Hotel: The Sonesta Moon Goddess
Day 7- Visit to Philae Temple.
Disembark the Sonesta Moon Goddess after breakfast. Visit the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the dam was constructed. Overnight at the Movenpick Resort Aswan (standard room) which is situated on an island in the middle of the Nile. Afternoon at leisure.
Meals: B
Hotel: Movenpick Hotel
Day 8- Day at leisure with the option to fly to Abu Simbel.
Day at leisure. There is an early morning option to fly to the majestic temple complex of Abu Simbel. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this excursion (please see ‘Pre Bookable Option Excursions’ below).
Meals: B
Hotel: Movenpick Hotel
Day 9- This morning fly to Cairo, connect directly onto your EgyptAir flight to London Heathrow.
This morning fly to Cairo by air (1 hour 25 minutes) and connect directly onto your EgyptAir flight to London Heathrow.
Meals: B
Hotel: No Hotel
Travelling to Egypt
This suggested Tailor Made itinerary is priced from £1395, depending on seasonality and any additional options/excursions you may wish to include in your itinerary. Click on ' Enquire Online' to submit your interest, and one of our specialists will be in touch with further information.
Your hotel details
This holiday includes the following hotels and accommodation:
Sofitel El Gezirah
Situated in the heart of Cairo, Sofitel El Gezirah is one of the very few hotels in Cairo that have all rooms Nile view, and this is due to its cylindrical shape that is rooted in the Nile, in Gezirah Island. The hotel has a capacity of 433 rooms, made up of 5 royal suites, 35 junior suites, 10 diplomatic suites, and 383 deluxe rooms. All rooms are guaranteed to be Nile view and are equipped with a private balcony, air conditioning, satellite televisions, telephone, mini bar, safe, and a private bathroom. This 5 star hotel is positioned right in the centre of Cairo just 2 km from the Egyptian Museum, 15 km from the Pyramids and Sphinx, and 19 km from the International Airport.
The Sonesta Moon Goddess
The Sonesta Moon Goddess features 54 junior suites and 2 presidential suites with private lounges. All cabins feature French windows opening to private balconies offering fabulous views whilst cruising down the Nile. The ship provides a variety of evening entertainment and you can enjoy dining either in the main dining room or out on deck. Facilities include hair salon, billiard table, table tennis, gift shop and an outdoor swimming pool with bar service.
Movenpick Hotel
The Movenpick Hotel in Aswan is a medium grade property situated in its own private gardens on Elephantine Island in central Aswan. A courtesy hotel ferry plies the two minute crossing day and night between the mainland and the hotel. In addition to private bathrooms, rooms have telephone, radio, air-conditioning and a balcony. Hotel facilities include a shop, hairdresser, swimming pool and tropical gardens. The restaurant often features buffet menus, which generally include a selection of international, Indian and Egyptian specialities. Other facilities include the health centre, with a wide range of amenities at a reasonable charge including jacuzzi, sauna, sandbaths and fully equipped gymnasium. Please note that this hotel, formerly the Aswan Oberoi, was taken over by the Movenpick Group in 2004, and some changes may be made during the course of the year; the information given is correct at the time of writing. (www.movenpick.com)
Your international flight details:
Flight upgrades can be selected during the booking process. This holiday has the following flight upgrades:
EgyptAir - Business Class
Cost: from £ 750
International Business Class offers you the chance to arrive in your destination feeling relaxed and refreshed. Relax in more comfortable and spacious seating in a separate cabin and have the use of the business class lounge at Heathrow and Cairo. The features include: • Seats that have 44” more pitch than Economy • Seat with 2” more width than those in Economy • A fully adjustable 73” flat bed with three preset positions ** • Personal 15.4” entertainment screen ** The fully adjustable flat bed is only available on flight numbers MS778 & MS777. Sometimes even this may be subject to change on the day due to unforeseeable circumstances Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.
