LOW DEPOSITS UNTIL 30th APRIL - JUST £79** PER PERSON
Catch your breath as you encounter the wondrous Pyramids at Giza and marvel at the collections of Cairo's stunning Egyptian Museum. Gaze in awe as you cruise along the tranquil Nile, past riverbank scenes unchanged in centuries, visiting some of the most important relics of Ancient Egypt, as well as the truly phenomenal High Dam at Aswan. Opportunities to visit Alexandria and Abu Simbel on optional excursions complete this extraordinary, unforgettable holiday in Egypt.
Itinerary
Day One
Fly to Cairo and transfer by coach to your five-star hotel in the shadow of the Pyramids at Giza, for a three-night stay.Day Two
Enjoy a full day's guided tour, which will include a visit to the Pyramids - the vast, extraordinary monuments to the ancient Egyptians' wealth and power watched over by the fabled Sphinx. Other highlights will include the the step-pyramid at Saqqara, Cairo's Egyptian Museum, with its fabulous treasures recovered from the tomb of the Boy King Tutankhamun, and the imposing medieval fortress Citadel.
This evening, return to the Pyramids for the 'Sound and Light' optional excursion. On this mystical trip you'll hear the tale of how the Pyramids were built and what life was like in Ancient Egypt in 2611 BC, with a spectacular light show adding to the story-telling.Day Three
Return for another exploration of Cairo's treasures, or join today's optional excursion to Alexandria, once the centre of the Hellenistic world, and now a bustling port-city that preserves an air of nostalgia - in the traditional coffee houses and cafes - for the 'Alex' of old.
Visit the fascinating Graeco-Roman Museum, explore Egypt's only Roman amphitheatre, wander the eerie catacombs at Kom Ash-Shuqqafa and see the Citadel of Quilt Bay - a 15th-century fortress located on the coastline.Day Four
Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Luxor and board the magnificently appointed five-star rated HS Radamis II, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch aboard, journey to the East Bank of the Nile, to visit Luxor Temple with its colonnades and courtyards, and the staggering Temple of Karnak, where the vast columns of the giant hypostyle hall dwarf awestruck visitors. Enjoy a first dinner aboard ship, and moor overnight in Luxor.Day Five
Cross to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where in 1922 Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon discovered the sand-blocked entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun. You'll also visit the temple of female Pharaoh Hatshepsut and gaze in awe at the twin 'colossi' of Memnon.
Return to Radamis II for lunch and begin the journey south, cruising through scenes seemingly unchanged in centuries, with fishermen sailing traditional feluccas and villagers washing their clothing in the river's waters. Moor overnight in Edfu.Day Six
Visit perhaps the best preserved of all Egypt's Pharaonic relics, the stunning Temple of Horus, before you return to the ship and cruise towards the magnificent riverside Temple at Kom Ombo, with its hypostyle halls, burial chambers and mummified crocodiles. You'll visit the twin temple of pharaohs Sobek and Haroeris, before cruising on to Aswan, where you will moor for three nights, giving you the opportunity to explore this mesmerising city with its backdrop the Aga Khan's great mausoleum.Day Seven
Today you'll visit the extraordinary Aswan High Dam, which holds back the waters of great Lake Nasser, and see the granite quarries from where many of the ancient obelisks were fashioned. See the 'Unfinished Obelisk' - left behind because of a flaw in the stone from which it is cut. Take a motorboat ride across the Nile to the great Temple of Isis on the island of Philae, then this afternoon join the included tour, enjoying a felucca ride around mid-stream Kitchener's Island, with its botanical gardens.Day Eight
Explore some of the attractions of Aswan, perhaps visiting the Nubian Museum charting the history of one of Africa's most ancient peoples, or wandering the colourful souks. Alternatively, join one of two optional excursions - by coach or air - to remote Abu Simbel, where the staggering temples of Ramses II and the goddess Hathor are carved out of the mountainside. Rediscovered in the early 19th Century, the temples and their relics are amongst Egypt's greatest treasures.Days 9-10
Radamis II makes her lazy way north downriver once more, heading back past the sites at Kom Ombo and Edfu, and mooring for a last night in Luxor. Take the opportunity to spend two days enjoying the tranquility of the ship, dipping in and out of the pool and making the most of the on-board amenities as the stunning scenery passes gently by.Day 11
Bid farewell to the ship and your Egyptian hosts, and transfer to Luxor airport for the return flight to the UK.
Cairo, Luxor and Nile Cruise Touring Hotels
Introduction
You will be staying in a series of good hotels, of at least a European three-star standard.Cairo Pyramids Hotel, Cairo (nights 1-3)
Affording views of the wondrous Pyramids at Giza, this modern hotel has attractive landscaped gardens and a large swimming pool. There is a choice of bars and an array of cuisine on offer at a variety of restaurants - including a cafe, a steakhouse and an Italian restaurant. Rooms are contemporary and have air-conditioning, baths, showers and safes.HS Radamis II (nights 4-10)
Follow in the footsteps of the pharaohs as you slowly drift along the famous River Nile in your well-appointed floating home-from-home, the HS Radamis Nile II. This traditional Nile ship offers 75 cabins and suites, as well as entertainment on board - including themed Egyptian nights - and a bar with nightly music.
The large, attractive sun deck boasts a swimming pool, a pool bar and ample space to relax and take in the mesmerising scenery as it passes you by. Other amenities include the Orangerie Restaurant, which serves local and international cuisine, a library, a small fitness area and a bazaar.
All cabins are well appointed and comfortable. Each is air conditioned and comes with a large panoramic window offering Nile views, TV, a mini-bar, a safe and a private bathroom with a bath and shower. Upgraded cabins located on higher decks are available at a supplement.
