Cartouche and Coptics
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ITINERARY
Day 1 Monday Travel to London Heathrow by complimentary private car (within 50 miles) in time for the departure of your scheduled flight to Luxor, the ‘open-air museum’ of Upper Egypt. You will be met on arrival and privately transferred to the MS Sun Ray, a luxurious cruise liner where you will spend the next seven nights.
THE NILE (Days 2-8)
Day 2 After the buffet breakfast you will be guided to the ruined but stupendous temples of Luxor and Karnak, the apex of temple building and the largest religious complex of the ancient world – lose yourself amongst its gigantic pylons, richly hieroglyphed columns and tranquil sacred pools. Among Karnak’s many treasures are the Great Hypostyle Hall and Hatshepsut’s pink granite obelisk, at 30 metres high it is the second tallest in the world. The M.S. Sun Ray then continues on to Esna. (B,L,D) Overnight in Esna.
Day 3 This morning after a leisurely breakfast you will have time to visit the imposing Temple of Horus in Edfu. Navigating southwards, the next mooring is Kom Ombo where further sights after lunch include the sublime Temple of Sobek, before continuing up the picturesque Nile to the charming Nubian city of Aswan. (B,L,D) Overnight in Aswan.
Day 4 After breakfast you will be taken to see the highlights of Aswan including the High Dam, Old Dam, The Unfinished Obelisk and picturesque island temple of Philae. Some free time in the afternoon gives you a chance to explore the streets and bazaars of Aswan or to experience the more traditional means of river transport aboard a felucca and enjoy a sail past the towering dunes fringing the riverbanks. (B,L,D) Overnight in Aswan.
Day 5 This morning you will have the option of a very early start for an overland journey to see the awe-inspiring Temple of Abu Simbel, fringing the shores of Lake Nasser. This involves an early departure at 4 a.m. but a later air transfer is also available at a supplement. Returning to the boat in the afternoon, it then disembarks and returns to Edfu. (B,LD) Overnight in Edfu.
Day 6 A leisurely day on the river, cruising back to Luxor. (B,LD) Overnight in Luxor.
Day 7 Rise early on day 7 for an optional hot air balloon flight – an unforgettable experience as the sun rises over the East Bank. You will spend most of today discovering Luxor, the ‘open-air museum’ of Upper Egypt. A visit to the West Bank takes in the magnificent ancient sights of the sun scorched Valley of the Kings, Queens, Madinet Habou and the roadside sentinels known as the Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon the excursion takes you northwards to Qena and the the isolated Greco-Roman Temple of Dendera, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt, if not the best. (B,L,D) Overnight in Luxor.
Day 8 Disembarkation after breakfast. Privately transfer to Luxor Airport for your return flight to London Heathrow (and a private car transfer home), or why not extend your stay in Luxor or take a flight to the sandy beaches and teeming coral reefs of the Red Sea? (B)
ACCOMODATION
Nile Cruise M.S. Sun Ray 5*
M/S Sun Ray is one of the most luxurious and stylish vessels on the Nile River, and has recently been refurbished in September 2008. There are 5 passenger decks with a total passenger capacity of 132 and a crew of 70. There are Standard and Superior en suite cabins on board each with panoramic windows, private bathroom, individually controlled air conditioning, telephone, safe, television, music system, minibar, king size or twin beds. Standard cabins are on the lower deck whilst Superior are located on the main and upper decks. 4 large suites are available on request. There is a restaurant serving excellent international cuisine and a luxurious lounge surrounded by large oval viewing windows. On the top deck is a sun deck with recreation area as well as a bar and swimming pool. Other amenities include a reading room, gift shop and open air gym.
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.