Gracing the Nile
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ITINERARY
Day 1 Travel to London Heathrow by complimentary private car (within 50 miles) and depart on your scheduled flight to the Egyptian capital, Cairo. A private minibus and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel, the Mena House Oberoi for the first of three nights.
CAIRO (Days 2-3) Take a couple of days to discover the many highlights of Africa’s largest and most exhilarating city in the company of an expert guide. Uncover layer after layer of history, from the enigmatic Sphinx and the monumental, 5000-year-old Pyramids of Giza (last surviving Wonder of the World) to the remarkable Egyptian Museum which provides an enthralling overview of the country’s ancient glory, including the glittering, breathtaking funerary treasure of the boy-pharaoh Tutankhamun and the eerie Mummy Room. (B) Optional excursions are also available to the age-old city of Memphis and the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, a fascinating insight into the logistics and development of pyramid-building.
Day 4: Saturday A private minibus will pick you up this morning to transfer you back to the airport for your EgyptAir flight to the ancient town of Luxor. You will be met on arrival and privately transferred to the luxuriously appointed Sonesta Dahabiyya, where you will spend the next seven nights. After lunch, you will set out on an excursion to the West Bank for visits to the magnificent ancient burial places of the Pharaohs - the Valley of the Kings - where Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922. Continue to the adjacent Valley of the Queens, the temple of Medinet Habu and the roadside sentinels known as the Colossi of Memnon. Overnight moored on the Nile banks of Luxor. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Sunday 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. Overnight moored in Luxor. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Monday Today will be a leisurely day. After breakfast, commence sailing to the lock at Esna where your dahabiyya will moor overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Tuesday This morning you will sail to Edfu to visit the wonderfully preserved Temple of Edfu. Overnight moored beside a Nile island. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Wednesday Today you will sail to Kom Ombo where you will visit the Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus, god of the morning sun. Overnight moored beside a Nile island. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Thursday A leisurely day sailing to Aswan where the dahabiyya moors overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Friday Today you will visit the Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971); the Old Dam (completed in 1902) and the picturesque island temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a structure rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam's construction. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Saturday Breakfast aboard the dahabiyya followed by disembarkation. Privately transfer to Aswan Airport for your return flight to London Heathrow (and a private car transfer home), or why not extend your stay and visit the fabulous temples at Abu Simbel or to the sandy beaches and teeming coral reefs of the Red Sea? (B)
ACCOMODATION
Cairo Mena House Oberoi 5* This palatial hotel in the shadow of the Great Pyramids in Cairo has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi is cushioned from the buzz of the outside world. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. A variety of international as well as Egyptian cuisine is on offer at the excellent restaurants and bars in the hotel. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool with views through the gardens to the Pyramids, tennis and a fitness centre. There is also a 9 hole golf course right on the doorstep. This is the perfect place to begin your explorations of Cairo.
Nile Cruise Sonesta Dahabiyya 5*
The Sonesta Dahabeya is intended to take you back in time to a gentler, more gracious era on the Nile during your 7 night cruise between Luxor and Aswan. This elegant sailing vessel was common during the days of the monarchy (1920’s through the 40’s) when aristocrats and sophisticated travellers cruised the Nile in style. Those elegant days have been revived with modern comforts and conveniences. Facilities include 6 cabins and 2 suites, open air oriental-style Jacuzzi, spacious sundeck and stylish common lounge. The suites each offer a private terrace and all cabins and suites feature private direct-dial telephones, individual climate control, hairdryers, mini-bar, safe deposit boxes, plasma televisions and movie channels.
Luxor Sofitel Winter Palace 5*
Step back in time with a stay at Luxor’s legendary Winter Palace, a splendid ‘grand dame’ offering a choice of Garden or Nile View rooms in the beautiful Old Wing. Elegance is the watchword as you walk the lovely gardens, take high tea on the Nile Terrace, savour a cool cocktail at the Royal Bar and dine at the (jacket-and-tie) 1886 Restaurant, referencing the hotel’s year of construction and now serving up candle-lit international delights. Elsewhere at the resort, an outdoor swimming pool, another restaurant and a snack bar are available to guests. Boat excursions and golf at a nearby course may also be arranged. A hotel of character and yesteryear charm, the Sofitel Winter Palace makes a wonderful base for exploring Luxor, where history surrounds you.
Red Sea Coast Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh 5*
A secluded haven of timeless beauty. Nature’s colours come to life at The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh with white sand, aquamarine waters and vibrantly-hued and rare marine life. In exotic Egypt, this exclusive luxury resort on the Red Sea Coast is situated on 48 acres with a private beach. The architecture of the resort reflects the style of the region, resplendent with domes, arches and columns. Peace and privacy pervade this all-suite resort, with private courtyards complemented by soothing interiors and luxurious bathrooms. The resort’s distinctive guest accommodations include Deluxe, Grand and Royal Suites. Grand and Royal Suites have private heated swimming pools. The Restaurant has commanding views of the sea and offers an a la carte menu of Continental and Oriental cuisine. Dine alfresco to take advantage of the stunning fairytale appearance of the resorts illuminated domes after dark. Other restaurants include the poolside Pergola for light snacks and the elegant Zaafran for Oriental and Indian cuisine.
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.
