Ancient Egypt and Nile Splendours
For many, the scope of Egypt's history is difficult to comprehend. Its history spans some five millenniums, and encompasses the origin of civilization, the rise of the Greeks and Romans, the establishment of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic religions. Visit the spectacular wonders of the ancient world. Experience the meeting point of Arab culture with Nubia and Black Africa.
Prices effective:
01 January 2010 - 31 December 2010
Package: CAD $995.00 (Per Person - single occupancy)
Single Supplement: CAD $255
(Payable only if no other single traveller with whom to share)
Christmas Supplement CAD $65
10 Day Nubians and the Nile
Uncover the mysteries of ancient Egypt with the best of sightseeing in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor and a relaxing cruise on the River Nile by felucca.
Days 1 to 3 - Arrive in Cairo
On arrival at Cairo airport you are transferred to your centrally located hotel where the rest of the day is yours at leisure. The next day we take a tour of the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, 4700 years old and believed to have been the ancient Egyptians’ first attempt at pyramid building. There's also free time for an optional city tour or a stroll in the narrow market lanes of the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar to experience the sights and smells of Old Cairo on Day 3.
Days 4 to 6 - Aswan & Felucca Cruise
Arriving by night train we enjoy laid back Aswan, Egypt’s most southerly city situated on the banks of the Nile at the northern end of Lake Nasser (created after the building of the High Dam. We visit the river island Temple of Philae and the High Dam. There is also free time and the option to visit Abu Simbel, funerary temple of Rameses II. Leaving Aswan we take a two-night felucca cruise - a highlight of the tour. Glide the beautiful Nile with our Nubian crew and sleep under the stars!
Days 7 to 10 - Luxor, East and West Bank Tours, Cairo
We finish our felucca cruise after breakfast, at Komombo, where there are the remains of a temple dedicated to the Gods Sobek and Haroeris. We travel by mini-coach to Luxor via Edfu Temple, a well-preserved complex dedicated to the God Horus, before continuing on to Luxor and checking into our hotel. The town of Luxor is built on and around the ancient site of Thebes, and boasts the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley. To the West of the Nile lies the City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, whilst to the east lie Karnak & Luxor temples. This afternoon we take a tour of the East Bank, visiting the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. The following day take a tour to the West Bank of the Nile, starting with the Valley of the Kings. An overnight train returns us to Cairo where we have a day at leisure. Visit the Citadel or barter for souvenirs in the markets before our tour ends the following morning.