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Jewels of Egypt - Overland Trip

2 weeks: Cairo to Cairo (IMT-ETJW)

Intro

This tour is perfect for those who want to see as much as possible of Egypt - we visit all the highlights of the Nile Valley and enjoy a wonderfully relaxing cruise on our private cruise boat, but we also have the chance to explore the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and to climb Mt Sinai for one of the most beautiful sunrises you are ever likely to see.

Group Size

Max 15

Activities

Donkey ride to the Valley of the Kings, hike up Mt Sinai.

Trek Grade

Easy

Accommodation

6 nights tourist class hotels, 7 nights on board Nile cruise boat, 1 night sleeper train

Transport

Private air-conditioned transport, private Nile cruise boat, first class sleeper train, hydrofoil, horse-drawn carriage and donkeys

Airport Transfer

To hotel day 1

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of Egyptologists

Entrance Fees

Included for all sites visited as part of itinerary

Please Note: Due to the closure of the lock at Esna there will be a change in itinerary for the following tours departing on:

01/06/08

08/06/08

22/06/08

30/11/08

07/11/08

Itinerary changes

DAY 4 Luxor - Esna - Edfu

On arrival we transfer to hotel where we are given the use of day rooms. Later we take horse-drawn carriages for a guided tour of the great Temple of Karnak. This afternoon we transfer to our boat MS Melodie at Esna and start our Nile Cruise. Overnight in Edfu. (BLD)

DAY 5 Esna - Kom Ombo

We sail south to the riverside temple of Kom Ombo. On arrival we visit the temple dedicated to the God’s Sobek and Horarious. We overnight at Kom Ombo. (BLD)

DAY 6 Kom Ombo - Aswan

Continue sailing to Aswan. The day is free to explore this beautiful vibrant town. (BLD)

DAY 7 Aswan

This morning there is an opportunity to visit the famed temples of Abu Simbel. A free day in Aswan (BLD)

DAY 8 Aswan - Edfu

A day of cruising takes us to the town of Edfu. Overnight in Edfu. (BLD)

DAY 9 Edfu - Esna

Visit the temple of Horus at Edfu before we continue our sailing to Esna. Overnight in Esna. (BLD)

DAY 10 Luxor

We get up before sunrise and transfer to Luxor. On arrival in Luxor we meet our STURDY donkeys and enjoy a ride to the Valley of the Kings. Our route back offers magnificent views of the Nile Valley and passes the Colossi of Memnon. The afternoon is free. Overnight in a hotel in Luxor. (BLD)

Itineraries (Cairo - Cairo)

Day 1,CAIRO

Arrive and check into your hotel. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour. (No meals.)

Day 2,CAIRO

In the morning we visit the great Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza where we enjoy a guided tour. Later this afternoon we drive to the north coast to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria (B) Approx 3 hrs journey.

Day 3,ALEXANDRIA

A morning guided tour of the National Museum, Catacombs and Pompey's pillar. This afternoon we drive back to Cairo where we board the first class sleeper train for our journey to Luxor. (BD)

Day 4,LUXOR - NILE CRUISE

Arrive and transfer to our Nile cruise boat. Later we take the horse drawn carriages for a guided tour of the great temple of Karnak. This afternoon we begin our sailing to Edfu. (BLD)

Day 5,NILE CRUISE

We sail south to the river side temple of Kom Ombo. On arrival we visit the temple dedicated to the Gods Sobek and Haroeris. Overnight in Kom Ombo. (BLD)

Day 6,KOM OMBO - ASWAN

Continue sailing to Aswan. The day is free to explore this beautiful, vibrant town. You could visit Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk (US$24), see the sound and light show at Philae (US$24), take a camel ride to St Simeon's Monastery (us$15) or enjoy a Felucca cruise (US$5). (BLD)

Day 7,ASWAN

A free day in Aswan (BLD). There is the option to visit the temples of Abu Simbel by bus (US$50) or by air (US$215).

Day 8,NILE CRUISE

A day of cruising takes us to the town of Edfu. Overnight in Edfu. (BLD)

Day 9,NILE CRUISE - LUXOR

In the morning we visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu before we continue sailing to Luxor. Overnight in Luxor. (BLD)

Day 10,LUXOR

We get up before sunrise to ride sturdy donkeys to the Valley of the Kings. Our route back offers magnificent views of the Nile Valley and passes the Colossi of Memnon. Free afternoon. Sound and light show at Karnak temple (US$28). (BLD)

Day 11,LUXOR - HURGHADA

Travel to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Free afternoon (B) Approx. 5 hrs driving

Day 12,HURGHADA - ST CATHERINE

Rise early to board the Hydrofoil from Hurghada to the Sinai, then transfer to St Catherine where we spend the night near the foot of Mt Sinai. Approx 8 hrs in total. (BD)

Day 13,ST CATHERINE - MT SINAI - CAIRO

We get up early to climb Mt Sinai in time for sunrise. The views from the top over the Sinai Mountains are absolutely magnificent. Transfer back to Cairo In the afternoon. Approx 8 hrs drive. (B)

Day 14,CAIRO

Morning guided tour of the Egyptian Museum with the chance to see the famous mummies. This afternoon is free. Take a horse or camel ride at the Pyramids (US$35). (B)

Day 15,CAIRO

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

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