Aswan to Abu Simbel
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Saturday Arrival in Aswan from Cairo or a Nile cruise. A private minibus and driver will transfer you to the Kasr Ibrim where lunch will be provided on board. In the afternoon you will be taken on your first excursion to visit Kalabsha temple. Built by the Roman emperor Augustus and dedicated to the Nubian version of the god Horus known as Mandoulis. Continue on to see Beit El Wali, the rock-cut temple dedicated to the god Amun-Re the smallest of its type, built by Ramses II (19th dynasty) and the kiosk of Kertassi erected in honour of Isis (goddess of motherhood, magic and healing) with two splendid Hathoric columns. Dinner and overnight on board in Aswan.
Day 2: Sunday Kasr Ibrim sets sail for Wadi El Seboua, crossing the Tropic of Cancer on the way. Lunch, Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 3: Monday Breakfast on board followed by a morning visit to Wadi El Seboua, (Valley of the Lionesses): Named for the avenue of sphinxes which led to the rock temple built by Ramses II and dedicated to the god Amun. The excursion continues to the temple of Dakka, a Meriotic and Ptolemaic temple reconstructed on the site of an earlier temple dedicated to Thoth (god of wisdom and science) built by Amenophis II, and the temple of Meharakka a late Ptolemaic period temple to Serapis. Lunch on board while sailing to Amada. Visit the temples of Amada, a sandstone temple of Amun-Re and Re-Harakhte (god of the morning sun, a combination of Ra and Horus) built by Thutmose III and Amenhotep II, with a pillared court added by Thutmose IV. Later on we visit Derr a rock cut temple dedicated to Re-Harakhte, Ramses II, Amun-Re and Ptah (god of creation and patron of artists and artisans). as well as the tomb of Penout the rock-cut tomb of the viceroy of Nubia under Ramses VI, the only existing one of its kind. Dinner and overnight on board at Amada.
Day 4: Tuesday The Kasr Ibrim sails onward to the citadel of its namesake. The tour is conducted from the ship's sun deck as entrance to the site is not permitted. It is the only monument on Lake Nasser that still exists in its original location. Before the creation of the lake this fort stood atop a high bluff overlooking the valley, a strategic site since ancient times. The fort may date to the Middle Kingdom and it has been rebuilt and used in a variety of ways over time, including as a church and mosque. We continue on to Abu Simbel with a visit to these spectacular temples after lunch. The temple of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, also represents the triumph of UNESCO's Campaign to salvage the temples, without which these monuments would have been forever lost beneath the Nile waters. This evening you can enjoy a sound & light show at Abu Simbel (non-compulsory, ticket not included). Candlelight dinner on board and overnight at Abu Simbel.
Day 5: Wednesday Breakfast on board. Those who wish may enjoy a second visit to the Abu Simbel temples to watch the sunrise (entrance ticket is not included). You will then disembark for your flight back to London Heathrow (and a private car transfer home), or extend your stay in Aswan or another city of your choice. (B)
ACCOMODATION
Lake Nasser M.S. Kasr Ibrim 5*
The M.S. Kasr Ibrim was named after the ancient citadel on Lake Nasser, the only Nubian monument that still exists in its original location. Relax in the ship's spacious lounge areas, its restaurant or bars. On deck you will find a shaded area, a mosaic-lined swimming pool and deckchairs to make the most of Lake Nasser’s glorious scenery. Kasr Ibrim's facilities also include a sauna, steam bath, exercise equipment, and is fully air-conditioned. Service is thoughtful and friendly; the cuisine is superb. Each day the boat anchors beside one of Lake Nasser's historic sites, where a launch will take you ashore to explore. The interior décor reflects the Art Deco style of the 1920's. Fifty-five spacious cabins measure 22.75m2, each with an ensuite bathroom (bath, shower, washbasin, w.c. and hairdryer). There are seven 29m2 junior suites; two 59m2 Royal suites and one 140m2 Imperial suite (all ten suites have bathrooms with jacuzzi, shower, washbasin, w.c. and hairdryer). A guaranteed allocation to one of the Upper Deck cabins is available at an additional surcharge.
DEPARTURES AND PRICES
Tailormade: We are tailor-made specialists which is reflected in the excellent value we are able to give our clients. We regularly receive special offers from airlines and hotels, enabling us to tailor-make the best possible price at the time of your enquiry. As a result the choice of airline and hotel will differ dependent on the time of your enquiry.