Wonders of ancient Egypt 2012

Dining Highlights
4 buffet breakfasts in Cairo.All meals on the Nile cruise.

First Class Travel Highlights
Escorted by one of Trafalgar’s English-speaking Egyptologist/Travel Directors.A Trafalgar Bonus – all internal flights from Cairo to Luxor return, plus all airport transfers are included.Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.First Class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilitiesAll hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes includedTravel by luxury, air-conditioned coach with reclining seats on day excursionsEscorted by one of Trafalgar’s English-speaking Egyptologist/ Travel Directors.Audio headsets for all guided visits and included sightseeingA Trafalgar Bonus – all internal flights from Cairo to Luxor, returnA stylish wallet, travel documents, keepsake booklet and map

Day 1: DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Cairo.

Day 2: ARRIVE CAIRO (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Cairo! You are met on arrival at Cairo Airport and transferred to your hotel. Wander through ancient, bustling streets and get a feel for this magical, ancient city or simply relax after your journey.

Day 3: CAIRO - PYRAMIDS EXCURSION
See the amazing limestone Colossus of Ramses II and the giant Alabaster Sphinx at Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom. Visit Sakkara and see the Step Pyramid, which heralded the pyramid age. Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza and see the Sphinx cast its enigmatic gaze across the desert. This evening you are treated to an unforgettable Sound and Light Show and a view of the pyramids at night.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4: CAIRO - LUXOR - DENDERA - NILE CRUISE (7 NIGHTS)
Fly to Luxor for an expert guided tour of the enormous Karnak Temple complex - one of the largest ancient religious sites in the world. Board your cruise ship in time for lunch, and set sail for Dendera in the north.(Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 5: NILE CRUISE DENDERA - LUXOR
Explore the Dendera Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Hathor, and see the bas-relief of Cleopatra with her son Caesarion. Rejoin your ship and cruise back to Luxor to visit the Grand Temple of Luxor. It was in Luxor that British crime novelist Agatha Christie stayed. Her time in Egypt inspired her to write the famous book Death on the Nile which was later made into a movie.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 6: NILE CRUISE LUXOR - EDFU
Discover Deir el-Bahri, a complex of mortuary temples and tombs. See Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple and admire the Colossi of Memnon. Visit the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of many of the New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Sailing from Luxor to Edfu, passing through Esna Lock, you glide past primitive villages lining the banks of the Nile.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 7: NILE CRUISE: EDFU - ASWAN
Visit the Temple of Edfu, one of the best preserved and dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Cruise to Aswan. Dress up in galabeas and enjoy a fun-filled evening of Egyptian culture and cuisine.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 8: NILE CRUISE: ASWAN
View the impressive High Dam and Granite Quarries, home of the famous Unfinished Obelisk. Visit the Temple of Isis on the Island of Philae. Take a memorable ride in a felucca across the Nile to view the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 9: NILE CRUISE: ASWAN - KOM-OMBO - EDFU
Take an optional air excursion to the temples of Abu Simbel beside Lake Nasser, to see four giant stone statues of Ramses II carved out of the mountains. This afternoon visit the roofless Temple of Kom-Ombo, dedicated to the falcon and crocodile gods.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 10: NILE CRUISE: EDFU - LUXOR
A full day cruising on the Nile today. Take advantage of the on board facilities or relax on the sun deck with a book. Enjoy the splendid and unique scenery as you cruise to Luxor.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 11: DISEMBARK - LUXOR - CAIRO (2 NIGHTS)
Fly to Cairo. This evening you might consider an evening meal in a local restaurant followed by some lively Egyptian entertainment.(Breakfast)

Day 12: CAIRO SIGHTSEEING
Tour the Citadel, a spectacular complex dominating Cairo’s skyline, built in the 12th century to protect the city from Christian Crusaders. Visit the Alabaster Mosque at the citadel’s summit − one of the city’s most important landmarks − and the Sultan Hassan Mosque. Go inside the Hanging Church of St. Mary in Old Cairo above the water gate. Immerse yourself in thousands of artefacts at the famous Egyptian Museum, including the splendid treasures of Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. Enjoy your final evening in the fascinating city of Cairo.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 13: CAIRO - USA
At the end of a truly memorable holiday, say goodbye to this unforgettable country and your Travel Director and travelling companions. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)

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Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/26/2012 - 4/7/2012	$2,575
4/2/2012 - 4/14/2012	$2,575
4/9/2012 - 4/21/2012	$2,575
4/16/2012 - 4/28/2012	$2,550
4/23/2012 - 5/5/2012	$2,550
4/30/2012 - 5/12/2012	$2,550
5/7/2012 - 5/19/2012	$2,550
5/14/2012 - 5/26/2012	$2,550
5/21/2012 - 6/2/2012	$2,550
5/28/2012 - 6/9/2012	$2,550
6/4/2012 - 6/16/2012	$2,550
6/11/2012 - 6/23/2012	$2,550
6/18/2012 - 6/30/2012	$2,550
6/25/2012 - 7/7/2012	$2,575
7/2/2012 - 7/14/2012	$2,625
7/9/2012 - 7/21/2012	$2,625
7/16/2012 - 7/28/2012	$2,575
7/23/2012 - 8/4/2012	$2,550
7/30/2012 - 8/11/2012	$2,550
8/6/2012 - 8/18/2012	$2,550
8/13/2012 - 8/25/2012	$2,550
8/20/2012 - 9/1/2012	$2,550
8/27/2012 - 9/8/2012	$2,550
9/3/2012 - 9/15/2012	$2,550
9/10/2012 - 9/22/2012	$2,550
9/17/2012 - 9/29/2012	$2,550
9/24/2012 - 10/6/2012	$2,650
10/1/2012 - 10/13/2012	$2,675
10/8/2012 - 10/20/2012	$2,675
10/15/2012 - 10/27/2012	$2,675
10/22/2012 - 11/3/2012	$2,650
10/29/2012 - 11/10/2012	$2,650
11/5/2012 - 11/17/2012	$2,650
11/12/2012 - 11/24/2012	$2,650
11/19/2012 - 12/1/2012	$2,650
11/26/2012 - 12/8/2012	$2,650
12/3/2012 - 12/15/2012	$2,650
12/10/2012 - 12/22/2012	$2,675
12/17/2012 - 12/29/2012	$2,699
12/24/2012 - 1/5/2013	$2,885
12/31/2012 - 1/12/2013	$2,650
1/7/2013 - 1/19/2013	$2,650
1/14/2013 - 1/26/2013	$2,650
1/21/2013 - 2/2/2013	$2,650
1/28/2013 - 2/9/2013	$2,650
2/4/2013 - 2/16/2013	$2,650
2/11/2013 - 2/23/2013	$2,650
2/18/2013 - 3/2/2013	$2,650
2/25/2013 - 3/9/2013	$2,650
3/4/2013 - 3/16/2013	$2,650
3/11/2013 - 3/23/2013	$2,650
3/18/2013 - 3/30/2013	$2,650
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Sightseeing Highlights
Memphis See the Colossus of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx.Sakkara View the Step Pyramid, the oldest in the ancient world.Giza View the Great Pyramids and see the Sphinx. Experience the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.Luxor Visit the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Deir El-Bahri, Queen Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.Dendera Explore the Temple dedicated to the Goddess Hathor.Edfu Visit the Temple of Horus.Aswan View the High Dam and Granite Quarries. Visit the Temple of Isis on Philae Island. Ride in a felucca to the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener Island.Kom-Ombo Visit the Temple built during the Ptolemaic dynasty.Cairo Sightseeing includes the Citadel, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Mohammed Ali’s Alabaster Mosque, the Hanging Church of St. Mary and the Egyptian Museum.

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Ratings & Reviews:

This tour's average rating:

Thanks for voting !

(4.5 out of 5, Based on 2 ratings) Write a review.

 

The most recent reviews for this tour:

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Thanks for voting !

Toni rated this tour a 4 on 11/23/2011 10:30:43 AM and says:

"

I Had a great time on this tour.  Our tour group was only small but they were all wonderful people.  Our Tour Director was exceptional.  So much so I would personally like to thank Mohammed (Habibi)  (July 12th tour) for sharing his expert knowledge and his awesome country with me.  I can only hope that when I go back (hopefully in 2014) I will be lucky enough to get him as our guide.
The people of Egypt are so warm and welcoming.
I was very sad to leave.
I look forward to going back.

The MS Giselle was beautiful. It was like something out of an Agatha Christie Novel.
We had 7 days on the ship (boat not sure which) and at the beginning there was 14 people on board. Then we had a few more join us on the last 4 days. But I think there was only about 60 people all up. Which made for a really personable cruise. We were spoilt by the crew.  Well done to the crew of the Giselle.

All of us did the Light and sound show at Gisa. Spectacular. And the trip to Abel Simbel.
And the dinner cruise.  
The only one I personally didn't do was the other light and sound show.

I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone who is looking for a magnificent country to see.

"

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Thanks for voting !

Trina rated this tour a 5 on 8/14/2011 7:38:11 AM and says:

"

Great trip.  If you want to see Luxor, you have to be up at 4 a.m. for the flight and up at 5 a.m. to see the Dendura Temple - all worth it.  It is much hotter in Luxor. We are told that the modern name of the city is Luxor, the ancient name is Wast, and the Greek/Roman name for it is Thebes. Upon landing in Luxor, the beautiful scenery takes our breath away. The airport here is all polished marble or granite. There are young men outside that try to take our luggage right out of our hands. We hold tight, say no, la shokrun (no thank you) and they yell but don’t give chase. It is so green here! And cleaner! Palm trees and nice buildings, flowering bushes decorate the fencing in brilliant pink and pale white. We catch our first glimpse of the beautiful Nile River. Our next stop is the grand temple complex of Karnak. It is 64 acres of columns, carvings, stone blocks, and hieroglyphsIt is so very hot; we are all sweating like crazy. Mohamed tells us it is better still to cover our skin and wear hats. Drink lots of water. I feel like passing out before we even get to the grand hypostyle hall. It is fabulous. The carvings are so intricate I can’t concentrate on what Mohamed is saying. We learn that the same cartouche for Ramses II is carved in a little different orientation on each column so that no matter where you stand, you can always see his full name. On some of the stones above there are still wonderful traces of paint. We continue through the complex and it never seems to end. Carvings and hieroglyphs are everywhere. Mohamed points out grooves in the blocks where people have made housing in more modern times. Very interesting. He also teaches us about reading hieroglyphics in different directions depending on which way the animals are facing. We have some free time to explore, and we see the lucky scarab, the sacred lake, and the most beautiful obelisks. We find a truly hassle free vender and buy some postcards and a keychain. We head back to the bus and are tired hot and hungry. We’re late and everyone is waiting for us. Now we will head for our cruise ship, the SS Miriam, for lunch and a nap. We have to go through a private gate that venders are not allowed to go through to get to our ship. We have to walk through several ships to get to ours, as they dock 5-7 ships deep. Once at our ship, we meet the manager, and have a welcome aboard drink- chilled hibiscus tea. It is too bitter for me but everyone else really likes it. Our lunch is buffet style. I am eating very cautiously to avoid stomach upset and have several types of bread, penne au gratin, some chicken, and plenty of water. The buffet is classy with carved fancy veggies, many cold salads, and different meats, and a dessert buffetAfter a feast, we browse the gift shop and go back to our room for a nap. We are to meet our group on the sun deck at 4:30 for afternoon tea, and then we are scheduled to see the Luxor Temple. The temp is just now bearable. The Luxor temple complex includes an obelisk, statues of Ramses II, the avenue of sphinxes (which at one time joined the Karnak and Luxor temples but has been swallowed by the developing city- there are 1815 Sphinxes in the avenue) We have our group photo taken in front of the entrance of the complex. When the temple was still much buried in sand, a mosque was built onto it, and now that the sand is cleared away, it sits way above us. A Christian church was also added on to a room in the back of the complex, but when the roof collapsed they stopped using it. It is dripping with hieroglyphs and there are many columns and the walls still have color in some places. We see Seti II’s niche. In the room that was once a Christian church, the hieroglyphs have not been defaced. They were plastered and painted over with amazing frescos. If you look closely, you can still see the remains of the painting- like a ghost of the image once there. The sun sets and it is a wonderful night to watch the moon rise over the columns and explore all the corners of the complex. We head back to the main gate and enter the avenue of the Sphinxes. We pass by a guard who wants to show us where to take a good picture, but Mohamed has pre-warned us of these fellas- they just point to a random area and ask for money for the favour. We go back to the entrance area and collect our group photo, which was printed while we did our tour. Dallon gets edgy and whispers for me to look at a guy who is casually swing a machine gun around and visiting with various sellers about the place. We return to the bus and grab some more postcards from a kid along the way. Now we are going to see a papyrus factory, and I’m not impressed because I think it will be like the carpet thing. I was wrong though, and it is a pleasant experience. We are walked through the process of making papyrus, (adults do the peeling, splitting, pounding, rolling, soaking, layering, pressing, right to the finished product) and are invited to look around the gallery at the papyrus paintings. There was zero pressure to purchase anything, and we ended up spending a lot of money here- 1100 EGP on a large papyrus painting of King Tut’s honeymoon, and several small paintings for gifts back home. We are happy with our purchases and head back to the ship for a delicious buffet dinner. Waiters pull out our chairs, spread napkins in our laps, and pour water for us. I could really get used to this! I try some sea bass, my usual selection of breads, cucumbers, and a drumstick with sautéed veggies and potatoes. We visit with Violet and Nada from our tour group. When we finish we go to the gift shop and purchase Dallon’s plain white galabea for the party later in the week. The man that runs the store seems pleased, and he says that it is the same galabea as what he has at home. We go up to the sundeck to enjoy the moon and stars and lights reflecting off the Nile.

We had a fabulous group of people for our first travel experience, and everyone brought something interesting to the table. I will remember each of them with fond memories! From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone who worked so hard to make our vacation all we imagined it could be!

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