Compare Splendours of Egypt - Small Group, Summer by Insight Vacations vs DOWNSTREAM NILE EXPEDITION 25.03-02.04 by Champollion Nile Cruises
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 89 days |
| Price From | $ 4,075 | Check price |
| Price Per Day | $ 313 | Check price |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Explore the splendors of Egypt on this 12-day tour. Cruise down the Nile with a stop at the Old Cataract Hotel, where Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once dined, for a traditional high tea. Continue down the Nile to Luxor, where you will see the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs — including the famous Tutankhamun — are buried. Later, break bread with a family in Geziret Bahirat, who will regale you with tales of local life. In Cairo, see the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, before traveling to see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Pyramids of Giza. Here, stand face-to-face with the towering sphinx and later, see a sound and light show dance across the stones. | Following the footsteps of the Pharaohs, A breathtaking Long Nile Cruise from Aswan to exploring Philae, Tell-Amarna, Luxor with Karnak and Thebes, and many more the journey—along the River Nile will show you the unique green Nile Valley and the contrasting but colorful desert beyond it |
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Day 2: Fly to Luxor, Cruise the Nile
In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts. In the evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a Welcome Drink followed by dinner. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure.
MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Exploring Dendera and on to Edfu
A day of legend and history awaits you today as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey via the Esna Lock to Edfu.
MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Edfu to Aswan
You will start the day with breakfast, as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo before continuing on to the city of Aswan. Famous for its archaeological sites, such as the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portray an agreeable mix of ancient and contemporary Egypt. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Aswan’s High Dam & Temple of Isis
Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan's High Dam and granite quarries, to see the enormous unfinished obelisk.Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae.The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on things to do onboard or perhaps ask for more insights into Egypt’s fascinating history?
MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Feluccas and High Tea Relaxed Start
Throughout your journey you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your time to explore one for yourself. On this traditional vessel, you’ll meet a local sailor who will teach you about the ancient art of sailing. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did before you. The hotel is rumoured to be where Christie wrote her bestselling novel, “Death on the Nile.”
MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 7: Free Time and on to Kom Ombo Relaxed Start
With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor.Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Cruising the Nile to Luxor Relaxed Start
Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy the facilities on board and have your cameras at the ready for the sights, as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor Temple, where you dock for the night.
MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Explore Luxor and fly to Cairo
This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians, during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, whilst they regale guests with their fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Breakfast
Day 10: Cairo Sightseeing
This morning, ascend to the Citadel, for breathtaking views over the city. While here visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and the Egyptian Museum*. Among the many exhibits found here, are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Later, see history come to life on the pyramids as you witness the magical Sound & Light Show - an unforgettable introduction to the world of Ancient Egypt.*Please note the visit to the Egyptian Museum will be replaced with a visit to the new Grand Egyptian Museum upon its opening in 2022. This state-of-the-art museum has panoramic views of the Pyramids of Giza and is the largest archaeological museum in the world. It will house the greatest collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including all 5,000 objects found inside King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Breakfast
Day 11: Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
Today you’ll head to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back to 2700 B.C. In the afternoon, it's on to Giza to explore the magnificent pyramids. Here you’ll come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. During your visit, venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their gods in the afterlife.
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Breakfast
Day 12: Depart Cairo
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.
Breakfast
Day 1 Friday: Check-In Nile Cruise In Aswan
Morning Flight to Aswan, Upon arrival, your Tour Manager will pick you up from the Airport and transfer you to the Nile Cruise Ship (Champollion II) for Check-in. Then you'll start the excursion to the Aswan Dam; The English built the first dam in 1898 - 1902, which was the largest dam in the world, but the Russians built a new significant high dam in 1960-1971. Next, you'll visit Philae temple, the temple of Isis and Hathor.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 Saturday: Sailing to Kom Ombo - Edfu - luxor
Early Morning Sail to Kom Ombo. to visit kom ombo temple , afterward you'll sail to Edfu , you'll head to Edfu's pier to visit the Temple of Horus. Afterward you'll start to sail to Luxor , then overnight .
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3 Sunday: Luxor tour
In the morning, where you'll experience the captivating Nile panorama from the sun deck.. you'll have a guided tour of the illuminated Luxor Temple , Then West bank visiting tombs in the famed Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut temple, and the mighty Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon you'll visit Karnak Temple, including the ancient Sphinx Avenue..
Meals on Board: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4 : Monday : luxor , Qena , Dandara , Nagai Hamadi
in the morning, your Nile cruise ship will sail to Qena; after breakfast, you will take a trip to Hathor Temple at Dendera, consecrated in honor of the all-embracing mother goddess. Next, enjoy your river cruise through the beautiful Nile Valley downstream, pass the lock of Nagi Hammadi, and overnight. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner,
Day 5 Tuesday : Abydos – Suhag
Early Morning sailing to Ballina, to visit Abydos temple, one of the most important ancient Egyptian temples, with its unique architectural planning, the beauty of its inscriptions, and the brightness of its colors despite being built more than 3300 years ago. It still stands tall to remain a witness to life in ancient Egypt, also Witness the story of the eternal love of Isis and Osiris. Next, Continuing sailing through the beautiful Nile Valley and picturesque villages, you will reach the pier in Suhag at About 8 in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, sunset tea time
Day 6 Wednesday : Suhag - Sail to Tell el Amarna
After we pass the lock, you'll continue your wonderful sail along the lush green oasis of the Nile with the desert behind on the longest river on earth to Tell el-Amarna while having breakfast on the sundeck.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sunset tea time
Day 7 Thursday : Tell el Amarna - Tuna el-Gebel - Sail to Minia
In the morning, the tour guide will take you to Tell el-Amarna to explore the mysteries of the ancient city tombs, which were deserted before Akhenaten chose it as the country's capital. And in which two kings, Smenkhre and Tutankhamun, lived before his return to Thebes. Next, you'll visit Tuna al-Jabal tombs located ca. 18 km From Mallawi city; known at the time as the land of the pond or the holy lake because the sacred Ibis bird and holy baboon drank from it; they were goddesses symbolic of the region. In the afternoon, you continue to Minia. Evening walk.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 8 Friday : Beni Hassan - river trip to Beni Suef
From the pier in Minia, In the early morning, the guide will take you to the Western Desert and visit the tombs of Beni Hassan dedicated to the nobles and the rulers of the regions from the Middle Kingdom era; they were influential, prestige and sultans; As they have been married from the royal family. We will see this clearly in the beautiful system and the Capabilities they had/used in building Their tombs. The frescoes embody daily life, sports, and rhythmic acrobatics. As well as scenes of ancient manufacturers such as the textile, gold industry, hunting, sports, and veterinary medicine. Then you'll continue downstream to the north, enjoying the incredible river landscape from the sun deck and watching the tranquil life of local people and animals along with the Nile gardens with the desert behind. Overnight in Beni Suef
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sunset Tea time with Cake.
Day 09 Saturday : Sail between Beni Suef and Cairo Check Out Cruise & End Of Our Service
After Breakfast, you'll enjoy the distinctive Nile scenery and the formation of the limestone desert in the provinces of central and Upper Egypt, which are some of life's fascinating sites , After Lunch End of our Service
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sunset Tea time with Cake.
