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Nile Valley & Red Sea - Overland Trip

2 weeks: Cairo to Cairo (IMT-ETNR)

Intro

One of our longest running and most popular trips has just got even better with the addition of a visit to the wonderful temples at Dendera and Abydos and a trip to the island temple of Isis at Philae. All the regular highlights are still there; a Nile cruise on MS Melodie, a donkey ride to the Valley of the Kings, snorkelling in the Red Sea and the chance to visit the awe-inspiring temples at Abu Simbel.

Group Size

Max 15

Activities

Donkey ride to the Valley of the Kings, Red Sea snorkelling

Accommodation

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

Transport

Private air-conditioned transport, private Nile cruise boat, 1st class sleeper train, horse-drawn carriage, donkeys, local boats on Red Sea

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 of itinerary for the tours departing on the following dates:

25/05/08

01/06/08

08/06/08

15/06/08

22/06/08

30/11/08

07/12/08

Itinerary changes:

Day 4, Luxor - Esna - Edfu

On arrival we transfer to hotel. 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, Edfu - Kom Ombo

We sail south to Kom Ombo. On arrival we visit the riverside temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. We overnight at Kom Ombo. (BLD)

Day 6, Kom Ombo - Aswan

We journey to Aswan and on arrival the day is free to explore this beautiful town. (BLD)

Day 7, Aswan

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

Day 8, Aswan - Edfu

Continuing cruising to 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 the 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

Day 1,CAIRO

Arrival day.

Day 2,CAIRO

See the treasures in the Egyptian Museum and visit the Citadel and Khan El Khalili bazaar. (B)

Day 3,CAIRO

We start our day with a guided tour to see the Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza. Free afternoon. Overnight sleeper train to Luxor. (BD)

Day 4,LUXOR – ESNA

On arrival we transfer to our Nile cruise boat. Later we take horse-drawn carriages to the great Temple of Karnak where we have a guided tour. In the afternoon we begin cruising along the Nile en route to Esna where we spend the night. (BLD)

Day 5,ESNA - KOM OMBO

Sail south to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo. On arrival we visit the temple, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. (BLD)

Day 6,KOM OMBO – ASWAN

We sail to Aswan. In the afternoon we take a boat ride to the beautiful Temple of Isis, situated on Philae Island. (BLD)

Day 7,ASWAN

This morning there is the opportunity to visit the famed temple of Abu Simbel. Free day in Aswan. (BLD)

Day 8,ASWAN – EDFU

Cruise up the Nile towards Edfu. (BLD)

Day 9,EDFU - LUXOR

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. The afternoon is free. (BLD)

Day 11,ABYDOS – DENDERA

A full day excursion to the beautifully preserved temples at Abydos and Dendera. (B)

Day 12,LUXOR - RED SEA

Travel by air-conditioned transport to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. (B)

Day 13,RED SEA

Cruise in local boats to nearby coral reefs for a day of snorkelling. (BL)

Day 14,RED SEA - CAIRO

We drive via the Red Sea coast on our return journey to Cairo. (B)

Day 15,CAIRO

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

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Last updated: 20th October 2009