Splendors of the Nile
Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend and lore as you view the timeless wonders of Egypt. Discover the world of the ancient Egyptians as you visit the incomparable sites of the pharaohs - Memphis and Sakkara, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and Karnak temples, and the tombs on the West Bank of ancient Thebes. Cruise along the legendary Nile River, pass colonnaded temples and stop at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, situated at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes.Learn about ancient Egyptian history during lectures in Cairo and on board the cruise by your Egyptologist/National Guide, who will accompany you throughout your journey. With their guidance, you will:
Discover the roles of the pharaoh, religion, and art and architecture in ancient Egypt, from the pre-dynastic "Old Kingdom" through the achievements of the "New Kingdom" to the end of the dynastic period and the rule of the Greek Ptolemaic period, ending with the rule of Cleopatra.
Explore the mystique behind the empire of the great builder and pharaoh, Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.
Learn about the exciting recent archaeological finds in Egypt.
Gain insight into the many differing tombs of the Valley of the Kings and hear about their site selection, tomb construction, rituals and symbolism.
Highlights
Cairo, Pyramids, Memphis, Sakkara, Valley of the Kings and Queens, Luxor, Deluxe 4-Night Nile River Cruise, Aswan
Collette Experience
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2008
- Duration
- 12 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Air 1 | Overnight Flight | Overnight Flight: Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend and lore as you view the timeless wonders of Egypt. Discover the world of the ancient Egyptians as you visit the incomparable sites of the pharaohs: Memphis and Sakkara, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and Karnak temples and the tombs on the West Bank of ancient Thebes. Cruise along the legendary Nile River, pass colonnaded temples and stop at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, situated at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land. |
| Day 2 | Cairo | Cairo, Egypt: Gather for a special welcome reception and dinner this evening. |
| Day 3 | Cairo | Cairo - Giza - Memphis - Sakkara - Cairo: This morning travel to nearby Giza to visit one of the seven ancient wonders of the world - the Pyramids of Giza. This afternoon, travel south to visit the site of ancient Memphis, with its 40-foot statue of Ramses II, and Sakkara, where you will see the oldest of all the pyramids, the Step pyramid. |
| Day 4 | Luxor | Cairo - Luxor: Spend the morning discovering the remarkable collections of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, including statues, reliefs, sarcophagi and the treasures of the tomb of Tutankhamen. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor*. |
| Day 5 | Luxor | Luxor: Begin your tour of ancient Thebes as you cross over to the West Bank of the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the massive complex of the Temple of Karnak. |
| Day 6 | Board Cruise Ship | Luxor - Board Cruise Ship: Return to the West Bank to visit the tombs in the Valley of Nobles and the well-preserved temple complex of Medinet Habu. Embark on your Nile cruise this afternoon. After dinner, return to the Temple of Karnak for the breathtaking sound and light show. |
| Day 7 | Luxor | Luxor: Your ship sails in the early hours of the morning. Begin sailing down the mighty Nile, arriving in Esna. Continue sailing this afternoon toward Edfu. |
| Day 8 | Kom Ombo | Edfu - Kom Ombo: This morning visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Following lunch, set sail for Kom Ombo where you will tour the famous double sanctuary. |
| Day 9 | Aswan | Aswan: Arrive in the Nubian city of Aswan this morning. After lunch on board ship, sail by traditional felucca to Kitchener Island for a stroll through the botanical gardens. Your ship remains in Aswan overnight. |
| Day 10 | Aswan | Aswan - Disembark Cruise Ship: Disembark your ship this morning. Visit the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and the ancient Philae Temple of Isis. |
| Day 11 | Heliopolis | Aswan - Heliopolis: In the morning you may choose an optional tour to Abu Simbel**. See the extraordinary temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II, which were moved to their present site during construction of the Aswan High Dam. Fly from Aswan to Cairo* and arrive at your hotel in Heliopolis. Tonight enjoy a delightful farewell dinner and share your experiences with your fellow travelers! |
| Day 12 | Tour Concludes | Heliopolis - Tour Concludes: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
